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SanlamAllianz Re (SAZ Re) (www.SanlamAllianzRe.com), one of Africa's leading reinsurance providers operating across more than 45 countries, successfully hosted SAZRe Synapse 2025: a three-day event that brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and changemakers to explore the forces shaping Africa's future.

Synapse: A Platform for Inspiration, Disruption, and Connection

More than just a conference, SAZRe Synapse 2025 was conceived as a space for bold conversations, strategic collaboration, and new thinking. Over the course of three days in Mauritius, participants engaged with big ideas, challenged traditional models, and connected across industries and borders.

The event unfolded in three key chapters.
On Day One, keynote speaker David Rowan, Founding Editor of WIRED UK, delivered an energising address on how emerging technologies are redefining the business landscape.

Day Two saw a dynamic lineup of speakers, moderated by Ramia Farrage of Forbes Middle East, tackling topics at the heart of Africa's evolution:

• Taimoor Labib, Founding Partner of Affirma Capital, explored the role of sovereign wealth and private capital.
• Manish Bundhun, Chief People Officer, ENL & Rogers,  shared strategies for empowering Africa's workforce.
• Dr. Rawaa Harati, Founder of Kinz Consultancy, offered a geopolitical lens on global power shifts.
• Antoine Bavandi, Global Head of Public Sector of Gallagher Re, addressed climate resilience through public-private partnerships.
• Mohato Makalima, NextGen Leader, Deloitte Africa, spotlighted the rise of artificial intelligence and it's implementation across Africa.
• Rapelang Rabana, Founding Partner of FFWD Innovation, talked about innovation as a driver of transformation.
• Rony Lam, CEO of MCB Capital Markets, discussed mobilising local capital for regional development.

A Night to Celebrate: The Gala Dinner

The event concluded with a black-tie gala dinner at Château Labourdonnais, where guests gathered to celebrate a major milestone in the company's journey, SanlamAllianz Re's recent A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, the global credit rating agency focused on the insurance industry.

In his address, Ilyes Hassib, CEO of SanlamAllianz Re, reflected on the purpose behind Synapse:

“Synapse was born from a clear ambition to connect minds, spark ideas, and open meaningful conversations about the future of Africa. We created this platform for leaders, experts, and innovators to come together, challenge norms, and prepare for what's next.”

“Tonight, as we celebrate our A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, we're celebrating more than just recognition. We're celebrating trust, the trust of our partners, the strength of our team, and above all, our belief in Africa's future.”

Rooted in Africa, Connected to the World

Headquartered in Mauritius, SanlamAllianz Re designed Synapse as a catalyst for learning, leadership, and long-term partnerships. By bringing together a diverse and influential network, the event spotlighted both the challenges and opportunities driving Africa's next chapter.

From global expertise to local innovation, SAZRe Synapse 2025 was more than an event, it was a springboard for collaboration, growth, and lasting impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SanlamAllianz Re.

Press Contact:
Rajesh Dindoyal
Odysseus Public Relations
Email: rajesh@odysseuspr.com
Phone: +230 54223040

Follow SAZRe on Linked-In:
https://apo-opa.co/3FoVFEs

About SanlamAllianz Re (SAZ Re):
SanlamAllianz Re is a reinsurance company headquartered in Mauritius, backed by its two shareholders: Sanlam Limited (South Africa) and Allianz SE (Germany). SAZ Re delivers comprehensive reinsurance solutions with strong financial stability, operational excellence, and a forward-thinking approach to risk management.

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APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), a leading award-winning pan-African public relations and communications consultancy, has strategically unveiled a volunteer communications programme comprising experienced communication professionals to support the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org), the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. This groundbreaking initiative, developed and launched by APO Group aims to enhance the Roman Catholic Churches ability to communicate effectively and engage with communities across the African continent.

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.

APO Group and SECAM, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, first entered into their partnership in May 2022 with the shared goal of enhancing media and public relations support for the Catholic Church in Africa. Not only did APO Group conceive the volunteer programme but it also assembled a team of elite, well-experienced African communications professionals.

The professionalization of SECAM's communications capabilities extends beyond standard capacity-building. This initiative includes the development and delivery of a strategic communications framework that aligns with SECAM's core mission and long-term objectives. The effort also builds upon APO Group's previous collaborations with the Church, which include the creation and roll-out of a comprehensive communications curriculum and tailored training programme for Catholic institutions across Africa.

