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United Kingdom (UK) Looks to Deepen Energy Trade, Investment Ties with Africa

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Through new trade agreements, energy investments and development initiatives, the UK’s role in shaping the continent’s energy future will be a key focus at African Energy Week 2025 and within the G20 agenda

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 5, 2025/APO Group/ –Trade relations between the UK and Africa are gaining momentum. Last month, UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander visited South Africa and Botswana to strengthen trade ties and create opportunities for businesses on both sides. The UK aims to expand trade and investment across the continent, fostering mutually beneficial growth by addressing trade barriers, facilitating exports and supporting trade-focused development programs. With South Africa as the UK’s largest trading partner in Africa and set to assume the G20 Presidency, this marks an important moment for deepening economic collaboration.

This builds on the UK’s 2019 Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Southern African Customs Union member states – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa – and Mozambique. This agreement eliminates tariffs and quotas on all goods imported from these countries into the UK, facilitating smoother trade relations and economic cooperation. The EPA aims to bolster economic ties and create a conducive environment for investments, including in the energy sector.

The UK is expanding its engagement across Africa, including in West and North Africa. In February 2024, it signed the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria – the first such agreement with an African nation – marking a significant milestone. The partnership builds on a trade relationship valued at £7 billion in the year leading up to September 2023. The ETIP focuses on key sectors such as financial and legal services, fostering economic growth and attracting investment across industries, including energy.

Globeleq, a UK government-backed independent power producer, has been instrumental in advancing gas-powered energy projects across Africa. Alongside its 153 MW Red Sands project in South Africa – set to become the continent’s largest standalone battery energy storage system – the company recently acquired a stake in a solar plant at Egypt’s Benban Solar Complex and secured $99 million in debt financing for Mozambique’s first wind project. Supported by shareholders such as British International Investment and Norfund, Globeleq continues to invest in upgrading existing assets and developing new utility-scale power projects, strengthening Africa’s energy infrastructure.

These initiatives not only strengthen the UK’s economic ties with Africa, but also support the continent’s transition to cleaner, more reliable energy

In the oil and gas sector, bp achieved first gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project offshore Senegal and Mauritania at the start of this year, marking a major step in boosting regional energy production and supply. Shell is advancing its $5 billion Bonga North deepwater project in Nigeria and, alongside bp, has agreed to cover operational costs for the buyer of South Africa’s Sapref refinery – a move that could revitalize the country’s largest refinery and secure oil supply. Meanwhile, Harbour Energy, one of the UK’s largest independent oil and gas companies, is looking to expand into African markets following its acquisition of concessions in Egypt’s Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea.

The UK is also a major investor in Africa’s clean energy sector and a key partner in the Mission 300 initiative to expand electricity access to 300 million people by 2030. Last month, British International Investment (BII) committed £5.3 million to UK cleantech firm MOPO to scale battery rental operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 80% of the population lacks electricity. In December 2024, BII and GuarantCo announced a $500 million renewable power deal with South Africa’s Etana Energy, providing $100 million in guarantees to support the country’s largest energy wheeling framework and unlock new projects. Beyond direct investments, the UK government continues to provide funding and technical assistance for energy infrastructure projects across Africa, aiming to improve energy reliability and efficiency, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for local communities.

As a G20 member, the UK plays a pivotal role in shaping global energy investment strategies, with Africa positioned as a key partner in its trade and energy agenda. The UK’s investments in oil and gas, renewables and energy infrastructure align with broader G20 goals of energy security, sustainability and economic growth.

“These initiatives not only strengthen the UK’s economic ties with Africa, but also support the continent’s transition to cleaner, more reliable energy. With African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 set to convene global stakeholders, the UK’s role in advancing energy partnerships will be in focus, offering a platform to drive further investment, policy collaboration, and infrastructure development across Africa’s energy landscape,” says Johnson Kayode Obembe, Director of Sales and Partnerships, African Energy Week.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

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iSON Xperiences and Aistra Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Customer Experience (CX) Transformation

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The global collaboration aims to revolutionize customer experience through AI-led automation, predictive analytics, and next-generation digital solutions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —iSON Xperiences (www.iSONXperiences.com), a global leader in AI- driven customer experience (CX) solutions with a presence in 22 countries, has announced a strategic partnership with Aistra, an AI Adoption company, focusing on automation and transformation solutions built around its proprietary AI Agents, MicroApps, and Process Acceleration technologies.

