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The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation are honoured to announce BleagLee, a Cameroon-based AI-powered waste recycling company, as the $1 million Grand Prize winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/) in AI and Manufacturing. The award is designed to recognize established companies driving innovation in Africa's manufacturing sector with the potential to scale, create jobs, and spread the adoption of these technologies across the world. The winners were announced today (https://apo-opa.co/4etcixP) at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

BleagLee was awarded top honours for its work in leveraging AI-powered waste collection to convert plastic, agricultural, and e-waste into premium recycled products. Tanzania-based Freshpack Technologies was named the $250,000 Runner-Up for its AI-powered cold storage, which tackles food waste in Africa. Digitech Oasis Limited from the United Kingdom received $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR, demonstrating technological capabilities that will shape competitive manufacturing over the next decade. Additional interim prizes totalling $750,000 were awarded and disbursed among five finalists, each receiving $30,000, and the 10 semi-finalists, each receiving $50,000, throughout this prize cycle. All awards are unrestricted, enabling teams to direct their winnings toward what will most impact their businesses, strengthening their pipeline, speeding real-world pilots, and unlocking promising innovations.

BleagLee is revolutionizing waste management in Cameroon using patented AI software to detect and collect waste across communities and processing it into high-value products, such as engineered recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments, and bio-based carbon materials. By combining cutting-edge technology with community-driven impact, BleagLee is turning an environmental crisis into economic opportunity while working toward mitigating 300 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2030.

“Africa is producing world-class AI and technology innovation that is solving problems and creating opportunities on a global scale. And that story is only beginning to be told,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO, Motsepe Foundation. “When we invest in innovation that is both locally grounded and globally minded, the returns are limitless. I am delighted to see partnerships like this one ensure the brightest minds have the resources, networks, and platforms they need to scale their work and shape a more prosperous and equitable world.”

AI and Manufacturing is the fourth prize awarded as part of the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of competitive multimillion-dollar global competitions and awards designed to incentivize and reward bold, innovative technological solutions to address pressing economic and environmental challenges in Africa and across the globe.

Launched in May 2025, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing attracted more than 2,000 entrepreneurs from 100 countries across five continents, with just 10 being selected as semi-finalists.

Each team underwent a comprehensive judging process that evaluated four key criteria: commercial viability, operational economics, technological integration, and market scalability. In December 2025, 10 semi-finalists pitched their innovations to investors at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit (https://apo-opa.co/4eu9sso) in Abu Dhabi. From this group, an expert panel of judges selected five finalists—BleagLee (www.BleagLee.org/), Digitech Oasis Limited (www.DigitechOasis.net), Freshpack Technologies (https://FreshpackTechnologies.com/), Spiro (www.Spironet.com), and Toto Safi Limited (https://TotoSafi.com/)—to advance to the final stage of the innovation award, pitching their company's innovations at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference.

Since its launch in 2021, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has awarded over $8 million in funding to more than 50 innovators worldwide. Participating teams have raised nearly 31 times the Grand Prize in additional outside investments, reaching and impacting over one million community members across the globe.

The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program offers free, curated resources and online events not only to award winners but also to more than 12,000 global entrepreneurs.

For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.

Announcing a New Prize in Circular Economy

The next Milken-Motsepe Prize will focus on the circular economy, a new award designed to recognize companies using technology to enhance circular economy practices across a variety of industries. With $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize, the Prize in Circular Economy seeks companies that develop and scale commercially viable, technology-enabled solutions that replace linear “take-make-waste” systems with regenerative, resource-efficient value chains.

The award also aims to address the complex realities of industrial waste management systems in Africa. Successful teams will demonstrate solutions that deliver measurable environmental and social impact, while providing training and reskilling opportunities to support safer, more specialized waste management practices.

“Our prize program has become a powerful engine for discovering and accelerating extraordinary innovators who are tackling some of the world's most urgent challenges across industries,” said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director of Environmental and Social Innovation at the Milken Institute. “As we turn our focus to the Circular Economy, we are especially energized to champion entrepreneurs who are fundamentally reimagining how materials are used, recovered, and reused. These innovators are not only reducing waste—they are unlocking new economic value, strengthening local industries, and driving resilient, inclusive growth. As we enter our fifth year of the Milken-Motsepe Prize, we celebrate and acknowledge its growth—and its role in advancing solutions that deliver lasting benefits for communities, markets, and the environment.”

