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Tunisia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Potential: A Path to Economic Growth and Job Creation

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Artificial intelligence

GITEX Africa 2024 showcases the role of artificial intelligence in solving real-world problems

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Artificial intelligence is changing the face of the world, and the African continent is no different. Recognizing this, GITEX Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup exhibition scheduled from 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco, will bring strategic leaders, technology pioneers, innovators and industry disruptors together to share insights around the opportunities presented by this groundbreaking technology.

With a growing youth population, digital transformation, fuelled by AI, is emerging as key to the continent’s growth. By 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of global youth (https://apo-opa.co/3yaI27I), representing a formidable potential tech workforce. And countries like Tunisia are leading the way in creating and leveraging the opportunities that AI brings.

Sharing Real-world Solutions

Delegates at AI Everything Expo by GITEX Africa 2024 will have the opportunity to hear from business leaders who are actively deploying AI in real-life scenarios, redefining business paradigms, and driving tangible return on investment. Tunisian representation includes speakers such as the country’s Minister of Communication Technologies, His Excellency Dr. Nizar Ben Neji, and Olaya Bahloul Ghenia, Chief Information Security Officer at the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG). Country exhibitors include software companies FININFO SOLUTIONS, and Axe Finance, both in the digital finance show sector.

Tunisia provides a shining example of how embracing artificial intelligence provides unique opportunities to catalyze economic growth and foster job creation. Through its many initiatives aimed at leveraging AI to the benefit of the country, it is making a firm investment in developing a prosperous and technologically advanced future for its citizens.

Leading the Way in AI Adoption

Tunisia has emerged as a leader in AI development and adoption, harnessing the potential of AI as an enabler of economic growth and incorporating it into various aspects of the country’s economy. With close to 10 million internet users (https://apo-opa.co/3JPIY47), representing internet penetration of almost 80 percent, the country’s digital maturity places it in a strong position when it comes to embracing new technologies such as AI.

With its strong commitment to education, innovation and entrepreneurship, Tunisia is already making use of artificial intelligence to enhance various economic sectors. For instance, from agricultural solutions that optimize irrigation systems, to using AI to develop sustainable animal feed alternatives, the agritech industry is making significant strides. Tech companies are making AI technology readily available to users in the country, while online booking platforms are enhancing the tourist experience.

Government Commitment to Developing AI skills

The Tunisian government is also actively promoting AI development through initiatives like the national AI strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3JRSTGo); innovation hubs such as Elgazala Technopark, aimed at fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and startups; and training and education initiatives that are equipping the workforce with necessary skills.

In addition, the country is actively hosting and engaging in events aimed at broadening access to innovative AI technologies. For example, 2024 sees the eighth edition of the Tunisia Digital Summit, which discusses digital technology trends, including AI, with industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Similarly, Hackathon Tunisia encourages participants to develop innovative AI solutions for real-world problems. 

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency. The 2nd blockbuster edition, organised by KAOUN International, follows its pioneering debut in 2023.

More information is available at www.GITEXAfrica.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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Etu Energias to Discuss Increasing Angolan Production as Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 Sponsor

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Etu Energias

Etu Energias represents Angola’s largest private oil company and will participate at AOG 2024 -which is organized by Energy Capital & Power – as a silver sponsor

LUANDA, Angola, May 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Etu Energias – Angola’s largest private oil producer – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition as a silver sponsor. The company’s return to the event signals a strong commitment to Driving Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production in Angola – the theme of this year’s event.

Etu Energias – formerly Somoil – has set a target to produce 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2025 and 100,000 bpd by 2030, with investments in exploration and partnerships with other Angolan operators representing a key strategy to achieve this goal. Active across the entire oil and gas value chain, Etu Energias’ goal to increase production aligns with the company’s vision to contribute to the development of the Angolan economy. During the AOG 2024 conference this October, the company will unpack this strategy while engaging with global project developers and investors.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As an integrated company, Etu Energias’ projects range from upstream exploration and downstream distribution to renewable energy development and consulting services. Upstream, the company secured a strategic investment of $60 million in November 2023 as part of a $190 million debt facility to support asset acquisition in Angola. With the finance, Etu Energias acquired a 20% stake in the deepwater Block 14 and a 10% stake in the deepwater Block 14K – situated offshore. The transaction doubled Etu Energias’ production capacity from 9,000 bpd to 19,000 bpd.

Currently, Etu Energias is operator of Blocks FS-FST, 2/05, CON-1 and CON-4. The company also has interests in Blocks 3/05, 3.05A, 4/05, 17/06, CON-6, 14 and 14K. By 2030, Etu Energias aims to consolidate its position as an operator in onshore, shallow and mature fields; participate in golden blocks through partnerships; develop a medium-sized network of fueling stations; and reestablish onshore storage and export for production at FST, Block 2/05, Block 3/05 and new blocks acquired in the onshore Congo basin.

Downstream, Etu Energias launched a lubricant line in March 2024 in collaboration with petroleum producer Gilde Technology. A joint venture (JV) was established to spearhead the development of a lubricant facility in Angola’s capital city Luanda, which will have a capacity of 1,000 tons per month. Set to begin construction in 2025, the JV aims to capture 25% of the market share by 2029.

