Category: Africa

Source: APO

Canon EMEA (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the appointment of Peter Saak as the new Chief of Integrated Printing & Services Group (IPSG, formally Digital Printing & Solutions).

Peter brings strong leadership and extensive B2B customer knowledge having held several senior roles across Canon’s regional sales organisations including B2B Country Director for Canon Eurasia, Managing Director for Canon Central & Eastern Europe and Canon Austria. In his most recent role as Executive Vice President, Developing Regions Business Group, Peter has been responsible for leading growth and strengthening its number one market share position across B2B product segments in Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa, including customer acquisition and partner channel development. 

In this new role, Peter will be responsible for driving the strategic integration of Canon’s advanced printing technology with value-added services to create fully connected and efficient print and document management ecosystems for its customers and partners. He will also have a strong focus on driving innovation and channel expansion into new markets.

Effective as of the beginning of 2026, the appointment follows the announcement that Hiro Imamura, previous Executive Vice President, Digital Printing & Solutions, who has returned to Canon Inc. headquarters to take up a new role within the Printing Group. During his five-year tenure, Hiro was instrumental in leading Canon EMEA’s market share growth for workspace printing technology and solutions and growth of its production print business.

“I am confident that Peter’s extensive B2B experience, customer knowledge and strong leadership across many of our EMEA markets will drive the success of our Integrated Printing & Services Group,” said Sam Yoshida, President & CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa. “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hiro for his outstanding contributions and leadership, which have been pivotal in developing our printing business.”

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Saak said, “I am honoured to lead the newly renamed Integrated Printing & Services Group. Our goal is to build on the incredible foundation that exists, continuing to combine our innovative technology with solutions and applications that meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. I look forward to working with the team to drive future growth and reinforce our position as a market leader.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3NpzkKA) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

Source: APO

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EPIC-Africa (https://EPIC-Africa.org) is calling time on the era of top-down recognition of changemakers. Today, the organization announced the launch of the African CSO Awards 2026, shifting the spotlight to where it truly belongs: the power and ingenuity of everyday African communities.

Under the theme “Celebrating Community-Led Development,” this edition marks a bold departure from tired definitions of “organizational excellence.” Instead, it seeks to honor the CSOs and leaders who prove daily that local action for dignity and justice is the true engine of African transformation.

Reclaiming the Narrative

At a time of shrinking civic space and declining international aid, African organizations are demonstrating unprecedented resilience. The African CSO Awards 2026 explicitly celebrate Community-Led Development (CLD)—a model that puts power and resources directly in the hands of those closest to the challenges. This approach draws on deep-rooted African traditions like Ubuntu and Harambee, responding to the urgent need for equitable, locally-driven solutions.

“For too long, recognition has been reserved for those with the most visibility or resources,” said Rose Maruru, Co-Founder & CEO of EPIC-Africa. “With this launch, we are honoring the extraordinary ingenuity of African CSOs and reaffirming that the future of African development lies in the hands of African communities.”

A New Vision for Excellence

Moving beyond traditional measures of effectiveness, the 2026 Awards recognize the entire ecosystem of change through five distinct categories:

• Doers: Frontline CSOs co-creating and delivering solutions rooted in local realities.
• Supporters: Organizations building the capacity and resilience of frontline actors.
• Enablers: Institutions shaping the policy and research environments for local action to flourish.

And two exciting nomination categories, designed to uncover amazing, everyday individual heroes:

• Emerging Leaders: Next-generation champions under 35 driving bold initiatives.
• Lifetime Achievers: Visionaries whose long-term commitment has transformed civil society.

A Process Built to Connect and Elevate

The Awards feature a three-stage selection process that is inclusive, rigorous and also collaborative. Crucially, the journey is designed to provide immediate value to every participant; all entrants gain automatic access to the African CSO Platform*, ensuring they are connected and elevated regardless of the final outcome:

1. Phase One (Open Call): A broad invitation to encourage formal and informal organizations to share their story.
2. Phase Two (Evidence Building): Shortlisted entrants work with EPIC-Africa to bring their impact to life through testimonials and case studies.
3. Phase Three (Independent Jury): A diverse panel of independent African experts selects the winners and special commendations.

