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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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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).

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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