APO

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I (“Kholo Capital”) and Tensai Private Equity (“Tensai”) today announced the provision of R275 million in mezzanine debt funding to support the management buy-out (“MBO”) of Isambane Mining (“Isambane”), a leading mid-tier mining contractor in South Africa.

Isambane delivers comprehensive opencast mining services, including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, rehabilitation and day-work services to blue-chip mining clients.

Founded in 2005, Isambane has developed into an established and reputable South African contract mining operator. The transaction enables the company's management team to acquire 100% ownership of the business, strengthening operational control and positioning Isambane for its next phase of growth.

The R275 million mezzanine funding package comprises R200 million provided by Kholo Capital and R75 million provided by Tensai Private Equity. 

The management consortium is led by Chairman Banzi Giyose, Chief Executive Officer Johan Venter and Chief Financial Officer Jorrie Jordaan and were advised by Bravura Capital.

Zaheer Cassim, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, commented: “We are delighted to support Isambane's accomplished and highly motivated management team in acquiring full ownership of this exceptional business. This transaction is a strong example of how structured mezzanine debt capital can enable management-led ownership transitions without unnecessary equity dilution, while providing the flexibility required to sustain growth and operational momentum. Isambane has built a high-quality, resilient platform underpinned by long-standing relationships with Tier-1 mining clients, strong cash flow generation, and a scalable operating model. The leadership team's depth of experience—spanning more than 170 years across operations, engineering, safety and financial management—provides a solid foundation for continued execution and growth. This transaction also aligns ownership with those closest to the business, enhances black ownership and control, and positions Isambane to capitalise on opportunities in the mining services sector. We look forward to partnering with management as a long-term capital provider, supporting their strategic objectives and helping unlock further value in the business.”

Mokgome Mogoba, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, added: “Isambane's portfolio includes multi-year contracts with Tier-1 mining clients, providing strong revenue visibility. Its flexible operating model enables rapid redeployment of fleet and personnel, significantly mitigating contract and asset utilisation risk. Importantly, this transaction enhances black ownership and control in a sector that has historically lacked transformation. Isambane is now a majority black-owned and black-controlled mining services company. This transaction reflects continued investor confidence in South Africa's mining services sector and highlights the role of structured mezzanine debt in enabling management-led ownership transitions.”

Tensai added, “Tensai is pleased to partner with Kholo Capital on this transaction. Isambane's established position and resilient operating model make it an attractive investment, and we are proud to support an experienced leadership team while contributing to meaningful transformation within South Africa's mining sector.”

Soria Hay of Bravura Capital observed: “Bravura is delighted to have assisted the exceptional Isambane management to achieve the 100% Management Buy-Out from the existing shareholders within less than 9 months from our initial engagement. With Isambane being a capital-intensive business, we had to navigate the legal relationships with the various senior lenders carefully to achieve this outcome. All our thanks to the Kholo Capital and Tensai teams for the spirit of cooperation and partnership that was shown along the process. They were meticulous, but helpful to address the invariable niggles that always arise during these types of transactions. We wish Isambane only the best for this new chapter in its life.”

Banzi Giyose, Chairman of Isambane, said: ““This has been a complex and rigorous process, led by highly experienced investment and legal teams, and it has been a pleasure working with parties who consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency and good faith. This collaborative approach was key to achieving a successful outcome. We are sincerely grateful to Kholo Capital and Tensai, for their diligence, as well as to all advisors for their continued support and expertise.

For Isambane, this milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one grounded in purpose, operational excellence and sustainable value creation. We remain committed to delivering strong performance while fostering safer work environments and creating meaningful opportunities for local communities.”

Johan Venter, CEO of Isambane, concluded: “This transaction represents a transformational step for Isambane, aligning ownership with a management team deeply committed to the business and its long-term success. It strengthens our foundation for disciplined growth, anchored in our core values of faith, integrity, accountability, resilience, partnership and operational excellence. Kholo Capital brought strong credibility, commercial rigour and execution capability to the process. Their principled, solutions-driven approach and ability to navigate complexity while maintaining momentum were instrumental in achieving this outcome. We enter this next phase with confidence, guided by our values and a shared commitment to building a sustainable, high-performing business.”

Norton Rose Fullbright acted as legal counsel to Kholo Capital and ENS acted as legal counsel for Tensai.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.

For more information contact:
Zaheer Cassim
Managing Partner
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I
zaheer@kholocapital.com
Tel: +27-83-786-0845

Mokgome Mogoba
Managing Partner
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I
mokgome@kholocapital.com
Tel: +27-79-631-5860

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I
34 Melrose Boulevard
Melrose Arch
2076 
South Africa

Tensai contact details:
info@tensai.co.za
Tel: +27 21 276 2040

About Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I: 
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is a R1.4 billion specialist fund providing flexible mezzanine debt solutions to mid-market businesses across Southern Africa. The fund is designed to bridge the gap between senior debt and equity, enabling companies to access growth and acquisition capital while minimising equity dilution for shareholders.