Entries are open to all African-rooted CSOs, regardless of size or sector. Submissions are accepted in both English and French. Winners will gain visibility, capacity-building opportunities, and platforms to connect with funders, policymakers, and fellow CSOs. 

How to Apply

Entries for the 2026 African CSO Awards open today, January 19, 2026, and close on February 28, 2026.

For more details and to submit an entry or nomination, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4jK9f4Q​

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EPIC Africa.

Media Contacts: 
Paul Wanyoike
Platform Technical Officer, EPIC-Africa
Email: pwanyoike@epic-africa.org

David Barnard
Awards Manager, EPIC-Africa
Email: dbarnard@epic-africa.org

About EPIC-Africa:
EPIC-Africa (https://EPIC-Africa.org) is a Senegal-based organization dedicated to enhancing philanthropic impact by filling critical data and capacity gaps. We envisage a vibrant, influential, and sustainable African civil society at the center of the continent’s development.

Source: APO

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• ICD serves as Joint Lead Manager for STC’s USD 2.0 billion dual-tranche Sukuk.
• First-time collaboration between ICD and Saudi Arabia’s largest telecommunications company.
• Transaction achieves 4x oversubscription with USD 8 billion in total orders from 300+ global investors.
• Competitive pricing reflects strong market confidence in STC’s credit quality and strategic vision.
• Issuance supports digital infrastructure expansion and financial inclusion across the region.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has participated as Joint Lead Manager in Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC) successful USD 2.0 billion dual-tranche Sukuk issuance. This landmark transaction represents STC’s first return to the international sukuk market since its USD 1.25 billion issuance in 2019, demonstrating continued investor confidence in both STC and Shariah-compliant capital markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The issuance achieved exceptional market reception, attracting total orders exceeding USD 8 billion across both tranches, representing more than 4x oversubscription. The 5-year tranche garnered USD 2.1 billion in orders (2.8x oversubscribed), while the 10-year tranche received USD 3.3 billion (2.6x oversubscribed). Final pricing was set at US Treasury + 75 basis points for the 5-year tranche and US Treasury + 90 basis points for the 10-year tranche, reflecting robust investor appetite and STC’s strong credit standing.

The dual-tranche structure provides STC with flexible, long-term financing to advance its strategic initiatives in the telecommunications sector. As one of the region’s leading telecommunications providers, STC plays a vital role in expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity across Saudi Arabia and beyond. The transaction’s competitive pricing underscores market recognition of STC’s operational excellence, digital transformation agenda, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

ICD’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to developing Islamic capital markets across member countries. Supporting institutions like STC, whose initiatives expand digital access and promote financial inclusion, aligns directly with ICD’s developmental mandate and mission to empower sustainable private sector growth. By backing a transaction that strengthens digital infrastructure and broadens connectivity, ICD contributes to greater financial inclusion and economic participation throughout the region.

The successful completion of this Sukuk issuance, with participation from more than 300 international investors, underscores the robust global appetite for high-quality Shariah-compliant investment opportunities in strategic sectors. It also highlights the increasing international recognition of STC’s strategic importance and credit strength in advancing regional digital transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For media inquiries, contact: 
icd.communication@isdb.org

About Saudi Telecom Company (STC):
Saudi Telecom Company (STC) is the largest telecommunications company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a leading digital services provider in the region. STC offers a comprehensive range of telecommunications services including mobile, fixed-line, internet, and digital solutions. The company is committed to driving digital transformation across Saudi Arabia through innovative technology solutions and infrastructure development.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector:
ICD, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is a multilateral financial institution established in 1999. ICD promotes economic development in member countries by financing private sector projects, fostering competition and entrepreneurship, offering advisory services, and encouraging cross-border investments. It holds strong credit ratings, including A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P. ICD focuses on Shari’ah-compliant financing for projects like infrastructure and private equity funds, aiming to create jobs and boost exports.

For more information, visit: www.ICD-PS.org.

Source: APO

The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition (https://RegTechAfrica.com) is set to host the prestigious Startup World Cup Regional Competition in Abuja, marking a major milestone for Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Applications are now officially open for startups to register and participate in this globally renowned competition.

