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Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as it Expands Logistics Footprint in Angola

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Africa Global Logistics (AGL) – a leading multimodal logistics, transport and port operations company in Africa – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference as a Bronze Sponsor. The event will take place on September 3-4 in Luanda. AGL’s participation reflects its growing commitment to strengthening supply chains in Angola, as it expands and modernizes logistics and port operations across the country.

Operating through port, road, rail and air freight services, AGL has significantly grown its footprint in Angola in recent years, investing in infrastructure upgrades and offering turnkey logistics management solutions. With one of the largest logistics networks in Africa, the company provides reliable, flexible solutions that support oil and gas projects and create added value. As an AOG 2025 sponsor, AGL aligns with Angola’s broader goals of increasing oil production and boosting intra-African petroleum trade.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AGL’s sponsorship comes at a pivotal time for Angola, as the country prepares to bring several major developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025), the Agogo Integrated West Hub (late 2025), the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields (2026) and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). These projects require coordinated logistics operations to ensure the safe, continuous delivery of supplies – from offshore FPSOs to onshore facilities and export terminals. AGL’s engagement at AOG 2025 is set to foster deeper collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders, supporting these projects through direct engagement and potential partnerships.

In 2024, AGL launched operations at the AGL Lobito Terminal, located at Angola’s largest port hub, the Port of Lobito. The terminal accommodates large-capacity ships and handles over one million tons of bulk goods and more than 100,000 TEU containers annually. AGL won the international tender for the development of the container and multipurpose terminal in 2023, aiming to enhance the port’s connectivity and support Angola’s trade and industrialization ambitions.

In addition to supporting oil and gas trade, the modernized terminal serves as the first Atlantic gateway providing access to Africa’s copper-belt regions. Connected to the Lobito Railway – which links Zambia and the DRC to international markets via the port – the terminal facilitates critical mineral exports and supports the development of agricultural basins across these countries. AGL’s participation at AOG 2025 presents an opportunity for closer engagement across Angola’s upstream, downstream and logistics value chains. As Angola ramps up oil and gas output and expands exports, AGL’s expertise will be instrumental in delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support these ambitions.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Treasury to allocate additional R1.1 billion for political funding 

Source: South Africa News Agency

An additional R1.1 billion in funding will be made available to political parties over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), says Finance Minister Enoch Gondongwana.

“Over the MTEF, an additional R1.1 billion in funding will be made available to political parties. Mindful of next year’s Local Government Elections, however, we are considering availing even further funding,” Gondongwana said on Thursday.

The Minister was speaking at the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Political Party Funding Symposium underway in Durban.

In his address, the Minister said the performance of the economy and the lower revenue collection, presents serious challenges, which “may hinder the implementation of a common funding pool for political contestants supported by the fiscus”.

“In addition to the allocations to the IEC, from 2011/12 to date, funding of R3 billion has been provided to political parties to provide a baseline of public funding to help smaller or newer parties compete more effectively against well-established and privately funded ones,” the Minister said.

Gondongwana said a young democracy like South Africa relies on strong and independent institutions for its longevity and legitimacy.

“These institutions are key to maintaining the checks and balances that are the backbone of any democracy.”

Gondongwana said another equally important component is competitive elections by political parties that are not beholden to private interests and should therefore be publicly funded.

“Political funding in South Africa has historically been opaque, with little regulation or public disclosure until recent years,” he said, adding that for much of the democratic era, political parties were not legally required to reveal their sources of private funding. 

“This raised concern about corruption, undue influence, and lack of accountability.

“This fundamentally shifted with the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA) of 2018, which came into effect on April 1, 2021.”

The Minister said despite these advances, challenges remain in enforcement, local transparency and curbing illicit financing.

“The implementation of the PPFA has in some measure led to a significant drop in private funding for many political parties, making it challenging for them to meet operational costs. There are other pitfalls to the PPFA that we must be honest about and work hard to overcome. 

“Another challenge is that currently, the political party funding legislation does not extend to local government level. This is an area that we must address.

“As National Treasury and government as a whole, we must commit to improving transparency and oversight of political finance to prevent abuse by illicit networks.” 

The Minister said good progress has been made in the course to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

“We have made good progress, as seen in our most update from FATF on our journey to being removed from the grey list, where our reforms to resolve systemic weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and to root the links with political party funding have been recognised.”