The fund typically provides investments ranging from R70 million to R205 million to businesses generating a minimum of R25 million in EBITDA per annum. Kholo Capital invests in sectors with high social impact including infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, education, telecommunications, renewable energy, food and services. The investment mandate excludes primary mining, primary agriculture, micro-lending, gambling, ammunition, tobacco, hard liquor and government-related businesses. Larger transactions can be supported through co-investment from limited partners or through syndicated structures.

Kholo Capital provides tailored funding solutions for a variety of transaction types, including growth capital, acquisitions, management buy-outs, leveraged buy-outs, private equity transactions, share buybacks, refinancing of shareholder loans and dividend recapitalisations. The fund also partners with businesses to optimise their capital structures, including refinancing portions of senior bank debt to improve cash flow and create additional headroom for reinvestment and expansion.

Mezzanine debt funding is typically structured as a 4- to 7-year instrument with flexible, bullet repayment profiles, allowing companies to service interest during the term while deferring capital repayment to maturity. This structure supports stronger cash flow management and enables businesses to reinvest in growth initiatives. The fund targets returns more than 17%, combining yield with potential equity upside.

Kholo Capital adopts a disciplined investment approach, with leverage typically capped at 3.5x to 4.0x total debt to EBITDA and up to 80% loan-to-value, ensuring a minimum 20% equity buffer. Investments are made in established, cash-generative businesses, and the fund does not invest in distressed situations or standalone greenfield projects without appropriate guarantees from qualifying operating entities.

Founded in 2020 by Mokgome Mogoba and Zaheer Cassim, Kholo Capital is a specialist alternative investment manager with deep expertise across senior debt, mezzanine debt and private equity. The investment team has more than 100 years of combined experience and has collectively deployed over R50 billion across more than 90 transactions in over 10 African countries. The firm is led by a cohesive and experienced team with a long-standing track record of working together over two decades.

About Tensai:
Tensai Private Equity seeks to invest in businesses that demonstrate a proactive approach to innovation, recognizing the potential for technology to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new avenues for growth.

Website: www.Tensai.co.za

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Cross‑Atlantic energy partnerships are materializing into strategic ventures that could reshape offshore development across the South Atlantic Basin. At the heart of this momentum is the Brazil‑Africa energy nexus, spotlighted as a driver of deepwater collaboration and floating production expertise. As energy leaders prepare for African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town and its Brazil–Africa Town Hall, this evolving relationship will be crucial to scaling upstream growth on both continents.

Brazil's decades‑long mastery of ultra‑deepwater oil and gas is now a strategic asset for African producers and investors. From the pre‑salt fields of the Santos Basin to its advanced FPSO technologies, Brazil has built a track record of executing complex offshore projects. Deployments like the 2025 Bacalhau FPSO, capable of processing 220,000 barrels per day, highlight the operational scale and technical sophistication that Brazilian companies can bring to Africa's emerging offshore frontiers, helping to reduce development risks and accelerate production timelines.

This technical edge is a key reason Petrobras is expanding into Africa. In early 2026, Petrobras confirmed a 42.5% stake acquisition in a significant offshore exploration block in Namibia alongside TotalEnergies, marking the company's return to African waters after focusing on domestic pre-salt fields. Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Africa has become “a main region of development outside Brazil,” with Namibia, Angola and Nigeria cited as priority markets.

Petrobras has also pursued exploration rights in South Africa's Deep Western Orange Basin and engaged African peers through high-level forum participation. These efforts, highlighted at AEW, aim to translate Brazil's deepwater experience into Africa's offshore growth narrative, where geological parallels between Brazil's pre-salt basins and African margins offer a compelling case for collaboration.

“For Africa's energy sector to thrive – whether in deepwater, LNG or cross‑border projects – we need partners who bring capital and expertise. Brazil's offshore pedigree and appetite to invest signal the kind of South‑South collaboration that accelerates real project delivery, unlocks value in frontier basins and drives industrial growth for both continents,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Beyond rhetoric, energy diplomacy is translating into action. Last year's Invest in African Energies Reception in Rio de Janeiro brought Brazilian and African stakeholders together to discuss strategic partnerships and investment prospects, setting the stage for further engagement at AEW in Cape Town.

For African producers, partnering with Brazilian companies offers access to mature offshore technologies, local content facilitation and operational models refined in challenging deepwater environments. Petrobras' FPSOs, equipped with advanced carbon-management systems, demonstrate innovations that could be adapted to Africa's offshore projects, balancing efficiency and environmental performance.

As the energy landscape evolves, strategic cooperation between Brazil and African nations could unlock a new era of Atlantic basin development, moving beyond traditional North-South investment patterns. Through shared expertise, aligned financing frameworks and sustained engagement – exemplified by AEW's Brazil‑Africa agenda – the trans-Atlantic energy corridor is emerging as a priority for governments, investors and operators alike.

