Cairo, 1Sep. 2023: – The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed an MOU with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Trade Center, to promote the TRADAR Club solution in the market.
The Cooperation Agreement, signed between Afreximbank and the UAE Trade Center on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) Press Conference and B2B Meetings in Dubai United Arab Emirates (UAE), provides for the two institutions to commence harmonisation of their efforts in various areas of collaboration to support the TRADAR Club objectives.
The agreement was signed by Ms. Lizanne Case, Head of Trade Intelligence Solutions on behalf of Afreximbank, while Mr. Walid Hareb AlFalahi, Chief Executive of the UAE Trade Center signed for his organisation.
The Afreximbank TRADAR Club, launched recently as a prestigious member-driven network, empowers international businesses and executives to transform trade and investments in Africa through trusted trade intelligence and advisory services. It delivers innovative digital tools and networking opportunities, helping its members to discover new markets; grow their businesses; save time; access dedicated expert support; post and respond to new business opportunities; network; meet business/trading partners; and more.
To propagate the solution in the market, Afreximbank is establishing strong relationships with a wide variety of partners. Under the terms of the cooperation agreement with the UAE Trade Center, the two institutions will collaborate in such areas as inter-institutional cooperation; provision of business-oriented information to facilitate trade and investment; business matchmaking; grants; technical assistance; and capacity building, among others.
The agreement is expected to facilitate greater interaction by allowing for the sharing of ideas and discussion of common problems for the purpose of improving relationships and cooperation among members.
TRADAR Club will serve as an information pool assisting the exchange of reliable trade information, trade policies, customer databases, research reports, expert analysis, directories of African investment information, rules and regulations, general updates on statistics, business data and investment incentives, among others. TRADAR Club members will also be invited to trade and investment missions and exhibitions.
Cairo, 28 Aug. 2023: – The China Development Bank (CDB) today in Cairo signed a development-focused agreement to provide the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) with a US$400-million term loan facility to support the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
The agreement, signed by Mr. Tan Jiong, President of CDB, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, at the Afreximbank Headquarters in Cairo, provides for Afreximbank to deploy the facility to support African SMEs involved in extra- and intra-African trade and those engaged in the productive sectors in Afreximbank Member States. According to the agreement, the facility, which has a seven-year tenor, will be deployed either directly to eligible African SMEs that meet Afreximbank’s requirements or indirectly through local financial intermediaries.
Speaking after the signing, Prof. Oramah pointed out that African SMEs continue to struggle to access adequate and affordable financing for growing their businesses and said that the CDB facility would help increase the level of financing available to them.
He added that since Afreximbank was receiving the facility as medium to long-term funding at relatively affordable pricing, the Bank would transfer the financial advantage in pricing and tenor to the end beneficiaries.
“This facility further strengthens the strategic partnership we have developed with the China Development Bank over the last six years, which has seen CDB make three previous interventions in support of our work at Afreximbank,” continued President Oramah. “It will also enable our two institutions achieve our respective mandates and developmental outcomes, which include job creation, increased economic activity and increased extra-African trade with China.”
Printing and signage industry in Africa set to flourish as the largest B2B show in Middle East & Africa, SGI Dubai 2023, unveils ground-breaking innovations
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, August 25, 2023/ — SGI Dubai (www.SignMiddleEast.com), the leading global showcase for cutting-edge printing and signage solutions, is gearing up to revolutionize the African industry landscape. Set to be held at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre from 18th to 20th September, the 26th edition of SGI Dubai (https://apo-opa.info/3OTZ6n8) promises to be a game-changer for African stakeholders. Industry experts, visionaries, and trendsetters from around the world will converge to unveil the latest innovations that will propel the African printing industry into an era of unrivaled growth and prosperity. Register now to witness the transformation of the African printing industry at SGI Dubai 2023: https://apo-opa.info/3OTZ6n8
Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC, expressed his anticipation, “African economies are poised to become a powerhouse of opportunities on the global stage. The demand for cutting-edge printing and signage products and services is destined to soar across the continent, fueled by the remarkable growth of its commercial printing industry. The innovations unveiled at SGI Dubai 2023 will be the catalyst that ignites an extraordinary transformation in the African printing sector. This exhibition is not just a platform for business-to-business interactions; it is an ecosystem of innovation and knowledge, connecting brilliant minds from diverse vertical sectors.”
