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Canon expands large format graphics production portfolio with new 3.4m Colorado XL-series roll-to-roll and hybrid printer – powered by its unique UVgel technology

Source: APO

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the Colorado XL-series, a new platform of 3.4m printers that extends the proven advantages of Canon’s UVgel technology to the 3.2m graphics market. Available in hybrid and roll-to-roll configurations, the modular, field upgradable platform powered by UVgel technology delivers great versatility and exceptional productivity for both flexible and rigid media applications from signage and décor to point of sale and packaging.

The Colorado XL-series comprises two easy-to-operate models: the Colorado XL7 roll-to-roll printer and Colorado XL7 hybrid printer. The new series brings the benefits of UVgel to a new market segment with exceptional application versatility across a comprehensive range of media – from banner, paper, vinyl and films to soft signage, heat-sensitive materials, foam board, fluted polypropylene, acrylic, aluminium composite boards and cardboard – providing the flexibility to tackle diverse customer requirements. With print speeds of 70m² per hour in quality mode, 106m² per hour in production mode and up to 211m² per hour in express mode, the system delivers the productivity needed for demanding production environments while accommodating substrates up to 52mm/2 inches thick for rigid applications.

The new platform includes multiple technology innovations, such as the UVgel 860 ink set, which has been optimised to cover a wide variety of both rigid and flexible applications. It also provides the proven benefits of UVgel: odourless and instant-dry prints, high mechanical and chemical robustness, dimensional stability due to low-temperature curing, excellent colour consistency, TPO [1] – and VCL [2] -free, and matte and gloss finish without the need of a separate varnish.

The Colorado XL-series also incorporates new UVgel 850 PrintHeads. Each printhead has 4,544 nozzles and features automated built-in nozzle performance monitoring and compensation. A single printhead supports two colours simultaneously, so that only two printheads are required to print CMYK, plus an optional third if white is configured. Additionally, the Colorado XL-series has an agile and precise printhead carriage that features UVgel DynamicMotion Control to ensure exceptional print quality even with challenging media.

Taking the UV LED curing process to the next level, the Colorado XL-series introduces UVgel FullBeam Curing. This technology uses a unique 3.4-metre-wide LED curing array that, combined with an ingenious mirror system, delivers consistent UV light dosing across the entire print width, guaranteeing exceptional print uniformity over large surfaces and enabling a wider colour gamut. Media handling is optimised by the new UVgel TRIdrive vacuum belt system, which features three interactive rollers and multiple powerful vacuum zones that reduce wrinkling and skewing by automatically detecting and correcting the media positioning. This results in highly repeatable media transport through the printer, ensuring accurate positioning both longitudinally and laterally and enabling razor-sharp applications.

Optional features for the Colorado XL-series, which are already available on the highly successful and modular Colorado M-series, include:

  • UVgel White for hassle-free white printing,
  • FLXfinish+ for creative effects using matte or gloss or mixed matte and gloss on the same print without additional varnish, and
  • FLXture for textured finishes that mimic materials like leather, wood or fabric.

Mathew Faulkner, Director, Marketing & Innovation, Wide Format Printing Group, Canon EMEA, comments: “For the past decade, Canon has been at the forefront of the inkjet evolution in large format, with market-leading technologies including the Colorado roll-to-roll printer series powered by UVgel technology and the Arizona flatbed printers. Large format print providers are looking for systems that deliver high productivity, versatile applications and reliable quality while addressing the challenge of finding skilled operators – which is why Canon is launching our new, breakthrough Colorado XL-series, an addition to our portfolio that will set a new standard in productivity and versatility.

