Category: MIL-OSI

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Invest Africa Appoints Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa US

Source: APO


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Invest Africa US is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer. Based in Washington, D.C., Shannon will drive the organization’s U.S. strategy and growth, raising Invest Africa’s profile, strengthening partnerships, and deepening investor engagement with opportunities across Africa and within the U.S. Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is a global platform with offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East and Africa.

Shannon brings over 20 years of leadership experience in international finance, investment, and advisory services. Most recently, Shannon served as Director of Milken Institute International, where she founded and led its Africa Leaders Business Council, spearheaded high-level dialogues alongside the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and UN General Assembly, and expanded global investor partnerships.

Previously, she was Managing Director at the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), where she developed investor education programs and convened global capital providers through flagship conferences and summits. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles in private equity, structured finance, and consulting, including positions at Pine Creek Partners, CapitalSource Finance, and Arthur Andersen LLP. She also founded Finley Advisory, LLC, advising funds, family offices, and impact investors on capital introductions and fundraising strategies.

Karen Taylor, Executive Chair, Invest Africa said, “Invest Africa is dedicated to building bridges for global investors with the wide range of opportunities that exist on the African continent. Strengthening our presence in the United States is an essential part of our strategy, enabling us to align capital, ideas, and partnerships from around the world. This appointment underscores Invest Africa’s role as the leading platform for channeling international investment into Africa.”

“Having worked with Shannon during her time at the Milken Institute, I am delighted to welcome her as our CEO in the US,” said Paul Hinks, Chairman of Invest Africa in the US. “Africa is a vast continent where there are countless opportunities and the United States is an essential partner for its growth. Invest Africa is distinguished by its ability to provide American investors with the expertise, network, and access needed to navigate complex markets and unlock opportunities. With Shannon’s experience, Invest Africa is uniquely positioned to help channel U.S. capital into high-impact investments across Africa and open doors for African entities seeking to better understand the nuances of the U.S. market.”

“I am pleased to join Invest Africa at such a pivotal time for U.S.-Africa engagement,” said Shannon Stroud. “I look forward to deepening our relationships with investors, policy makers, and business leaders across the United States and on the African continent and translating those connections into actionable partnerships. Together with our colleagues globally, we will ensure Invest Africa continues to be the trusted platform where U.S. and African investors cultivate meaningful opportunities and drive impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

For media inquiries, please contact:
BTP ADVISERS
Benedict Lynn
benedict.lynn@btpadvisers.com
+256 786 284 386

INVEST AFRICA US
Julie Hinks
​julie.hinks@investafricaus.org
+1 917 282 9310

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over sixty years’ experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunities across Africa.

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President Ramaphosa to champion global solutions and UN reform at 80th UN General Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.

Under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” this landmark session coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter. President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful, and equitable world order.

Advancing a Vision for Peace and Multilateralism
President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. His address will champion robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

The delegation will engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

Championing UN Reform and Sustainable Development
A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, democratic, and effective. South Africa will assertively advance the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Engagements
On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:
· The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
· The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
· A High-Level meeting on the two-state solution in Israel/Palestine.
· Trade and investment  discussions with leading US captains of Industry and other key US decision makers.

The President will be accompanied and supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Pretoria

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Le vice-ministre turc de l’Énergie prendra la parole lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 alors qu’Ankara renforce son engagement énergétique en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Une délégation turque de haut niveau a confirmé sa participation à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 : Invest in African Energy, qui se tiendra au Cap du 29 septembre au 3 octobre. Le vice-ministre turc de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles, Ahmet Berat Çonkar, prononcera un discours lors de l’événement, soulignant l’implication croissante d’Ankara dans le secteur énergétique africain, où les accords récents et l’expansion des activités commerciales redéfinissent les partenariats et créent de nouvelles opportunités d’investissement. 