The AEW Town Hall promises to explore how Brazil's offshore legacy can accelerate Africa's next wave of offshore projects and how innovative capital structures can bridge financing gaps. With major players from both continents convening in Cape Town this year, the momentum toward operationalizing Atlantic energy partnerships is building – with implications for global supply dynamics and regional energy security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Afrobarometer (http://Afrobarometer.org), in partnership with the African Leadership (AL) for Governance Network, concluded the 2026 Governance Sector Challenge in March, an eight-week immersive policy research and innovation programme designed to equip young African leaders with the skills to develop data-driven solutions to Africa's most pressing governance challenges. 

Under the theme “Building public trust in institutions for better governance,” the 2026 sector challenge brought together 45 emerging public leaders to explore the drivers of institutional trust across the continent and co-create evidence-based policy recommendations that strengthen leadership accountability, institutional legitimacy, and the social contract between citizens and the state. 

The training programme provided a rare opportunity for participants from 14 countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), many of whom had never used Afrobarometer data previously, to work in interdisciplinary teams to build foundational skills in accessing, interpreting, and analysing public-attitude data.

Participants engaged with expert mentors from the Afrobarometer network, learning how to design practical, context-sensitive policy proposals aimed at rebuilding trust in public institutions. The programme combined hands-on research, targeted coaching, workshops, and competitive pitching sessions. Outstanding policy briefs will be published in the AL for Governance Journal, amplifying youth-driven perspectives on governance reform.

“This partnership with AL for Governance reflects our shared commitment to building a new generation of African leaders who use data to drive change,” said Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer's capacity building manager (basic track).

“We celebrate the incredible work of participants who have transformed ideas into impactful policy briefs, and we look forward to seeing how they take Afrobarometer's work forward.”

Lesego Otlhabanye, AL for Governance programme manager, highlighted the value of the training for promoting evidence-based policy advocacy grounded in citizen experiences: “This challenge represents a critical opportunity for young African leaders to translate data into meaningful policy action.”

“By equipping participants with Afrobarometer's robust governance data and connecting them with experienced mentors, we've enabled the next generation to tackle one of Africa's most pressing challenges by rebuilding trust between citizens and their institutions. The evidence-based solutions that have emerged from this programme have the potential to reshape how governments engage with and serve their communities.” 

The training programme forms part of Afrobarometer's commitment to placing young leaders at the centre of policy innovation by strengthening data literacy, promoting empirical decision making, and expanding the pool of practitioners who can responsibly use public-attitude data to help improve democratic governance on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Asafika
Communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Telephone: +27 83 979 8299 
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org 

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About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 450,000+ interviews in 45 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (http://apo-opa.co/4bJbzXF) and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.co/3NDS3m9)

Visit us online at: ​www.Afrobarometer.org 

About AL for Governance:
Founded in 2019, AL for Governance is a pan-African network of over 400 impact-driven leaders committed to ethical leadership, effective public institutions, and inclusive governance. Through mentorship, peer learning, and strategic partnerships, the network supports young Africans to pursue meaningful careers in public service and governance reform.  

Visit us online at: AL for Governance (http://apo-opa.co/4uSmju6)

About Efrusy Family Foundation: 
The Efrusy Family Foundation is the proud sponsor of the AL for Governance Journal (https://apo-opa.co/47wM8WC), enabling the continued publication of this annual platform for youth-led thought leadership across the continent. Through this partnership, the foundation is investing in the amplification of emerging African voices, advancing evidence-based insights, and fostering dialogue on critical governance challenges. Its support underscores a shared commitment to strengthening inclusive, responsive, and forward-looking governance systems in Africa. 

CityBlue Hotels, one of Africa's fastest-growing hotel groups, has selected UK-based platform Inntelo AI to deploy AI-native concierge agents across its portfolio, marking a significant step in the group's strategy to lead the next phase of hospitality innovation across the continent. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi on 31 March 2026.

The rollout represents one of the first scaled implementations of AI-native concierge agents in African hospitality, positioning CityBlue Hotels at the forefront of AI-driven transformation in the sector.

Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and expected to open soon in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia, with additional strategic tie-ups in South Africa and Mozambique, CityBlue Hotels' partnership with Inntelo AI comes amid continued growth in Africa's tourism sector, supported by rising intra-African travel and increasing global demand for new destinations.

As part of its broader digital strategy, CityBlue Hotels will deploy Inntelo AI's platform to embed AI directly into hotel operations. The AI-native system coordinates guest interactions and service workflows in real time, enabling faster response times, improved task prioritisation, and consistent service delivery at scale, while allowing teams to focus on high-value, in-person guest engagement.

The partnership also includes the development of educational programmes to advance skills, innovation, and AI adoption across Africa's hospitality industry.

