Category: English

Posted on

Azentio reimagines speed and personalization for retail, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), and corporate lenders with its next-gen loan origination offering

Source: APO


.

Azentio Software (www.Azentio.com) , a leading technology enabler in the BFSI space, announced the launch of Azentio Loan Origination, its next-generation product that redefines how financial institutions scale credit operations across retail, SME, and corporate segments, and supports both conventional and Islamic financing.

According to Deloitte (http://apo-opa.co/46lKYvA), today’s lending market demands speed, personalization, and easy digital access. Azentio Loan Origination enables banks and financial institutions to onboard customers quickly, make accurate credit decisions, and provide a seamless borrower experience, all while staying compliant with evolving regulations.

Reimagining speed and personalization in lending

With Azentio Loan Origination, lenders can launch new products up to 70% faster. Built-in compliance for each region shortens time-to-market from months to weeks. This enables lenders to avoid delays, accelerate innovation, and identify new growth opportunities.

Smarter credit decisions for precision and efficiency

Azentio’s new loan origination offering streamlines every step of credit decisioning with automation at its core. Its policy-driven framework seamlessly integrates with KYC, AML, and credit bureau systems to reduce approval delays and minimize manual errors. Pre-configured integrations and dynamic workflows make onboarding faster and simpler, helping banks lower drop-offs and improve decision accuracy. With compliance built in for both conventional and Islamic finance, lenders can grow without regulatory risk.

Future-ready architecture for scalable growth

Azentio Loan Origination is cloud-ready, scalable, and integrates easily with existing technology stacks, enabling financial institutions to expand into new regions. Its open framework ensures resilience, adapts to regulatory change, and supports new capabilities such as advanced analytics and alternative data without causing significant disruptions.

“Banks are under pressure to deliver seamless digital experiences while navigating tougher regulatory landscapes,” said Guru L, Senior Vice President, Lending – Product Management, Azentio. “Azentio Loan Origination brings speed, intelligence, and compliance together in a single offering, enabling financial institutions to innovate and scale. With this launch, we are equipping the industry not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

About Azentio:
Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.

Posted on

Qatar Expresses Solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Offers Condolences over Boat Tragedy

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – 14 September 2025

The State of Qatar expresses its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the tragic sinking of two boats in the northwest of the country, which resulted in a number of fatalities and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys the State of Qatar’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.

Posted on

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Turkish FM

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met Sunday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, scheduled for Monday in Doha.

They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation relations between the two countries, as well as developments in the region – particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and uphold its sovereignty in response to the blatant Israeli attack.

For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, strongly condemned the Israeli attack, and categorically rejected any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar, as well as the stability of the region. 

Posted on

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Spanish Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar Alvaro Renedo Zalba.

During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperation relations between the two countries as well as regional developments.

The Spanish Ambassador to the State expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar and its condemnation of the Israeli attack targeting Doha, affirming that the attack is a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, as well as the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.

Posted on

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Ambassador of UK

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the UK to the State of Qatar Neerav Patel.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly partnerships in the development and humanitarian fields, in addition to developments in the region.

HE Ambassador of UK to Qatar expressed his country’s solidarilty with the State of Qatar, and its condenmation of the Israeli attack that targeted Doha, stressing that this attack is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.

Posted on

President El-Sisi Meets the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of Norway’s Scatec and China’s Sungrow Group

Source: APO – Report:

.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received CEO of Norwegian Company Scatec, Mr. Terje Pilskog, and Founder and Chairman of the Chinese Group “Sungrow”, Mr. Cao Renxian.  The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lieutenant General Eng. Kamel Al-Wazir; and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Mahmoud Ismat.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the heads of Scatec ASA and Sungrow Group, expressing appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the two companies. The President underscored the importance of this collaboration in boosting foreign direct investment, which contributes to creating more job opportunities in the new and renewable energy sector, thereby aligning with Egypt’s efforts to solidify its position as a regional energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The CEO of Scatec reviewed his company’s efforts to provide clean energy and green fuel in various countries worldwide. He also discussed the current state of cooperation between the Government of Egypt and his company, which has led to an increase in the number and scale of solar and wind power projects for electricity generation as well as green hydrogen projects in Egypt. Scatec’s new and renewable energy projects in Egypt are considered among the most successful within the energy axis of the national “NWFE ” program platform, which was adopted as a presidential initiative for climate action.

The investment portfolio that Scatec is implementing within the energy axis of the “NWFE ” program is valued at $3.6 billion. This includes the “Obelisk” solar power plant project in Nag Hammadi and a project to build a solar power plant with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt, plus 200 megawatt-hours of battery storage for Aluminium Company of Egypt (Egyptalum).  This is in addition to “Egypt Green Hydrogen” project, which aims to develop the first facility for producing green hydrogen and green ammonia within the Suez Canal Economic Zone; the “Shadwan” wind farm project in Ras Shokeir; and the “Green Ammonia” project in Damietta.

For his part, the Chairman of China’s Sungrow Group reviewed his company’s efforts in producing the components for power plants and manufacturing storage batteries. He also discussed the ongoing collaboration to establish a factory in Egypt with an annual capacity of 10 gigawatts for producing energy storage batteries. Mr. Cao Renxian expressed Sungrow Group’s readiness to cooperate with Egypt in the localization of this industry, leveraging Egypt’s existing infrastructure and components for new and renewable energy.

The meeting also explored opportunities for tripartite cooperation between Egypt, the Norwegian company, and the Chinese group. The two companies affirmed their appreciation for Egypt’s keenness on facilitating their investments in the country, in alignment with Egypt’s vision of becoming a leading manufacturer and exporter of green energy.

