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Unlocking Opportunities for Print Service Providers in the Booming African Print Decor Market (By Somesh Adukia)

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Canon

Canon has been active in the decor segment for many years, with a range of wide format production solutions, specialist software and media, and extensive expertise in interior print applications

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 26, 2023/APO Group/ — 

By Somesh Adukia, Managing Director – Canon Central and North Africa (https://www.Canon-CNA.com)​.

In recent years, Africa’s interior decor industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for printed decor solutions, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

With the African printing industry projected (https://apo-opa.info/3MfZQTe) to reach a staggering value of US$235.3 million by the end of 2031, the timing couldn’t be better.

The market remains vibrant and promising, offering lucrative growth prospects for print service providers (PSPs) across various sectors of interior decor, including wallcoverings, fine art prints, and applications in both residential and commercial settings. According to Big Picture Magazine and Keypoint Intelligence’s 2022 ‘Application and Utilization Survey’, interior decor and wall coverings were among the top five most profitable applications for PSPs in the current market landscape.

Enhancing Consumer Experiences

This flourishing trend is driven by a confluence of factors tailored to meet evolving consumer habits in Africa. The surge in e-commerce popularity has compelled global retailers to focus on delivering seamless online and in-store shopping experiences. Simultaneously, the importance of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of retail spaces and creating immersive customer experiences has soared. From wayfinding and point-of-sale solutions to floor and display graphics, retail decor is evolving rapidly. Brands are increasingly employing colourful signage and banners to support seasonal celebrations and events, aiming to draw customers back into physical stores.

The rise of pop-up shops and markets presents new opportunities for PSPs to provide turnkey print-based solutions that empower small businesses to create a captivating brand identity and engage in effective guerrilla marketing strategies.

Canon has been active in the decor segment for many years, with a range of wide format production solutions, specialist software and media, and extensive expertise in interior print applications. With such a plethora of vibrant printed decor applications available and the market projecting continued growth, it’s a great time for print businesses to dive into this expanding market and show customers just how effective print can be.

Printed decor plays a pivotal role in the hospitality sector, contributing to branding, ambiance creation, and enhancing the overall guest experience

Printed Decor in Hospitality and Workplaces

Printed decor plays a pivotal role in the hospitality sector, contributing to branding, ambiance creation, and enhancing the overall guest experience. A similar trend extends to the workplace, where employers are increasingly turning to digitally printed decor elements to create more attractive and inspiring environments for their employees. This strategy is designed to entice staff back into the office, marking one of several approaches taken by organisations to adapt to evolving work dynamics.

Africa’s Dynamic Print Decor Market

However, thriving in the African printed decor market demands adaptability. The market is dynamic, and characterized by ever-changing design and fashion trends, meaning that décor service providers must remain agile, responsive, and adaptable to remain competitive.

Moreover, adopting a consultative mindset is critical for PSPs. They must proactively engage with prospective customers, presenting them with creative solutions and showcasing the myriad of available options. This involves inspiring clients with achievable ideas on how to refresh their spaces and explaining the practical and cost advantages of print-on-demand over traditional decorating and renovation methods.

PSPs can further inspire clients by going beyond printing customer designs and providing them with creative interior décor content ideas. This collaborative approach opens up opportunities for partner artists, photographers, and designers to showcase their work through an expanded network of online marketplaces.

The New World of AI in Design

The emergence of generative AI presents an exciting opportunity for PSPs to create and inspire by bringing new visual concepts to life. Whether starting from scratch or updating previous images and concepts, generative AI can facilitate innovative design processes with relative ease.

With an array of vibrant printed decor applications available and the market poised for continued growth, this is an opportune moment for print businesses in Africa to immerse themselves in this expanding market and demonstrate to customers the remarkable effectiveness of print in transforming living and working spaces.

Click here to know more about Canon Wide Format Printers- https://apo-opa.info/3MiAfc9

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

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

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

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

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

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