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WomenIN Festival 2025 Culminates in Two Days of Holistic, Transformative and Unapologetic Empowerment

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WomenIN Festival

The WomenIN Festival 2025 (http://WeAreWomenIN.com/) wrapped up a powerful two-day celebration at Newlands Cricket Ground on 13–14 November, bringing together hundreds of women from across South Africa for an immersive programme focused on empowerment, leadership development, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, creativity and social impact.

Guided by the theme “Limitless: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies,” the festival created space for meaningful conversations, real connections and practical tools designed to support women across every dimension of their lives.

The curated programme included panel discussions, interactive dialogues, wellness conversations, entrepreneurship sessions, financial literacy masterclasses and storytelling-focused engagements. Each segment was designed to explore identity, leadership, resilience, innovation and holistic wellbeing.

Leigh-Anne Williams, acclaimed Radio & TV Presenter, guided the programme as MC. Her vibrant personality, dynamic delivery and warm connection with the audience created an atmosphere of energy and unity, anchoring the festival’s flow across the two days.

With the event taking place during South Africa’s national Entrepreneurship Month, the festival placed a strong emphasis on business and economic empowerment. Women were equipped with practical tools for starting and scaling businesses, understanding financial behaviour and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship.

Empowerment partner FNB led key sessions on financial literacy and business growth. Reflecting on the festival’s impact, Nicole Sykesthe Head of Women in Business, FNB shared: “WomenIN brings together courage, collaboration and practical tools in a way that genuinely empowers women. The women who attended left with financial knowledge, business skills, emotional resilience and personal safety strategies that will continue to uplift them long after these two days.”

Raksha Naidoo, Chair of Women in Mining South Africa and CEO of the Particle Group, offered an important perspective on women transforming one of the country’s most male-dominated industries. Her insights centred on structural change, decisive leadership and expanding real influence for women across the sector.

Thando Hopa, Cultural Leader for the African Albinism Network, lawyer, activist, fashion model and UN Ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion, delivered a profound session exploring representation, identity and the power of narrative — highlighting how culture, policy and media shape society’s understanding of women.

WomenIN brings together courage, collaboration and practical tools in a way that genuinely empowers women

Joni Peddie, Vice President of the Global Speakers Federation and behavioural strategist, shared insights on emotional agility, resilience and intentional leadership. Her contribution reminded women of the importance of leading from self-awareness and authenticity.

The women in sport conversation featuring Babalwa Latsha highlighted the rise of women’s rugby and the resilience of female athletes breaking new ground. She spoke about investment gaps, visibility, cultural perceptions and the importance of creating pathways that allow young women to see sport as a viable, respected career.

In the Wellness Resolution session, Dr. Kate Klaasen and Dr. Simone Silver explored burnout as a growing concern for women, emphasising an integrated approach to wellbeing across physical, emotional, social and spiritual spheres.

The festival also featured a powerful gender-based violence session titled Breaking the Silence, Rebuilding Lives. Moderated by GBV Advocate & COO – Women For Change (https://apo-opa.co/44ok8ms), Merlize Jogiat, the discussion brought together MOSAIC and Women For Change to address the silence that often surrounds the trauma of GBV in South Africa. The session amplified survivor voices, called for systemic change and shared practical tools for healing, safety and support — offering clear pathways toward empowerment and justice.

Marketplace: A Celebration of Women-Owned Brands

The marketplace added a vibrant dimension to the festival, showcasing a wide range of women-owned brands across beauty, wellness, fashion, jewellery, food, homeware and lifestyle essentials. It created a lively space where entrepreneurs shared their stories and connected with customers. The marketplace reinforced WomenIN’s commitment to uplifting women economically and supporting small businesses.

The festival concluded with a personal safety session led by Fight Back SA, offering practical awareness tools that supported the festival’s broader mission to empower women mentally, emotionally, economically and physically.

