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VFS Global processes its 300 millionth application, underlining the company’s leadership position as a trusted partner to governments

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4 months ago

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VFS Global

The company has introduced 16 unique digital solutions and built robust end-to-end eVisa platforms for 12 sovereign governments

We remain deeply committed to continuing investments in technology and human capital development to ensure continuous enhancement of our services

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 12, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Last 100 million applications have come in the past 5 years – despite pandemic- driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022
  • Trusted partner of 69 governments; working with 25 of them for over 15 years

VFS Global (www.VFSGlobal.com), the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has crossed the 300 million applications milestone. It is notable that the last 100 million applications have been achieved in the past 5 years despite the pandemic-driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022. In 2023 alone, the company processed 24.1 million applications, 35% more than 2022. (Source: ISR 2023) (http://apo-opa.co/3ZMmkSO), and between January to May 2024, it has processed approximately 100,000 applications a day.

Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said, “We are very pleased and honoured with the achievement of this milestone, which is a testament to the trust 70 governments have in VFS Global, and a testament to the reliable, secure and innovative services we provide across 152 countries. We are also deeply grateful to all visa applicants using our services. Over the past year we are honoured to have won several important contracts, including becoming the exclusive overseas visa outsourcing partner for UK Visas and DHA Australia, and contracts with Germany, Finland, Portugal and Japan who have renewed their trust in us. We remain deeply committed to continuing investments in technology and human capital development to ensure continuous enhancement of our services.”

From managing 60 client governments in 2019, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 70 governments with comprising long term partnerships with 25 governments for over 15 years. Last year, VFS Global was honoured to have won a record seven global visa outsourcing contracts – for UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria – further cementing client governments’ trust in the organisation’s highly secure, efficient, and innovative solutions and its overall value proposition.

Innovation and technology being a founding pillar for VFS Global, a company that conceptualised and created the business segment of outsourced visa services with its inception in 2001. For instance, the company has introduced 16 unique digital solutions and built robust end-to-end eVisa platforms for 12 sovereign governments. Likewise, it pioneered biometric capabilities another stellar example of innovation and adapting to changing market dynamics. VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 144 million biometric enrolments since 2007. Today as more governments look to integrating biometric enrollment in their visa application process, VFS Global has further developed its capabilities with Multi-Mission Model (MMM) biometric kits.

Currently, the organisation is strategically focussed in leveraging GenAI-led capabilities to bring more efficiency in the customer journey. After partnering with the Responsible AI Institute to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI, the marker leader has set up an AI hub in Mumbai and Dubai with one more – in Berlin in the pipeline.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.

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Morocco’s First Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top Three Finalist is Pioneering Water and Sanitation Solutions

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55 minutes ago

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April 8, 2025

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Africa’s Business Heroes

Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry

RABAT, Morocco, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

In a remarkable milestone for Morocco, Dr. Salma Bougarrani has made history by becoming the first female Moroccan entrepreneur to reach the Top three finalists in the esteemed Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/ Prize Competition. Finishing as the 1st Runner-Up. Dr. Bougarrani, the co-Founder and CEO behind Green Watech (apo-opa.co/4jrjZnv), is not just pushing sanitation forward for the rural communities; she’s also blazing a trail for women entrepreneurs in an industry where females are often not noticed or heard from. Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry.

The recognition from ABH, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa, aligns with its mission to spotlight and support local talent like Dr. Bougarrani, who are driving positive change in their communities. Over a decade, the program aims to honor 100 African entrepreneurs while providing grant funding, training and broader ecosystem support to foster African entrepreneurship.

Dr. Bougarrani’s journey into the world of water and sanitation began with her firsthand observations of untreated wastewater wreaking havoc in Moroccan villages. Witnessing these difficulties sparked her passion for creating sustainable solutions, leading her to leave the world of academia and pursue a career in entrepreneurship. In 2018, she formed Green Watech to give rural communities access to reasonably priced and energy-efficient sanitation systems. She holds a PhD in Advanced Water Treatment Processes from Med V University and Leipzig University.

Impacting Lives Through Sustainable Innovation

At the centre of Green Watech’s innovation is a groundbreaking soil-based filtration system, which provides the means to treat wastewater for agricultural irrigation. Unlike expensive, energy-hungry technologies, this system is all about being low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and sustainable – perfect for rural communities that often struggle with limited infrastructure. By cutting down the need for fresh water by as much as 70%, Green Watech is transforming the water management landscape in Morocco.