With the African printing industry projected to reach a staggering value of US$235.3 million by the end of 2031, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The continent boasts approximately 2,000 commercial printing companies, with a majority comprising small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). An additional 1,000 companies cater to pre-press and post-press services, showcasing the rapid expansion of this thriving sector.
SGI Dubai 2023 (https://apo-opa.info/3E9GESy) will showcase an array of industries, with special emphasis on digital display technologies, labeling, metal cutting & engraving, spare parts & consumables, software, paper, and ground-breaking technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence. The show will serve as an unparalleled opportunity for African sign-makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, car wrapping industry, real-estate developers, hospitality and tourism industries, architects, and brand consultants to explore limitless possibilities and elevate their businesses to new heights.
Mr. Falaknaz emphasized the show’s significance for the African continent, “The growth strategy for African stakeholders must begin now. SGI Dubai (https://apo-opa.info/3E9GESy) presents not only an exceptional platform for sourcing top-of-the-line machines with the latest technology but also fosters meaningful connections among industry professionals. We’ve witnessed a steady surge in the number of African trade visitors year after year, representing key nations such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, Sudan, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Egypt, and Libya, among others. The proximity of our show to Africa makes it highly accessible for business owners to engage directly with exhibitors and manufacturers of top brands, securing the most competitive rates.”
During the previous edition, SGI Dubai (https://apo-opa.info/3E9GESy) welcomed over 300 global exhibitors from 30+ countries and registered thousands of trade visitors from 100+ countries worldwide. The influence of SGI Dubai extends beyond the Middle East, making it a pivotal event for Africa’s growth trajectory.
Mr. Falaknaz concluded, “SGI Dubai (https://apo-opa.info/3E9GESy) is more than just a trade show; it is an invaluable opportunity for African visitors to conduct market research and make well-informed business decisions. As the show’s influence continues to expand across the African continent, the growing number of visitors is a testament to the benefits it offers all stakeholders involved. SGI Dubai 2023 is set to redefine the future of the African printing and signage sector, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth and prosperity.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SGI Dubai. SOURCE SGI Dubai
Natural resources rich Africa’s continuous growing economic competiveness within the context of a globalized economy, has for decades attracted and continues to attract international investor attention.
Africa’s Unique Selling Points
Aside accounting for over 60 percent of the world’s total arable land served with more than abundant surface and ground water resources,the continent also holds a huge proportion of the world’s natural resources, both renewables and non-renewables. In addition, the continent is home to some 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves with particular reference to critical minerals needed for powering electric vehicles, eight per cent of the world’s natural Gas and 12 percent of the world’s oil reserves.
Africa’s population as a whole is very young, with 60% of the entire continent aged below 25, making it the youngest continent in the world, in relation to its population makeup. All of the world’s top 10 youngest countries by median age are in Africa and household incomes and consumption are projected to rise.
Share of World’s Fastest Growing Economies.
Africa has some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, African nations are playing an increasingly significant role in the global economy.
Africa’s pre-Covid-19 top five performing economies are projected to grow by more than 5.5% on average in 2023-2024 and to reclaim their position among the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies. These countries are Rwanda (7.9%), Côte d’Ivoire (7.1%), Benin (6.4%), Ethiopia (6.0%), and Tanzania (5.6%).
Returns On Investments
A report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development states that between 2006 and 2011, Africa had the highest rate of return on inflows of Foreign Direct Investment: 11.4%. This is compared to 9.1% in Asia, 8.9% in Latin America and the Caribbean
According ECA sources, the African continent could become the most profitable region in the world for foreign direct investment (FDI), with a rate of return of 14%, compared to a world average of 7.1%.