Jameel Verjee, said:

“CityBlue has always been focused on where our markets are going. As we scale, AI-native operations become essential to delivering consistency, speed, and quality across multiple geographies.

“This partnership allows us to embed AI at the core of how we operate—supporting our teams in real time, reducing friction, and elevating the guest experience across every property. Just as importantly, we are shaping how AI is applied within an African context.”

Asif Alidina, added:

“CityBlue Hotels is exactly the kind of operator that defines where the industry is heading. Their focus on AI-native operations and scalable systems makes them a natural partner.

“Together, we are deploying technology that is purpose-built for hospitality—combining conversational and agentic AI to support teams, enhance guest experiences, and set a new standard for modern hotel operations in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

Media Contacts:
Group Digital Office
Nairobi, Kenya
CityBlue Hotels
Email: grow@citybluehotels.com

London EC2V 7AW
United Kingdom
Inntelo AI
Email: hello@inntelo.com

About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels is one of Africa's fastest-growing hotel groups, with properties across major cities in East and West Africa. Founded in 2013, the African-born brand focuses on delivering modern, business-friendly accommodation supported by a strong digital infrastructure.

Operating across key commercial and travel hubs including Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Mombasa and Nairobi, CityBlue Hotels serves both business and leisure travellers. The group continues to expand its footprint across the continent, with a focus on combining international standards with locally rooted hospitality.

About Inntelo AI:
Inntelo AI is the first AI-native platform unifying guest experience, operations, and real-time personalisation for hospitality and real estate. It empowers hotels to work smarter, grow revenue, and deliver seamless service by combining communications, task automation, personalisation, and predictive intelligence into one stack.

Designed for hotels, resorts, branded residences, and mixed-use venues, Inntelo AI transforms performance while keeping people at the centre. The company is backed by leading venture investors, including Antler, Haatch, Look AI Ventures, and the British Business Bank.

Incomedia (www.Incomedia.eu) is excited to announce its participation in Gitex Africa 2026, the leading trade fair for technology and innovation hosted in Marrakech, Morocco, from April 7th to 9th.

The power of AI in a no-code webisite builder for businesses and entrepreneurs

As Africa's digital economy accelerates, and millions of small and medium-sized businesses are looking to go online, Italian software company Incomedia is taking the opportunity represented by Gitex to introduce WebSite X5 to African businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. The tool is an all-in-one website and e-commerce builder designed to simplify and speed up the creation of online businesses.

A key innovation is the integrated AI assistant MagicSite, which helps users generate complete and easily customizable websites through a simple conversation.

Expanding WebSite X5 presence in Africa

Within the last few years, Incomedia has been expanding its network in the African market such as Ivory Coast, Kenya, Niger or South Africa and contributed to the digital transformation in this area. Following this successful trend, Incomedia is actively expanding its presence across Africa and is looking to collaborate with local distributors, digital agencies, training centers  and government institutions involved in digital transformation.

Join Us at Gitex Africa 2026

“Digital access should not be complex or expensive”, says Federico Ranfagni, CEO of Incomedia. “Our goal is empowering African entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses online, unlocking new possibilities across the continent.”

Visitors and partners can meet Incomedia at:
GITEX Africa 2026
Hall 20 – Stand B-56 (Italian Area)

The team will provide live demos and explore partnership opportunities across African markets.

Schedule a meeting:
Federico Ranfagni
CEO
federico.r@incomedia.eu
https://apo-opa.co/4di8ijb
www.Incomedia.eu

Meet us at Gitex Africa:
Hall 20
Stand B-56

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Incomedia.

Press contacts:
Elisa Briola
PR MANAGER
elisa.b@incomedia.eu
+39 0125 253491

About Incomedia:
Founded in Ivrea, Italy, in 1998 by Federico Ranfagni and Stefano Ranfagni, Incomedia has been committed to making technology accessible to all. Its flagship product, WebSite X5, has helped users around the world create websites, blogs, and online stores without requiring programming skills. With a strong presence in Europe, North and South America, and now Africa and the MENA region, Incomedia continues to drive innovation in the no-code web development sector.

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) has reached a significant milestone in Africa, with more than 100 hotels across the continent in operation and under development. Radisson Blu continues to anchor the legacy footprint. At the same time, the Radisson brand is the fastest riser, supported by a strong conversion engine and a concrete pipeline that continues to translate into openings. Building on this momentum, the Group has signed over 15 new hotels and roughly 2,500 rooms in the last 12 months, including new market entries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.

