Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

Demonstrating its continuous innovation, Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces multiple enhancements to its toner-based imagePRESS V1000 production printer, boosting its productivity, reliability, and application versatility. Building on the foundation of more than 700 successful installations across EMEA, the V1000 now features new hardware and firmware upgrades, including a vacuum-fed paper deck, an updated user interface, and compatibility with long-sheet handling accessories. The imagePRESS V1000, together with the rest of the Canon cut-sheet production toner portfolio, has also been awarded the highest INGEDE [1] certification for the deinkability of its printed output, demonstrating once again Canon’s commitment to sustainability.

Responding to customer feedback, Canon has introduced a new vacuum-fed paper deck for the imagePRESS V1000, a feature previously available only on the V1350. This suction-feeding and paper separation technology delivers more reliable paper handling, particularly with challenging media types, while maintaining the press’s compact footprint as the most space-efficient production device in its class. Extending its application capabilities, the imagePRESS V1000 is also now compatible with the Plockmatic LCT XL (Large Capacity Tray), supporting media weights up to 400gsm and efficiently handling long sheets up to 700mm/27.5 inches long from two vacuum trays and sheets up to 1,300mm/51.1 inches from the LSM long-sheet tray above the two trays. This expansion significantly increases the automated production of output such as landscape booklets, trifold brochures and gate-folded applications.

Improved user experience

The imagePRESS V1000 now comes with a new, larger operating panel for the PRISMAsync print server, making the system more user-friendly and efficient to operate. The 533mm/21-inch panel enhances visibility of workflow and printer functions, providing a more intuitive interface where operators can check all information in one screen, including media loaded in paper decks. Allowing operators and users to be more self-reliant and reducing the need for service visits for routine maintenance issues, Canon also continues to support cloud-based e-maintenance on the imagePRESS V series. Beneficial to all customers, this feature is particularly valuable for customers in remote locations, further enhancing productivity, uptime, and overall value for money.

Quality and sustainability leadership

The imagePRESS V1000 continues to meet high standards for both quality and sustainability. Its FOGRA 51 certification confirms its ability to deliver exceptional print quality and it does so without compromising on productivity – a balance that is typically difficult to achieve on toner presses. The V1000 produces output with a colour gamut that meets the FOGRA 51 standard without additional colour stations.

In line with Canon’s goal of reducing its environmental impact, the imagePRESS V1000 has also received INGEDE certification for ‘good’ deinkability, the highest category awarded by the non-profit association, which is committed to maintaining and improving the recyclability of graphic print products. This certification confirms that output from the imagePRESS V1000 can be efficiently recycled, supporting circular economy principles.

Proven reliability

The reliable performance of the imagePRESS V1000 is evidenced by customers like UWV, the public organisation in the Netherlands responsible for implementing employee insurance schemes and providing social security services. Operating a dedicated, in-house print centre to manage all its outgoing customer communications, UWV prints an average of 2.5 million A4 pages each month on five identically configured V1000 presses, enabling UWV to handle a daily volume of 144,000 impressions within a 5-6 hour production window.

Hans Schmidbauer, Director, Marketing & Innovation, Production Printing Group, Canon EMEA says: “At Canon, we’re very conscious of the ever-growing pressure on turnaround time that is placed on our customers by their own, so we continuously look to offer technology improvements that will result in greater workflow efficiency and productivity. With these multiple enhancements to the imagePRESS V1000, we’re reaffirming our commitment to the toner-based production print market and ensuring that we continue to offer our customers the industry’s broadest range of both toner and inkjet printing technologies.

“While others may be shifting focus, Canon continues to invest in toner technology to meet the ongoing demand of our customers for high-quality, reliable, on-demand printing. The improvements to the imagePRESS V1000 we’re announcing again demonstrate our approach to customer-driven innovation, ensuring that Canon remains at the forefront of digital production printing technology while helping our customers add value throughout their production workflow, expand their application range and migrate more volume from offset to digital printing.”

The enhanced imagePRESS V1000 with vacuum-feed paper deck is available immediately from Canon’s direct sales organisations and accredited channel partners. The press is available with either a PRISMAsync or Fiery controller, both of which have been updated for more efficient usability.