Some popular sectors for investment include primary agriculture and agro processing, mining, oil and gas, real estate, technology, tourism and hospitality and infrastructure. The mining industry in Africa is a major contributor to the continent’s economy, with abundant deposits of precious metals and minerals.
African policy makers believe FDI can help to provide technology, marketing and management skills, make up for domestic capital shortfalls, generate both efficiency and technology transfer in local firms, and facilitate access to foreign markets
The importance and relevance of Africa’s leading global Investment event, “Investing in Africa” could therefore be best appreciated against this background.
Scheduled to take place from the 8th-10 October,2023 in London, UK, the event seeks to draw over 1,500 delegates worldwide. In participation are thirty-two (32) African countries, thirty-six (36) other countries five hundred and ninety-nine (599) African delegates, six hundred and fifty-nine (659) delegates from other countries, three hundred and forty-one (341) Speakers and Chairs, twenty-seven (27) Media Partners, fifty-two (52) Sponsors and thirty-five (35) networking stands.
The Managing Director, Rupert McCammon in an interview earlier this year noted that, AFSIC now in its 10th year, is believed to be the largest African investment event taking place annually outside Africa and has become one of the most important conduits of investment into Africa.
Over the past ten years AFSIC, Mr. McCammon intimated, has been entirely focused on bringing together Africa’s business leaders and Africa’s most interesting investment opportunities with the continent’s most important investors and dealmakers to facilitate new investment into Africa.
Wide ranging support from exceptional partners and sponsors AFSIC, over the past ten years, he noted, has led the way in profiling investment opportunities from Africa and providing an excellent forum and associated platforms to showcase these opportunities to investors.
AFSIC is a conference that is very focused on networking and delegates attend year on year as they feel the variety of interactions and the superb content delivered all contribute to getting deals done and investment secured.
Networking Opportunities
Supported and sponsored by some of the leading Africa-focused corporates, AFSIC 2023 will build upon the last ten years’ successes.
The AFSIC 2023 networking opportunities include: matchmaking sessions facilitated through the sophisticated Event and Meeting App which goes live one month prior to the event ,a networking exhibition with key sponsors and partners offering enhanced opportunities to meet with them, numerous sessions dedicated to meeting a wide range of representatives from investor groups including: DFI’s, Impact Investors, Private Equity Investors and Venture Capital Investors, the regularly sold-out Meet African Dealmakers event – this year to be jointly sponsored by the European DFIS,country investment summits focused on the fastest growing African economies with informal networking at the end of each session ,various evening social functions hosted by our partners and sponsors
Speakers and Panel events
The event is broken down into Industry Streams and this year these will include Advancing Agriculture, Building Africa, Banking on Africa, Fintech Innovation, Power Africa, Sustaining Africa and Informed Investing in parallel to country-focused investment summits and quick-fire sessions highlighting exceptional projects.
Speakers are from a wide pool of exceptional African business leaders who are looking to promote their Africa-focused company from an investment perspective as well as some of the leading institutional investors and dealmakers focused on driving investment into Africa.
AFSIC 2023 welcomes British International Investment, FSD Africa, Executives in Africa, 27Four, Icecap, RMB, Fitch Ratings, Bank One, Alpha Morgan, Benchmark International, Pearlbridge Capital Managers, Mitco, Carey Olsen, Proparco, FMO, NIDP and DEG to date and negotiations are still ongoing with many other exceptional companies who see the value of the association with AFSIC in October and the all year round exposure via the digital platforms.
The event media and partners are also critical in raising the profile of both our sponsors and the conference itself.
Digital Presence and Reach
AFSIC has exceptional digital reach with a network of over 140 000 mailable contacts including institutional investors, investment bankers & financial intermediaries, African business leaders, providers and executives. The Group’s 3 websites capture 7,5 million impressions annually with impressive top 10 SEO ranking for over 1600 keywords relating to business, trade and investment in Africa. In addition, AFSIC 2023, like AFSIC 2022, will have all content recorded and live streamed enabling AFSIC to have an exceptional Pan-African reach.
