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Western Union Partners with Sasai Fintech to Expand Digital Remittance Access for South Africa’s consumers

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Western Union

Western Union (www.WesternUnion.com) and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, today announced the launch of a new international money transfer mobile app tailored for South Africa’s consumers. The app is designed to meet the fast-evolving needs of an increasingly connected and mobile population, offering a seamless and reliable way to send money abroad, seamlessly, anytime, anywhere

“South Africa, is home to a growing population of digitally savvy consumers, many with deep ties across borders, that seek ways to move money internationally with flexibility and confidence,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s Head of Africa. “We are delighted then that our partnership with Sasai Fintech allows us to bring the strength of our global network to where people are, enabling South Africa’s consumers to connect with the world, unlocking opportunity and helping communities and families thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.”

 

This strategic collaboration combines Western Union’s global network spanning 200 countries and territories with Sasai Fintech’s cutting-edge Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology – a fully integrated, end-to-end remittance platform that includes both the technology infrastructure and the required licensing. Customers can transfer funds to billions of bank accounts and wallets worldwide, or for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of retail locations abroad; they can send money via the co-branded, Sasai in partnership with Western Union money transfer service, with multiple convenient funding options that include Sasai’s retail network of over 150,000 outlets, debit or credit cards, and electronic funds transfers from their bank account.

Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent

 

Darlington Mandivenga, CEO, Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, emphasizes “Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent. Backed by our regulated assets, integrated tech stack, super app platform, and innovations like stablecoins, we’re redefining Africa’s payments infrastructure.”

 

South Africa is home to one of the most digitally engaged populations in Africa. According to the country’s 2023 General Household Survey (http://apo-opa.co/4spi0o9), nearly 80% of households have internet access – with almost 73% connecting through mobile devices. Market data (http://apo-opa.co/3PfIZE8) shows that in 2024, outbound personal remittances exceeded USD 1 billion.

 

The new mobile app can now be downloaded on Android and iOS smartphones. In just a few clicks, customers can register, verify their identity and begin sending money globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Union Holdings, Inc..

 

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week to Host Houston Industry Showcase, Unlocking United States (U.S.) Commercial Engagement Ahead of October Summit

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Ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors are invited to explore commercial opportunities across Venezuela’s upstream sector at the Houston Industry Showcase next month

HOUSTON, United States of America, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Venezuela Energy Week will host an Industry Showcase in Houston on August 18, 2026: a targeted industry roadshow designed to engage U.S. energy stakeholders ahead of the October summit. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the showcase will convene senior representatives from across the U.S. upstream ecosystem – including exploration and production companies, Texas-based independents, oilfield service companies, engineering and technology firms, commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices – to assess commercial pathways for participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

As Venezuela looks to expand production, U.S. companies remain well positioned to contribute technical expertise, capital and operational capabilities across the upstream value chain. Chevron’s longstanding presence in the country highlights the continued importance of U.S. industry participation, while the scale of Venezuela’s resource base continues to attract interest from major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Opportunities extend across exploration, field development, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and digital modernization as Venezuela seeks to strengthen its energy sector.

 

Demand is also expected to grow for oilfield service companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions that can support upstream investment and project execution. Companies including SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been identified as potential partners in advancing production optimization and infrastructure rehabilitation, while commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices will play an important role in financing future investment opportunities.

 

Against this backdrop, the Houston Industry Showcase will provide a structured engagement platform at a time when select international operators continue to operate under U.S. Treasury-authorized frameworks, and where policy considerations in the U.S. continue to shape engagement parameters in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

The event will enable U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors to assess technical and commercial pathways across exploration, field services, project delivery and broader supply chain opportunities, while supporting early-stage dialogue between international investors and Venezuela-focused stakeholders in a structured commercial environment ahead of the October summit.

 

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 18, visit www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

 

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4fM0rLr).