“This innovative solution brings the proven advantages of our unique UVgel technology to the 3.2m market for the first time, combining it with extensive automation and a modular design that will enable customers to extend their application possibilities into markets such as packaging and décor. Print service providers already producing high-value signage and graphics can now leverage UVgel’s distinctive finishes, including mixed gloss and matte effects and textured printing, at scale to stand out in these new markets. And with its hybrid capabilities, users can print both roll-to-roll and rigid applications on the same device, using the same ink, the same colour profiles and the same unique features and finishes. For brands, for example, this translates to seamless campaigns that span the full spectrum of applications, ensuring perfect consistency across campaign assets whether they’re roll-fed graphics, rigid signage, packaging, or décor elements. This is particularly valuable when these different applications appear side by side in-store, where maintaining that consistent quality and finish elevates the entire brand experience that today’s brands demand.”

The Colorado XL-series will be available from the beginning of 2026 via Canon’s direct sales organisations as well as from accredited partners.

For more information about the Colorado XL-series, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3WltKtM

[1] TPO: Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide

[2] VCL: Vinylcaprolactam

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

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

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

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

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

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/46QS0ZE) – ‘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

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INVESTMENT FORUM – Senegal is betting on Forum Invest in Senegal 2025 (Fii 2025) to accelerate the inflow of foreign capital

Source: APO

As the landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Africa is being reshaped, Senegal aims to capture a growing share of this capital through the Forum Invest in Senegal 2025 (Fii Senegal 2025) (http://apo-opa.co/3KzxBkp), which opens on Tuesday in Diamniadio.

“Senegal is positioning itself as a crossroads between Africa and the rest of the world, a gateway for attracting capital, technology, and expertise,” explains Bakary Séga Bathily, Director General of APIX, the agency responsible for investment promotion and major infrastructure projects.

With the central theme of ‘connecting opportunities, building the future,’ the event—held under the patronage of His Excellency, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye—aims to showcase a portfolio of strategic projects across three key sectors:

Energy: The development of natural gas from Yakaar-Teranga, combined with investments in solar and wind power, aims to position Senegal as a regional energy hub, both as an exporter and a cost-competitive provider of electricity.

Infrastructure: The $1.2 billion Ndayane Port, the Dakar-Bamako transport corridor, and large-scale water projects are designed to strengthen logistical connectivity and secure water supply.

Digital: The development of a sovereign cloud, a national data center, and support for a startup ecosystem in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity aim to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors.

With growth projected at around 8.4% in 2025, driven by the first gas exports, Dakar aims to strengthen its reputation as a stable and attractive destination for investors.

Beyond the projects themselves, Dakar aims to capitalize on its structural strengths: recognized political stability, a strategic geographic location offering access to 400 million consumers across ECOWAS, and a shifting regulatory framework that includes the new Investment Code, the Startup Act, and a reinforced public-private partnership system.

“Fii Senegal 2025 is more than a forum—it’s a signal to global markets. Senegal seeks to position itself as a key player in Africa’s transformation, guided by transparency, innovation, and sustainability,” emphasizes Bathily.

In 2024, the country attracted nearly $3 billion in FDI, primarily in energy and infrastructure, according to official data. Authorities hope that the 2025 edition of the forum will help turn more announcements into concrete, bankable projects.

Full programme details are available at www.FiiSenegal.sn.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APIX Senegal S.A.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Polish Secretary of State

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, October 06, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE Secretary of State of the Republic of Poland Wladyslaw Teofil, on the sidelines of the 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), held in Kuwait.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and support them, in addition to several topics of mutual interest.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Latvian Under-Secretary of State

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, October 06, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE Under-Secretary of State of the Republic of Latvia, Ivars Lasis, on the sidelines of the 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), held in Kuwait.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and support them, in addition to several topics of mutual interest. 

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Netherlands Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, October 06, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, David van Weel.

The meeting took place on the margins of the 29th joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), convened in Kuwait.

The two sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation, as well as a variety of topics of shared interest.

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CGE welcomes ruling on parental leave equality

Source: Government of South Africa

CGE welcomes ruling on parental leave equality

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the landmark Constitutional Court ruling on parental leave equality as a significant step forward in advancing gender equality in South Africa.

On Friday, the court ruled that the current parental leave provisions under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Act, unfairly discriminate between birth mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, and commissioning parents in surrogacy arrangements.