READ | SA completes actions to exit grey list

Godongwana said the ability to hold free and fair elections is a vital feature of any democracy, encompassing both procedural (periodic elections) and substantive (freeness and fairness) aspects.

“As custodians of the fiscus, we ensure IEC funding for successful elections. You are all aware of the announcement I made in the much-contested 2025 Budget Speech on funds allocated to the IEC for the hosting of the upcoming local government elections. 

“We have allocated R885 million for the IEC and R550 million for the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to maintain public order.”

READ | Symposium looks into impact of political funding law

The Minister said democracy thrives on continuous debate and a level playing field for the contestation of ideas.

“Transparency is at the heart of party political funding. To make informed choices when voting, voters need to know who is behind the funding of political parties and what agendas they are pursuing. We must curtail opportunities for parties with questionable intentions to gain power.

“This requires a strong fiscus and responsible public finance management, shunning wastage and ensuring traceability of all money flows,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Valor Hospitality Partners announces two significant deals in West Africa, estimated value of R540 million

Valor Hospitality Partners (www.ValorHospitality.com), a global leader in full-service hospitality solutions, today announced the signing of two new hotel management contracts in Nigeria and Senegal representing an investment in excess of approximately R540 million in West Africa. The deals were signed at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place in Cape Town this week.

The significant figure represents the combined capital expenditure for the development and establishment of the two new-build properties.

Both deals are franchise agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. The agreements are to manage the new Holiday Inn SD City in Dakar, Senegal and a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

Significantly, these signings are Valor’s debut in the very dynamic West African market, and join Valor’s portfolio in Central, East and Southern Africa, and further strengthen Valor’s relationship with IHG globally.

Across the two properties, Valor will be responsible for the successful opening and  operational management of each hotel.

“The hospitality sector on the continent is teeming with opportunity, and represents an incredible frontier for the adoption of fully-integrated management services. These signings speak to this reality and we’re excited to further expand our footprint across Africa, not only for its market potential but for the value we can bring in enhancing the sector for all stakeholders – from owners and developers, right down to the guest experience,” says Michael Pownall, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Valor Hospitality Partners.

Beyond the monetary investment, these deals signify confidence in the region’s hospitality and the growing preference for leveraging fully-integrated management services, such as those offered by Valor, to ensure global best-in-class management and operational practices at every level.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts , said: “Valor Hospitality is amongst our key strategic partners in the region and we’re pleased to further extend the partnership as we expand our footprint in high-potential African markets. We look forward to working with Valor in delivering world-class welcoming experiences for travellers, across our portfolio with them.

Pownall adds: “These new deals represent a significant entry into a new, key market – namely Senegal and Nigeria in West Africa. This expansion diversifies our regional presence and strengthens our market position.”

Thanks to the global insights and strategic thinking Valor brings to the industry, combined with their commitment to blending a big-picture view with regional and cultural nuances, Valor is cementing its position as a preferred partner to significant players in the hospitality sector across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Valor Hospitality.

For media inquiries and high-resolution imagesplease contact:
Delia de Villiers
delia@phoenixcollective.world 
+27 73 710 3000

For more information about Valor Hospitality and its innovative approach to hotel management and franchising
visit www.ValorHospitality.com.

ABOUT VALOR HOSPITALITY PARTNERS:
Valor Hospitality Partners (www.ValorHospitality.com) is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With over 90 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting. For more information, visit ValorHospitality.com connect with Valor on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/462xp5L) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3Zzd7Nq).

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CORRECTION: Africa Data Centres and Blue Turtle partner to accelerate South Africa’s digital infrastructure and cloud transformation

Africa Data Centres (https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has formed a commercial partnership with Blue Turtle, one of South Africa’s leading enterprise IT solutions providers, to deploy colocation services in the Cape Town and Midrand data centres. This agreement marks a significant step in expanding South Africa’s enterprise cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling secure, scalable, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services for local enterprise customers.  

The partnership enables Blue Turtle to deploy several racks, providing their enterprise clients with access to world-class, secure, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services. Additionally, this collaboration will also allow South African businesses the opportunity to rapidly embrace cloud computing, digital transformation, and data-driven operations in a scalable, compliant, and high-performance colocation environment.   

