APO

By Viv Muthan Pr Eng, Head of Export Sales and Operations.

Digitalisation has brought and continues to bring sweeping advancements in how companies go to market and how customers engage with brands. Agentic AI is now poised to disrupt even these developments, creating a scramble among organisations anxious to invest in the “next big thing” for fear of being left behind. Yet history has shown that the more speed becomes associated with winning, the more companies blur the line between operational effectiveness and strategy, copying the same best practices in pursuit of advantage and compromising the very uniqueness they once stood for.

The values companies were founded on often fall away in this race to jump on the bandwagon of the newest technology trend. As digital tools proliferate, strategic differentiation collapses into imitation cycles where organisations appear different in branding but identical in execution. However, beneath the surface of today's digital revolution is an even more important structural dynamic which is often overlooked: technology accelerates competitive convergence. In hyper‑competitive markets which are characterised by rapid innovation, collapsing entry barriers, and continuous technological shifts, advantages erode quickly. As organisations adopt the same tools, platforms, and automated customer experiences, differentiation becomes increasingly difficult to sustain. Digitalisation enhances efficiency, but it also amplifies sameness.

This is the paradox of the modern competitive landscape where technology expands possibilities on the one hand but compresses uniqueness on the other. Many organisations misinterpret this environment as one where speed itself equals strategy. They invest in more automation, more digital tools, and more system integration at more pace, believing that motion is progress and more equals better. Yet these actions, while valuable, remain squarely within the domain of operational effectiveness. Porter (1996) reminds us that strategy is about what you choose to do as a company, what sets of activities support that position (fit) and, possibly most importantly, what you choose not to do. Digital transformation accelerates the impact of these strategic choices. Technologies shape what organisations prioritise and enable certain behaviours while constraining others. Over time, this subtly shifts how companies make sense of themselves, how they coordinate, and how they engage customers. By spending more on getting faster there is potential for elements of the customer journey to fade into the background, particularly the messy and less easy to control human elements.

That is where and why service, especially human service, has become even more strategically significant. In a digital ecosystem where technologies diffuse rapidly and imitation cycles shorten, the only dimension of the firm that remains difficult to replicate is its humanity. Platforms can be cloned, algorithms can be trained, and interfaces can be mimicked but human discernment, contextual understanding, empathetic listening, and relational trust cannot be reverse‑engineered at scale.

Technology delivers speed.
Humans deliver meaning.

This is why RS, despite being a forefront contender in the space of digitally led and data‑driven e-commerce businesses, continues to invest deliberately in people as a core part of its customer experience. RS recognises that digitalisation is about augmenting and enhancing human capability rather replacing it. E‑commerce platforms handle the transactions, the complicated back end that lends itself to automation, but people handle the relationships. Automation reduces friction, but humans resolve complexity. AI identifies patterns, but people interpret significance.

Human service anchors the organisational values, stabilises behaviour in moments of uncertainty, and protects the customer's experience across the system. It is the part of the firm that remains recognisably “itself” even as technology evolves. In this sense, “Service as a Service” is more than satire. It might be seen as a strategic assertion: In a transient, digitally accelerated competitive landscape, humanity becomes the last defensible frontier of differentiation. RS embraces digital transformation as an enabler of a higher quality omni-channel customer journey. In an industrial world where customers often operate under pressure, RS is looking at ways to combine speed, technology and humanity to create value that endures even as the technological environment continues to shift.

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/) is a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) and a leading provider of industrial product and service solutions.

References
Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage.
Bharadwaj, A. et al. (2013). Digital Business Strategy.
D'Aveni, R. (1995). Hypercompetition.
McGrath, R. (2013). The End of Competitive Advantage.
Porter, M. (1996). What Is Strategy?