By extending the life cycle of materials, strengthening local manufacturing, and improving both upstream and downstream waste management systems, the prize seeks to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive circular economy in Africa.

Registration is open now through August 13, 2026, 2 p.m. Eastern. To apply, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4cWKf8L

The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program seeks companies that must meet the following eligibility requirements: have over two years of continuous operation, generate over $500,000 in revenue and raised capital, have institutional, corporate, and/or public‑sector partnerships, has a solution currently deployed on the African continent, has clear evidence of social impact and job creation, and demonstrates operational readiness to deploy more than $1 million in funding.

Teams from a variety of businesses are encouraged to apply, and teams will be required to submit vertical-specific metrics from industries such as food systems, packaging, electronics, fashion and textiles, construction, and the built environment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Libby Miller
202.249.6905
Limiller@milkeninstitute.org

About the Milken Institute: 
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit https://MilkenInstitute.org.

About the Motsepe Foundation: 
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute toward eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Motsepe and Dr. Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.MotsepeFoundation.org/.

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The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org), the body for communion, consultation, and coordination of the Catholic Church in Africa and the neighbouring islands, is deeply concerned about the recent events in the Republic of South Africa, which have been marked by acts of xenophobic violence against nationals of other African countries.

In these particularly grave circumstances, SECAM expresses its fraternal and ecclesial solidarity with the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) for its prophetic stance in support of African migrants who are victims of discrimination and xenophobia. It also extends its sympathy to all victims of this violence and to their families, who have been severely affected.

At the heart of this crisis lies a fundamental challenge to the human conscience. Biblical revelation teaches that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27), a truth that underpins the infinite dignity of every human being, regardless of their origin, nationality, tribe, culture, or migration status. SECAM strongly reiterates that this dignity must remain the primary criterion for all social organisation and public policy. Any violence directed against foreigners constitutes not only a grave violation of the human person but also a negation of the foundations of universal brotherhood and the Africa we want.

SECAM reaffirms the need for a balance between the legitimate sovereignty of states and the imperative requirement for migrants to respect the laws and customs of their host country. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (CCC, n. 2241).

The acts of violence recently witnessed in South Africa constitute a serious violation of African principles and continental law. They undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, notably the right to life, dignity, security, and equality before the law. They also contradict the continent's core values, such as African solidarity, the spirit of Ubuntu – I am because we are – and the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.

In light of this situation, SECAM calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent, concrete, and sustainable measures to ensure the protection of all persons living on its territory, in accordance with its continental and international commitments. It urges the Government to conduct impartial investigations, identify and prosecute those responsible for these acts, put an end to all forms of vigilante justice, and strengthen the legitimate authority of the State.

SECAM also calls on the African Union to fully assume its role as guardian of continental values, to ensure the effective implementation of African legal instruments on human rights, and to encourage the establishment of prevention and early warning mechanisms against xenophobic violence. The credibility of Africa, which aspires to become a key player on the international stage, is at stake.

SECAM calls on people to reject all forms of violence, all rhetoric of hatred and stigmatisation, to reject discourse that divides African peoples, and to promote a culture of encounter, dialogue, and African brotherhood.

Following the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–35), we are all called to rediscover an ethic of closeness, where the stranger is not perceived as a threat but recognised as a brother or sister of whom we are the guardians.

At this critical juncture, SECAM reaffirms its resolute commitment to migrants, the poor, and the most vulnerable, to promote a society founded on justice, peace, and human dignity, as well as on dialogue between African peoples and nations. It invites all men and women of good will to work tirelessly towards building a reconciled Africa, faithful to its profound vocation to be, from Cairo to Cape Town, a family of peoples united in dignity and solidarity.

Finally, SECAM assures all victims of xenophobic violence of its spiritual, pastoral, and supportive closeness: dear brothers and sisters, you are not alone; we will never abandon you!

+ Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo
Archbishop of Kinshasa
President of SECAM

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) is marking a near-full return to operations, with 96% of its global network now restored, following a period of disruption. In the past weeks, the airline has progressively resumed services across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East and Australasia.  

Today, the airline operates to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with over 1,300 weekly frequencies, representing 75% of pre-disruption capacity. The airline is offering more flights, more seats and more options each day while reaffirming Dubai's position as a vital hub through which global travel moves.  

Even as it operated with a reduced schedule, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers* during the disruption, a testament to the enduring demand for travel and the trust that travellers continued to place in the airline to get them where they needed to go. 