“This partnership enables us to offer customers trusted colocation and private cloud solutions in two of South Africa’s most strategic data centre locations,” said Jan Hitge, Head of Managed Services at Blue Turtle. “As enterprise clients increasingly look for secure, scalable, and cost-efficient alternatives to on-premises infrastructure, we anticipate strong market uptake – a confidence reflected in the accelerated ramp-up timeline we’ve committed to.”  

By providing high-availability colocation services backed by regulatory compliance, low-latency connectivity, and disaster recovery capabilities, the partnership is expected to support enterprises in modernising their IT environments, enhancing security posture, and meeting evolving data sovereignty requirements under laws such as South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).  

“This agreement is about more than just filling racks; it’s about enabling digital transformation across the economy,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “Blue Turtle brings a strong client base and the ability to scale rapidly, making them an ideal partner in our mission to deliver secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure across South Africa. As demand for trusted infrastructure continues to climb, we will work towards this partnership evolving to support broader cloud initiatives, edge computing, and AI-ready infrastructure deployments.”  

With commercial partners like Blue Turtle, Africa Data Centres continues to expand its footprint and impact across the continent, powering the next phase of enterprise transformation and solidifying South Africa’s status as a leading technology hub in Africa.  

Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent’s largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, will benefit from Blue Turtle’s strong go-to-market capabilities and proven track record in delivering IT solutions to South Africa’s enterprise sector. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa’s small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com  

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Sharif Salim Al-Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies to discuss collaborative opportunities in oil and gas. Taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event is the premier platform for Africa’s energy industry. Al-Olama’s participation is expected to open new doors for multilateral deals and partnerships.  

The UAE has emerged as Africa’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with investments from Emirati companies totaling $110 billion between 2019 and 2023. This reflects a broader trend by Emirati companies to expand their portfolios in Africa, with strengthened cooperation set to unlock a wealth of development opportunities for African nations. As African countries pursue new sources of finance to advance projects in oil, gas and logistics, UAE expertise and technology will prove invaluable. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Al-Olama is expected to share insights into opportunities for UAE-Africa collaboration.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Looking to consolidate its position as a major player in Africa’s energy landscape, the UAE has strengthened ties with African nations in recent months. A deal signed with Morocco will see the UAE support the development of the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline – transporting Nigerian gas to North Africa and then on to Europe. The UAE will help mobilize financing for the project through its Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund. As of May 2025, the feasibility and preliminary engineering studies for the pipeline were complete. Agreements have also been signed with Tanzania for the operation and modernization of port infrastructure while the UAE and Kenya signed a landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2025. The UAE also launched the UAE-Africa Gateway initiative in 2025, aimed at enhancing investment opportunities for Emirati companies in the sub-Saharan African region. The initiative seeks to mobilize private sector investment to advance African projects and strengthen UAE-Africa cooperation.  

The UAE’s state-owned oil and gas companies are also expanding their presence in Africa. Notably, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is deepening its footprint across the continent, with strategic investments in exploration and infrastructure development. Recent milestones include ADNOC’s international arm XRG acquiring a 10% stake in Mozambique’s offshore Rovuma Basin Area 4 concession. The acquisition includes stakes in the operational Coral South FLNG project, the planned Coral North FLNG project and the Rovuma LNG projects. Collectively, these projects have a target production capacity of 25 million tons per annum. In Egypt, ADNOC partnered with energy major bp to establish Arcius Energy – a natural gas platform to unlock the country’s upstream potential. The platform aligns with ADNOC’s international expansion plans.  

Beyond oil and gas, UAE-based companies have played an instrumental role in strengthening Africa’s trade and logistics sector. Companies such as DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports have expanded their presence across the continent. DP World operates six African ports while Abu Dhabi Ports have recently extended operations into Guinea, Egypt and Angola. In the clean energy space, Emirati companies are leading projects in solar, green hydrogen and power. Notably, Masdar has committed $2 billion to renewable energy projects in Africa through 2030, unlocking significant opportunities for African countries. AMEA Power is investing in a series of renewable energy projects across the continent, including $620 million in a 300MW wind project in Ethiopia; a 120 million solar project in South Africa; a 1GW green hydrogen development in Mauritania; two battery storage projects in South Africa; a 150 MW solar plant in Angola; among others. Currently, the company has more than 2.6 GW of clean energy projects either in operation of under construction in Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Togo and Tunisia.  