AFSIC Digital platforms
AFSIC boasts two award-winning digital dashboards focused on matching business, trade and investments opportunities across all African countries and all business sectors.
The Africa Business Community provides a vast network of African businesses, global businesses, government agencies and service providers. In 2023 AFSIC is working closely with Prosper Africa, a US Government initiative, to substantially enhance US-Africa trade.
AFSIC’s sophisticated matching algorithm ranks and matches business opportunities and “calls for business” posted on our Africa Business Opportunities Dashboard, allowing interested parties to connect through this free and open access platform.
There is also a closed AFSIC African Investments Dashboard which is catered to matching institutional investors and African companies seeking capital with investor-ready documents.
Expected Traction from Business Opportunities Posts
In 2022 over 2 million personalised business matching emails were sent and AFSIC database sees 30 000 new contacts joining annually, all with an interest in business, trade and investment opportunities across Africa and all business sectors.
AFSIC African Investments Dashboard has a network of 25 000 investors. AFSIC’s recommendation is that, all business opportunity owners make their descriptions as detailed and clear as possible to appear attractive to interested parties and investors.
Business Opportunities Dashboard versus AFSIC African Investments Dashboard
The Africa Business Opportunities Dashboard offers free registration, access and connections for all users using automated matching algorithms and individually customised e-communication strategies. The AFSIC African Investments Dashboard is a closed dashboard only viewable by registered investors and uploads are only available for high quality projects seeking equity, debt or hybrid investment capital. We also offer additional bespoke introduction services for our AFSIC African Investments Dashboard clients.
Country Investment Summits and Networking Sessions
AFSIC 2023 will offer country investment summits for the larger economies in Africa and these sponsored comprehensive summits will comprise: •a panel discussion led by in-country experts sharing their insights on how to successfully navigate the investment ecosystem in each country, Quick fire Pitch Sessions on specific investment opportunities across business sectors in each country, informal business networking to meet some of the countries’ business leaders, government representatives and investors Angola Nigeria Rwanda Egypt Morocco country networking.
Informal country networking sessions at AFSIC 2023 will provide delegates with an opportunity to meet other interested investors and in-country experts to discuss the investment climate
Raising capital for your own fund?
AFSIC provides opportunities for fund executives to attract investment into new funds through introductions to Fund of Fund, DFI, SWF Investors can share their funds’ metrics, mandates and past performance through formal presentation sessions, investor panels, formal and informal networking sessions and B2B meetings supported by the AFSIC African Investments Dashboard digital database of investment opportunities and the sophisticated Event and Meeting App
School bus services ensure the security of children through surveillance cameras, and a system to ensure that no student is left behind
RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) will roll out state-of-the-art school buses to serve about 25,000 students across the city.
The school transport fleet has been upgraded to meet the highest quality of safety in local and international standards, reported state news agency WAM.
DTC said the upgraded bus service is part of its commitment to provide quality transportation services in order to meet consumer needs.
Ammar Rashid Al Braiki, director of Fleet Operation, DTC, said: “Using DTC’s extensive experience and resources, combined with investments in advanced technologies in school buses, highlights our strategic drive to boost the confidence of parents and the entire community while providing a safe and secure transportation environment for students during the school year.
“Such a drive which is aligned with the highest safety and monitoring standards observed in Dubai, will also promote the confidence of the Emirates Schools Establishment towards building a long-term partnership in delivering school transport services.”
How smart features are transforming the average school bus
School bus services ensure the security and monitoring of children through surveillance cameras, along with a system to ensure that no student is left behind at the end of each journey.
The buses are also equipped with a system to detect student movement in transit, and an emergency alert system for making immediate contact with the emergency management centre.
“Buses are also outfitted with advanced electronic tracking system using GPS technology and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to streamline the boarding and disembarkation of students as well as an automatic fire-suppression system for engines,” Al Braiki added.