The Emirates experience, wherever you're going  

Wherever Emirates customers choose to fly, they can expect a best-in-class onboard and onground experience, defined by exceptional comfort, genuine hospitality, and a level of service that has set the standard for long-haul travel.   

Onboard, customers enjoy a unique culinary experience, with regionally inspired, multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs and complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Emirates' award-winning ice inflight entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels of the best global content in almost 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more, ensuring there is no such thing as a long flight. 

And for those who need to stay connected, high-speed Wi-Fi keeps customers reachable at 40,000 feet. Emirates now has Starlink connectivity live on 28 aircraft, delivering ultra-fast, reliable internet in the air.  

Enjoy flexible travel and rewards  

Emirates is giving customers more reasons to travel with confidence with flexible rebooking, Dubai Connect stopover experiences and enhanced Skywards benefits:  

• Flexible bookings: Customers booked from 2 April will enjoy added flexibility, with one free date change included across all cabin classes. Customers who have booked with Emirates can also hold a fare for 24 hours free of charge.  

• Dubai Connect: For customers with extended transit times in Dubai from 6 to 26 hours, Emirates' Dubai Connect programme turns a long layover into a comfortable stopover, courtesy of the airline. Eligible customers will enjoy complimentary hotel accommodation at a 4 or 5-star property, airport transfers, meals, and, where required, a UAE entry visa. Available to passengers across all cabin classes with qualifying connection times, Dubai Connect can be booked up to 12 hours ahead via Manage Your Booking (https://apo-opa.co/49amBmQ) on www.Emirates.com. Terms and conditions apply (https://apo-opa.co/4tPG197)  

• Skywards: From 8 May to 31 August 2026, Emirates Skywards members can enjoy accelerated access to the programme's premium tiers through reduced tier requirements and Bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.  

Emirates operates three daily flights to Johannesburg, ten weekly flights to Cape Town (with EK772 currently operating three times a week), and four weekly flights to Durban, ensuring strong and consistent connectivity for customers travelling to and from South Africa.

Passengers can explore flight schedules and book their journey from South Africa by visiting Emirates' official website: https://apo-opa.co/4w7cfxZ

*Between 1 March and 30 April  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomes the successful conclusion of the elections of the President and Members of the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament, held in Midrand, Republic of South Africa.

He extends warm congratulations to H.E. Fateh Boutbig on his election as President, as well as to the newly elected Members of the Bureau representing all regions of the continent.

The AUC Chairperson pays tribute to the outgoing President, H.E. Fortune Charumbira, for his dedicated service and for advancing the role of the Pan-African Parliament within the African Union's governance architecture.

He notes that the orderly and transparent conduct of the elections reflects Member States' commitment to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and inclusive representation, as enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union. It further underscores the Parliament's growing role as a platform for the voice of the African people.

As the institution enters a new phase, the AUC Chairperson expresses full confidence in the incoming leadership and calls for the discharge of their responsibilities with integrity, unity of purpose, and commitment to Pan-African ideals. He reiterates the Commission's support for ongoing institutional reforms to strengthen the effectiveness and legislative authority of the Parliament.

The AUC Chairperson represented H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, in overseeing the electoral process and taking of the oath of office by the new elected Members of Parliament.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Following the African Union's permanent membership in the G20 and South Africa's historic Presidency in 2025, the African Union is prioritizing preparation for the 2026 United States G20 Presidency. To ensure the continent remains coordinated, influential, and strategically positioned, the African Union is convening a pivotal AU G20 Retreat,hosted by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

The Retreat brings together Member States, technical financial institutions, and key partners to assess achievements and lessons learnt from the 2025 Presidency as well as  examine the 2026 United States priorities including Economic Growth, Deregulation, Energy Abundance, Trade, and Innovation to identify areas for strategic leverage. Central to the agenda is the alignment of AU Member States around common priorities under Agenda 2063 to  ensure a smooth transition of leadership from Angola to Burundi in 2026 and adopt  a Strategic Roadmap for engagement across all G20 tracks.

In his welcoming remarks, during the official opening ceremony H.E. Mr. Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the necessity of collective action. "Our presence here underscores a turning point in our diplomacy. We are no longer observing global decisions; we are actively co-authoring them to ensure they reflect the realities of our people," he stated.