Since its inception, Green Watech has changed the lives of over 30,000 people in 17 Moroccan villages and farms. The company has cleaned more than 200 million litres of wastewater, which helps with water shortages and makes farms more productive. Thanks to Green Watech’s participatory model, local communities actively participate in the process. Villagers are taught how to set up, maintain, and grow sanitation systems through training programs, which promote resilience and sustainability in the long run.

Green Watech’s soil-based filter system also cuts down on the need to use fresh water for crops. It offers a long-lasting, cheap, and easy-to-keep-up answer for people in rural areas. The company plans to grow beyond Morocco in the future. It aims to reach North Africa and other places during the year.

Breaking Down Barriers as an ABH Trailblazer

Dr. Bougarrani’s recognition as the first Moroccan entrepreneur to be placed among the top three finalists in the ABH competition is significant. Her success defies cultural expectations and gender norms in a field where male entrepreneurs predominate. Her accomplishment serves as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs throughout Africa and highlights her technical expertise and leadership abilities.

Her work in sustainable water management has gained her worldwide recognition. She has received top honours, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Grand Prize.

The Future of Green Wateche

Dr. Bougarrani plans to put the $150,000 prize back into Green Watech to help it reach more African communities in need. She has an ambitious goal to reach 1 million end-users by 2030.  Her career is an outstanding example of how someone with a strong will and passion can break walls, challenge stereotypes and uplift entire communities.

2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open

African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH

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African Development Bank and Bank of Africa Tanzania sign $7.5 million facility to boost trade finance

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4 hours ago

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April 8, 2025

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The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Bank of Africa Tanzania (BOAT) have signed a $7.5 million trade finance transaction guarantee facility to boost trade finance activities of the Bank of Africa in Tanzania.

Under this facility, the African Development Bank will provide a guarantee of up to 100% to confirming banks against non-payment risks arising from letters of credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by the Bank of Africa Tanzania. The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector. The facility aligns with efforts to bolster intra-Africa trade, contributing directly to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (https://AU-AfCFTA.org/).

This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions

Speaking at the signing event on March 10, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, the Bank’s Country Manager for Tanzania, Patricia Laverley, stressed the importance of the facility in addressing Tanzania’s trade finance needs, saying that given the country’s import requirements, it will aid priority sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. “This facility will support trade by enabling BOAT to play a more strategic role in the regional and international market.”

Representing BOAT’s management, Deputy Managing Director Hamza Cherkaoui lauded the strong partnership with the African Development Bank, emphasizing its role in expanding trade finance capabilities across the continent. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions, expanding our confirmation network, and enabling access to top-tier confirming banks,” he said.

The new Trade Guarantee facility aligns with Bank of Africa Tanzania’s strategic priorities and the African Development Bank’s broader objectives, including promoting regional integration, increasing food security, and industrializing Africa. It also supports Tanzania’s Country Strategy paper 2021-2025, which focuses on enhancing the private sector business environment for job creation. It also aligns with the country’s development vision (Vision 2025), which aims to build a strong and resilient economy capable of competing globally.

The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in the African Development Bank Group’s direct engagement with Tanzania’s private sector, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the country’s financial sector and economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB

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PAC Capital Limited Named Best Transaction Advisory Firm in Nigeria at the Grand Annual Awards Ceremony 2025

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4 hours ago

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April 8, 2025

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PAC-Capital

As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), a leading investment banking and advisory firm, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Transaction Advisory Firm – Nigeria 2025 by the International Business Magazine Awards!

The award celebrates PAC Capital’s consistent track record in structuring and executing high-impact transactions across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, and financial services. This international recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering value-driven advisory services.

At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations

Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director of PAC Capital, expressed his pride and appreciation for the recognition:

“This award is a strong validation of our efforts to lead with insight, integrity, and innovation in the transaction advisory space. We are truly honored to be acknowledged on a global platform. I dedicate this achievement to our clients who trust us with their most strategic decisions and to our team whose dedication fuels our success.”

Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director of PAC Capital, emphasized the importance of collaboration and resilience in the firm’s journey:

“Winning this award reflects the strength of our advisory team and the boldness of the clients we serve. At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and shaping Africa’s investment landscape.”

As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAC Capital Limited

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