“DTC is eager to promote safe and responsible driving skills among school bus drivers and attendants by engaging them in specialised high-level training courses. DTC also conducts drills on the handling of emergency cases and first aid to ensure that the team is ready and able to deal with any emergencies that may arise during the school transport process,” he added.
By promoting investments in Black-owned businesses, the Global Black Impact Summit will unleash a wave of economic equality and societal transformation, heralding a new era of diversity and inclusion in the business world
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, August 18, 2023/ — As the world increasingly acknowledges the importance of fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, the Black Impact Foundation’s Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) (https://GlobalBlackImpact.com/) – which is organized by Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com/) – emerges as a beacon of change.
With an unyielding focus on economic growth, wealth disparities and generating opportunities for Black communities, investing in Black-owned businesses takes the spotlight as a powerful catalyst for societal advancement.
By magnifying the significance of investing in Black-owned businesses, GBIS will reshape the business landscape into one that embraces inclusivity, advances communities, and drives sustainable economic progress.
Anticipate a multitude of exciting offerings at the GBIS: Championing Growth – The summit rallies entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to promote economic growth, wealth equality, and opportunities for Black communities.Powerful Catalyst – Investing in Black-owned businesses takes center stage as a driver for societal advancement and sustainable economic progress.
Global Venue – GBIS takes place in Dubai, from November 30 to December 1, offering a prime platform for global engagement and networking.Resourceful Collaboration – Hosted by the esteemed Black Impact Foundation (BIF) and organized by Energy Capital & Power, GBIS connects stakeholders for impactful collaborations.Informative Sessions – Through panel discussions, workshops, and presentations,
GBIS equips Black individuals and companies with valuable insights on financial markets, investment strategies, profitability, and business management.Brand Showcasing – GBIS provides Black-owned businesses unique opportunities to promote and showcase their brands to a global audience, boosting brand awareness.Networking Hub – Unparalleled networking opportunities abound, from cocktail receptions to investor-led lunches, fostering connections across the global economy.Investor-Entrepreneur Confluence –
The event not only provides a platform where leaders and innovators can meet but facilitates opportunities for dialogue and deals. GBIS is committed to shed a spotlight on investing in the global Black community, and through the event’s global focus, will ensure entrepreneurs have access to both resources and capital.Encouraging Insights
Participants gain valuable knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change and realize the immense potential within Black-owned businesses.Advancing Diversity and Inclusion.
Together, attendees promote diversity, inclusion, and prosperity for all, leading the way in a vital global conversation. Collectively, participants champion the values of diversity, inclusion, and shared prosperity, taking a leading role in a crucial global dialogue.
Together, we can drive meaningful change, promote diversity and inclusion, and create a prosperous future for all. Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of this important global conversation.
To secure your participation at this important, high-level event, register now at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power. SOURCE Energy Capital & Power
STOCkHOLM,Sweden,August 18,2023-AFRY and the Norwegian company Morefish have entered a partnership to respond to the increasing demand for expertise in land-based aquaculture projects. Together, AFRY and Morefish are spearheading the Blue Food sector by offering a comprehensive approach to clients, covering expertise from feasibility studies to farm operations, complemented by a strong focus on project management.
By combining AFRY’s experience in land-based fish farms and project management, with Morefish’ expertise in fish biology and RAS technology (Recirculation Aquaculture System), the companies will support clients in both Norway and internationally, from business ideas to operate finalised projects.
”We see this as a unique opportunity to partner up with a team with a proven track record in this specific field, to provide our clients with the right systems, buildings and operations. Entering the Norwegian market is an important step in AFRY’s development strategy for the Blue Food business, and our mission to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society,” says Claudio Ferro, Leader of Aquaculture Business, AFRY.
“We have witnessed the exceptional ability of AFRY’s expertise and innovation first-hand during our collaborative efforts on the previous blue food project, such as Norway Royal Salmon’s smolt-project project in Dåfjord. Within land-based aquaculture, AFRY gained several references at international level including Swiss Lachs, in operations since 2017. AFRY’s forward-thinking approach has proven to be instrumental in creating significant value,” says Svein Martinsen, Development Manager at Morefish.