Setting the strategic direction for the retreat, H.E. Amb. Fathallah Sijillmasi, Director General of the African Union Commission stressed that the AU's permanent seat must be backed by a rigorous internal mechanism to drive the continent's agenda. "Our objective is to move beyond participation and toward impact by establishing the institutional framework necessary to ensure that Africa's specific priorities from digital transformation to infrastructure financing are technically defended and politically supported at every level of the G20 process," Amb. Sijillmasi remarked.

Providing perspectives on the transition between Presidencies, H.E. Amb. Sara Silva, AU G20 Sous-Sherpa (Angola), reflected on the progress achieved during the previous cycle, highlighting the important gains made under South Africa's historic G20 Presidency, including stronger visibility of Africa's priorities within global economic discussions and enhanced coordination among AU Member States. She underscored the importance of preserving institutional memory and ensuring continuity as the African Union advances into the 2026 cycle.

Additionally, H.E. Mr. Mahamat Ali Hassan, Chairperson of the PRC Sub-Committee  of the Whole on Economic and Trade Matters (Chad) reminded participants that economic sovereignty remains central to the realisation of Aspiration 7 of Agenda 2063, which seeks to position Africa as a strong, united, resilient, and influential global actor. He emphasised that strengthening domestic productive capacity, advancing industrialisation, promoting fair trade, and reducing structural dependencies are essential to enhancing Africa's voice and bargaining power within global governance platforms such as the G20.

In her opening statement, H.E. Mrs. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and AU G20 Sherpa, addressed recent developments relating to the United States G20 Presidency, including the non-extension of an invitation to South Africa. She noted that the African Union has engaged through the appropriate diplomatic channels, stressing that such  development risks undermining the inclusivity and consensus-based principles that have long guided the G20 process. She reaffirmed that the AU will continue to engage partners and Member States to safeguard Africa's collective interests and ensure the full and effective participation of African members within the G20 framework.

“To fulfil the vision of Agenda 2063, our participation must be substantive and strategic. This Retreat is about transforming Africa's permanent seat in the G20 into tangible development gains across the continent.” She further emphasised that, “Even within this unique context, Africa must remain focused on securing the greatest possible outcomes from the 2026 G20 cycle by advancing Agenda 2063 priorities, strengthening coordinated participation, and ensuring the continent's voice remains visible and influential across all G20 workstreams. We must draw on the expertise of African Union knowledge partners and the experience of previous AU G20 Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas to sustain continuity and strategic engagement. Africa must continue to derive maximum value from the United States G20 Presidency as we look ahead to the restoration of regular order under the United Kingdom G20 Presidency in 2027.”

The retreat integrates the priorities of the Second Decade of Action of Agenda 2063 into the 2026 global discourse. H.E. Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, Chairperson of the PRC (Burundi) and incoming sous-sharpa said, “The success of our permanent membership in the G20 will not be measured by our presence at the table, but by the tangible impact of our contributions. It will be measured by our ability to deliver results that accelerate Africa's industrialization, address the heavy debt burdens facing our economies, and promote inclusive and equitable growth for the 1.4 billion Africans we represent ultimately advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063:The Africa We Want.”

He called on Member States to use the Retreat to consolidate unity, refine common strategies, and prepare for the 2026 G20 cycle with clarity, coherence, and determination. He further underscored that recent developments within the G20 process highlight the need for stronger African solidarity, a unified voice, and coordinated action in safeguarding the continent's interests within global governance structures.

H.E. Iván Bacale Ebe Molina, Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development for Equatorial Guinea, addressed the economic imperatives of the 2026 roadmap. "As we look toward the 2026 cycle, our focus remains on the reform of the international financial architecture. We are here to ensure that global financial systems work for Africa's industrialization and energy goals, rather than against them."

In closing the high-level opening session, H.E. Mr. Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, reaffirmed Equatorial Guinea's full support for the African Union and its Member States in ensuring the success of the Retreat, and reiterated the country's commitment to advancing collaboration, dialogue, and unity in pursuit of a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.

The Retreat is expected to deliver key outcomes aimed at strengthening Africa's participation and also  seeks to align AU Member States around common priorities under Agenda 2063 and ensure coordinated engagement across the Sherpa and Finance Tracks. In addition, delegates  will focus on strengthening coordination and continuity through a smooth transition from Angola's tenure as AU Chair to Burundi in 2026, while deepening collaboration among AU institutions, Member States, and strategic partners.