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Social Media: 
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4d0rh0V
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4d170Z6
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4cXVe1E

About RS: 
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/41Q4miB)

RS Africa Exports (https://apo-opa.co/41Q4miB)

DesignSpark (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/)

RS Group plc (https://www.RSGroup.com/)

Emirates (http://www.Emirates.com) has continued its commitment to making travel more accessible for all, by successfully arranging bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities globally over the past year. With more than 250 families positively impacted, Emirates Travel Rehearsals are designed to support children and young adults with autism, allowing them to practice the journey through the airport to prepare for real flights - easing travel anxiety and empowering them to fly with more confidence.

After the initial Emirates Travel Rehearsals in Dubai resulted in positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations; the Emirates Office of Accessibility & Inclusion formulated the travel rehearsal into an official programme, to be rolled out across its global network.

Since April 2025, Emirates' Airport Services teams have come together to arrange more than 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports like Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Cairo, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Luanda, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice and Vienna.

More than 35,000 Emirates staff have been trained to support customers with autism and can help facilitate travel, and Travel Rehearsals. Emirates teams work very closely with airport authorities and partners to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive and successful experience for the families.

Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, commented;

‘The Emirates Travel Rehearsal programme has been a resounding success across 6 continents, with impressive collaboration and drive shown by all stakeholders, from our own Emirates teams to our airport partners, and the parents and teachers who trusted us to support their children. We will continue to amplify this success with more locations, more teams involved, and more families positively impacted and empowered to fly with confidence.'

What is an Emirates Travel Rehearsal?

As the world's first autism certified airline, Emirates is aware that for many families, international air travel is a highly challenging experience, or something to be avoided completely due to the high level of sensory stimuli that is involved. A survey on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations for these reasons. For many people with autism, planning and predictability is critical – and an airport represents a world of unknown processes and stimuli.

Emirates Travel Rehearsals are a purposeful community collaboration and learning exercise arranged by Emirates, with the support of international airport teams, Border Control and Security teams, and schools and centres for autism based all around the world. The travel rehearsals empower neurodivergent people to participate in a real-time journey through the airport, practicing the actions of checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing the hustle and bustle of retail and dining areas. While familiarising themselves with the airport, participants are also issued mock boarding passes and given the chance to meet the many uniformed staff encountered along the way. In some airports, Emirates' teams managed to arrange access to real aircraft for the children and young adults.

Positive feedback from participants

Now on an international level - parents, therapists, teachers, young adults and children involved in the travel rehearsals so far have reported to Emirates that the experience has been invaluable in helping them have a safe and successful flight, by offering the comfort of preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff to support.

“The relief experienced when institutions like Emirates have considered children with neurological differences in their operational strategies! To know a parent is welcomed with massive support during travels is such a beautiful feeling. It's like a road to freedom for my child.” From an Autism Center founder and parent, Accra.

“Now I am not afraid anymore! Maybe we can fly again next year. Before it was terrible. But now I can leave my fears somewhere else.” From Noah in Dusseldorf, 13 years old.

“A real highlight of the day was watching the Emirates A350 arrive on stand, with the Captains waving to the children - a moment that sparked huge excitement. By the end of the evening, smiles were everywhere, and the atmosphere was filled with pride and joy. The children headed home with their bags they had “checked in,” filled with Emirates goodies, making the experience even more memorable. ​It was an incredibly rewarding day, and we're grateful to everyone who took part and supported this.”  From an Autism Group Leader, Edinburgh.

“It is heartwarming to see and feel that in this busy world, there is still time taken to think of those who need just a little extra care. Thanks to this experience, our child can finally form a real picture of what to expect from an air‑travel holiday, because with explanations alone, he simply cannot imagine it. We found it incredibly fun and very helpful to experience this together with our son! Thank you!” From a Parent in Brussels.

“Interesting! I was allowed to control the baggage belt. Everything was great. Especially the picnic room (lounge), the weapon control (security), the aircraft, just everything!” From Oskar in Dusseldorf, 7 years old.

“Thank you for yesterday's experience. From what participants have said, I think it couldn't have been better, Mario is still saying that it was the best day of his life.” Parent from Fundación Friends, Barcelona.