The volunteer communications team will focus on key priorities, such as:

• Crafting and executing a long-term communications strategy for SECAM to strengthen the voice of the Roman Catholic Church and increase awareness of its work across Africa.
• Enhancing media relations to amplify the Church's presence.
• Designing effective visibility tools to connect with diverse stakeholders across Africa and beyond.

Several talented professionals have already joined the SECAM Communications Volunteer Programme, bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the Church's mission across Africa. Among them are Catherine Njoroge (https://apo-opa.co/3HapeKg), Head of Marketing and Strategy, who plays a role in shaping long-term plans to strengthen the Church's visibility; Nyarai Chapingidza (https://apo-opa.co/4myd1PT), Digital MarComm Manager, who drives efforts to boost SECAM's online presence; Lucy Kimani (https://apo-opa.co/4mxTKhp), Director of Communications and Advocacy, who steers impactful storytelling and advocacy campaigns; and Eunice Chege (https://apo-opa.co/4dw97mi), Communications Advisor, who contributes her extensive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies. Additionally, professionals joining in the business support functions include Majina Mwasezi (https://apo-opa.co/45pvSq3), Project Coordinator; Pauline Lugalia (https://apo-opa.co/4mAchd2), Executive Assistant to the Head of the Catholic Church in Africa; and Anne Nasumba (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBRqMp), Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Rose Thuo (https://apo-opa.co/4dDCMu0), who joined the programme as Chief of Marketing and Communications, said: “We are witnessing a remarkable convergence of talent and purpose. Each volunteer brings something unique to the table, and together, we are building a communications foundation that will serve the African Catholic Church for years to come.”

There is an urgent and immediate need for candidates with HR and recruitment, as well as Graphic Design and website management experience to join the Roman Catholic Church in Africa's volunteer programme. Individuals with this expertise are encouraged to apply and support the Church's mission by strengthening its operational capacity across the continent. Interested volunteers are encouraged to apply through the official link: https://apo-opa.co/4dTxLxL.

“This pro bono initiative reflects APO Group's commitment to supporting impactful organisations across Africa. Many high-impact organisations (including NGOs) in Africa face financial barriers to establishing strong communication systems. This should never impede their ability to be seen and heard,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “Through initiatives like this volunteer programme, we strive to bridge that gap—delivering professional support to elevate their messaging and outreach at the highest possible level.”

“Africa is now the future of the Roman Catholic Church,” said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the President of SECAM. “As our communities continue to grow, it becomes ever more important to amplify our voice and share our mission with the world.

“We are grateful to APO Group for their support and expertise in making this vision a reality. Their role in designing and implementing this initiative has been invaluable. APO Group's dedication to empowering impactful organisations aligns perfectly with our mission, and their contribution will undoubtedly leave a legacy in the Church's journey toward greater visibility and engagement worldwide.”

As part of its ongoing partnership with the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, APO Group has delivered a comprehensive range of support initiatives, including complimentary pan-African press release distribution and media monitoring, extensive online and in-person media training for over 22 communication professionals across the continent, and the provision of Zoom licences to Episcopal and Regional Episcopal Conferences. APO Group Founder and Chairman has personally led training sessions and held strategic meetings with Church dignitaries in several African countries to assess further areas of support. Furthermore, a volunteer programme launched in 2024 is now active, enhancing operational assistance for the Church throughout Africa.

According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world's population. Africa's 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population.

According to the United Nations' 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service.

This is a joint press release from APO Group and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a Provoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple Provoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

About the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM):
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) was born out of the decision of the African Bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) to establish a forum in which they could speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church in Africa. The establishment of SECAM is therefore the result of the Bishops' resolve to build a continental structure in order to bring forth the African vision to the whole Church.

Seeing the importance of such an Association for Africa, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of the Peoples invited the Presidents of the Regional Episcopal Conferences for consultations in 1968.

Consequently, the first visit of a Pope to Africa, in modern times, was seen as a very opportune occasion for the launch of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. This was therefore done during the visit of His Holiness Pope Paul VI in Kampala (Uganda) in July, 1969.

Thereafter, it was agreed to establish the Headquarters / Secretariat of SECAM in Accra, Ghana. There are three official languages of SECAM, namely, English, French and Portuguese. SECAM functions through eight regional conferences, each made up of a cluster of national episcopal conferences.

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Marna Cloete, President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Canadian mining firm Ivanhoe Mines will speak at the upcoming African Mining Week.