A further expected outcome of the Retreat is the adoption of a Strategic Roadmap establishing a clear timeline and framework for Africa's engagement across G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and Leaders' level processes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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As an Approved Education Provider for the IFRS Foundation's FSA® Credential, Impact Africa Consulting Limited (www.ImpactingAfrica.com) brings to market, a preparation course for the credential that trains financial professionals to identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities, normalize sustainability data for valuation, and connect them to a company's financial position, performance, and prospects.

Impact Africa Consulting Limited has announced plans to launch an FSA® Credential preparation course which is designed to equip African financial professionals with the skills to integrate sustainability considerations into financial analysis. As an Approved Education Provider under the IFRS Foundation's Approved Education Provider Program, Impact Africa has disclosed that it will deliver a preparation course that supports candidates preparing for the two-level FSA® Credential examination. This is the most advanced credential related to ISSB Standards.

Speaking from the company's headquarters in Nairobi, the Lead Consultant and Partner Dr. Edward Mungai said “The upcoming program will train professionals to identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities, normalize sustainability data for valuation, and connect sustainability information to a company's financial position, performance, and prospects. This comes at a moment where financial reporting is pivoting across the continent. Regulators, stock exchanges, and development of finance institutions across Africa are increasingly aligning with ISSB Standards, requiring them to treat sustainability as a financial variable.”

Owen Muruthi, one of the trainers and industry experts supporting the course, noted that financial professionals must increasingly understand how sustainability affects financial performance.

“The FSA® Credential equips professionals with the tools to integrate sustainability considerations into financial analysis and decision-making. Investors, regulators, and capital markets increasingly expect professionals to understand how sustainability-related risks and opportunities influence financial performance and long-term value creation. The FSA® Credential provides the structured knowledge and analytical tools needed to bridge that gap.”

Professionals are expected to gain the ability to identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities that affect financial performance, normalize sustainability data for fundamental, comparative, and industry analysis, and connect sustainability disclosures to key financial elements such as revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cost of capital. They will also learn how to apply sustainability insights within valuation models used by investors and capital markets to inform investment decisions.

For years, sustainability and financial analysis operated in separate silos, with professionals often treating environmental, social, and governance factors as peripheral to core financial decision-making. The introduction of ISSB Standards has changed this landscape, creating a growing need for financial professionals who can fluently integrate sustainability considerations into their analysis and reporting.

The FSA® Credential, developed by the globally recognized IFRS Foundation, is a two-level examination program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to bridge this gap. The credential is held by more than 8,000 professionals across over 60 countries and is widely recognized for its rigor in connecting sustainability information with financial performance and investment decisions.

Level I, Principles and Practices, provides a foundation in the sustainability disclosure landscape, including IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, and explores how material sustainability information informs corporate strategy and investment decisions. Level II, Application and Analysis, trains candidates to identify sustainability-related financial risks and opportunities, normalize sustainability data for comparative analysis, and apply insights within financial and valuation models.

Impact Africa's upcoming FSA Credential preparation course is tailored for finance and sustainability professionals working in markets increasingly aligned with ISSB disclosures. Drawing on experience advising organizations across Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the course situates IFRS Foundation–approved content within African market realities. This includes the growing expectations of capital markets for ISSB-aligned disclosures, the requirements of development finance institutions for sustainability integration, and emerging regulatory frameworks across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The course is ideal for CFOs, Finance Directors, financial controllers, financial analysts, investment professionals, sustainability and ESG practitioners, consultants supporting clients on reporting and disclosure strategy, and students or early-career professionals seeking to build expertise at the intersection of sustainability and finance. Professionals interested in early access to course details and enrollment information are encouraged to join the interest list.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Impact Africa Consulting Limited.

Media Contact:
Solomon Irungu
Solomonirungu@impactingafrica.com
Impact Africa Consulting Limited

About Impact Africa Consulting Limited:
Impact Africa Consulting Limited is a leading development consulting firm headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The firm specializes in sustainability and climate advisory, impact assessment and M&E, and Private and social sector advisory services. The organization operates as a certified GRI training partner across Africa, and offers a growing portfolio of professional development programs in sustainability, governance, health security, resource mobilization, and now the FSA® Credential preparation course, equipping financial professionals to integrate sustainability considerations into financial analysis

Impact Africa is an Approved Education Provider for the FSA® Credential under the IFRS Foundation's Approved Education Provider Program.