Over the past five years, Radisson and Radisson Blu have ranked among the most signed brands in Africa, with one of the highest shares of cumulative openings. The last 12 months set a new benchmark with more than 2,500 rooms signed and multiple market entries. Priority growth markets remain Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, where the Group is deepening its presence and widening its brand distribution.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Regional Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “We've crossed the 100-hotel mark in Africa by staying true to our plan, focusing on where we can lead, moving fast on quality conversions, and partnering with owners who share our ambition. The next phase is about depth in Morocco and Nigeria, a smarter footprint in South Africa, and a stronger resort offering that matches where travelers want to go. Our pipeline is built to open, not just to announce. That is why our conversion share is high, our time to market is short, and our brands are gaining ground in the cities and resort destinations that matter most.”

Nigeria shows the model's resilience. The Group now holds a strong position in the country with 13 hotels in operation and pipeline, while Abuja is carrying a significant active pipeline with three hotels totaling 458 keys.

South Africa is being reshaped with priorities in Cape Town, targeted growth in secondary cities such as Durban and Pretoria, and a sharper focus on leisure corridors that include Kruger National Park, Sun City, and the Garden Route. The Group plans to enter Zanzibar and is considering lodge, safari, and affiliation opportunities across Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia to meet the rising demand for nature-led experiences.

Conversions remain a core lever for scale and speed. In the last five years, more than 15 hotels, equal to almost 3,000 rooms, joined the portfolio through conversion. This helped the Group lead openings across the continent while keeping brand standards high and owners in mind.

Recent signings show the extensiveness of this strategy, with a balanced pipeline of city hotels, resort destinations, and quick-to-market conversions. These signings span the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, including Radisson Blu Kinshasa and three Radisson hotels in Lubumbashi, Radisson Harare, Park Inn Victoria Falls, Radisson Collection Lagos Atlantic, as well as new additions in Casablanca with Radisson Blu Resort & Conference Center Bouskoura, a first Radisson brand hotel in Rabat, and further expansion in Marrakech. Key signings include:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa
Upper-upscale flagship in Gombe

Opening late 2026. Set on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, the hotel will offer 110 keys, including suites and a Presidential Suite. Guests can choose from a lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar. Wellness includes a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor pool with a terrace. Meetings and events feature a modern event hall with a pre-function area. The address is well connected, 32 kilometers from N'djili International Airport, 10 kilometers from N'Dolo Airport, and 6 kilometers from Gare Centrale.

Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi
Panoramic city stay in the DRC's second city

Opening mid-2027. Located on Revolution Road Avenue, the hotel will feature 97 keys, including junior suites and a Presidential Suite. Dining spans a lobby bar, an all-day dining venue, and a rooftop bar and grill with city views. Three flexible meeting rooms and a pre-function area support business and social events. Facilities include a gym and a swimming pool. The location sits near Kipopo Lake, Lubumbashi Golf Club, and La Plage, and is 12 kilometers from Luano International Airport.

Radisson Blu Apartments Lubumbashi
Upscale apartment living in Lubumbashi's prestigious Quartier Golf

Targeted for 2030. A 160-room property located in Quartier Golf, one of Lubumbashi's most upscale residential districts, near Kipopo Lake and surrounded by luxury homes and key landmarks including Lubumbashi Golf and La Plage. Planned amenities include a specialty restaurant and bar, a pool bar, and a gym, offering a premium stay experience for extended-stay and leisure travelers.

Radisson Airport Hotel Lubumbashi
A strategically located airport hotel designed for ease and connectivity

Set to open in 2028, this 105-room property will be located just 6 kilometers from Luano International Airport, around a 10-minute drive, making it well positioned for business travelers, transit guests, and airline crews. Planned facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, pool bar, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool, combining practicality with a welcoming hospitality experience close to the airport.

Egypt

Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove
A large-scale Red Sea resort in one of Egypt's growing leisure destinations

Planned for 2029, Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove will offer 469 rooms, including 50 family rooms, as part of The Groove Ain Sokhna mixed-use development. Located along the Red Sea coast, around 30 kilometers south of Ain Sokhna and approximately 150 kilometers from Cairo, the resort is expected to feature private beach access, a spa, gym and fitness center, several restaurants, plus a ballroom and meeting rooms, catering to both holidaymakers and events demand.

Radisson Serviced Apartments COY Sheikh Zayed City
Flexible extended-stay accommodation in a fast-growing hub of Greater Cairo

Expected to open in 2030, this 120-key serviced apartments property, including six one-bedroom units, will form part of the COY development in Sheikh Zayed City. With a location just 13 kilometers from Sphinx International Airport and 14 kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the development sits close to major commercial, leisure, education, and healthcare destinations. Planned amenities include a coffee lounge, bar, kiosk, and meeting and event space integrated into the wider co-working environment.

Morocco

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Casablanc a Bouskoura
Conference-ready address beside Palm Golf

A 119-key hotel with eight suites, a rooftop restaurant, and a dedicated conference center. Event facilities include two boardrooms, while a spa and a large outdoor pool cater to leisure travelers. The hotel is located 20 kilometers from Mohammed V International Airport and next to Palm Golf Palmeraie Country Club.