“The effort that Emirates put into creating more awareness, understanding, and sensitivity towards people with an invisible disability deserves the highest appreciation. Your approach shows insight, respect, and genuine commitment, making the world a better place and the lives of people with disabilities more liveable. It is inspiring to see how much care and attention you put into this. Hopefully, other airlines will follow your example, and awareness for people with disabilities will continue to grow. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience.” From an Autism Group leader in Brussels.

“Unusual, I have never been to an airport. Very strange bus, it had doors on both sides. Cockpit was very cool! I was surprised to receive a present, I was very happy! Everything was unusual but fine and I could understand everything what was explained.” From Erik in Dusseldorf, 19 years old.

‘I was buzzing with excitement as the day approached with my students. Emirates' team were incredibly welcoming and supportive, going above and beyond to make our travel experience both exciting and comfortable. From sensory-friendly spaces to tailored support, every detail was thoughtful. We had so much fun with the staff they truly understood us and were thrilled to have us. Thanks for making it a memorable day'. From a Class Teacher in Accra.

“The experience you've given us is invaluable. We continue to be overwhelmed by the welcome we received. We loved all the details and preparation of the tickets at check-in, controls, boarding, and meeting the crew. We consider it a very significant step forward. The boys and girls came back very happy and after a week they are still remembering and talking about the visit. The feedback from families has also been very positive.” Representative from the Fundación Aucavi, Madrid.

“Thank you can feel so light at times like these. To think of our children with autism was such an honor for families. You unpacked travel aspirations they have, their desired destinations. One parent said they never ever asked their son where he would like to visit thinking he knows no destinations.” Representative from the Regional Development Office for Autism, South Africa

“Thank you, Emirates. It helped us a lot that we could go through the check-in process all the way to boarding the plane (the problem for us was/is the transportation on the passenger bridge, but now we know that it'll be fine for our child too). Special thanks for your hospitality, and for the patience of Emirates staff. Our little boy had a great desire to board a plane, we returned home enriched with positive experiences. He also went to school today in the hat he received.” Parent from Hungary

“I haven't travelled in ten years out of fear for my child. After this experience, I feel more confident and hope to plan a trip with him.” Parent from Angola

“A million thanks for organizing, your team was incredibly professional and kind. My gratitude to the crew member who showed Nore around, it made his day! He was also over the moon with the goodie bag he received, his smile got bigger and bigger as we reached home. You really did an amazing job when he finished his day by raising his arms and shouted: “I love being an autist”!” Parent of Nore from Oslo.

“It was more than an airport experience. It was a gesture of respect, care, and recognition of everyone's right to belonging, to travel, and to live fully. Each smile, each achievement, and each emotional glance from our little ones and their families revealed the true meaning of inclusion: creating safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for everyone.” Doctor from Kuzola Mona Children Development Centre, Angola.

“Wow what an experience you provided our students on Friday. As a teacher of students with specialist needs for over 20 years this was one of the best things I have attended. Everyone commented on the care and attention from the whole Emirates team and the ground crew at Christchurch airport. We now have families who feel confident to give travel a go! Emirates aircraft model now has a new home, at the school reception.” Teacher from Pītau-Allenvale School, Christchurch.

Emirates' continuous support for neurodiverse customers

Emirates will continue to arrange Travel Rehearsals across its global network throughout 2026, inviting more schools and centres to participate.

Emirates' range of sensory products and fidget toys (http://apo-opa.co/3QmXkiT) for customers of all ages continue to be available onboard in all cabin classes, for passengers who are neurodiverse, anyone who is struggling onboard or is a nervous traveller.