Website: www.ImpactingAfrica.com

The Royal African Society (https://RoyalAfricanSociety.org) is pleased to announce the co-option of four distinguished leaders to its Council: Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim, James Benoit, John Butt, and Tammy Brophy. Their appointments further strengthen the Society's leadership as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, bringing together expertise across finance, sustainability, policy, investment, education, and global development.

Chairperson's Welcome

Ms. Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society, said:

“As we mark 125 years of the Royal African Society, we are reminded of our enduring mission to deepen understanding of Africa and amplify African voices globally. The exceptional leaders we welcome to our Council embody this mission. Their diverse expertise, passion for the continent, and track records of excellence will strengthen our ability to serve as a bridge between Africa, the United Kingdom, and the wider world.”

CEO's Remarks

Stella Okuzu, CEO of the Royal African Society, added:

“I am thrilled to welcome these four distinguished leaders to our Council. Their combined experience in finance, investment, sustainability, education, and leadership will greatly enhance our ability to deliver impactful programmes and expand our reach across Africa and the United Kingdom. Their insight and strategic guidance come at a crucial moment in our growth as an organisation.”

Profiles of the Newly Co-opted Council Members

Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim

Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim is the Founder of Protea Advisory Limited, a London-based consultancy advising African and Emerging Market sovereign clients on debt management, sustainable finance, and access to international capital markets.

She brings over 15 years' experience in global investment banking, having started her career in Zurich at UBS, and later held senior roles at Credit Suisse and Barclays, where she led Sub-Saharan Africa coverage and worked closely with Ministries of Finance, central banks, and multilateral institutions such as the World Bank.

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Ifrah combines deep technical expertise in international finance with a strong commitment to Africa's and broader Emerging Markets' long-term economic development. Her work focuses on supporting primarily African, as well as other Emerging Market sovereign borrowers, in strengthening their access to global capital markets, giving her valuable insight into the economic and policy challenges facing the continent.

Born to Somali parents and raised in Switzerland, she brings a genuinely international perspective and strong diaspora connection. Fluent in French, English and Somali, and conversant in German, she is based in London and is well placed to support the Royal African Society's mission of connecting African expertise with UK audiences and institutions. Her experience at the intersection of finance, public policy and international development would offer valuable strategic insight into the economic trends shaping Africa–UK relations.

James Benoit

James Benoit is a Canadian–Mauritian banking executive with more than two decades of global leadership experience across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), he has built a distinguished career connecting African markets with international capital and financial institutions. 

As Managing Director and CEO of FCMB Bank (UK), James led the transformation of the institution into a fully licensed UK-regulated bank, expanding services across corporate, retail and diaspora markets while strengthening its role as a bridge between African and UK economies. He has also played a foundational role in AfrAsia Bank and has held senior leadership positions in international banking, capital markets and regulatory strategy. 

James has extensive experience advising financial institutions and governments on market entry, regulatory frameworks and capital-raising strategies, alongside a strong commitment to inclusive and ethical finance. His global networks span investors, policymakers, financial institutions and diaspora entrepreneurs. 

With deep personal and professional ties to Africa, James brings strategic vision and international networks that would strengthen the Royal African Society's work in fostering partnerships and investment relationships between Africa and the UK.

John Butt

Born in Cameroon, John Butt has built a career driven by curiosity, pursuing the frontiers where disruption meets opportunity for growth. As General Partner of Conduit Ventures Ltd, a regulated UK-based investment firm backed by sovereign and institutional capital, he sets the strategic direction of funds that deploy innovative solutions in energy transition, water risk, and food security to catalyse sustainable economic growth. He pursues these themes with particular conviction across Africa, alongside select markets in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

His career spans policy and investment banking at Citigroup Global Markets and Price Waterhouse in Washington DC, Europe, and the former Soviet bloc, where he worked with governments and the private sector, building on early foundations at the Bank of England. Having lived and worked across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, including China and Japan, he draws on a distinctive cross-border lens. His work is informed by an appreciation that culture, innovation, consensus-building, and partnerships are as decisive as capital in driving positive outcomes across transition and established economies alike.

He holds a Biochemistry degree from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, USA.

Tammy Brophy

Tammy Brophy is Associate Director of the Oxford MBA at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, where she provides strategic leadership for one of the world's leading business education programmes. She leads Oxford Saïd's Africa Initiative, developing partnerships across academia, government and industry to strengthen engagement with African business ecosystems. 