Radisson Hotel & Apartments Rabat Technopolis
Dual-component hub in the capital's innovation park

A two-building project in Technopolis, 25 minutes from central Rabat. The hotel will offer 140 rooms, four dining venues, a pool, and a meeting and events space. The adjacent serviced apartment building adds 56 units. Technopolis connects businesses with leading education and research centers, creating a strong base for corporate demand.

Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil
Low-rise bungalows with views of Atlas Mountains

Opening early 2028. A 17-hectare estate featuring 80 bungalow-style accommodations, each with an outdoor terrace. Larger typologies include private pools. The resort sits beside Royal Golf Marrakech and is a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Nigeria

Radisson Hotel Aba
A new internationally branded hospitality destination for Aba

Targeted for 2031, Radisson Hotel Aba will introduce 120 rooms, including six junior suites, in a prime riverside location along the Aba River near key transport corridors. The hotel will become the first Radisson-branded property in Aba and the Group's third branded hotel in Nigeria. Plans for the hotel include a gym, swimming pool, and several meeting rooms, serving both business and local demand. Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri is approximately 56 kilometers away, or a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa
A conference-focused hotel in the heart of an emerging Nigerian business center

Scheduled for 2027, the property will feature 196 rooms, including 16 junior suites, four executive suites, and two Presidential Suites, in Yenagoa, a city that is steadily strengthening its role as an administrative and commercial hub in southern Nigeria. Located near government institutions, business districts, and Bayelsa International Airport, approximately 33 kilometers or 40 minutes away, the hotel is set to benefit from the area's ongoing infrastructure and hospitality growth while meeting rising demand for accommodation, meetings, and large-scale events.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic
Refined lifestyle luxury on the oceanfront of Lagos' leading business district

Targeted for 2029, Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic will feature 107 rooms, including 16 executive suites and one Presidential Suite, on a prime oceanfront site on Victoria Island. As Lagos' main financial and commercial district, Victoria Island is home to multinational companies, corporate headquarters, embassies, and strong year-round business activity. Located approximately 33 kilometers from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, around a 45-minute drive, the hotel will mark the second Radisson Collection property in Lagos.

South Africa

Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga
A modern serviced apartment offering in the heart of Umhlanga's business district

Planned for 2029, Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga will introduce 155 rooms in a newly built development within Umhlanga Ridge, one of the area's most established commercial and lifestyle hubs. The property will be within walking distance of Gateway Theatre of Shopping and close to major office precincts, including Umhlanga Ridge Business Park, La Lucia Office Park, and Glass House Office Park. Comprising studios and apartments, the project is designed to meet growing demand for high-quality extended-stay accommodation in the district.

Zimbabwe

New market entry

Radisson Serviced Apartments, Harare
Prime Borrowdale address for extended stays

Targeted for end-2028. A 147-key serviced apartments project within a master development near Maxwell Road in Borrowdale. The neighborhood is known for luxury residences, upscale shopping at Sam Levy's Village, and entertainment at Borrowdale Racecourse. Planned amenities include a café and bar, a gym with sauna, and a pool with a deck. Set to be the only internationally branded hotel apartment offering in the area.

Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort
A resort destination near one of the world's most iconic natural landmarks

Expected to open in 2029, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort will offer 150 rooms, including five suites, in a setting overlooking Zambezi National Park. Located just 5 kilometers from Victoria Falls, around a 10-minute drive, the resort will be ideally positioned near one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a destination that attracts more than 350,000 international visitors each year. With year-round waterfall views, adventure tourism, and access to safari experiences in the surrounding national parks, the property will cater to both leisure travelers and tour groups. Victoria Falls Airport is located approximately 22 kilometers, or a 23-minute drive, away.

Leading with the most diverse footprint across the continent, with presence in more than 30 African countries, Radisson Hotel Group blends depth in focus markets with selective entry into new destinations each year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media Contact:
Caroline Jonsson
Area Manager
Corporate PR, MEA, MED & SEAP
caroline.jonsson@radissonhotels.com

Business Development Contact:
Ramsay Rankoussi
Regional Chief Development Officer
Radisson Hotel Group
ramsay.rankoussi@radissonhotels.com

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About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3PGkX5D) unting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4bYVSuk) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet (https://apo-opa.co/4m4d0Dq) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/3Of09lj)

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The industry-wide boycott of the upcoming Africa Energies Summit will continue as the conference organizers Frontier Energy Network refuse to abandon their policy of discrimination. The Mozambique oil industry alongside petroleum ministers from the African Petroleum Producers Organization have already withdrawn from the conference, citing concerns over the treatment of Black professionals and broader local content issues. With Frontier - led by Daniel Davidson - refusing to address the company's decision to not hire Black professionals and the continued exclusion of Black voices, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) calls on the continued boycott of the event.