Emirates Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub (http://apo-opa.co/3QmXs1R) on Emirates.com has been designed to contain all the information needed for accessible and inclusive travel, featuring accessibility-friendly navigation that allows customers to find information easily and explore the many ways that Emirates can provide travel assistance and support. Aiming to reduce anxiety before travelling, customers can choose to view and explore sections by disability, including Hidden Disabilities. If preferred, customers can search by looking at specific parts of the journey, which have been clearly arranged – Before your flight, Departure from Dubai, Onboard your flight, Connecting in Dubai and Arriving in Dubai. A third option allows customers to browse by specific needs, including Prepare for travel with the autism-friendly guide and Explore Dubai Airport (DXB) Map and Sensory guides.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Art Day 2026 through their Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, established by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. On this occasion, the Merck Foundation also proudly celebrates the 6-year anniversary of this impactful community, which continues to harness the power of art and fashion to address critical health and social issues in Africa and beyond.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019 – 2025 shared “I am happy to mark World Art Day 2026, and I firmly believe that art, fashion, and media are powerful tools for raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues. We also proudly celebrate the 6-year anniversary of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose' Community, established in 2020. Through this dynamic community, we continue to raise awareness on important health and social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending FGM & child marriage, stopping gender based violence, women empowerment and diabetes, hypertension & cancer awareness, while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their day-to-day creative work as a powerful tool for awareness, education, and driving a meaningful cultural shift within their communities.

Our community today brings together talented members from more than 25 countries. I am proud of what we've built together and the positive social impact it continues to create.”

Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives including their first-ever pan-African TV program, ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation', which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of their 'Fashion and Art with Purpose' community.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation' is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.

“Our Africa” has been broadcast on prime TV stations of many countries, and is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/48J4p3p, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4culcsi, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4tTfJ5q and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4epNu9P) and Merck Foundation (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR , Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln). 

Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/4mzhrGv

Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Entries for the 2026 Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com

A significant part of Merck Foundation's “Art and Fashion with Purpose” Community is made up of the talented winners of Merck Foundation annual Fashion, Film, and Song Awards.

“I am proud and delighted to share that in partnership with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, we have so far recognized and celebrated 175 exceptional talents as our winners from 25 countries through our Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. Each winner has become a valued member of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose' Community. Together, they continue to use their voice, art, and influence to spark meaningful conversation, challenge deeply rooted perceptions, and raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues across their communities,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The 175 winners include 102 Fashion Award winners, 53 Song Award winners, and 20 Film Award winners, selected for their outstanding creativity and impact from 25 countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 9 Children's Storybooks in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted their storybooks to create 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili, with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.

To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:  

https://apo-opa.co/3O97YsW

https://apo-opa.co/3O36jFi 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR
X: https://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4vsXtS1
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3OrcbYP

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vwms6V), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vxZNXU), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vEuAlZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3QGXNfL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavours.

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The World Bank Group, through its private-sector arm the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Citi have signed a new 1.6 billion South African rand borrowing facility that will expand IFC's ability to provide local currency financing in South Africa.

This facility adds to the World Bank Group's suite of local currency financing instruments, strengthening its capacity to support private sector development. The facility has supported IFC's anchor investment into the Cape Water outcome-based bond issued by South Africa's FirstRand Bank – the first outcome bond issued by a commercial bank globally.

"Local currency financing and capital markets development in emerging and developing markets are critical priorities for the World Bank Group." said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and World Bank Group Treasurer. "This facility is another example of what our partnerships with the private sector can deliver — from outcome bonds to local currency solutions — in support of long-term finance for job creation."

This facility builds on a similar one established in Kenyan Shilling (KES) that IFC and Citi signed in 2024.The two institutions plan to continue replicating the facility across additional countries.

“This facility deepens our partnership with the World Bank Group,” said Stephanie von Friedeburg, Global Head of Citi's Public Sector Group. “Following our Kenyan shilling transaction, this first South African rand facility reflects a model that can be replicated throughout emerging markets. It adds to the toolkit for development finance institutions and supports local currency financing where it is needed most.”

Currency volatility remains one of the most important priorities for private sector development in emerging markets. Deep and liquid capital markets are essential to ensuring access to local currency financing for development priorities — and by supporting new instruments in local capital markets, the World Bank Group contributes to the further deepening of those markets. Over the last decade, IFC has committed more than $33 billion in local currency financing across 71 local currencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has partnered with fibre optic cable infrastructure provider Oni-Tel Fibre Networks to strengthen connectivity across its Gauteng facilities. Under the agreement, Oni-Tel will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to Africa Data Centres' Midrand and Samrand campuses through its Infinity fibre interconnection platform.