President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of bolstering cooperation opportunities with both Scatec and Sungrow Group, capitalizing on Egypt’s policy of localizing industry and enhancing high-quality production, while removing any obstacles encountering the two companies’ work in Egypt.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Posted on

African Union Commission (AUC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) welcome the QUAD outcome on Sudan

Source: APO – Report:

.

The AUC and IGAD have received with keen interest the Joint Statement issued by the Quad comprising the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America on the conflict in Sudan.

In particular, the African Union and IGAD welcome:

• The call for rapid humanitarian access and protection of civilians, as well as the three- month humanitarian truce, to be pursued through the Jeddah process, as a first step towards a permanent cessation of hostilities.

• The launch of a civilian-led transition process within nine months, ensuring inclusivity, legitimacy, and accountability.

• The firm rejection of external military support and extremist influence.

• Support for the Jeddah process as the channel for cessation of hostilities, in close coordination with regional and international partners.

This Quad position fully aligns with the African Union and IGAD Roadmaps for peace in Sudan.

Therefore, the African Union and IGAD reaffirm their readiness to work in partnership with the Quad, with the Sudanese people, and with all partners to end the war, protect the sovereignty and unity of Sudan, and advance an inclusive, civilian-led political transition.

In this regard, the African Union and IGAD, together with the League of Arab States, the United Nations, and the European Union will be convening this October, a new reinvigorated round of consultations with Sudanese civilian groups to promote unity among Sudanese and prepare the ground for an inclusive Sudanese- Sudanese dialogue and political transition to civilian-led constitutional order.

Like the Quad, the African Union and IGAD believe that there can be no military solution to the Sudanese crisis. The two African organizations look forward to collaborating with the Quad in the quest to end the war and return Sudan to civilian-led constitutional governance.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Posted on

Promising trade leads for local companies at Intra-Africa Trade Fair 

Source: Government of South Africa

South African companies that were part of the 30-member business delegation at the recently concluded Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria say they are eager to do business in Algeria and across the continent. 

This as the local companies generated several promising trade leads over the course of the trade fair.
The IATF 2025 was held in Algiers, Algeria, 4 – 10 September 2025, serving as a major platform for showcasing African products and fostering continental trade, investment, and partnerships within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr Khulile Mtsetfwa, Chief Executive Officer of Swatek Defence and Aerospace, announced that the company has signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at establishing distribution lines in Algeria.

“The plan is to make sure that we build relations and maintain the line of communication with country agents and distributors to penetrate the Algerian market and the rest of the continent. Our mission throughout the week was to make sure that we expose our products to the countries which were represented at the fair,” said Mtsetfwa.

The company signed a contract worth R20 million that will see them supplying protective gear to a local company. 
Rashmee Ramdeen, Director of Zilon Bulk Bags, said the company’s polypropylene bulk bags were well received by visitors and distributors, generating numerous new business leads.

“There is a potential order that is worth R6 million that is being negotiated with a local company. There was a huge demand for our products because there are few manufacturers who are producing them in Algeria.

“The country is currently importing from Europe, and the price is not competitive. So, this is our opportunity to make inroads in the North African market,” added Ramdeen.

Zanele Sanni, Chief Director of Export and Marketing at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, reaffirmed that the IATF is a powerful tool for trade and investment promotion, helping to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“Participating in this landmark event, assisted in strengthening intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and accelerating collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, automotives, mining and technology,” said Sanni.

READ | dtic to lead SA business delegation to Intra-African Trade Fair

The South African Pavilion attracted more than 3 000 visitors and 267 buyers, generated approximately 300 leads with an estimated post–six-month sales value of R483 million, and hosted over 120 business-to-business meetings. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Department gazettes Transport Amendment Act, recognising e-hailing

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act, along with its amended regulations. 

The Act introduces a new transport category, e-hailing services, as a recognised mode of public transport. This move affirms and formalises a sector that was previously treated as operating outside the law by some existing operators. 

It also requires all public transport operators, including e-hailing providers, to hold valid operating licences to ensure services remain authorised and safe. 
In addition, the Act sets out standards for quality and security that e-hailing platforms must meet to protect passengers and drivers alike.

“Each vehicle should be branded or carry a sign indicating that it is an e-hailing vehicle. 
“Commuters must verify that vehicle and driver details appear in the app, and if not, should exercise precaution,” the statement read. 

According to the department, under the new rules, app developers who permit users to use their apps without an Operating License risk a fine of up to R100 000 or up to two years in jail. 
“All apps must also be registered with the regulators.”

In addition, the Act also requires panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to help keep commuters safe and provide quick emergency response and that vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed. 

“The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies. 

“Commuters are also required to ensure that the vehicle and driver are compliant. Drivers are required to have the requisite documents to be eligible for compliance.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will ensure compliance upon processing all applications before drivers can be issued an operating license.

In addition, e-hailing operators, when applying for an operating license, are subjected to a standard operating license application fee.

“Other operational costs are outside of the Department of Transport’s purview.”
 
This move will also see the companies being required to register and comply with company laws in South Africa under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and South African Revenue Services (SARS), and there may be other requirements with costs. 

“The department will hold workshops to share this information with all operators and officials across the country starting from this week.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

The United Arab Emirates Expresses Solidarity with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Conveys Condolences over Victims of Boat Accidents

Source: APO – Report:

.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo over two tragic boat accidents on the Congo River that caused numerous deaths, injuries, and missing persons.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy with the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the DR Congo over the two tragic incidents, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.