Festival Founder Nazlee Fredericks-Maharaj, Founding Portfolio Director of WomenIN Festival stated: “This year reminded us of the power that unfolds when women gather with purpose and without apology. When women refuse to be boxed and boldly own their space — holistically and phenomenally — systems shift. WomenIN 2025 brought that vision to life in the most powerful and authentic way. We are already shaping something extraordinary for WomenIN 2026. For those who missed it this year — this wasn’t just a festival, it was a revolution. In 2026, it’s coming back louder, bolder and more unapologetic than ever.”

The event concluded with the prestigious 2025 Good Hope FM Warrior Women Awards, recognising women whose leadership and impact continue to shape industries, communities and national narratives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Afreximbank secures double honours at the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards for excellence in strategic communications

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Afreximbank

The Award of Excellence for IATF2025 recognises the successful communications and stakeholder engagement programme delivered around the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, Africa’s premier trade and investment event

CAIRO, Egypt, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious awards programmes for strategic communications.

 

The Bank received an Award of Excellence in Special and Experiential Events category for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) held in Algiers, Algeria and an Award of Merit in the Social Media category for its Afreximbank Social Media Campaigns, reaffirming Afreximbank’s commitment to delivering impactful communications that advance its mandate of promoting trade, investment and industrialisation across Africa and the Caribbean.

We are delighted to receive these two awards, which attest to the expertise, creativity and efficiency of Afreximbank’s communication

The Award of Excellence for IATF2025 recognises the successful communications and stakeholder engagement programme delivered around the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, Africa’s premier trade and investment event. IATF2025 brought together governments, businesses, investors, buyers, sellers and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, creating a platform for trade and investment opportunities while advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The communications campaign played a pivotal role in driving global awareness, stakeholder participation, media visibility and engagement before, during and after the event, while showcasing the scale, ambition and dynamism of African enterprise and reinforcing a positive narrative about Africa’s capacity to trade, industrialise and compete on the global stage. Over 120,000 delegates attended IATF2025 in person and virtually, with deals worth over US$50 billion recorded.

The Award of Merit for Afreximbank Social Media Campaigns recognises the Bank’s strategic use of digital platforms to engage stakeholders, amplify its developmental impact and elevate conversations around trade, industrialisation, economic integration and investment opportunities across Africa and the Caribbean. Through a combination of compelling storytelling, thought leadership content, executive advocacy, multimedia production and real-time event coverage, Afreximbank’s social media platforms have continued to expand their reach and influence among policymakers, businesses, investors, development partners and the wider public. Among these platforms is the Afreximbank TV, a digital TV channel that is wholly owned and managed by Afreximbank, whose fifth edition was celebrated with dedicated coverage of IATF2025, providing live coverage of the activities to both pan African and global audiences.

Anne Ezeh, Director & Global Head, Communications and Events at Afreximbank commented: “We are delighted to receive these two awards, which attest to the expertise, creativity and efficiency of Afreximbank’s communications. As a pan African multilateral financial institution, we see storytelling as a powerful tool for advancing our mission — ensuring our initiatives, events, programmes and key announcements not only inform, but also inspire confidence, deepen engagement and amplify Africa’s transformation. These awards reinforce our resolve to continue delivering world-class communications that elevate African voices and projects a bold and authoritative narrative of the continent.”

Ms. Ezeh added that through innovative storytelling, digital engagement and integrated campaigns, the Bank will continue to amplify the impact of its programmes and partnerships  to project a more authentic narrative of Africa, one defined by opportunity, innovation, resilience and growing influence in the global economy.

For more than five decades, the IABC Gold Quill Awards have recognised excellence in strategic communications globally, celebrating programmes and campaigns that demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, creativity and outstanding execution. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the communications profession, the awards are judged through a rigorous and independent evaluation process conducted by experienced communication leaders from around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 returns as Africa’s defining platform for digital transformation, investment and innovation

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Africa Tech Festival

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s longest running and most influential technology gathering, will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together key stakeholders driving the next phase of Africa’s digital growth.

Now in its 29th edition, Africa Tech Festival, originally launched as AfricaCom, has evolved alongside the continent’s digital transformation, expanding its focus to encompass the full spectrum of technology, investment opportunities and policies that drive economic growth.