Purpose-built for data centre interconnectivity on a resilient network with direct access to Gauteng's key data centre hubs, this provides customers with fast, high-capacity bandwidth and secure, carrier-grade performance, supporting the levels of uptime required in today's data-driven environments.

“As enterprises accelerate cloud adoption, AI deployment, and data-intensive workloads, they need dependable, scalable connectivity within trusted local data centres. By partnering with Oni-Tel, we're giving our customers access to enhanced fibre infrastructure that supports their growth and innovation, while maintaining secure, enterprise-grade environments for businesses navigating South Africa's digital economy,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres.

For Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent's largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, the collaboration strengthens its service portfolio by enhancing performance and expanding connectivity options within its facilities. Customers gain greater interconnection choice, high-availability architecture, seamless bandwidth, and the ability to scale efficiently as their infrastructure requirements grow.

“Our partnership with Africa Data Centres enables us to deliver our premium fibre interconnection solution into some of the most strategically important data centre hubs in Gauteng. Through Infinity, customers benefit from ultra-low latency connectivity, scalable capacity, and secure, carrier-grade infrastructure designed to keep their businesses ahead in an extremely competitive digital landscape,” said Ellisha Gobind, Chief Commercial Officer at Oni-Tel.

Africa Data Centres' facilities across the continent serve as key interconnection hubs, supporting enterprises, cloud service providers, financial institutions, mobile network operators, fixed network operators, and other users. Oni-Tel's dark fibre solution further expands the range of carrier-neutral options available to Gauteng customers, enabling improved network speed and performance.

As demand for secure, high-performance digital infrastructure continues to rise, Africa Data Centres remains focused on building a robust, interconnected ecosystem that supports enterprise innovation and long-term growth across South Africa and the wider region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates one of Africa's largest networks of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa, our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper-scale customers. www.AfricaDataCentres.com

About Oni-Tel Fibre Networks:
Onitel Fibre Networks is a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, delivering high-speed fibre connectivity solutions to businesses and communities across South Africa. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Onitel Fibre Networks designs, builds, and manages fibre networks that empower growth, productivity, and digital transformation. Our fibre networks are engineered for low latency, ensuring seamless data transfer and real-time communication, enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. www.OniTel.co.za

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TotalEnergies' Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster, will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris on April 22–23, as the company pushes forward a dense slate of upstream and LNG developments across the continent.

Africa remains central to TotalEnergies' global portfolio, accounting for roughly half of its operated production and the largest share of its exploration budget. That footprint is now translating into a new wave of project execution and investment decisions expected to shape output through 2026 and beyond.

In the Republic of Congo, the company committed $500 million in 2025 to new wells at the Moho Nord field, targeting an additional 40,000 barrels per day from an asset that already represents around half of national production. In East Africa, Uganda's Tilenga project is progressing toward first oil, supported by the 1,443-km East African Crude Oil Pipeline to Tanzania's port of Tanga.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique, TotalEnergies is advancing the restart of its $20 billion LNG project, a cornerstone development with planned capacity of 13 million tons per annum. The project's phased return marks a key step in unlocking one of Africa's largest gas reserves and is expected to be a major driver of production growth. Together, these projects are set to reverse earlier declines in output, with TotalEnergies' African production expected to recover through 2026 as new volumes come online.

Frontier assets are also moving closer to key decisions. In Namibia, the company is targeting a final investment decision on the Venus discovery in the fourth quarter of 2026, positioning it as one of the most closely watched deepwater projects globally. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to drill offshore Block 3B/4B in the Orange Basin, pending final approvals, as exploration activity accelerates in the region.

Alongside oil developments, gas monetization remains a priority. The company is advancing LNG and domestic gas projects, while maintaining zero routine flaring across its operations in Nigeria, Gabon and Angola. Its broader strategy also includes renewable and power investments, with solar projects in Southern and North Africa and hydropower in Uganda.