“The UAE has emerged as a strong partner for African countries seeking to advance the development of their oil, gas, clean energy and infrastructure industries. By expanding their presence across the market, partnering with African firms and mobilizing capital for impactful projects, Emirati companies are playing a major role in supporting Africa’s economic growth,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Call to nominate candidates to serve SAHRA reopened

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has encouraged the public to nominate women, youth, and persons with disabilities to serve as members of the Council of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), in line with government’s commitment to promote diversity and inclusion. 

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, reopened the call for nominations to the general public to nominate suitable persons to serve SAHRA from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2028. 

“Nominated candidates should possess broad knowledge and skills on the Council, inter alia, in the fields of archaeology, architecture, amasiko, law paleontology, shipwrecks, social history, victims of conflict and urban planning, managerial and financial expertise, legal knowledge and knowledge of marketing and liaison, fundraising, education and cultural/social research, as well as a willingness to render community service.

“Individuals who have already been nominated during the previous call must not resubmit their nominations. All previously submitted nominations remain valid and will be considered,” the department said.

Anyone wishing to nominate persons to serve as members of Council of the South African Heritage Resources Agency should submit the following:

  • A letter containing full names, address, and telephone numbers of the nominee, giving reasons for nomination.
  • Recently updated Curriculum Vitae of the nominee, including three contactable references.
  • A brief statement signed by the nominee accepting the nomination and explaining his/her suitability for appointment.
  • Certified copies of qualifications and ID document.

“No nomination will be considered unless all of the above are included. Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. Should you not be contacted within three months from the closing date, consider your nomination unsuccessful. Suitability and background checks will be conducted prior to the appointment of recommended candidates,” the department said.

The closing date for nominations is 26 June 2025.

Nominations must be submitted by email to SAHRA.Nominations@dsac.gov.za. –SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape prepares for severe cold, wet weather

Source: South Africa News Agency

Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, has confirmed that the provincial government is ready for the upcoming winter season. 

Several days of cold and wet weather are forecasted for the remainder of this week and into next week in the Western Cape. 

Bredell announced that disaster and emergency services will closely monitor the situation to respond swiftly where needed.

“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre coordinates and supports the district disaster centres, and each local municipality in the province knows what is expected during the coming winter months to keep people safe,” Bredell said.

In light of the recent tragic drowning of a young woman at a low-level bridge in Slanghoek, Bredell emphasised the importance of reminding the public about safety precautions during inclement weather.

In addition, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has advised residents to create a household emergency plan to ensure they know what to do in the event of a flood.

“Assess where you live, as your home may flood if you are near a river or if there is poor drainage. Assemble a grab-and-go kit and keep it in a designated, easily accessible location,” the centre said.

The grab-and-go kit should contain:

•    Important documents such as IDs, passports, birth certificates, policies and clinic cards.

•    Cellphone charger.

•    Essential medication and copies of prescriptions.

•    Credit cards and money.

•    First aid kit. 

“We appeal to the public not to litter or dump in stormwater drains, as this will stop the water from draining away and cause even more flooding,” Bredell said.

When heavy rains occur, it is important to keep the following points in mind:

•    Stay informed and heed warnings. Listen to the radio or check reliable social media sources, such as the South African Weather Services or your local municipality, for updates on areas at risk of flooding.

•    Store a supply of drinking water.

•    If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.

•    If told to evacuate by authorities, please do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.

•    Avoid areas, roads, and passes that are subject to sudden flooding.

•    Avoid damaged live electrical infrastructure.

•    Avoid walking or driving through flooded roads. Just 15 cm of fast-moving water can knock you down, and a depth of two feet can float a car. Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through rapidly flowing water.

•    Avoid contact with flood water as it can be mixed with sewerage, oil, fuel, or dangerous chemicals.

•    Prevent children from playing in and near flood waters. 

Bredell asked the public to trust and listen to emergency personnel when instructions are issued relating to flood prevention or during rescue operations. 

“These men and women are trained to keep us safe, and they risk their own lives to do this. We can reduce these risks by giving our full cooperation and sharing a mindset of rather safe than sorry.” 

On Friday last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to offer support and assess the damage following the recent floods that killed about 90 people.

The floods have caused widespread destruction to homes, government facilities, roads, hospitals, and schools, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change.

President Ramaphosa said that this is becoming a new reality for South Africa, with both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experiencing recurring annual disasters. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA sends 10 critically endangered Black rhinos to Mozambique

Source: South Africa News Agency

Ten additional black rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique to help secure the first founder population of black rhinos since becoming locally extinct 50 years ago.