During the event, Cloete will participate in the Women in Leadership Forum, Highlighting the vital role women are playing in driving sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth within the mining sector. African Mining Week serves as a critical platform for advancing gender inclusivity in the sector, uniting policymakers, investors, academics, and mining stakeholders to foster a sustainable future for the industry.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Cloete will join a high-level panel discussion titled Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships: Building Resilience in a Consolidating Industry, exploring the role of partnerships in ensuring supply chain resilience. Under Cloete's financial leadership, Ivanhoe Mines has achieved several milestones, including partnerships with global players such as Zijin Mining, CITIC Metal, and Itochu; raising $490 million through equity in December 2023; and securing a $750 million debt package in early 2024 to support expansion.

Her leadership has also been instrumental in the advancement of Ivanhoe Mines' flagship projects, including the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex - the world's highest-grade copper project - in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ivanhoe Mines also reopened the Kipushi Mine, one of the largest copper deposits globally, in the DRC while expanding its African footprint by entering Zambia's copper-rich North-Western Province and developing the Flatreef platinum group metals project in South Africa. Ivanhoe's $75 million exploration budget for 2025, with a strong focus on Africa, further underscores its commitment to unlocking the continent's mineral potential.

African Mining Week represents an ideal platform for Cloete to share Ivanhoe Mines' strategic investment approach, champion partnerships, and discuss the firm's ongoing contribution to African economic growth, employment, and industrialization. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Hyatt (www.Hyatt.com) announced that Hyatt expects around 50% rooms growth across new and existing markets in Africa by the end of 2030.

In the past two years, Hyatt saw 51% rooms growth in Africa, fueled by the addition of several milestone properties and first-time brand entries. These included Park Hyatt Marrakech, introducing the luxury brand to Morocco; Hyatt Centric Cairo West, the brand's debut on the continent; Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, Hyatt's first hotel in Zimbabwe; and Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, its first hotel in Kenya.

Most recently, in March 2025, Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands opened along Lower Kabete Road. This marks Hyatt's first dual-branded development in Africa, offering guests two distinct stay experiences under one roof, just minutes from Westgate Mall, the Nairobi National Museum, and Karura Forest.

“Last year marked a breakthrough year for Hyatt in Africa, and we're just getting started,” said Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa. “Our growth across key leisure and business hubs reflects a strategic focus on having hotels where our guests and World of Hyatt members want to travel most. As we expand, we remain committed to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that resonate with both global travelers and local communities.”

In the next two years, Hyatt hotels are set to debut in new markets within the region, including the anticipated opening of Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria. Additionally, the launch of Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set for later this year, following an extensive renovation of The Winston Hotel. The luxury property will include 31 guestrooms and is expected to be popular with business and leisure guests alike, offering understated luxury and an elevated home away from home experience with highly personalized, intuitive, and fully engaged service.

“This is an exciting chapter in the growth of Hyatt's portfolio across Africa, as we add hotels with intent in high-demand destinations,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President Development, Hyatt, EAME. “We are proud to collaborate with our trusted owners to thoughtfully introduce Hyatt's diverse brands to both new and established markets across the region.”

The upcoming properties are expected to join the Hyatt brand portfolio in Africa, with Hyatt hotels currently present in South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Egypt. Some of the Hyatt branded hotels in the region include:

• Park Hyatt Zanzibar – Located in Stone Town, the luxury hotel holds 62 rooms and provides the ultimate haven amongst the area's winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings.
• Park Hyatt Marrakech – Opened in 2024, this luxury resort is ideally located, with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and next to Al Maaden Golf course. 
• Hyatt Regency Harare –  The Meikles – Marking the first Hyatt branded hotel in Zimbabwe, this hotel offers iconic architecture, charm, luxury, and easy access to major attractions in Harare.
• Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro – A modern oasis in the heart of Tanzania's largest city, this hotel boasts a superb waterfront location and spectacular views of the harbour.
• Hyatt Centric Cairo West – Opened in October 2024, this art-focused hotel offers travellers a convenient location near iconic landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and The Grand Egyptian Museum.
• Hyatt Regency Cape Town – located in one of Cape Town's most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap, this property offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying views of Table Mountain.
• Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands – Nestled in the heart of Nairobi's bustling city centre, travellers can enjoy sophisticated lodgings, diverse dining options, and a contemporary selection of amenities and services.

For additional information on the Hyatt brand portfolio, visit www.Hyatt.com

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hyatt.

Media Contacts:                                      
Chloe Duncan
Hyatt – Middle East & Africa
Chloe.duncan@hyatt.com

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation:
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.Hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions and political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

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