Sangster's participation at IAE comes at a time when TotalEnergies is managing one of its most active project pipelines in Africa in recent years, spanning near-term production growth, major LNG developments and high-impact frontier exploration.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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The rapid rise of climate litigation is reshaping how energy policy is defined and enforced worldwide, with courts increasingly setting the parameters of climate action. Advisory proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) are establishing legal interpretations that extend far beyond national borders, influencing how governments regulate emissions, approve projects, and manage natural resources.

For Africa, the implications are significant. While the continent contributes less than 4% of global emissions, it faces mounting pressure to align with legal standards largely shaped outside the region. Without stronger participation in these proceedings, African states risk having climate obligations defined externally – with direct consequences for industrialization, energy access, and investment flows.

Against this backdrop, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has moved to intervene in a landmark advisory proceeding before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. The application seeks amicus curiae status in a case initiated by the Pan African Lawyers Union, which aims to define state climate obligations under the African Charter.

The case reflects a broader jurisprudential shift. Recent and ongoing proceedings build on earlier rulings such as Social and Economic Rights Action Center v. Nigeria and Ivorian League of Human Rights v. Côte d'Ivoire, which established environmental protection as an enforceable legal duty while affirming the need to safeguard broader socioeconomic rights. Together, these decisions are expanding the scope of climate-related obligations across jurisdictions.

At the global level, advisory opinions from the ICJ and ITLOS emphasize that states must exercise due diligence to prevent significant environmental and climate-related harm – setting clearer expectations for how climate obligations are interpreted under international law. While these interpretations stop short of prohibiting fossil fuel development, they introduce more stringent expectations around environmental oversight, regulatory enforcement, and long-term climate risk management.

This trend is already affecting the financing of oil and gas projects across Africa. Banks and insurers are increasingly cautious about backing high-emission infrastructure, citing reputational and legal risks. For example, Standard Chartered declined to finance the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline due to civil society pressure and climate concerns. These risk-averse stances make loans for large upstream projects harder to secure, leaving some discoveries unable to reach FID. In Nigeria, marginal field developments have stalled despite proven reserves, and refinery expansions that could improve local energy security struggle to attract funding. To fill these gaps, African-led initiatives like the Africa Energy Bank are emerging, reflecting a shift in financing flows in response to climate and regulatory risk.

As a result, the continent's ability to expand production and meet energy demand is constrained. Projects with strong fundamentals may face delays, stranded asset risk or permit uncertainty. Downstream and gas-to-power projects – critical for local consumption – also struggle for financing, even as climate and legal frameworks evolve. While institutions like Afreximbank have underwritten $2.5 billion toward Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery, upstream oil and gas finance remains fragmented amid global climate mandates and litigation risk.

In South Africa, the Climate Change Act (2024) aligns domestic law with international climate commitments, and recent litigation – including a Supreme Court of Appeal decision invalidating a gas power plant authorization for inadequate environmental assessment – demonstrates how courts are increasingly scrutinizing energy projects.

This shift is redefining risk for investors. Expanding legal interpretations – including the potential characterization of climate inaction as an internationally wrongful act – increase exposure for states and private operators. Projects that fail to meet evolving standards may face financing hurdles, delays or stranded asset risk, while governments may confront investor-state disputes if regulatory changes affect project viability.

At the same time, these legal developments are reshaping geopolitics. African states are leveraging climate-related legal findings to strengthen claims for climate finance, debt relief and technology transfer. By framing climate harm as a legal liability rather than solely a political issue, the continent gains negotiating leverage – but also subjects domestic energy strategies to greater scrutiny.

Within this landscape, the AEC's intervention ensures African priorities are represented in emerging legal standards. The Chamber advocates for a balanced interpretation that recognizes both environmental obligations and the right to development, particularly in a region where more than 600 million people lack access to electricity. Competing perspectives remain strong, with environmental groups calling for stricter limits on fossil fuel expansion under human rights frameworks.