This collaboration will enable iSON Xperiences to leverage Aistra’s advanced AI capabilities to accelerate digital transformation initiatives for their clients worldwide. The partnership spans multiple industries, including Telecom, BFSI, Fintech, Retail, E-commerce, Travel, Consumer Services, and Energy, among others.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership: 

Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency

  • AI-driven automation to enhance customer interactions and engagement
  • Advanced predictive analytics for data-driven decision-making
  • Seamless AI integration across industry-specific solutions

“At iSON Xperiences, we are committed to redefining customer experience through innovation,” said Vitul Kwatra, CEO, iSON Xperiences. “Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency.” 

With its deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital intelligence, Aistra will collaborate with iSON Xperiences to develop AI-driven solutions that elevate customer engagement, reduce service friction, drive business growth, and enhance digital maturity to ensure long-term competitiveness.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in AI-led CX transformation,” said Eric Selvadurai, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Aistra. “By combining our AI capabilities with iSON’s extensive client base and industry expertise, we are setting new benchmarks for AI-led and data-driven customer experiences.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSON Xperiences.

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Original Feeds Original: Ruberto Scholtz, Sindiso Nyoni, Rowan Sakarombe and Botswana Metalheads from Southern Africa join KFC Streetwise

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The campaign, which launches on 06 March 2025 across SADC regions, also features a packaging collaboration between KFC Streetwise

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –Cultural Creators from three of South Africa’s neighbouring countries feature in KFC (https://Global.KFC.com) Streetwise’s new Original Feeds Original campaign, which celebrates the inspiration that feeds creativity.

Windhoek fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz, Harare visual director Rowan Sakarombe and the Botswana Metalheads feature in the campaign’s epic TV commercial (https://apo-opa.co/41przaO), which stars Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. The commercial’s soundtrack https://apo-opa.co/4ks07ll is a new song, the Originals Anthem, written and recorded by the rappers.

“Just as KFC’s Streetwise brand takes its inspiration from the iconic taste of KFC’s Original Recipe – while adding bucketloads of value for a new generation – the film depicts Khuli, Blxckie and 25K inspiring each other and those who will follow them,” says KFC Africa Chief Marketing Officer Grant Macpherson. “The Cultural Creators are part of the same powerful narrative.”

Scholtz, who made the suits Blxckie and 25K wear in the photoshoot scene in the TV commercial, is inspired by collaborations. “If you see someone who can do something well, why not work with them?” he says.

Sakarombe appears in the film shooting the Originals Anthem music video in the street with Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. He says he’s inspired by the “raw experiences of life around me” and the vibrant energy, constant motion and diverse cultures of cities.

The Originals Anthem inspires the Botswana Metalheads – whose music often contains local influences and whose style reflects cowboy culture – to infuse their originality and give it a heavy metal angle.

The campaign, which launches on 06 March 2025 across SADC regions, also features a packaging collaboration between KFC Streetwise and Cultural Creator Sindiso Nyoni, a Bulawayo-born illustrator who has built a stellar career after being inspired by an “original” – his high school art teacher, a retired graphic designer.

Making a mark

Macpherson says it’s a time when young people are hungry to share their unique signature with the world. “Who better to feed their hunger than the originals who came before them?” he says.

“We want the Originals Anthem and all the activity around it to inspire all the young Africans trying to make their mark through their creativity and individuality.”

Khuli Chana says that as one of the legends of South African hip-hop, he’s passionate about inspiring new artists. “The reason I started Maftown Heights in 2009 was to help rappers from Mahikeng find their footing in Joburg with a sound and language that wasn’t mainstream at the time,” he says. “It led to great things and it’s still giving new artists a platform. I love inspiring musicians to find their original sound.”

We want the Originals Anthem and all the activity around it to inspire all the young Africans trying to make their mark through their creativity and individuality

Blxckie says his career and development has been built on collaborations, and every one of them keeps him original. “Musicians lift each other up,” he says. “They support each other and make each other better at what they do.”

25K was introduced to rap by artists such as DJ Mojava, Ghetto Squad, and old school hip-hop groups Dead Prez and Outcast, and became an original by rapping in S’Pitori, a mixed language spoken in Pretoria.

“I want to be remembered for that and I want to inspire kids,” he says. “When I’m no longer here, I want to feel like I left something that will make it easier for another kid to come out of Pretoria.”