Au cours des deux dernières années, Ankara a pris des mesures audacieuses pour s’assurer une présence durable dans le secteur des hydrocarbures en Afrique. En avril 2025, la Turquie a signé un accord historique avec la Somalie pour l’exploration pétrolière et gazière onshore, accordant à la Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) des droits sur trois blocs couvrant 16 000 km². L’accord comprend des études sismiques et des forages, et accorde à la Turquie d’importants droits de recouvrement des coûts et de faibles obligations en matière de redevances, soulignant à la fois la volonté d’Ankara d’assumer les risques liés aux frontières et le besoin de Mogadiscio de trouver des partenaires fiables. La Turquie a également fait part de son intention d’approfondir sa coopération dans le secteur minier somalien, se positionnant ainsi pour exploiter les vastes réserves africaines de minéraux essentiels à la transition énergétique mondiale. 

Parallèlement, la Turquie intensifie ses efforts dans le domaine de l’énergie en Libye. En juin 2025, la TPAO et la National Oil Corporation libyenne ont signé un protocole d’accord pour explorer les zones maritimes offshore au sud de la ligne médiane entre la Grèce et la Libye, cartographiant quatre zones offshore distinctes qui feront l’objet d’études géologiques et géophysiques. Ces études devraient produire quelque 10 000 km de données sismiques, qui seront traitées sur une période de neuf mois. 

La Turquie renforce également ses liens avec l’Afrique occidentale et australe. Fin 2024, le pays a signé un protocole d’accord avec le Sénégal afin d’étendre leur coopération dans les domaines du pétrole, du gaz et des minéraux critiques, ouvrant la voie à des travaux sismiques conjoints et à des développements futurs. ALP24, une entreprise privée turque, a récemment lancé des projets énergétiques et miniers en Namibie, au Botswana et en Zambie, allant de l’exploration pétrolière et gazière à des projets impliquant des diamants, du charbon, du cuivre et du cobalt, des minéraux essentiels à l’électrification et à la transition énergétique de l’Afrique. 

Le vice-ministre Çonkar devrait exposer comment Ankara prévoit de développer ces initiatives et de faire progresser sa stratégie à travers le continent, qui combine une diplomatie soutenue par l’État avec la prise de risques commerciaux et le développement des infrastructures. À l’heure où les puissances mondiales, de la Chine à la Russie, se disputent l’influence, la Turquie se positionne comme un partenaire pragmatique, prêt à pénétrer de nouveaux marchés et à entreprendre des projets que d’autres hésitent à réaliser. Pour les pays africains, les capitaux et l’expertise turcs sont synonymes d’investissements et de développement, mais ils doivent également veiller à ce que les conditions restent équitables, transparentes et avantageuses pour les communautés locales. 

« Les initiatives de plus en plus audacieuses de la Turquie dans les domaines de l’énergie et des mines en Afrique ne visent pas seulement à sécuriser les ressources, elles représentent un nouveau modèle de partenariat. Avec l’intervention du vice-ministre à l’AEW 2025, il y a une chance de voir une collaboration plus transparente et proactive qui profite à la fois aux investisseurs turcs et aux nations africaines. Le défi consistera à harmoniser les conditions afin que les pays hôtes obtiennent des rendements équitables, que les industries locales se développent et que les risques soient partagés », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

À propos d’AEW :
AEW : Invest in African Energy est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez le site www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant. 

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Turkey’s Energy Deputy Minister Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Ankara Deepens Africa Energy Engagement

Source: APO


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A high-level Turkish delegation is confirmed to attend African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Ahmet Berat Çonkar, will deliver remarks during the event, underscoring Ankara’s growing involvement in Africa’s energy sector, where recent deals and expanding commercial activity are reshaping partnerships and creating new opportunities for investment. 

Over the past two years, Ankara has made bold moves to secure a lasting foothold in Africa’s hydrocarbon sector. In April 2025, Turkey signed a landmark agreement with Somalia for onshore oil and gas exploration, granting the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights over three blocks spanning 16,000 km². The deal includes seismic studies and drilling, and provides Turkey with significant cost recovery rights and low royalty obligations, highlighting both Ankara’s readiness to assume frontier risk and Mogadishu’s need for reliable partners. Turkey has also signaled plans to deepen cooperation in Somalia’s mining sector, positioning itself to tap into Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. 