Etu Energias sponsorship at AOG 2024 reflects a commitment to meeting these goals while bolstering production growth in Angola even further. During the 2023 edition of the conference, the company signed a Technical Services Agreement with oilfield services company SLB for the development of Block 2/5. This year’s conference will see similar deals signed as major operators such as Etu Energias commit to the development of the Angolan oil and gas industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Canon Central and North Africa Partners with GITEX Africa 2024 to Showcase the First “World Unseen” Exhibition in Africa

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Canon

Canon will demonstrate the latest imaging solutions and state-of-the-art printing solutions in distinct experiential zones

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Canon Central and North Africa  (https://www.Canon-CNA.com), a global leader in imaging solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with GITEX Africa 2024, the largest technology and startup event in Africa, happening from 29 – 31 May in Marrakech, Morocco. Marking the inaugural presence at GITEX Africa, Canon will unveil its “World Unseen” campaign through an exclusive photography exhibition. This exhibition invites visitors – blind, partially sighted, and sighted – to experience photography in a unique, innovative, and immersive way, like never before.

The “World Unseen” exhibition is not merely a showcase; it’s a transformative pathway, offering multi-sensory experiences that connect individuals, including those with visual impairments, with powerful images and stories through elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, fostering inclusivity and deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Designed with the experience of blind and partially sighted people in mind, the exhibition will feature a series of photographs taken by world-renowned photographers including multi-award-winning South African photojournalist Brent Stirton, renowned Brazilian Photojournalist Sebastião Salgado, Nigerian photojournalist Yagazie Emezi, sports photographer Samo Vidic, fashion photographer Heidi Rondak and Pulitzer winning photojournalist Muhammed Muheisen.  

Canon is also thrilled to showcase its entire ecosystem of B2C & B2B products and solutions, reaffirming its commitment to being closer to customers and providing hands-on experiences.

Elevating the experience to new heights, Canon will demonstrate the latest imaging solutions and state-of-the-art printing solutions in distinct experiential zones, each aimed at immersing customers in a dynamic and interactive environment that goes beyond traditional product showcases.  Through these zones and interactive workstation walk-throughs, customers will have the unique opportunity to touch, feel and experience our products firsthand helping them gain valuable insights into the capabilities of products and solutions from Canon professionals.

Visit us from May 29th to 31st at the Canon booth located at Stand No. 1B-30 and World Unseen booth, located in Hall 17D-10, at GITEX Africa which is happening in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Spiro Agrees to US$50 Million Debt Facility with Afreximbank to Accelerate Expansion

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Spiro

This landmark agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda during the Africa CEO Forum, highlighting Spiro’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation on the continent

KIGALI, Rwanda, May 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Spiro, the largest electric vehicle company in Africa, is pleased to announce it has signed heads of terms for US$50 million debt facility with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com). 

This landmark agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda during the Africa CEO Forum, highlighting Spiro’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation on the continent. The official signing ceremony featured Spiro’s CEO, Kaushik Burman, and Madame Kanayo Awani, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank. 

Spiro is the largest electric vehicle company in Africa, with over 14,000 bikes, over 9 million swaps in five countries. Operating across multiple African nations, Spiro’s mission is to reduce environmental impact and enhance urban mobility, build an integrated EV ecosystem in Africa with multitude of partners and establish a wide range of charging infrastructure which include battery swapping and direct charging. 

It’s a testament to the confidence in our business model and our contribution to sustainable development in Africa

Afreximbank, known for its role in stimulating a consistent expansion and diversification of African trade, has been instrumental in fostering economic development across the continent. The bank’s support for Spiro not only highlights the potential of green technologies in Africa but also aligns with its broader strategy to facilitate environmental sustainability and economic resilience. 

“This partnership with Afreximbank is a pivotal development for Spiro,” stated Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro. “The $50 million USD debt facility will significantly enhance our operational capabilities and help us expand our footprint to more African countries. It’s a testament to the confidence in our business model and our contribution to sustainable development in Africa.” 

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This partnership affirms our commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and green technologies in Africa. We are happy to support Spiro through this facility which will in turn accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and enhance transportation across Africa. This collaboration reaffirms our belief in the power of innovation to create a better world for future generations.”

The funds will be utilized to further expand Spiro’s network of automated swap stations and introduce new electric bike models, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of green mobility solutions. As Spiro continues to lead the charge in transforming Africa’s transport ecosystem, this collaboration with Afreximbank marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener future.

Anish Jain, Group CEO of Equitane, expressed his support for this new venture, stating, “This partnership with Afreximbank marks a significant milestone in Spiro’s journey. As part of the Equitane Group, Spiro embodies our commitment to pioneering solutions that promote sustainability and economic growth. We are proud to see Spiro take this remarkable step forward, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in African transportation.” 

Last August, Spiro announced a $63 million debt funding round with Societe Generale, in a deal designed to expand the company’s footprint in Benin and Togo. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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