The rhinos, including five males and five females, were donated by South Africa’s provincial conservation entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation. 

The translocation was made possible through funding from the United Kingdom’s People’s Postcode Lottery.

By reintroducing wildlife to areas where the species once thrived, biodiversity is restored. The preservation of natural ecosystems is one of the most effective tools in mitigating climate change. Through the creation of ecosystem ‘carbon sinks’, these ecosystems can increase global carbon uptake by up to 12 times.

With 37 rhinos already introduced and thriving, this initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and reinforce the park as Mozambique’s only ‘big five’ national park, setting a new standard for wildlife conservation and ecological restoration.

Peace Parks Foundation approached Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for a donation of black rhinos to boost the numbers to form a viable breeding population of black rhinos in Mozambique. 

An agreement was reached on the ten rhinos sourced from Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo’s three Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The rhinos were initially relocated to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, where they were housed in specially prepared holding facilities in preparation for the 48-hour journey to Zinave.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, described this as a significant conservation success.

Goerge commended the Government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone, noting that establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species.

“South Africa’s successes in rhino conservation and the implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have stabilised its rhino populations, thereby placing the country in a position as a source of rhino for range States in Africa which have either lost many or all of their rhino and wish to re-establish populations or augment current populations, as is the case with this translocation. 

“The export and import of these valuable black rhinos have been done in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’s legislation of both countries,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

To ensure successful translocation and compliance with all the required permits, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Management Inspectors (EMIs), together with officials from Border Management Authority (BMA), played a crucial role during the loading and endorsement of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits at the ports of exit. 

During the loading this week, the departmental EMIs ensured that all the allocated microchip numbers, as prescribed in the CITES permits, correspond with those inserted in the live rhino.

The first rhinos were successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in 2022, in the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken. 

This initiative, the result of a partnership between Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation, marked the beginning of Mozambique’s efforts to rebuild founder white and black rhino populations as part of a national conservation initiative to reintroduce rhinos in the country. 

In 2023, Peace Parks received a funding award of £800,000, raised by players of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery towards the translocation of ten more black rhinos to Zinave, which enabled this critical next phase in rhino rewilding.

“Supporting the rewilding of critically endangered species like the black rhino is at the heart of what we believe in — creating lasting impact for people and planet. I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been able to support Peace Parks Foundation. 

“This historic translocation to Zinave National Park simply wouldn’t have happened without player-raised funding. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together across borders to restore nature and protect our shared future,” Managing Director of UK People’s Postcode Lottery Clara Govier said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Passion Meets Innovation: Hong Kong’s Leap into Football’s Future

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

The future of football is being written in Asia. It starts in Hong Kong.

World Football Summit (WFS) is set to redefine the global football landscape with its inaugural Hong Kong summit on September 2nd-4th, marking a pivotal moment where technology, culture, and strategic vision converge at the heart of Asia’s football revolution.

As the Asian football market surges to a remarkable USD 7.187 billion, with digital engagement breaking records and investment opportunities expanding, this summit represents a critical junction in the sport’s global narrative. The Asian Football Confederation has witnessed a 20% growth in digital followers, with website page views exploding by 258%—a testament to a market on the brink of unprecedented transformation.

“Our Hong Kong summit transcends a traditional conference,” explains Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director at World Football Summit. “We’re creating a global platform where football’s most innovative minds will explore how East and West can reshape the beautiful game’s future.”

The inaugural WFS Hong Kong, proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is designed to provide a platform where football legends meet tech innovators. Where East meets West. Where digital transformation isn’t just discussed—it’s demonstrated.

Part of the lineup reads like a football hall of fame, given the caliber of the legends that have confirmed their participation so far.

  • Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United legend
  • Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 Ballon d’Or winner, member of the 2006 WC winning team
  • John Terry, Chelsea FC legend
  • Romy Gai, Chief Commercial Officer, FIFA
  • Javier Zanetti, Inter Milan Vice President and legend
  • Carles Puyol, Barcelona legend and member of the 2010 World Cup winning team
  • Davor Suker, former Croatian FA President, 1998 WC Golden Boot
  • Fabio Capello, former football coach and player
  • Pierluigi Collina, former famous referee and Chairman at FIFA Referee Committee

In addition to these global football icons, prominent local leaders will also be taking part in the event. These include:

  • Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group
  • John Sharkey, CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park
  • Crystal Wong, Vice President – Asset Management at K11 Concepts Limited

The full lineup of speakers will dive deep into the most critical questions facing football:

  • How do digital technologies redefine fan experiences?
  • What are the new investment models in sports?
  • Hong Kong: a new hub for sports development?