Meanwhile, Turkey is ramping up its energy push in Libya. In June 2025, TPAO and Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed a MOU to explore offshore maritime areas south of the median line between Greece and Libya – mapping four separate offshore zones slated for geological and geophysical studies. Those studies are expected to produce some 10,000 km of seismic data, which will be processed over nine months.  

Turkey is also strengthening ties in West and Southern Africa. In late 2024, the country signed a MOU with Senegal to expand cooperation in oil, gas and critical minerals, setting the stage for joint seismic work and future development. ALP24, a private Turkish firm, recently launched energy and mining ventures in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, ranging from oil and gas exploration to projects involving diamonds, coal, copper and cobalt – minerals central to Africa’s electrification and energy transition.  

Deputy Minister Çonkar is expected to outline how Ankara plans to expand on these initiatives and advance its strategy across the continent, which combines state-backed diplomacy with commercial risk-taking and infrastructure development. At a time when global powers from China to Russia are competing for influence, Turkey is positioning itself as a pragmatic partner willing to enter new markets and take on projects where others hesitate. For African nations, Turkish capital and expertise present the promise of investment and development, as well as the need to ensure that terms remain fair, transparent and beneficial to local communities. 

“Turkey’s increasingly bold energy and mining moves in Africa are not just about securing resources – they represent a new model of partnership. With the Deputy Minister speaking at AEW 2025, there’s a chance to see more transparent, proactive collaboration that benefits both Turkish investors and African nations. The challenge will be aligning terms so that host countries get fair returns, local industries grow, and risk is shared,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW:
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. 

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Deputy President Mashatile convenes meeting of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 19 September 2025, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, convened a virtual meeting of the structure. 

In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member Government of National Unity (GNU), and delegated Deputy President Mashatile to lead the GNU Clearing House.

The purpose of today’s meeting was to review written submissions by Political Parties into the Draft Terms of Reference as per the resolution of the meeting of the Clearing House that took place in March 2025. 

The meeting received a consolidated report on written submissions from the Good Party, Al Jama-Ah, and Democratic Alliance.  

The Deputy President raised his concern about the time that the Clearing House has taken to finalise the matter, and provided the following way forward to expedite the process: 

Establishment of a Task Team to review the current draft TOR’s to report back to the Clearing House in two weeks’ time. The Task Team will be led by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and comprised of the following members: Hon Thomas Walters (DA), Hon Makashule Gana (Rise Mzansi), Mr Apa Pooe (PAC). 

This meeting also serves as an indication that the GNU remains in tact and committed to the shared goals and objectives of each representative party towards which include, but are not limited to driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high rate of unemployment. 

Enquiries on the GNU Clearing House Mechanism: Mr Mduduzi Mbada, Head of Office of the Deputy President on 082 900 1893.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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RemitHope seeks to raise US$100 000 for 10 grassroots organisations in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

RemitHope (https://RemitHope.org/), a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for, 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project  (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution. That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances –  redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

– on behalf of RemitHope.

Additional Links: https://RemitHope.org/featured/

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Le ministre de l’Industrie Aimé Boji Sangara attendu à Kolwezi pour intervenir au Forum sur les Métaux de Batteries

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Son Excellence Aimé Boji Sangara, Ministre d’État, ministre de l’Industrie de la RDC, participera et prendra la parole lors du prochain Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals, qui se tiendra du 29 au 30 septembre à Kolwezi.

« Nous sommes véritablement honorés d’accueillir un homme d’État, économiste et réformateur de cette envergure pour la troisième édition du forum », déclare Samukelo Madlabane, Directeur de l’événement – Mining, VUKA Group, organisateur de l’événement. Le ministère de l’industrie est partenaire officiel du Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals, aux côtés du ministère des Mines et de la Fédération des entreprises du Congo (FEC).

