As Culture Ambassador, Tracy will steer efforts to embed APO Group’s core values across the fully remote company
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 5, 2024/APO Group/ —
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications and PR consultancy firm is proud to announce Tracy Walakira’s appointment as the company’s first Culture Ambassador, coinciding with her 10th anniversary with the company. This newly created role reflects her dedication to APO Group’s ethos and a proven commitment to nurturing a positive organisational culture.
As an Account Director in the PR and Strategic Communications division, Tracy has been instrumental in some of APO Group’s most successful PR campaigns for high-profile clients in various industries across the African continent and beyond. Her strategic vision has played a key role in promoting narratives that spotlight Africa’s positive stories.
Reflecting on her journey, Tracy said, “Celebrating my 10th anniversary at APO Group is both humbling and exciting. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities to grow personally and professionally and contribute to this amazing company. My new role as Culture Ambassador is a true honour, and I’m thrilled to play a leading role in fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. Together, we’ve built something special at APO Group, and I look forward to contributing to its growth as a leader and an advocate for our people and values.”
We’ve built something special at APO Group, and I look forward to contributing to its growth as a leader and an advocate for our people and values
As Culture Ambassador, Tracy will steer efforts to embed APO Group’s core values of excellence, accountability, collaboration, diversity, and agility across the fully remote company.
APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, commented, “On behalf of APO Group, I congratulate Tracy on this long-service milestone and for always giving her best to her clients and colleagues. In addition, her well-deserved appointment as Culture Ambassador reflects both her exceptional leadership and our commitment to nurturing a workplace that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.”
Since joining APO Group in 2014, Tracy has gained experience in all aspects of public relations, contributing significantly to the company’s standing as an industry leader. In recognition of her outstanding client contributions, she received the Jack Ma Foundation’s inaugural ABH 100 Award in 2023, which acknowledges individuals who have supported Africa’s Business Heroes’ (ABH) pan-African initiative over its five editions. ABH highlighted that these 100 outstanding individuals have played a pivotal role in propelling the initiative to new heights through their unwavering dedication to growing the African start-up ecosystem. This recognition is a testament to Tracy’s work over the past ten years and her ongoing passion for supporting Africa’s positive stories and growth through pan-African PR at APO Group.
“The past ten years have been an incredible journey, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most inspiring clients and colleagues. APO Group is a truly unique organisation and our shared commitment to shaping Africa’s narrative with passion and purpose drives everything we do. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, the trust of our remarkable clients, and our amazing media partners. I’m especially grateful to my team and APO Group for empowering me to lead, inspire, and serve as an ambassador for our company’s culture,” added Tracy.
“Tracy’s ten years at APO Group is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a shared vision for excellence. Being named Culture Ambassador is a recognition of her unwavering dedication to building a workplace that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. This milestone reflects the very essence of our values and the culture we strive to nurture every day – one that empowers our people to grow, excel, and lead with purpose. Tracy’s journey is an inspiration to all of us at APO Group, and we are excited to see her continue to shape and elevate our culture to even greater heights,” concluded Rania El Rafie, Vice President of PR and Strategic Communications.
Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers
MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO), a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.
This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.
Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility
Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.
Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”
Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”
He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.
Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.
His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.
The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.
At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.
Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.
Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.
At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.
Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.
Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments
In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.
Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.
Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.
Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.
“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
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