“Our narrative and voices matter. Any company that wants to operate in the continent with a mindset of excluding Africans will fail. That's why Africans are staying away from Africa Energies Summit 2026 and I am pleased that the petroleum ministers I have talked to have supported us by staying away from being part of the anti-African meeting in London,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. “We thank the leadership of African ministers in their fight against this unjust behavior.”

Frontier's discrimination sends an important message to the industry: now, more than ever, we have to prioritize local content and continue fighting for equality, skills development and fair practices. Several large-scale projects across the continent have already embedded local content within their developments. In the Republic of Congo, Wing Wah committed to boosting local content through the development of a training center aimed at equipping Congolese with skills to access to new jobs across the industry. Namibia's cabinet approved an Upstream Local Content Policy to ensure that oil operations are inclusive and Africa-focused.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline - spearheaded by TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation - has taken a holistic approach to local content by prioritizing three pillars: employment and training, procurement of local goods and services and proposals for technology transfer and capacity building. Recent industry moves reflect the impact of local content in Africa, with African entrepreneurs buying IOC assets. Oando acquired operatorship of Angola's Block KON 13. Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings acquired Shell's Nigerian assets. These highlight a growing trend of IOC-trained entrepreneurs taking over projects.

Nowhere has local content been more visible than Africa's emerging natural gas sector. As Equinor looks at developing the $42 billion Tanzania LNG project, the company is already integrating local content within the project dynamics. Engagement with the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authorities is underway to develop Local Content Plans, while efforts to prioritize local contractors, suppliers and employees are in motion. The Greater Tortue Ahemyim project in Senegal and Mauritania - operating since 2025 - also featured specific local content components. A national technician training program was established, over 300 local companies were contracted with 3,000 jobs created, while community investment and knowledge transfer formed the backbone of the project.

Mozambique is showing similar momentum. All of the country's major LNG projects - Coral, Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG - are prioritizing local content. Mozambique LNG alone plans to spend $4.5 billion on services contracted by Mozambican suppliers. South Africa's recently introduced Draft Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Regulations reinforce mandatory local participation, requiring operators to submit plans for skills development, employment equity and procurement. These moves signal a continental push towards inclusion and collaborative energy partnerships.

“Across all of these projects, the AEC has been there fighting. International oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, bp and Eni have been some of the greatest champions of local content and STEM in Africa. Imagine if, after all the work they have done, conference producers send a message that the industry has no place for someone because of their skin color?” states Ayuk, adding “Seismic companies should also do their part. They have a horrible track record of not hiring and promoting Africans. I hope they change.”

During times such as this, legacy producers such as Angola, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo and Libya must continue championing local content, setting a strong example for other countries. On the other hand, emerging and frontier markets such as Liberia, Namibia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and more have a strategic opportunity to embed local content within their regulatory and energy systems from the start. They must avoid the mistake of starting on the wrong foot.

“We can't stop our relentless support for the oil industry. We must be 100% pro oil and pro local content,” Ayuk concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

ESI Africa releases the definitive 2026 Finance & Investment Industry Insights Volume to navigate Africa's infrastructure transition and South Africa's R4.2 trillion funding gap.

The report, Finance & Investment Industry Insights Volume 1 2026, provides a strategic roadmap for investors, utilities, and policymakers navigating funding of the continent's infrastructure landscape.

As African economies face macroeconomic stress from global geopolitical volatility and rising energy prices, the need for structural investment is now more urgent than ever.

The publication arrives at a critical juncture, specifically addressing the R3.6 trillion to R4.2 trillion funding gap South Africa must bridge to achieve energy security and Net-Zero commitments by 2050.

“From the analysis in this Volume, there is no doubt that South Africa faces a critical capital ‘hump' between 2025 and 2030,” notes Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief.

“Success here depends less on the global availability of money and more on the country's internal ability to implement regulatory efficiency. However, regardless of closing the funding gap, end users must prepare themselves for higher electricity bills.”

Key Insights from Volume 1 2026:

Electricity market reform and tariffs
The volume provides a deep dive into how shifting to multi-market structures and wholesale trading is reshaping electricity bills. It explores the “tightrope” of achieving grid stability while moving toward cost-reflective tariffs, which in South Africa have already doubled in the last five years.

The evolution of sustainable finance
With the green debt market exceeding $800 billion globally, the publication distinguishes between “Green Finance,” for established solutions, and the emerging “Transition Finance” pillar for hard-to-abate sectors.

Carbon markets as an asset class
Driven by corporate net-zero commitments, the carbon credit market is projected to grow to nearly $24 billion by 2030. The magazine examines how “pricing the invisible” can make marginal projects bankable in emerging markets.

Venture capital & innovation
Despite an “AI shadow” that saw some non-specialist funds pivot away from energy, the report highlights the rise of “patient capital” and a 91% surge in venture debt value to $1.8 billion in 2025.