Madlabane ajoute : « Le soutien du gouvernement est essentiel pour favoriser l’industrialisation en aval et la valorisation locale, afin de bâtir une industrie des minéraux critiques inclusive et équitable en RDC. Ce sont également des thèmes majeurs de notre programme. Nous attendons avec impatience le message du Ministre lors de la session d’ouverture du premier jour. »

Un ingénieur et manager expérimenté

Son Excellence Aimé Boji Sangara est reconnue comme un dirigeant exécutif de haut niveau dans le secteur industriel et minier, avec plus de 15 ans d’expérience en ingénierie, gestion de projets, amélioration continue, maintenance et gestion d’actifs. Diplômé de l’Université de Lubumbashi, il a débuté sa carrière dans l’un des grands groupes miniers de la région avant de rejoindre MMG Limited, où il a occupé successivement les postes de Superviseur Électricité, Directeur de la Maintenance & Ingénierie, Directeur des Opérations, puis Directeur des Relations avec les Parties Prenantes.

Spécialiste de la fiabilité et de la gestion des procédés du cuivre et du cobalt, Son Excellence allie expertise technique et vision stratégique, avec un engagement fort pour l’innovation, la sécurité de l’approvisionnement énergétique durable et la durabilité globale.

Explorer l’intérêt étranger

Le thème du Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals 2025 est : « Explorer l’intérêt étranger pour les minéraux critiques afin de propulser l’économie nationale ».

Le forum réunira des institutions gouvernementales, opérateurs miniers, dirigeants industriels, investisseurs, EPC, OEM, fournisseurs de technologies de traitement et d’exploration, développeurs d’infrastructures, bailleurs de fonds, conseillers juridiques et décideurs politiques pour aligner les stratégies et définir des voies d’action afin d’accélérer l’industrialisation.

Parmi les intervenants et modérateurs de renom :

  • S.E. Fifi Masuka Saini, Gouverneure de la Province du Lualaba, RDC
  • Denis Lecouturier, Directeur Général, CCB, RDC
  • Susannah McLaren, Responsable Approvisionnement Responsable & Durabilité, Cobalt Institute, Royaume-Uni
  • Célestin Kibeya, Directeur Général, Cominière, RDC
  • Romain Deniel, Directeur Pays, Arise IIP, RDC
  • Pr. Hercule Kalele Mulonda, Directeur Technique, CCB et Représentant du CAEB, RDC
  • Dieudonné Been Masudi, Consultant chargé du programme de transition énergétique, AFREWATCH, RDC
  • Aubin Tshibanda, Chercheur en Minéraux Critiques, Université de Liège, Belgique
  • Steve Nsenda Tshilumbu, Professeur Associé, Université de CPUT/UNILU, Afrique du Sud
  • Uwe Naeher, Géologue professionnel, ISEBAR, RDC
  • Thierry Naweji, Président Exécutif, Chambre de Commerce RDC-Afrique du Sud
  • Benitha Tambwe, Experte – Chef des Partenariats Stratégiques, ministère des Mines (CTCPM), RDC

Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals 2025 – Dates et lieu :
Dates : 29–30 septembre 2025
Lieu : Kampi Ya Boma, Kolwezi, RDC

Distribué par APO Group pour VUKA Group.

Contact presse :
Annemarie Roodbol
Email : annemarie.roodbol@wearevuka.com

Suivez-nous :
Site web : www.DRC-AfricaBatteryMetals.com/ 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nfd6b8
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/3KcNGMA
LinkedIn : https://apo-opa.co/4nL4hWx

À propos du Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals :
Le Forum DRC–Africa Battery Metals est organisé par The VUKA Group (anciennement Clarion Events Africa), organisateur de renommée internationale basé au Cap et plusieurs fois primé, spécialisé dans les expositions, conférences et événements digitaux sur le continent, couvrant les secteurs des infrastructures, de l’énergie, des mines, de la mobilité, de l’e-commerce et de l’expérience client.

Parmi les autres événements phares de The VUKA Group figurent: DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, Enlit Africa, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Carbon Markets Africa Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, ECOM Africa et CEM Africa. Mining Review Africa, principal magazine mensuel et plateforme digitale de l’industrie minière africaine, est le partenaire média premium de l’événement.

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Emirates welcomes its first retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa

Source: APO

  • The airline hosted two guided tours of the refurbished aircraft in Cape Town and Johannesburg 

  • Guests were invited to experience the Boeing 777 which has undergone a nose-to-tail refresh, including the debut of Premium Economy in South Africa 

Following the advanced deployment of the retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to both Cape Town and Johannesburg last month, Emirates (https://Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, hosted a guided tour of the fully refreshed aircraft. The airline showcased its next-generation cabins, featuring the latest sophisticated design and South Africa’s debut of the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Cabin. Johannesburg and Cape Town are the first destinations in Africa to be served by the retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777, demonstrating the airline’s steadfast commitment to South Africa. 