For more information about the imagePRESS V1000, please go to:

https://apo-opa.co/47gOGZy

– 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/47nIQpc) – ‘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 – Report:

LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism) Africa (https://LEAPAfrica.org), a pan-African non-profit organization committed to leadership, development and youth empowerment, in partnership with Dow, a global material science company, and a dynamic network of regional collaborators, is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Day of Service (YDoS) 2025 campaign, an annual celebration of youth agency and volunteerism driving sustainable change across Africa. 

Now in its sixth edition, YDoS 2025, themed “From Ideas to Impact”, builds on a series of impactful activities already underway, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) themed Bootcamp and ongoing webinar series, and now calls on young people across the continent to imagine, design, and execute community-focused service projects between August 1st and August 31st, 2025. 

“We are proud to collaborate with LEAP Africa for the fourth consecutive year as part of our commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through meaningful service. By supporting the Youth Day of Service, we aim to inspire young people across the continent to harness their creativity and energy for the betterment of their communities. Through our partnership, we hope to amplify youth-led initiatives, promote cross-sector collaboration, and contribute to lasting, positive change throughout Africa,” said Mumbi Keega, Public Affairs Leader, Dow Africa.  

The campaign provides a platform for youth-led social impact, giving young people the tools, visibility, and support to drive solutions in areas such as education, health, climate action, gender equality, civic engagement, and more. From street clean-ups and digital literacy workshops to environmental advocacy and youth empowerment initiatives, YDoS is igniting a new era of action-oriented leadership in Africa. 

“The Youth Day of Service is more than a campaign. It’s a continent-wide call to action that recognises the power of young people to drive transformation where it’s needed most,” said Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa. “It’s about shifting from potential to impact,  and from moment to movement.” 

Why YDoS Matters 

According to the United Nations. (2017). World population prospects: The 2017 revision – Key findings and advance tables, Africa is home to the largest youth population in the world. Yet, millions of these young people remain under-engaged in governance, economic development, and civic life. The YDoS campaign confronts this challenge head-on by empowering young people to lead, serve, and shape the future of their communities, not tomorrow, but today. 

Since its inception, YDoS has: 

• Engaged over 20,000 youth volunteers across 30+ African countries 
• Delivered 4,000+ community impact projects 
• Partnered with over 50 organisations and institutions 
• Inspired cross-sector collaboration between young changemakers, private sector leaders, civil society, and public institutions 

This year’s campaign aims to double that impact by providing increased access to project grants, mentorship, and digital storytelling platforms to spotlight youth efforts across borders. 

How to Get Involved 

Young people, youth groups, NGOs, schools, corporate partners, and civic organisations are invited to lead a project or volunteer for one through the official campaign website: www.YouthDayofService.org 

Registered participants receive access to a planning toolkit, social media support, and potential seed funding to bring their ideas to life. Projects can range from one-day actions to ongoing initiatives, as long as they’re driven by purpose and youth-led. 

– on behalf of LEAP Africa.

Media Contact: 
Hembadoon Inyamkume 
Communications & PR Manager, LEAP Africa 
hinyamkume@leapafrica.org 
+23408119652975 
www.YouthDayofService.org 

About YDoS:
The Youth Day of Service is an annual pan-African campaign coordinated by LEAP Africa, designed to harness the creativity, energy, and leadership of African youth through community-led service. It marks International Youth Day by shifting the focus from celebration to action. 

About LEAP Africa:
LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism) Africa is a youth-focused leadership development organisation committed to raising transformative leaders who will drive sustainable development across Africa. Founded in 2002, LEAP Africa is renowned for pioneering impactful youth-focused initiatives that equip young people with the skills, values, and tools needed to lead ethically and solve critical challenges in their communities. 

With a strong presence across Nigeria and partnerships spanning the continent, LEAP Africa empowers youth through leadership development, social innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and policy advocacy.  

About Dow:
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.Dow.com. 

Source: APO – Report:

.

Parliament has mourned the passing of Hon. Rhoda Nsibirwa Kalema, a trailblazer in Uganda’s political history and a champion of women’s rights, who passed away on 3 August 2025.