The general summit themes are razor-sharp:

  • Fan Engagement in the Digital Age
  • Football’s Cultural Crossroads
  • East and West: Reimagining Football Relationships
  • Digital Transformation and Innovation

“Hong Kong represents a unique gateway between global football markets,” added Filipe Gonçalves, Chairman at Asia Partners IFBD, WFS strategic partner in Asia. “This summit is not just an event—it’s a strategic bridge connecting diverse football ecosystems, positioning Asia at the forefront of the sport’s next evolution.”

From broadcasting innovations to sustainable business models, from talent development to cross-continental investments, the WFS Hong Kong summit will provide an unparalleled platform for connection, insight, and strategic thinking. With an expected attendance of over 4,000 international industry professionals and more than 100 speakers, the event promises to be a defining moment in football’s global evolution.

A dedicated fan zone will transform the event from a conference into a celebration. Interactive experiences, egaming, football skills competitions, classic memorabilia—this is where strategy meets passion.​

Global football summit brought to Hong Kong for the first time, proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board

World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025 is proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. With the tremendous support, WFS is aimed to elevate the city’s positioning as a premier destination for global sports business and innovation.

By supporting WFS, the Hong Kong Tourism Board reaffirms its commitment to attracting world-class international events and leveraging the power of football to enhance the city’s global appeal, economic development, and regional influence within the Greater Bay Area.

This partnership highlights the shared vision of making Hong Kong a central hub for the future of the sports industry in Asia and beyond.

Event Details:

  • Date: 2nd-4th September, 2025
  • Location: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong
  • Focus: Connecting the global football ecosystem
  • Expected Attendance: 4,000+ international professionals

The future of football is being written. Will you read it or write it?

– on behalf of World Football Summit.

Contact and media accreditation:
Jaime Domínguez –
Communications Director,
World Football Summit
press@worldfootballsummit.com

Marta Lop –
Marketing Director APAC
World Football Summit
marta.lop@worldfootballsummit.com

About World Football Summit:
World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.

About Asia Partners IFBD:
Asia Partners IFBD is a premier investment IP company specialising in the sports sector. We focus on investing in innovative intellectual property (IP) concepts and collaborating with top-tier players in the industry. Our extensive network and expertise allow us to work alongside the best football players and organizations.

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Africa Future Hospitality Summit underway in Cape Town

Source: South Africa News Agency

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed delegates from across the world to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa which is currently underway in Cape Town.

For over a decade the Future Hospitality Summit Africa – previously known as AHIF – has served as a launchpad for hospitality investment across the continent, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape. 

The summit, which began on Tuesday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), gathers global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders who are dedicated to turning potential into reality. The summit concludes on Thursday, 19 June.

In his address, Meyer emphasised the province’s dynamic role in shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“Cape Town is not just a backdrop; it is a beacon of possibility. But our world-class infrastructure, stable governance, and vibrant economic ecosystem make the Western Cape Africa’s gateway to investment,” Meyer said. 

The MEC also touched on the upcoming Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, which is set to take place from 5-7 November.

This summit serves as a transformative platform aimed at connecting global capital with high-impact opportunities.

Aligned with the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, the summit seeks to attract R200 billion in direct investment, to develop an inclusive R1 trillion economy that grows at an annual rate of 3-5% by 2035.

According to the provincial department, the hospitality and tourism sectors are essential components of this vision.

In April 2025, Cape Town’s hotels recorded an impressive occupancy rate of 72.5%, along with a 20.1% year-on-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR).

Meanwhile, the luxury properties led the charge, reinforcing the city’s status as a global tourism hub.

The summit will showcase investment-ready projects across nine sectors, with tourism and hospitality offering premium experiences, cultural capital, and tech-driven innovation. 

The gathering will provide streamlined regulatory support, expedited approvals, and direct access to key decision-makers.
Meyer concluded with a call to action to join the Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, aiming to shape the future of hospitality and tourism in Africa.

“Together, we can create jobs, uplift communities, and position the Western Cape as Africa’s investment leader.” – SAnews.gov.za