At a time when investment in connectivity, subsea cables, fibre networks, data centres and cloud infrastructure is reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, Africa Tech Festival serves as a catalyst for the conversations and partnerships driving that progress. South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is a Strategic Partner of the event, with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, confirmed to deliver the opening address.

“Africa Tech Festival is a strategic platform shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together leaders from across the continent in government and industry to drive collaboration, investment, and innovation. As host country, South Africa is proud to champion an event that not only strengthens partnerships, but advances a shared vision of an inclusive, connected and globally competitive African digital economy,” said Minister Malatsi.

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation.

Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together

Together, these pillars provide a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing priorities, including digital infrastructure expansion, greater connectivity and digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption, stronger data sovereignty and digital trust, and the partnerships and investments needed to unlock Africa’s next wave of innovation and economic growth.

The event will feature dedicated content programmes, executive forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities and investment-focused discussions designed to connect decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.

“It is now clear that this is a defining moment for the ICT sector in Africa. AI adoption is transforming business processes, but it also raises questions around inclusion, data sovereignty and the capacity of digital infrastructure. Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together to find the answers,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to attract global investment and attention, Africa Tech Festival showcases the continent’s capabilities and leadership while connecting African stakeholders with international investors, technology companies and policymakers. Beyond the annual event, it continues to serve as a year-round forum for thought leadership, industry engagement and ecosystem development, helping shape the policies, investments and innovations that are accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3Sq6goC

For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

 

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Energy

Cabship Expands Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Logistics, Workforce Development Strategy Ahead of Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Sponsorship

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Etu Energias

As Angola’s oil and gas sector evolves, Cabship is expanding its service offering through digital innovation, workforce development and integrated logistics solutions designed to support the next phase of industry growth

LUANDA, Angola, June 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Angolan logistics and maritime services provider Cabship is strengthening its service portfolio to better support the country’s evolving oil and gas sector, while leveraging digital technologies, workforce development and local partnerships to meet growing industry demand. Reflecting its expanding role across Angola’s oil and gas value chain, the company has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition as an Elite Sponsor.

 

Over the years, Cabship has developed into a strategic integrated logistics and support service providers for Angola’s oil and gas industry. The company offers a broad range of solutions spanning shipping, customs clearance, procurement, warehousing, material management, pipe yard operations, freight forwarding, transportation and offshore support services. Building on this foundation, Cabship continues to diversify its capabilities to support increasingly complex upstream and offshore developments across Angola.

The company’s growth strategy has been underpinned by continuous investment in technology and operational efficiency. As Angola’s oil and gas industry embraces digital transformation, Cabship has integrated artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools into its logistics and supply chain operations. These technologies are helping optimize cargo tracking, improve operational planning and enhance the efficiency of project execution, enabling operators and service providers to reduce costs while maintaining reliability across the supply chain.

Alongside technology adoption, Cabship has placed local content development at the center of its long-term strategy. The company signed a partnership agreement with Angola’s National Petroleum Institute (INP), aimed at strengthening training initiatives to prepare young Angolan professionals for careers in the energy sector. The partnership initially benefits 15 individuals from the provinces of Cabinda, Zaire, Bengo and Luanda, with recipients undergoing specialized training in industrial electricity in renewable energies and international welding.

The company has also continued to expand its offshore and marine support capabilities through strategic partnerships, strengthening its ability to provide integrated services for both shallow-water and deepwater operations. These efforts align with Angola’s broader objectives of increasing local participation across the oil and gas value chain while supporting new exploration, development and production projects.

As an Elite Sponsor of AOG 2026 – taking place September 9-10 in Luanda, with a pre-conference day on September 8 – Cabship will join industry leaders, policymakers and investors to discuss the future of Angola’s oil and gas sector. The company’s participation highlights the increasingly important role that logistics, digital innovation and workforce development play in supporting Angola’s next phase of oil and gas growth.

 

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

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