She was 96.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, while opening the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 described Kalema as “a remarkable leader whose legacy will live after her demise.”

Hon. Rhoda Nsibirwa Kalema was one of the first two female members of the National Consultative Council (NCC), the third Parliament of Uganda, serving from 1979 to 1980, and later represented Kiboga district in the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.

“She served in several cabinet positions, notably as Minister of Culture and Community Development and Deputy Minister for Public Service. On behalf of Parliament and myself, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Kiboga, and all the women of Uganda,” Among said, before leading the House in a moment of silence.

AUDIO: Speaker Among

Hon. Christine Kaaya (NUP, Kiboga District) said the people of Kiboga had lost a mother, mentor and strategist.

“She was a woman activist who always offered guidance. When I was elected, she told me she would push for three more years and I thank God she lived to see them,” Kaaya said.

Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola South), speaking on behalf of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), described Kalema as a commendable figure who served with distinction as a public servant, politician, and cultural leader in Buganda.

She urged Parliament to use the tribute sessions to highlight issues of human rights, including the pending bill on labour externalisation.

“As women, we have lost a hero. Her work in human rights should inspire us to pass legislation that protects migrant workers and vulnerable citizens,” Namugga said.

State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, said that government will release the official burial programme on Wednesday.

Speaker Among also directed the government to ensure that local leaders from Kiboga district are incorporated in all funeral arrangements.

Born in 1929, Kalema was the daughter of former Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa. She studied social work in the United Kingdom before returning to Uganda, where she rose to prominence in 1979 as a member of the NCC and went on to shape Uganda’s democratic journey during turbulent times.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

.

“The best way to build peace is when people sit down together to talk, forgive one another and reconcile.”

Archbishop Samuel Enosa Peni is a great believer in the power of traditional justice processes to resolve grievances and ensure accountability for wrongdoing.

The Chairperson of the Inter-Church Committee in Western Equatoria was among 45 influential faith-based leaders and chiefs from Ezo, Tambura and Nagero counties who gathered for a workshop on the implementation of provisions for traditional justice mechanisms, contained within the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Since 2021, Western Equatoria has been plagued by a surge in violence between armed groups which has cost hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of families from their homes. Mother of seven and prominent women’s advocate, Aida Kazima, is among those affected. 

“There has been no accountability for the huge harm that we have suffered,” she says. “Justice is essential for peace. It’s also crucial that women can access and actively participate in these mechanisms because, too often, we are excluded.”

Nagero resident, Clement Ali Leben, says the workshop will enable him to strengthen understanding about traditional justice processes among others back home.

“I will inform all community leaders about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation for achieving peace,” he says. “Resolving conflicts needs grassroots engagement so that all parties can voice their concerns and find solutions together.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is protecting civilians through proactive peacekeeping patrols across Western Equatoria, particularly in Tambura where it established a temporary base in response to increased violence. The mission is also focused on bringing diverse communities together to build trust and confidence, and to work together to progress the peace agreement at the grassroots level.

“Our role is to support all efforts to promote human rights, justice and accountability, and sustainable peace,” says UNMISS representative, Opubo Goodhead. “This workshop provided an opportunity for community leaders to come together to discuss locally led solutions.” 

The event was organized by UNMISS, in collaboration with the Western Equatoria Inter-Church Committee, the United Nations Development Programme, South Sudan Council of Churches, and National Ministry of Peacebuilding.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

.

Rebecca Zuagin remembers a time when simply selling tea and porridge in Pibor town was a struggle.

Her small restaurant, her lifeline, faced a relentless onslaught. 

“The experience was painful,” Rebecca recalls. “We faced challenges on two fronts: insecurity and flooding. My restaurant would be under water almost every day, and it was nearly impossible to do business.” 

These hardships had a devastating impact on Rebecca and her family. Providing food for her loved ones and paying school fees for her six children, who sought refuge in Uganda during the civil war, became an insurmountable task.

The flooding poses a threat far beyond disrupting daily life. It has forced thousands to abandon their homes and seek protection on higher ground as well as inflicting severe damage on critical infrastructure, with impassable roads making it almost impossible for communities to access markets, humanitarian aid or to connect for peacebuilding.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, in collaboration with humanitarian partners and local authorities, are doing their utmost to help communities combat these challenges. 