According to the judgment, the differentiation in leave entitlement amounts to unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender, and family structure.

The court declared that parents will now be entitled to four months and 10 days of parental leave, which they may share between them

Commission for Gender Equality spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, said the Commission, which participated in the case as an applicant, has held the view that Section 25 of the BCEA and Sections 24, 26, 27, and 29 of the UIF Act, contain provisions that entrench outdated gender roles, unfairly discriminating between parents based on sex, gender, and the method of family formation.

“By declaring these provisions unconstitutional, the court has affirmed the principle that all parents, whether through birth, adoption, or surrogacy, must be treated with equal dignity and afforded equal rights,” Baloyi said.

The CGE also welcomed the court’s decision to extend equal leave entitlements to adoptive and commissioning parents in a surrogate agreement be granted the same leave entitlement as birth mothers.

Baloyi noted that the ruling not only supports gender equity in the workplace but also acknowledges the importance of caregiving as a shared responsibility.

“It enables families to make decisions based on their unique circumstances rather than being confined by rigid legal categories.”

The Commission has urged Parliament to act swiftly to amend legislation in line with the ruling, ensuring that South Africa’s parental leave framework is inclusive, equitable, and consistent with international best practice.

The CGE also called on employers, trade unions, and civil society to embrace this opportunity to build a culture of equality, care, and shared responsibility both at work and at home.

“This judgment is a victory not just for parents, but for children, families, and the broader project of gender equality in South Africa,” Baloyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

GabiK

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SA companies confident to clinch deals with European markets

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African companies participating in the Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Germany are confident that they will not only fly the country’s flag high but also return home with good trade leads and deals to enable them to export their products to Europe.

The participation of South African exhibitors at Anuga 2025, which kicks off in Cologne from 4 to 8 October 2025, was made possible by the support provided by Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). 

The initiative forms part of the department’s market diversification strategy, aimed at assisting local manufacturers establish markets in various parts of the world, in order to stimulate export-led industrialisation.

Zazi Productions Managing Director, Thobeka Ndabula, said she is looking forward to exposing her products to international importers that are expected to descend on the popular trade fair. Zazi is based in Johannesburg where they are manufacturing 100% ready-to-drink juice and dried fruits.

“We are confident that we will return home with several trade leads and at least one or two concrete trade deals that will result in us making a breakthrough into the export market. We are ready to produce products for an export market after expanding our business and installing the necessary production facilities,” Ndabula said.

Kaukou Managing Director, Theo Adams, whose company produces honeybush tea in the Western Cape’s Garden Route, said Anuga provides an opportunity for his company to increase its international client base.

“We are looking forward to increasing our export sales by securing new clients for our products. We are currently exporting to Europe on a limited scale, and we plan to make use our participation here in Anuga to expand our footprint and penetrate Europe and other markets,” Adams said.

Bloemfontein-based Buttercup Farmhouse Chief Executive Officer, Chantelle De Bruyn-Motshabi also expressed excitement about the prospects of entering an export market.

“We are delighted for the opportunity presented to us by the dtic to showcase our unique, niche coffee product made from vegetables,

“We are looking forward to establishing niche contacts and open to building long-term relationships in the retail sector with international buyers and importers,” De Bruyn-Motshabi said.

Anuga is a biennial event that is regarded as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents.

In the 36th edition of Anuga in 2023, more than 7 900 companies from 118 countries exhibited, and more than 140 000 trade visitors from 200 countries flocked to the event. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Mashatile embarks on a Working Visit to the Republic of Senegal

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 07th October 2025, embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum. 

Deputy President Mashatile attends the 2025 Invest in Senegal Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal. 

The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world. 

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal’s 2025 National Transformation Agenda.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal. 

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Mahlobo condemns vandalism of water infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

Mahlobo condemns vandalism of water infrastructure

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo has expressed frustration and disappointment over the ongoing vandalism of water infrastructure in the Eastern Cape, warning that such acts are undermining efforts to deliver reliable water services to local communities.

