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‘‘Unstoppable Africa” Concludes with Key Announcements and Commitments to Drive Growth in Africa

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Global Africa Business Initiative

Key topics included unlocking inclusive trade growth, Africa’s role in clean energy, digital advancements, and the global impact of African creativity and sports

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org) flagship event wrapped up on September 26, 2024, in New York, successfully concluding a two-day summit held alongside the UN General Assembly. Themed “Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063”, the event attracted over 2,000 leaders, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators, all focused on positioning Africa as a global leader. 

The summit emphasized inclusive participation and solution-driven solutions, culminating in a final roundtable where stakeholders committed to tackling pressing challenges. Key topics included unlocking inclusive trade growth, Africa’s role in clean energy, digital advancements, and the global impact of African creativity and sports. 

Powerful Closing Remarks 
UN Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo commended the Africa Business Leaders Coalition for its leadership, noting a nearly 25% reduction in carbon footprints among participating businesses since launching a climate statement at COP27. Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed the critical role of Africa’s private sector in driving impactful change, emphasizing that with the right investments and partnerships, Africa is poised for transformative growth. 

Introducing Itana: A Digital Future for Africa 
A major highlight was the launch of Itana, Africa’s first Digital Free Zone. This initiative enables global technology, finance, and service businesses to operate seamlessly in Nigeria and scale across Africa, entirely online. Itana offers attractive incentives, including tax breaks, streamlined immigration processes, and tailored banking solutions, along with a live-in accelerator program and live-work districts that showcase the future of African urban development. 

Insightful Panels and Discussions 
Day Two started with a panel on closing Africa’s climate finance gap, which revealed that the continent receives less than 5% of global climate funding despite its renewable energy potential. Another panel explored the rising significance of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, highlighting their role in economic growth and reshaping narratives. 

The discussion on the digital economy included insights from leaders like Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Paula Ingabire, and Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, who emphasized the necessity for strategic financing and inclusive policies. 

Additionally, a session on the African fashion sector showcased the industry’s growth potential, with a focus on female designers dedicated to establishing a competitive presence in the global market. 

NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Award 
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, presented the NBA Africa Startup Accelerator award to Festival Coins, a Nigerian tech company known for its Tix Africa platform, which simplifies event registration and ticketing in Nigeria and Ghana. This initiative aims to support Africa’s tech ecosystem by providing mentorship and funding to emerging entrepreneurs. 

‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a testament to the resilience, ambition, and growth that we see across the region

New Partnerships and Future Directions 
The event also served as a platform for announcing significant partnerships aimed at shaping Africa’s future: 

  • Mine Tech Hub Contribution: H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia announced a significant contribution to the Mine Tech Hub, which aims to promote technological innovation in the mining sector, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.  
  • Timbuktoo Initiative: H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, expressed his strong support for the Timbuktoo Initiative, a global effort led by UNDP Africa focused on youth empowerment, digitalization, and sustainable development.  
  • Infrastructure Collaboration: Turkish construction company SUMMA and TAV Airports announced a collaboration to enhance infrastructure development and investment opportunities in Africa, Selim Bora, Chairman of SUMMA, said: ‘‘We believe in the transformative power of infrastructure to shape the future of Africa. For over a decade, we have proudly partnered with nations across the continent creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. ‘Unstoppable Africa’ is a testament to the resilience, ambition, and growth that we see across the region.”  

Key initiatives for 2025 include: 

  • Food Systems: GABI signed a $250,000 partnership with PepsiCo to mobilize the private sector in Africa to transform food systems. The partnership will coincide with key milestones, including a GABI Bridge at the UN Global Compact Annual Local Network Forum in South Africa in 2025 and the Food Systems Summit.  
  • Education: A planned partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems. This collaboration will build on the outcomes of the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and begin with a side event hosted by GPE during Convene in 2025.  

The 2024 GABI event concluded with optimism and a shared commitment to harness Africa’s potential for global leadership. With concrete plans and partnerships now established, the initiative is poised to continue its momentum toward a future where Africa leads on the global stage. 

View photos from Day 2 here (https://apo-opa.co/3BuaanQ) and event B-roll (https://apo-opa.co/4eloo9f) here. For more information about Unstoppable Africa event, please visit the Website (https://apo-opa.co/3Bm8Gfu)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

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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