“If Africa leaves its energy future to outside courts, we risk seeing policies designed for other continents applied here,” says NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman. “Climate litigation is not just a regulatory challenge – it affects financing for our oil and gas sector. Banks are retreating, discoveries can't reach FID and projects that could fuel our energy ambitions remain stalled. Africa must turn this challenge into an opportunity to define standards that protect the planet while ensuring our people, our resources, and our growth are not left behind.”

The rise of climate litigation marks a decisive shift from political negotiation to legal enforcement. For Africa, the stakes are clear: engage actively in shaping these frameworks or risk adapting to standards set elsewhere. Ensuring African representation in these processes is now critical not only to align climate ambition with economic growth and energy security but also to secure the financing necessary for the continent's oil and gas sector to reach its potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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For the first time, Eswatini's most investment-ready enterprises pitched directly to international impact investors, and the results exceeded expectations on both sides.

For three days in March 2026, Eswatini became a live pitch room. Five investment-ready enterprises – Luna Hair & Body, Eswatini Foods, Beef Boys, Ngwenya Glass, and Black Mamba – hosted site visits from regional and international impact investors. They opened their books, their facilities, and their ambitions to capital providers seeking exactly what Eswatini had to offer. Beyond the site visits, investors met with government officials, financial institutions, and ecosystem players – building a full picture of Eswatini's regulatory environment, financial landscape, and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Eswatini Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) Investment Roadshow, held from 3 to 5 March 2026, was the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Convened by the European Union and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Government of Eswatini, the Roadshow brought five impact investors offering funding schemes ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. They came from South Africa, Belgium, and Ghana for an immersive, curated programme of site visits, bilateral meetings, policy dialogue, and ecosystem engagement.

The event built on groundwork laid at the inaugural MSME Conference in November 2025, which explored alternative financing for small businesses. A panel discussion at that conference featured impact investor Unconventional Capital and the East Africa Venture Capital Association. They introduced Eswatini's business community to emerging instruments: blended finance, revenue-based financing, digital credit scoring, and mobile money lending. These offerings meet small businesses where they are, rather than where traditional banks expect them to be.

The three days produced concrete results. By the end of the programme, one company had received an initial investment commitment after its site visit. Several others had started early-stage investment discussions. Multiple investors confirmed plans to return – some looking to work through local financial institutions and invest larger amounts – a sign that interest in Eswatini extends well beyond the five companies visited.

Speaking at the welcome reception, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo highlighted the deliberate focus on small businesses as central to addressing economic inequality. 

‘The wealth in Eswatini is concentrated on a few, and we see MSME development as one of the key solutions to this particular problem,' he said, welcoming impact investors as partners in closing that gap.

Principal Secretary Ambassador Melusi Masuku offered a direct message: ‘Eswatini is open for business. We are safe and stable. Our Kingdom is a haven of peace and stability in a complex world.'

The roadshow marks an inflection point: the moment Eswatini moved from describing its investment potential to demonstrating it.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) has formally submitted its application to be admitted as amicus curiae in a landmark advisory proceeding before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, marking a strategic step to ensure Africa's energy priorities are represented in a case with far-reaching implications for the continent.

The case, initiated by the Pan African Lawyers Union, seeks to clarify the legal obligations of African states in addressing climate change under regional human rights frameworks. While the request underscores Africa's vulnerability to climate impacts, it also raises critical questions about how such obligations could be interpreted in practice – particularly in relation to energy development, industrialization and economic growth.

The request asks the Court to clarify a range of issues, including state obligations to address climate impacts, protect vulnerable populations, implement mitigation and adaptation measures, and ensure accountability in energy policy and development decisions. Engagement from African states and stakeholders has been uneven, raising concerns that outcomes may not fully reflect the continent's priorities.

For the AEC, the stakes are significant. Across the continent, there is growing concern that climate-related litigation and advocacy – often funded or guided by foreign NGOs – has sought to block financing or development of African energy projects. Recent examples include lawsuits challenging funding for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, gas development in Mozambique by Total Energies and aggressive litigation in South Africa targeting oil and natural gas exploration. The Chamber believes African voices must lead the conversation.