Peacekeepers have increased efforts to protect civilians and deter violence by patrolling to all corners of the region and bringing feuding communities together for reconciliation and peacebuilding.

“Our priority is to protect and connect with those we serve, particularly women and youth. We are relentlessly focused on innovative ways to engage all diverse communities across Jonglei in activities that promote trust and confidence and build peace,” says UNMISS Head of Field Office in Bor, Geetha Pious. 

The peacekeeping mission has also constructed five kilometers of new dykes, which protect communities from the ravages of the rainy season and the airstrip, which is the main entry point for humanitarian supplies. 

“Today, I can confidently do business without fear because the security situation in and around town has improved and the new dykes are protecting my shop,” explains Rebecca. “On a good day, I can earn enough money to feed my family and ensure my children can go to school.”

Judia Oleyo Ngare, a bread maker in Langachot residential area, echoes these sentiments.

“Unlike previous times, I am no longer afraid, and I can feed my family of 10.” 

Youth are also profoundly impacted.

“All we need is harmony and it is only achievable through conflict resolution,” shared Aphir Cham Agada, underscoring the transformative power of community dialogue in preventing violence and promoting much deserved peace.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé, has taken formal leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after two years of service as Germany’s official diplomatic representative in Sierra Leone.

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, expressed gratitude to President Bio for granting the audience. He described Ambassador Kraus-Massé as a true friend of Sierra Leone, noting that during his tenure, the Ambassador had worked on a range of initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Jens Kraus-Massé thanked President Bio for the hospitality extended to him, his wife, and the Deputy Head of Mission. He described his time in Sierra Leone as exciting and impactful, and said he was proud of the country’s progress under President Bio’s leadership.

“Your Excellency, we are proud of the strides Sierra Leone is making under your leadership and your unwavering commitment to transforming this nation,” the Ambassador said. “I want to congratulate you on your recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.”

He acknowledged that President Bio’s appointment at ECOWAS came during a challenging period but emphasized that it was a significant achievement for both the President and the country. He also commended President Bio’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s presence at the United Nations Security Council.

Ambassador Kraus-Massé praised President Bio’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, stating, “The composition of your cabinet stands as one of the strongest indicators of your dedication to promoting women. Thank you, Your Excellency.”

He went on to share a personal reflection from one of his provincial visits, noting that more girls are now pursuing science subjects than boys, an outcome he attributed to the President’s investment in human capital development. “This is incredible,” he said. “Investing in the future of your country through education is truly commendable.”

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked Ambassador Kraus-Massé for his invaluable contributions to Sierra Leone’s development agenda and diplomatic engagement over the past two years.

He acknowledged the Ambassador’s role in strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Germany, as well as enhancing cooperation with the European Union.

President Bio concluded by wishing Ambassador Kraus-Massé well in his next diplomatic assignment and extended an open invitation for future visits to Sierra Leone.

– on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

F6 Group, a newly formed entity integrating venture capital and entrepreneurial support, announces its official launch, anchored by two powerful arms: F6 Ventures, a newly launched seed-stage investment firm, and Flat6Labs (https://Flat6Labs.com), the region’s most recognized startup accelerator platform. Together, they represent a bold evolution of the company’s 14-year journey, bringing sharper focus, expanded reach, and deeper capabilities to support founders and ecosystems across the Middle East and Africa.

At the core of this transformation is F6 Ventures, the Group’s dedicated venture capital arm to be managing six funds with over $90 million in assets under management (AUM) and a track record of 300+ companies invested into by the Partners. Focused on seed and early-stage investments across the Middle East and Africa, F6 Ventures is positioned to become a market leader in seed-stage investing across emerging ecosystems, as it addresses a pressing funding gap at the most critical phase of startup development: the pre-seed and seed stages.

Co-Founded by Dina el-Shenoufy and Ramez El-Serafy, the firm leverages F6 Group’s extensive regional presence and legacy of empowering entrepreneurial talent, through the long-standing work of Flat6Labs, previously under the leadership of el-Shenoufy and El-Serafy, to back visionary founders, scale tech-driven innovation, and create lasting value for stakeholders.

