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Value as a priority: the next step forward for the ‘as-a-service’ model (By Eiji Ota)

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3 years ago

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as-a-service

As more businesses are seeing the benefits of and investing in as-a-service models, and more vendors are providing them, the level of service required to meet needs has changed

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 17, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By Eiji Ota, B2B Sales and Marketing Director, Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com).

The as-a-service model existed long before it became mainstream and even before it was branded ‘as-a-service’. Initially, it was mainly used by SMBs and start-ups so they could access software and infrastructure that they would otherwise not be able to afford upfront. SaaS (Software-as-a-service) has been around as early as the 1960s, where smaller businesses started a time-sharing system so they could access modern computer systems in a cost-effective way. [1]

Fast forward to the present day and the as-a-service model has moved on significantly. Now companies of all shapes and sizes are capitalising on the benefits that it can provide. The rise of cloud technology revolutionised purchasing models as it enabled organisations to use services with no commitment, instantly, and buy based on demand. The cloud added value by enabling immediate and flexible consumption, ultimately enhancing business agility.

The cloud defines the capabilities of the as-a-service model

Cloud technology, as well as enabling increased agility, underpins the three main modern characteristics of as-a-service that could not exist without it:

  • Standardisation – whereby the service is not bespoke, but instead provides the same level of value to all customers. Standardised platforms enable businesses to scale quickly, with ease, and leverage the capabilities of the cloud to roll out any necessary updates overnight
  • Flexibility of consumption – going beyond the ability to just pay as you consume. Unlike a flat fee where companies are locked in for a set period, as-a-service is on demand and cloud backed so customers pay based on the duration the service is needed for
  • Termination – on the other side of the same coin, as there is no commitment required for consumption, customers can switch off when they wish. This places increased importance on value that consistently needs to be reasserted.

How the new ‘as-a-service’ model prioritises value

As more businesses are seeing the benefits of and investing in as-a-service models, and more vendors are providing them, the level of service required to meet needs has changed. Customers are increasingly looking for added value, whether that’s saving money, outsourcing business functions, or improving software capabilities. And this is where cloud really comes into its own.

As-a-service is not a new concept, but it was the cloud that enabled its modern characteristics and made it an attractive option for large and small business alike

Flexibility

The pandemic has taught businesses the hard way that IT infrastructure must be resilient in the face of disruption. In the interest of not only adapting to the new normal, but also future proofing operations, flexibility increasingly becomes a priority. Outsourcing implementation shifts ownership from IT departments to specialised vendors. Without the need for skills and expertise from internal talent pools, services can be installed more quickly and with minimal disruption to infrastructure.

Financial benefits

Value for money has always been important, but now customers are expressing a need to have more visibility and control over their expenditure. The as-a-service model can help facilitate this by eliminating substantial upfront payment, allowing businesses to spread the bill across multiple months of service. Maintenance and upgrades incur no extra cost and if something goes wrong, the provider, not the customer, is financially liable. The ability to switch off the service if it does not deliver the value that was originally intended also means wasted expenditure can be avoided.

Increased security

Data security breaches incur high financial costs and long-term reputational damage. With the stakes so high, it may seem counterintuitive to outsource security infrastructure and lose control. However, as service providers have a vested interest in identifying potential weaknesses in your security infrastructure, it can make your business more resilient as a result.

The more people monitoring a private network, the better, as it ensures a quick response to any vulnerabilities that arise. General IT companies that don’t specialise in security can struggle to follow new threats and lack the personnel to support any action needed. With as-a-service, you can cost-effectively gain access to a dedicated team of experts who, not only follow the market closely so are aware of emerging threats, but are focused 24/7 on securing the network. Shifting to service-based models that increase resilience is a valuable preventative investment.

An upgraded ‘as a service’ model

As-a-service is not a new concept, but it was the cloud that enabled its modern characteristics and made it an attractive option for large and small business alike. Standardised, on demand and no commitment solutions not only bring obvious business benefits, but also heighten customer expectations for sustained value. Cloud technology has certainly revolutionised the value of as-a-service, but in such a saturated market it is no longer enough to remain competitive. Customer needs are changing all the time, and to keep up with the evolution of as-a-service, businesses must prioritise value in every decision they make.

[1] http://bit.ly/3hNC30k

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

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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