“We would have preferred a dialogue led by Africans on this matter,” says NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman. “Africa must not be a passive participant in decisions shaping its energy future. Our application ensures the voices of African countries, their industries and citizens are heard. Climate policy must reflect not only environmental priorities, but also the fundamental right to development and energy access.”

Africa accounts for a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains the most energy-poor region in the world. More than 600 million people still lack access to electricity, while clean cooking solutions remain out of reach for hundreds of millions more. In this context, the AEC maintains that oil and gas resources will continue to play a vital role in enabling industrialization, job creation and economic resilience.

Through its submission, the Chamber aims to provide the Court with sector-specific insights on the intersection of climate change, human rights and energy development. In particular, the AEC emphasizes the importance of a balanced and inclusive energy transition, incorporating hydrocarbons alongside renewable energy solutions.

The advisory opinion comes amid a broader global trend of climate-related litigation, reinforcing the need for African institutions to actively engage in shaping legal frameworks. Ensuring that African perspectives and priorities are central to these debates is critical to achieving outcomes that are fair, equitable, and aligned with the continent's development ambitions.

“As a continent, we must lead this debate with clarity and conviction,” Ayuk added. “Decisions made today will shape Africa's energy future for generations. Africa deserves a framework that protects its right to develop, ensures energy access and addresses climate challenges in a fair, pragmatic way – without undue influence from foreign actors or NGOs.”

The Chamber's engagement marks the start of a broader effort to inform, mobilize and align stakeholders across the continent, helping to safeguard Africa's right to responsibly and sustainably develop its energy resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Australian mining company Resolute Mining has approved a $516 million Final Investment Decision (FID) for its Doropo Gold Project in the Ivory Coast. The FID advances the project into the construction phase, with first production of 500,000 ounces per annum expected by 2028, strengthening the country and Africa's position as major gold producers. Similarly, Toubani Resources approved a $216 million FID for the Kobada Gold Project in Mali, enabling the project to enter construction. Designed to produce approximately 162,000 ounces of gold per annum, Kobada supports Mali's strategy to expand gold output beyond the current 60 tons per annum.

Such approvals signal growing capital inflows into Africa's mining sector, as developers advance projects toward production to meet rising global mineral demand while the continent seeks investment partners to unlock its estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources.

Rising FIDs Drive New Phase of Growth for African Mining

As more mining projects reach FID stage, Africa's mining industry is entering a new phase of expansion, with the capital strengthening the continent's role in global supply chains while driving infrastructure development, job creation and long-term economic growth.

With global demand for critical minerals expected to triple by 2030, FID announcements across Africa are set to accelerate, underpinned by the continent's 30% share of energy transition metal reserves. The expanding pipeline of FIDs underscores the strong momentum building across the sector.

Rio Tinto approved a $473 million investment decision to extend the life of the Zulti South Project to 2050, strengthening South Africa's position as a long-term supplier of mineral sands including zircon and ilmenite, which are essential inputs for construction, ceramics and advanced manufacturing industries. Meanwhile, Tharisa approved a $547 million FID for an underground expansion at its Bushveld Complex operations. The project is expected to deliver over 200,000 ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs) annually alongside more than two million tons of chrome concentrate, reinforcing the country's position as the world's leading supplier of PGMs.

Beyond these projects, a broader pipeline of developments is advancing toward investment decisions across the continent. Major projects including the Manono Lithium Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Gorumbwa Platinum Project in Zimbabwe, the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal and the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania are progressing toward potential FIDs as investors position themselves to capture rising demand for battery minerals and critical metals.

Investment Momentum Ahead of African Mining Week

This growing pipeline of investment decisions and project developments will be a key focus of the upcoming African Mining Week 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town. The event will connect investors, project developers and government regulators to explore partnership opportunities and investment prospects across Africa's mining value chain. Through high-level discussions and project showcases, the conference will examine how rising FIDs are driving production growth, strengthening infrastructure development and advancing Africa's strategy to transform its mineral wealth into long-term economic value.

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