Key stakeholders from South Africa’s aviation and tourism sectors were in attendance, including Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro in Cape Town and Poppy Khoza, Director General South African Civil Aviation Authority in Johannesburg, along with Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa and Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Emirates.  

Commenting on the deployment, Afzal Parambil said, “As we celebrate three decades of service to South Africa, our commitment to bring the latest and greatest to the market is unwavering. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with our customers and are proud to have a very high percentage of repeat passengers, particularly on long-haul travel to destinations in the Far East and Europe. The deployment of our refurbished Boeing 777 – our first in Africa – will further elevate the experience for these passengers, with the introduction of Premium Economy and our new Business Class experience. We look forward to welcoming travellers from South Africa on the refreshed Emirates Boeing 777 soon.” 

 A closer look at the refreshed Boeing 777 

The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft includes 260 latest generation Economy seats, 24 of the popular Premium Economy seats, 38 Business Class seats in 1-2-1 configuration and eight First Class Suites. 

Economy Class is decked out with a calming ocean blue interior, and high ceilings, giving a greater sense of space and light. The cabin features the latest generation seats with generous legroom, to ensure comfort is the top priority. 

The highlight is Emirates Premium Economy, introducing the much-lauded cabin to South Africa for the first time. Making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with full leg and footrests and adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and a globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. 

Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been redesigned, with seats set-up in a 1-2-1 arrangement to offer privacy, aisle access and space to work, lounge and indulge in restorative rest. Each seat is wrapped in champagne leather, matching the ones on the latest Emirates A380, with detailed stitching and soft cushioned headrests.

Described as a hotel room in the sky, Emirates’ First Class Suites maintain the highest levels of comfort, privacy and luxury that passengers have come to expect from Emirates and now offer refreshed interiors. 

Emirates’ industry-leading retrofit programme 

First initiated in November 2022, Emirates’ USD $5 billion dollar retrofit programme is one of the largest known programmes in the industry, with 219 A380s and Boeing 777s slated for nose-to-tail upgrades to enhance the onboard experience for passengers.   

The monumental project is handled entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering, with over 270 engineers and technicians work round the clock, devoting over 1,800 manhours each day to bring each aircraft to impeccable completion. To date, 67 aircraft have rolled out of Emirates Engineering – 32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s. 

Once complete, Emirates will have installed 8,512 next-generation Premium Economy seats, 2,034 refreshed First-Class suites, 12,720 upgraded Business Class seats with entirely new configurations, and thoughtfully overhauled 68,364 Economy Class seats.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

For more information or to book tickets, visit https://Emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. 

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Nexus de l’Afrique Créative (CANEX) Creations Inc. nomme Osahon Akpata au poste de Directeur général

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration de CANEX Creations Incorporated (CCInc), filiale du Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), a nommé M. Osahon Akpata au poste de Directeur général de CCinc. Le Conseil d’administration a confirmé cette nomination lors de sa réunion tenue en marge de la quatrième Foire commerciale intra-africaine (IATF2025) organisée par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) à Alger (Algérie), du 4 au 10 septembre 2025.

Jusqu’à sa nomination, M. Akpata était le Responsable de CANEX Creations au sein du groupe Afreximbank, jouant un rôle central dans le parcours de CCInc depuis sa création. Il a dirigé la mise en œuvre opérationnelle de l’entité, défini sa stratégie, établi son cadre de gouvernance et constitué son portefeuille d’investissements initial.

Avant cela, M. Akpata a travaillé au sein du Groupe Ecobank, où il a dirigé les activités dédiées aux PME, les paiements de détail et les partenariats stratégiques, tout en créant plusieurs nouvelles unités opérationnelles. Auparavant, il a exercé chez McKinsey & Company, où il conseillait des banques africaines et des clients multinationaux sur la mise en œuvre de leurs stratégies. M. Akpata a débuté sa carrière chez Johnson & Johnson aux États-Unis, où il a reçu des distinctions pour son excellent travail dans la division pharmaceutique.