“F6 Ventures marks a new era in our journey, bringing focused capital and sharper execution to support the region’s boldest founders.” said Dina el-Shenoufy, Co-Founder and General Partner at F6 Ventures. “We are extending our commitment to early-stage startups to help them scale from idea to impact.”

Backed by the extensive regional footprint and entrepreneurial legacy of F6 Group and headquartered in Cairo, with offices in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Amman Tunis, and Nairobi, F6 Ventures is also led by the regional partners, namely Eyad Albayouk, Ryaan Sharif, Rasha Manna, Walid Triki, and Christine Namara. Together, this seasoned leadership team brings decades of experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and market development across the Middle East and Africa.

“Over more than a decade, we’ve empowered thousands of founders and helped bold ideas grow into market-leading startups. I’m excited to begin this new chapter with F6 Ventures helping founders scale faster and drive the next wave of innovation,” said Ramez El-Serafy, Co-Founder and General Partner at F6 Ventures.

Meanwhile, maintaining the regionally renowned brand name, and with the leadership of newly appointed CEO, Yehia Houry, Flat6Labs sharpens its focus on founder support, innovation, and ecosystem growth across emerging markets. Building on more than 14 years of proven impact, it remains the region’s leading platform for world-class startup programs and ecosystem-building initiatives, deepening its mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive regional innovation .

Both entities operate under the unified structure of F6 Group led by Dina el-Shenoufy as CEO and Hany Al Sonbaty, Founder and Chairman, ensuring a unified strategy that combines venture capital and entrepreneurial support programs to advance innovation across emerging markets.

Looking ahead, F6 Ventures plans to launch multiple new regional funds across Africa, the GCC, and Levant, with a goal of expanding its AUMs to $200 million and investing in over 200 companies within the next five years.

F6 Group brings together venture capital and founder support under one platform, purpose-built to serve startups across emerging markets. By aligning investment and programmatic expertise, F6 Group delivers unmatched access to capital, programs, and expertise – turning visionary founders into market leaders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Flat6Labs.

For press inquiries, contact info@f6.vc

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is proud to announce that Seyi Oladapo, Group CFO of Pan Ocean and the Newcross Companies, will be joining the continent’s premier energy event in Cape Town. His participation brings one of Nigeria’s most strategically positioned private energy players to the forefront of conversations on upstream growth, local capacity building and unlocking new investment across Africa’s hydrocarbon value chain.

As one of Nigeria’s most established oil companies, Pan Ocean is accelerating its growth – deploying advanced technologies such as aerial drones and ultrasonic meters to enhance asset security – pursuing an ambitious well-drilling campaign, and supporting Nigeria’s goal to reach 2 million barrels per day by 2025, while working to eliminate gas flaring by 2030. Pan Ocean and NewCross recently held a high-level meeting with NNPC leadership, underscoring their commitment to aligning with national strategic priorities and strengthening partnerships across the oil and gas exploration and production sectors.

Together with its sister company NewCross, Pan Ocean is carrying out drilling on OML 24, which is expected to add approximately 1,500 barrels per day of oil and around 4 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The company also recently commissioned a vapor recovery unit compressor that channels gas to a processing plant, reducing flaring and improving efficiency. At AEW 2025, Oladapo’s participation will provide valuable insights into how Pan Ocean is using financial strategy to scale operations, manage risk and build strategic partnerships amid a rapidly evolving regional energy landscape.

“Pan Ocean and Newcross exemplify how indigenous private leadership can deliver meaningful growth and infrastructure value in Nigeria’s energy sector. Their participation at AEW 2025 reflects Africa’s shift toward home-grown, investment-ready energy operators that can partner globally and deliver local impact,” says Oré  Onagbesan (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g), Program Director (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g), AEW: Invest in African Energies (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g).

Oladapo’s engagement at AEW 2025 underscores the importance of Nigeria’s private sector in driving upstream capacity, aligning with broader continental goals of self-reliance, energy infrastructure development and investment draw. His participation also highlights how innovative financing and strategic partnerships are essential to unlocking Nigeria – and Africa’s – vast energy potential and securing sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
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 www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.