 

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

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Africa Trade Gateway Delivers US$5.3-Million Cross-Border Transaction in First Energy Sector Trade in Southern Africa

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The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institu-tions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transac-tion in Southern Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –A US$5.3-million cross-border fuel (gasoil) trade transaction has been successfully completed with support of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank’s) (www.Afreximbank.com) flagship digital trade ecosystem, demonstrating the value and efficacy of the Gateway in powering African trade.

The transaction, which saw Zimbabwean fuel importer Witeva Trading source a gasoil shipment from a leading commodity trader and supplier in Switzerland, with Innbucks Microbank Ltd. participating as the local issuing financial institution and Afreximbank providing confirmation support under agreed trade finance structure, demonstrates how African businesses can leverage one connected ecosystem to identify opportunities, access finance and complete international trade more efficiently.

The ATG made it possible for the commercial opportunity to be connected to the right ecosystem participants, bringing together the buyer, supplier and participating financial institutions to support a successful execution of the transaction.

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institutions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transaction in Southern Africa.

This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem

It also demonstrates how African Businesses can use a single digital ecosystem to identify commercial opportunities, connect with verified counterparties, access trade-finance support and execute cross-border transactions more efficiently.

Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, at Afreximbank, said:

“This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem. By creating a digital ecosystem to expand access to trade finance, Afreximbank is enabling more businesses to participate easily in regional and international trade.”

Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business, at Afreximbank, added:

“The Africa Trade Gateway is more than a mere digital platform; it is the ecosystem that helps trade happen. We help businesses discover opportunities, connect with trusted buyers, suppliers and financial institutions, and facilitate the journey from commercial opportunity to completed transactions. Every successful deal strengthens the network, attracts new participants and creates more opportunities for African trade.”

“As more businesses, banks and trade partners join the ecosystem, every successful transaction expands the marketplace, strengthens trust across the network and increases opportunities for future trade,” Mr. Onyia added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Amicorp Secures South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) License to Accelerate African Growth Strategy

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The new Category I Financial Services Provider license enables Amicorp Trading (Pty) Ltd to provide regulated financial services in South Africa through a locally authorized platform

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Global corporate services, fund administration and private client specialist Amicorp (https://Amicorp.com) has received authorization from South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), marking an important milestone in the company’s long-term investment in South Africa and its broader African growth strategy.

Founded in 1992, Amicorp operates across more than 40 international markets, supporting businesses, funds, institutions and private clients with cross-border structuring, governance, compliance and investment-related solutions. The new Category I Financial Services Provider license enables Amicorp Trading (Pty) Ltd to provide regulated financial services in South Africa through a locally authorized platform.

South Africa was selected because it has one of Africa’s most mature and well-regulated financial markets, making it a natural base from which to serve clients operating across the continent where regulations permit. As demand grows for international investment access, cross-border wealth planning and institutional financial solutions, Amicorp sees significant long-term opportunities in both South Africa and selected African markets.

The announcement follows the completion of the regulatory authorization process rather than the establishment of the business itself. While Amicorp has been operating globally for more than three decades, obtaining local regulatory approval is a key milestone that allows the company to deepen its presence in South Africa and build on its African ambitions.

Africa represents an exciting long-term growth opportunity for Amicorp

Like many international financial services firms entering new markets, Amicorp has navigated evolving regulatory requirements, differing market dynamics and the need to build trusted local relationships. The FSCA authorization reflects the company’s commitment to meeting South Africa’s high regulatory standards.

“Africa represents an exciting long-term growth opportunity for Amicorp,” said Craig Lyall – Head – Fund Structuring and Solutions. In addition, clients increasingly want trusted partners that can help them access international opportunities while operating within strong local regulatory frameworks. Our South African license strengthens our ability to support that demand.”

Globally, Amicorp supports clients through an international network spanning more than 40 markets and continues to expand its capabilities as demand for cross-border investment, governance and corporate services grows.

The company believes South Africa is well positioned to play an increasingly important role in attracting international investment into Africa while giving African businesses and investors greater access to global financial opportunities. ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amicorp.

 

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