Other Cultural Creators who appear in the Original Feeds Original TV commercial include Kind Kid toymaker Sanele Qwabe, “Nail Pimp” Nailed Ntswembu, the Island Gals skateboarders and custom car pimper Ofentse Mphatsoe.

Passing the torch

The commercial begins with Khuli starting to write the Originals Anthem and ends with him as the OG, welcoming Blxckie and 25K on stage and handing the mic to them.

“It’s the story of my life and it’s the story of KFC Streetwise,” says Khuli. “Passing the mic is like passing the torch, and that’s how Original Feeds Original.”

Director Sam Coleman says the 90-second video portrays the endless cycle of inspiration, in which each creator is galvanised by the ones before and motivates those who follow. “It’s an explosive mix of visual eye candy, entertainment, musical reward, style, and unique brand integration that instantly hijacks your attention and eyeballs,” he says. “Everything about it is engaging, surprising and fresh.”

And there’s an extra twist to the campaign, says Macpherson. “Every time someone streams the Originals Anthem, the money it earns will go to KFC Add Hope. It will be used to feed malnourished children throughout South Africa.

“Among the kids who benefit from Add Hope are the next generation of Khulis, Blxckies and 25Ks and the Cultural Creators of the future. So, anyone who listens to the anthem will be helping them on their way.”

The Originals Anthem is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify (https://apo-opa.co/4ks07ll)YouTube Music (https://apo-opa.co/3Dr7OaIand Apple Music (https://apo-opa.co/4kj20kt).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.

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JETA Holding Expands its Vision for FinTech in Africa Following the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2025

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JETA is actively seeking partnerships with investors, FinTech startups, and financial institutions to drive innovation and scale financial solutions across key African markets

LUANDA, Angola, March 5, 2025/APO Group/ –During the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2025JETA Holding (www.JETAHolding.com) reinforced its commitment to FinTech and trade expansion in Africa, leveraging its expertise in other industries, including healthcare and technology-driven solutions to position itself as a key player in the region’s digital transformation.

At the event, JETA engaged with leading industry stakeholdersestablished connections with potential partners, and explored investment opportunities to accelerate FinTech adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

Haim Taib, Founder & President of Mitrelli Group and JETA Holding, emphasized on stage:
“FinTech is not just about technology—it’s about unlocking opportunity, fostering inclusion, and driving economic transformation. Across Africa, a new generation of creative entrepreneurs is emerging, bringing bold ideas and innovations that have the potential to redefine industries. However, true progress requires more than innovation; it demands the collective commitment of governments, private capital, and human talent working together to turn potential into impact. This is why JETA is making strategic investments in FinTech—not just to connect people, businesses, and communities with financial tools, but to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.”

With a strong foundation in healthcarecybersecurity, and ICT, JETA is expanding into FinTech and trade, leveraging its experience in complex regulatory environments and established relationships with governments, banks, and regulators.

JETA operates through three core subsidiaries:

At JETA, we don’t just invest in technology—we invest in building strong ecosystems

  • Luanda Medical Center (LMC) – A leading hospital and clinic in Luanda, Angola, delivering high-quality healthcare services.
  • Yapama – A medical equipment and consumables distribution company with operations in Angola, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • New Cognito – A cybersecurity and ICT services company, well established in Angola. 

As JETA enters FinTech and trade, the company is looking to bridge financial technology with real-sector applications, including digital payments, lending, trade finance, and financial inclusion solutions.

JETA is actively seeking partnerships with investors, FinTech startups, and financial institutions to drive innovation and scale financial solutions across key African markets.

Doron Ben Sira, CEO of JETA Holding, added:
“FinTech is one of the most dynamic and transformative sectors in Africa, with enormous potential to accelerate financial inclusion and unlock new trade opportunities. At JETA, we don’t just invest in technology—we invest in building strong ecosystems. We connect capital, expertise, and markets to ensure that financial innovation doesn’t just grow but establishes itself as a sustainable engine for development. We are actively seeking the best companies and partnerships to build a more integrated and accessible digital future in Africa.”

Expanding Across Africa

JETA is more than an investor—it is a business accelerator and growth enabler. Through its subsidiaries and strategic investments, JETA is building an ecosystem that connects technology, capital, and local expertise.

As part of its FinTech and trade expansion, JETA is focusing on high-growth markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, Mauritius, and Uganda.

With a proven track record in market expansion, JETA is committed to leveraging its regional presence and deep industry networks to build scalable and impactful financial solutions across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JETA Africa Holding.

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