“From our side, Morefish aims to be the leading expertise in landbased fishfarming, with a unique knowhow of technology and biology combined. In joint collaboration with AFRY we will be able to engage in projects at any scale and ambition”, adds Martinsen.
The partnership agreement was signed in the beginning of 2023 and the companies will launch the partnership during a technical seminar at the Aqua Nor conference in Trondheim end of august.
AFRY in Norway is an engineering and design company with over 1 000 employees and 12 offices covering all the regions and the major engineering fields. The project management activities are carried out by Advansia, part of AFRY, who has been responsible for the project management of Salmon Evolution’s land based fishfarm in Norway.
Morefish is a consulting company operating in the aquaculture industry, based in Trondheim, Norway. Since 2014, they offer specialist services within recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
LONDON,United Kingdom,2nd August 2023-King’s Business School and the hospitality sector’s Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) are launching an executive education programme developed with input from the industry’s leaders to help them to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) measures in their businesses.
The programme was developed through discussion with over 40 senior hospitality leaders who emphasised the role of COVID and recent energy price spikes, alongside the new IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards, in providing both an impetus and an opportunity to accelerate progress on environmental measures ahead of the commitment made by over 100 countries to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
According to the Urban Land Institute, hotels and lodging are the least energy and water-efficient buildings in commercial use. The research conducted by the Energy and Environment Alliance and King’s Business School to develop their new education programme highlighted the scale and complexity of the task leaders face in developing a plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Explains Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the EEA: “It’s inevitable that energy use and energy costs are much higher on the agenda given recent price increases. But COVID also played a part. Many hotels had zero occupancy, yet found they were still needing up to 60% of their usual energy consumption just to prevent issues with damp and to maintain hygiene. The majority of investors in the sector believe that at least half of the measures needed to improve energy performance will involve capital expenditure[i]. Taking the necessary steps may mean accessing new forms of green finance and there is a need for education if they are going to do so successfully.”
The EEA point out that COVID and energy price fuelled inflation have also changed the investment environment in the hospitality sector. Relative to other forms of commercial property, such as offices and retail, the sector is increasingly being seen as resilient to the trend towards online work and shopping. Additionally, its dynamic pricing models can act as a hedge against inflation.
“As a result, hospitality is becoming a more mainstream asset with scope to attract new investment and financing, as long as the industry can reliably convince investors of its long-term attractiveness, which increasingly means, its ESG credentials,” adds Ufi Ibrahim.
The ESG programme has been tailored to the needs of the leadership in the hospitality sector, including asset owners, brands and franchises. Starting in September 2023, it will give an overview of current and planned regulation and ESG reporting requirements, with a particular emphasis on climate change and the sector’s social impact through its employment practices and the interaction between staff and guests.
The programme will also cover green financing options and look at how to align consumer preferences and behaviour to achieve more sustainable outcomes through marketing. Through teaching, guest speakers, case studies and discussion, leaders on the programme will develop a personalised action plan that will enable them to lead and inspire complex, comprehensive change across many areas of their business.
The partnership will develop further through the creation of a complementary ESG course for general managers and hotel operating teams.
Comments Giana Eckhardt, Vice Dean for Engagement and Executive Education at King’s Business School: “it’s exciting to be offering a programme for a sector that has such a significant global impact and such a compelling and immediate opportunity for change. We are proud to work with the EEA to provide a programme that will forge a network of engaged, proactive industry leaders with the knowledge, connections and ambition to drive sustainable business practices forward across the sector.”
Anja Spice of the Energy and Environment Alliance on +44 7418608166 / anja@tarsh.com
About the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA)
The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is a not-for-profit coalition of hospitality investors, developers, asset managers and operators, working as a collective to transition the industry to Net Zero Carbon and ESG leadership in a scientifically robust and commercially sustainable way.