Organised in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, the Startup World Cup is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious startup pitch competitions, bringing together the most promising innovators from across continents. The Abuja regional competition will identify a top startup, which will advance to the global finals for a chance to compete for $1 million in investment and gain unparalleled international exposure.

A Global Platform for African Innovation

The Startup World Cup Regional Competition at RegTech Africa Conference will provide startups operating across all stages and sectors—including fintech, regtech, payments, AI, cybersecurity, digital identity, e-commerce, healthtech, agritech, and climate tech—with a powerful platform to showcase their solutions before a distinguished audience of investors, regulators, corporate leaders, and global ecosystem partners.

Finalists will be invited to pitch live before a high-level jury comprising venture capitalists, industry leaders, and ecosystem experts, with the winning startup advancing to the global finals for the chance to win the $1 million grand prize.

Why Abuja, Why RegTech Africa Conference

As Africa’s leading platform for regulatory innovation and digital transformation, the RegTech Africa Conference & Exhibition convenes senior policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology companies, startups, and development partners from across Africa and beyond. Hosting the Startup World Cup within this setting creates a unique convergence of innovation, policy, capital, and market access, enabling startups to engage decision-makers who shape real-world adoption and scale.

Speaking on the announcement, Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO at RegTech Africa, said:
“Hosting the Startup World Cup Regional Competition in Abuja underscores our commitment to positioning Africa as a global innovation powerhouse. This is more than a pitch competition—it is a gateway for African startups to access global capital, partnerships, and visibility.”

Who Should Apply

The competition is open to:

• Startups of all stages and industries
• Founders building scalable, technology-driven solutions
• African startups and international startups with a strong Africa focus

Evaluation Criteria

Judges will be assessing startups based on several factors, including how innovative and impactful the idea is, the strength of the team, and the overall presentation of the pitch. The competition seeks startups that solve real problems, meet market needs, and demonstrate the potential for significant growth. 

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to take your startup to the next level and represent Africa on the global stage!

How to Apply

Applications for the Startup World Cup – Abuja Regional Competition are now open. Interested startups are encouraged to apply early via: [https://apo-opa.co/45UODB5]

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RegTech Africa.

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact:
info@regtechafrica.com.

About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global startup competition organised by Pegasus Tech Ventures, featuring regional events across more than 70 countries and culminating in a grand finale where regional winners compete for a $1 million investment prize.

About RegTech Africa:
RegTech Africa is a leading platform dedicated to advancing regulatory technology across the African continent.

Source: APO

African Collaborations Group (ACG)

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4r0UjBV

Location: Flexible (Africa or Europe, with frequent travel)
Employment Type: Full-time
Start Date: Q1 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGAfrica.com), a strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa, is recruiting a Founding Chief Executive Officer.

ACG has recently been granted an Exclusive Mandate by a major African country to originate, structure, coordinate, and advance an innovative sport and entertainment district, from early concept through feasibility and towards bankability.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a first-of-its-kind, continent-scale initiative at the intersection of infrastructure development, urban regeneration, sport, youth employment, and long-term economic impact.

ABOUT AFRICAN COLLABORATIONS GROUP (ACG)

African Collaborations Group (ACG) is a strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on industrializing sport in Africa through bankable sport and entertainment infrastructure ecosystems. We convene the full stakeholder “table” — including government and PPP authorities, DFIs, private investors, developers, operators, designers, academics, and specialist legal and commercial advisers — to move projects from concept to feasibility and towards bankability with disciplined governance and measurable impact.

ACG’s flagship initiative, Victory District™, is a co-creation framework for sport and entertainment districts designed for year‑round utilisation, diversified revenues, sustainable operations, and strong social and economic outcomes.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Founding CEO will lead ACG’s flagship Victory District™ proof-of-concept from mandate-driven mobilisation and feasibility through to bankability and financial close, while establishing the governance, operating cadence and stakeholder alignment required for successful delivery. A central part of the role is to architect, secure and institutionalise ACG’s commercial model and income architecture for the flagship project—ensuring it is coherent, defensible and fully embedded in the feasibility and transaction pathway (rather than treated as an afterthought). The CEO will build the platform, playbook and credibility needed to scale ACG into a repeatable, continent-wide sport infrastructure origination engine.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Founding CEO will be responsible for:

• Leading the execution of the first Victory District™ project from feasibility through to bankability and financial close, and ensuring an orderly transition into delivery.
• Coordinating a high-calibre international consortium of advisers and delivery partners under a disciplined governance and reporting cadence.
• Managing government and DFI relationships at senior, institutional level, and maintaining trust, momentum and alignment.
• Architecting and securing ACG’s commercial model and income architecture for the flagship project, ensuring it is contractually documented, bankable, and embedded in the feasibility and transaction pathway.
• Driving commercial structuring, SPV preparation and multi-stakeholder alignment across public and private stakeholders.
• Building ACG into Africa’s leading sport infrastructure origination and development platform, with a scalable pipeline and repeatable playbook.

This role is suited to a senior infrastructure executive with strong project origination experience across PPPs, DFIs and/or sovereign development, ready to step into a founding, continent-scale leadership mandate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the full development cycle of Victory District™ (concept → feasibility → bankability pathway/PPP → SPV → financial close), and oversee the handover into delivery.
• Define ACG’s long-term strategy, platform positioning, project pipeline and expansion across African markets.
• Establish and run a disciplined operating cadence (workplan delivery, steering committee rhythm, reporting, risk and decision logs).

Government & Institutional Engagement

• Represent ACG with Ministers, Heads of State, DFIs and international organisations.
• Lead negotiations and alignment on MoUs, PPP/concession frameworks and SPV arrangements with sovereign authorities and relevant regulators.
• Maintain a credible institutional interface, ensuring stakeholder engagement is orderly, controlled and consistent with confidentiality obligations.

Consortium Management

• Coordinate global partners, including financial, legal, design and technical advisers, ensuring clear scopes, accountability and delivery standards.
• Ensure feasibility, PPP and transaction outputs meet DFI and investment-committee expectations (governance, due diligence readiness, auditability and transparency).
• Manage performance of partners and maintain ACG’s authority within the consortium governance framework.

Commercial & Financial Structuring

• Design and implement ACG’s revenue architecture for the flagship project, ensuring it is commercially coherent, defensible, and aligned with procurement/PPP realities.
• Ensure ACG’s commercial entitlements are properly reflected in feasibility assumptions, SPV budgets and transaction documentation, and do not “disappear” during structuring.
• Oversee investor engagement and readiness for financial close, including coordination of commercial terms, risk allocation and capital formation strategy.

REQUIRED PROFILE

An ideal candidate will bring:

• 15+ years’ experience in infrastructure finance, PPP development, project origination, DFI engagement or sovereign advisory.
• Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure programmes in Africa or emerging markets.
• Strong credibility and relationships across governments, DFIs and leading advisory or engineering firms.
• Gravitas to operate at ministerial, institutional and board level, with strong negotiation and stakeholder leadership capability.
• Demonstrated ability to align political, financial, technical and social dimensions simultaneously — and to translate ambition into bankable structures.
• A genuine commitment to youth development, impact and Africa’s long-term transformation.
• Experience in major stadium projects, urban regeneration, or large-scale mixed-use real estate is advantageous but not essential.

COMPENSATION & PLATFORM VALUE

This is a founder-level CEO opportunity, not a conventional corporate appointment.

The package includes:

• A lean fixed base, reflecting the early-stage, high-impact nature of the platform
• Significant long-term upside through participation in revenue streams generated by the first Victory District™
• Exceptional visibility, reputation building, and long-term career positioning as a champion of the industrialisation of sport in Africa, supported by APO Group’s global communications and media platform

Through APO Group, we guarantee:

• Media positioning as the continental leader of sport industrialisation
• Invitations to relevant major conferences across Africa
• Features in top-tier outlets (BBC, CNN, AFP, Reuters, sport media)
• Introductions to elite networks in government, sports, and DFIs
• Strong personal brand development and long-term career positioning

Full compensation details will be shared during confidential discussions.

All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

APPLY: https://apo-opa.co/4qwFffw

More information: www.ACGAfrica.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Collaborations Group (ACG).