Au-delà des fonctions qu’il a occupées au sein de ces entreprises, M. Akpata a soutenu des projets de grande envergure dans le cinéma, la télévision, l’édition et les arts visuels. Il est largement reconnu comme un conseiller de confiance dans l’écosystème des médias et du divertissement en Afrique. Il a développé de solides réseaux au sein de l’industrie mondiale et publie depuis l’âge de 11 ans, certains de ses œuvres étant publiées dans les magazines Essence, Forbes et Vogue Italia.

Mme Kanayo Awani, Présidente du Conseil d’administration de CCInc, a déclaré qu’avec une carrière couvrant la finance, la stratégie et le développement des affaires, M. Akpata apporterait une rare combinaison d’expertise à ce poste.

« Le Conseil a donc été très heureux de le confirmer en tant que Directeur général, en particulier compte tenu du rôle déterminant qu’il a joué dans la mise en place de CCInc depuis ses débuts et de sa capacité avérée à allier expertise en investissement et connaissance approfondie de l’économie créative et de l’innovation en Afrique. Ces atouts font de M. Akpata la personne idéale pour diriger l’entreprise dans sa prochaine phase de croissance ».

Parlant de sa nomination, M. Akpata a déclaré : « Je suis honoré d’assumer ce rôle à un moment aussi crucial pour l’économie créative de l’Afrique. CCInc est idéalement positionnée pour libérer toute la valeur de la propriété intellectuelle africaine en stimulant la commercialisation, en établissant des partenariats mondiaux et en générant des retombées qui profitent à la fois aux créateurs et aux économies ».

M. Akpata est titulaire d’un MBA en gestion des médias de l’Université Columbia (États-Unis), d’une licence (avec mention) en comptabilité et finance de l’Université Nottingham Trent (Royaume-Uni) et d’un diplôme en partenariats stratégiques de l’IMD Business School (Suisse).

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos de CANEX Creations Inc :
CANEX Creations Inc. (CCInc) est une filiale détenue à 100 % par le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), la branche d’investissement en fonds propres d’Afreximbank. Créée pour valoriser les actifs de propriété intellectuelle de l’Afrique, CCInc accompagne, par le biais d’investissements, les créateurs et les innovateurs dans les domaines du cinéma, de la télévision, de la musique, de la mode, du sport, de la technologie et des sciences de la vie, leur permettant d’accéder aux marchés mondiaux et de générer de la valeur à parti de leurs idées.

À propos du FEDA :
Le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (« FEDA ») est la filiale d’investissement à impact d’Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) créée pour fournir des capitaux propres, des quasi-fonds propres et des capitaux d’emprunt afin de financer le déficit de financement de plusieurs milliards de dollars (en particulier en capitaux propres) nécessaire pour transformer le secteur du commerce en Afrique. Le FEDA poursuit une stratégie d’investissement multisectorielle le long de la chaîne de valeur du commerce intra-africain, du développement des exportations à valeur ajoutée et de la fabrication, qui comprend les services financiers, la technologie, les biens de consommation et de détail, l’industrie manufacturière, le transport et la logistique, l’agro-industrie, ainsi que les infrastructures auxiliaires d’appui au commerce, telles que les parcs industriels.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

Media files

Posted on

Deputy President Mashatile to lead Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

In his capacity as the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government, officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape Province. 

This year’s, Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme: “Re-imagine our Heritage Institutions for a New Era”, emphasising the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

In particular, the 2025 celebration will focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in the light of social, economic, and technological challenges. It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts. 

Over the years, there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement, said the Deputy President.

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation,” said the Deputy President, “so our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices.”

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.
  
“Thus the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Details of the celebration are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Time: 09h00 (media to start setting up from 07h00)

Venue: Bridgeton Sport Grounds, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

For all enquiries regarding media accreditation, please contact Mr Madimetja Moleba (DSAC) on 066 301 4675 or madimetjam@dsac.gov.za  

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria