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Two Decades of Magic: Africa Magic Turns 20

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MultiChoice

The platform continues to invest directly and indirectly into the African entertainment industry

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 13, 2023/APO Group/ — 

As it marks twenty years of existence, MultiChoice’s (https://www.Multichoice.com/) Africa Magic channel celebrates two decades of significant expansion as a major platform for African content, and an engine for multiplying Africa’s creative talent.

Launched as a single channel showing mainly Nollywood movies in 2003, Africa Magic has since grown to include seven channels for movies, sitcoms, soap operas, telenovelas, music, reality and magazine shows showcasing quality content by Africans for Africans.

The platform continues to invest directly and indirectly into the African entertainment industry and especially Nigeria, providing skills support and training, as well as a platform for new and established entertainment talent to grow and succeed.

Successful Africa Magic productions such as Africa’s Next Top Model, The Voice Nigeria, Big Brother Naija, and the annual Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have cemented the platform’s position as a provider of premium entertainment tailored to the tastes of its audience.

Africa Magic commissions series, reality shows, programmes and films in the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English languages, and has already created hundreds of thousands of hours of original local content, pumping billions of Naira’s directly into the creative industry and creating several thousand jobs in adjacent industries.

Popular Africa Magic series Tinsel, for instance, has clocked up to 3,600episodes, making it the longest running telenovela in Nigeria, while employing 1,200 staff and crew, and the AMVCA event creates 3 000 direct and indirect jobs every year.

The social impact of Africa Magic goes far beyond its financial investment. The West Africa academy of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) in Lagos, for example, is producing the next generation of Nigerian and Ghanaian content professionals.

Through the MTF Academy, the MTF MasterClass Series and the MTF Portal, the platform is already impacting the lives of young film makers, elevating the quality of storytelling and boosting Nigeria’s global image.

We have made an economic impact, but we are equally proud of the social impact that MultiChoice has had

West African MTF alumni are already employed in the industry, having set-up production companies, working to produce local content for the Africa Magic pipeline.

“We understand that the proof of the success of the MultiChoice investment in Nigeria lies in how it improves the quality of people’s lives,” says John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice. “This is why we invest in people, so that they might multiply the impact we can have through the power of entertainment.”

MTF alumni have moved into production roles in major Africa Magic shows. Uchenna Ugwu has served as head writer on Africa Magic Igbo’s first commissioned TV series, Nwanyị Ike, and worked as a writer and script editor for Wura, the Nigerian adaptation of The River, and Covenant.

Fellow MTF graduates Horla Manuvor Jnr. and Teniola Oyelumade have launched a company, Gray Space, which was commissioned by MultiChoice Nigeria to handle live stream production for two Nigerian start-ups participating in the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator programme.

The Accelerator programme is another example of how MultiChoice is investing in multiplying the social impact in Nigeria. The programme invites applications from social-enterprise start-ups across Africa, and culminates in a finals event in Dubai, where shortlisted start-ups present their business plans to a panel of investors.

Two finalists were chosen from Nigeria. Dojah Inc is an end-to-end personal identity verification and compliance framework that supports digital businesses. Crop2Cash is a digital financial service that allows smallholder farmers to open a bank account on their feature phones in under two minutes, with no internet required.

“As MultiChoice Nigeria celebrates Africa Magic’s 20th anniversary, we recommit ourselves to not only growing our people but also growing our industry and its talent,” says Ugbe. “We will continue raising our standards and developing our people. As an African content provider, we see our role as being to add value to our community through the power of entertainment.”

Ugbe said the investments MultiChoice Nigeria had made in the country since its establishment in 1993, had been shown to have a ripple effect on the industry, and the economy at large.

“We have made an economic impact, but we are equally proud of the social impact that MultiChoice has had,” he says. “Through decades of engagement, we have grown a deep understanding of our audience, and we are committed to continuing to enable quality African storytelling that reflects their interests, their hopes and their aspirations.”

“We’re all about improving the quality of people’s lives through what we do,” says Ugbe. “We have been humbled to see our audiences respond to that, and we look forward to many more decades as part of the African entertainment landscape.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

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.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

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.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

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.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

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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