With over a decade of experience at Oxford and earlier professional experience in South Africa, Tammy has built a strong record of connecting academic insight with practical leadership and enterprise development. She has played a key role in expanding African participation in the Oxford MBA and securing more than £1 million in scholarship partnerships for African and female students. 

Tammy's work focuses on inclusive growth, leadership development and knowledge exchange, and she has led major initiatives including the Oxford Africa Business Forum and programmes supporting gender equity in business education. 

A dual South African–British national, Tammy brings deep experience of building partnerships across sectors and borders. Her expertise in education, leadership development and Africa-focused collaboration would support the Royal African Society's mission to promote knowledge, dialogue and connections between Africa and the UK.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal African Society.

Media Contacts: 
Uchechi Eke  
ue3@soas.ac.uk

Tracy N. Walakira of APO Group  
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com

About The Royal African Society:
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A recent Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) survey undertaken in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region entitled “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour”, showed that 39% of professionals consider cybersecurity rules in their company to be excessive or not fully appropriate. In Kenya, this figure was 25% and in South Africa, 23%. Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 7% of respondents in the META region, 4% in Kenya and 10% in South Africa noted that their organisations do not have cybersecurity rules or that they are not aware of them. These results show a disconnect between corporate cybersecurity policies and employee commitment to these rules, underscoring the risks associated with shadow IT and unmanaged device usage in the workplace.

Shadow IT is defined as the use of unauthorised software, devices, or services without IT oversight, and it has evolved into a critical business risk. While often driven by employee productivity needs, it creates blind spots for IT departments. The rise of hybrid work environments, increased reliance on cloud-based tools and the spread of AI tools have accelerated this trend. Without robust cybersecurity management and oversight, organisations face heightened exposure to ransomware attacks, data leaks, and regulatory penalties.

19% of all survey respondents said there are no policies regarding the use of non-corporate devices in their company. 35% admitted that they can use their own devices to access business information, provided they have some type of cybersecurity protection, even consumer-grade software. On the positive side, 21% of all respondents said they can use their own device, but these must first pass more stringent corporate IT security checks; while 25% indicated that only devices provided by the IT function can be used for work purposes.

The situation is significantly better with permissions for employees to install software on corporate devices without IT department's approval. 50% of all survey participants reported that only IT specialists in their company are allowed to install software, while in 31% of organisations only top management or designated users can do so. 11% of employees can install software that is approved by the IT team. However, 8% of respondents said that all users can install any software they need without IT agreement in their organisation.

At the same time 21% of professionals surveyed in the META region, 29% in Kenya and 17% in South Africa acknowledged that within the past year they installed software on their work devices without IT supervision. That highlights a persistent shadow IT challenge that continues to expose organisations to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and data breaches.  

“Shadow IT is now a mainstream operational risk. When one in five employees installs software without IT oversight, it signals a policy gap. Many organisations already have security policies in place, but employee perception must also be considered. Organisations should move beyond restrictive controls and instead implement intelligent, user-centric cybersecurity strategies that combine strategies that integrate technology with employee awareness and responsible use,” said Toufic Derbass, Managing Director for the META region at Kaspersky.

To help organisations strengthen their defences, Kaspersky recommends the following:

• Conduct a Shadow IT audit to identify all unauthorised software, cloud services, and personal devices accessing corporate data.
• Implement robust monitoring and cybersecurity solutions, for example from the Kaspersky Next product line with EDR and XDR tiers, to gain visibility into unsanctioned app usage and device behaviour.
• If employees are allowed to use personal devices, define clear minimum security requirements and enforce them through such solutions as mobile device management (MDM) or endpoint management tools.
• Complement user-friendly cybersecurity policies for employees with trainings that demonstrates real-life risks and ways to avoid them. Solutions such as Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform can help.

For employees Kaspersky experts advise:

• Understand your company's cybersecurity policies. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification.
• Only use applications that have been approved by your IT department and request access to specific IT resources when needed.
• Use only authorised devices for work. If personal devices are allowed, make sure they meet all required security standards and have appropriate cybersecurity solutions installed.
• Store and share work files only through approved platforms.

*The survey was conducted by Toluna research agency at the request of Kaspersky in 2025. The study sample included 2800 online interviews with employees and business owners using computers for work in seven countries: Türkiye, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

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About Kaspersky: 
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.   

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