Mahlobo explained that this damage has significantly complicated efforts to deliver services to local communities.

Mahlobo accompanied Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a visit to Qunu Village in Ward 19 on Thursday, 2 October 2025, where they inspected the Qunu Noyiya Water Scheme, as part of the Deputy President’s two-day programme to address service delivery challenges in the area.

The visit aimed to evaluate the community’s challenges, provide updates on water supply progress, and ensure that the newly constructed Qunu Reservoir would supply clean water to households in Qunu.

Mahlobo reported that the reservoir has been out of operation due to vandalism of two boreholes feeding into it.

“One of the boreholes has been fixed and it pumps 500 million litres per day (mgl/d) to the reservoir. Working together, the district and local municipalities and the Department of Water and Sanitation team have concluded that the main cause of the vandalism is a lack of security,” Mahlobo said.

The reservoir, which distributes 0.1 mgl/d to households, is now supplying water to the Qunu community.

Mahlobo added that the second borehole, located in Mqanduli Village, is still under repair, and is expected to be fully operational by 10 October 2025, to ensure the borehole becomes fully operational.

“The ongoing vandalism of water infrastructure is crippling service delivery and putting lives at risk. Nevertheless, efforts are being made through enhanced security in high-risk areas, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with law enforcement,” Mahlobo said.

He further emphasised that lasting change would require collective action from both communities and government authorities to prevent further damage and ensure continuous supply of safe and sustainable water services,

Following the site inspection, Deputy President Mashatile and Mahlobo engaged with the residents to discuss the current state of water services and discussed solutions to improve supply and maintenance. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Government committed to vulture conservation 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to vulture conservation 

With the severe population declines of vultures over the past three decades, government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that vulture conservation remains a national priority.

According to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, this year alone, two mass poisoning incidents resulted in the deaths of hundreds of vultures.

“If these events continue unchecked, the loss of thousands of vultures could have devastating environmental and public health consequences,” the Minister said on Monday.

He therefore called on South Africans to play an active role in protecting these critically important birds.

The Minister’s remarks comes ahead of the Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), which will take place in November 2025.

Vultures, once widespread across Africa, have suffered severe population declines over the past three decades. 

Many vultures die after feeding on carcasses laced with poison, amongst other threats, often left by poachers targeting elephants or rhinos, or by communities involved in human–wildlife conflict. 

This has far-reaching consequences as carcasses left to rot increase the risk of disease outbreaks, poor sanitation around rural settlements, rising stray dog populations, and greater incidences of human injuries and rabies fatalities.

South Africa is home to nine vulture species, seven of which have established breeding populations, and these vulture populations continue to face varying degrees of threats of extinction.

As part of government’s plan to protect vultures, the National Multi-Species Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was published on 18 March 2024.

The plan is now being implemented through the National Vulture Task Force (NVTF) and its subcommittees.

“The desired state is to see all vultures fulfilling their essential ecosystem services through the achievement of a safe and secure environment in which all the components of a vulture’s life cycle are fulfilled.

 “This will be achieved through the reduction of the key threats facing the species (intentional and unintentional poisoning, interactions with energy infrastructure, habitat change), the improvement of stakeholder involvement, improving knowledge gaps and developing best practice guidelines for ex situ, or off-site, conservation action,” the Minister said.

Vulture Conservation Strategy

Through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa participated in a regional workshop convened by the Southern African Development  Community (SADC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and BirdLife International and the rest of the region in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day in September. 

It was at this workshop that the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) was also launched. 

The strategy and plan seeks to mobilise collective action among the 12 SADC vulture range states to address these complexities through coordinated conservation efforts, while emphasising stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making.

The workshop not only highlighted the ongoing threats to vultures, including poisoning, collisions, and electrocutions from energy infrastructure, and habitat loss; but also the opportunities for internal and cross border collaboration and cooperation to implement targeted actions, raise awareness, and strengthen legislation to secure the future of vultures. 

“South Africa is committed to the implementation of the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035). Without decisive and coordinated action, several vulture species face the very real threat of extinction,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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