Critical minerals and “friend-shoring”
Following the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, the report analyses how new tariffs and strategic supply-chain alliances are redrawing the map for African producers.

“The time of a single electricity provider is ending,” states the publication. “The new system is moving toward a market with more players, more pricing options, and clearer decisions about who pays and how.”

Next investable projects
The volume also features an Investable Project Pipeline, showcasing high-impact initiatives such as the 394,000-hectare Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project in Tanzania, forest restoration in Nigeria, and innovative mineshaft pumped hydro storage in South Africa.

“The common thread through all these insights is a move toward maturity. Whether it is through smarter revenue collection, more nuanced sustainable finance, or using minerals as leverage, Africa is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic, rather than just a reactive, player in the global energy transition,” says Pombo-van Zyl.

Finance & Investment Industry Insights, Volume 1 2026 is now available for download at https://apo-opa.co/4sCPZKi

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl,
Editor-in-Chief
nicolette@wearevuka.com 
www.ESI-Africa.com

The Coca-Cola system (https://CCBAGroup.com/)  in Tanzania is investing USD 1.94 million to help restore the Ruvu Basin, a vital water source serving Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial capital of approximately 9 million (https://apo-opa.co/40TfNFO) people, and a lifeline for communities, farms, and businesses across eastern Tanzania.

The initiative focuses on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions, restoring catchment areas, and supporting more sustainable water management in the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin. It also aims to strengthen capacity for watershed management, help restore degraded catchment areas and promote water stewardship.

Led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in partnership with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB), the project aims to deliver on-the-ground impact, including tree planting and the uptake of more climate resilient livelihood practices, benefiting at least 2,000 farmers.

This work forms part of the Coca-Cola system's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024. The initiative represents a nearly USD 25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030.

“The world is experiencing increased water insecurity, which is evident through water scarcity, with demands for safe, usable water exceeding supply in certain areas and scarcity challenges forecast to increase in the future. The Coca-Cola system intends to continue focusing on promoting water stewardship, increasing water use efficiency, and treating and returning safe water to communities,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President, Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola.

David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza added: “As part of the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group, we have a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. The Coca-Cola system's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”

Charles Oluchina, Country Representative, IUCN Tanzania, said: “We are proud to be the implementing partner, alongside WRBWB, for this project. This initiative is aimed at helping to protect and restore the Ruvu sub-basin focusing on Ngerengere catchment through nature-based solutions and improving water security and livelihoods for communities.”

“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions for a better shared future,” concluded Olajide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

Issued by:
Salum Nassor,
Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Director
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Tanzania
Tel: +25 578 933 3843
Email: snassor@ccbagroup.co.tz

Paul Victor Oloo
Senior Manager, Communications
Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise
Tel: +254 740 137 268
Email: poloo@coca-cola.com

Follow CCBA on:
LinkedIn:  https://apo-opa.co/4tbPxCL

Follow The Coca-Cola Company on:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/40XeSEj
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4bNsIOq
LinkedIn.: https://apo-opa.co/41xTCoJ

Follow IUCN on:
Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4lRkAkM 
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/4dP2BJw

About CCBA:
CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 13,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 840,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte.

Learn more at https://CCBAGroup.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide.

Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com

About International Union for Conservation of Nature:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Created in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world's largest and most diverse environmental network. Our Members include expert and influential government, non-government and Indigenous Peoples' Organisations from over 160 countries, and our Commissions draw upon more than 17,000 experts worldwide. Through its work, IUCN helps societies conserve nature and ensure that natural resources are used sustainably and equitably. In Tanzania, IUCN is dedicated to preserving and restoring the natural environment by aligning our efforts with the country's national development strategies and environmental priorities. Our work is focused on addressing critical challenges such as rapid land use changes, biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources for current and future generations. 

Learn more at: http://apo-opa.co/4c1ZHjr

About Global Water Challenge:
Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a sector leader in mobilizing clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world. Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than 3 million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more. With our 100+ multi-sector partners, we engage for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions.

For more information, please visit https://GlobalWaterChallenge.org

As part of a joint initiative with AFRIPOL, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) provided cybersecurity training courses for law enforcement representatives from 23 African countries, unfolding the fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and advanced threat hunting techniques.

As cyberthreats continue to grow in scale and complexity, strengthening the technical capabilities of law enforcement agencies has become an important priority worldwide. Through knowledge-sharing programmes, technology companies can contribute practical expertise gained from real-world cyber investigations and threat analysis. Such collaboration helps equip law enforcement professionals with the skills and tools needed to investigate digital crimes more effectively and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.

From November 2025 to March 2026, around 40 African officers from 23 countries* received “Security Operations and Threat Hunting” training, provided as part of the cooperation agreement between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed in 2024. During the training, African officers gained practical knowledge of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and modern cyber-defence practices. The programme covered key aspects of threat detection and incident investigation, including how to identify malicious activity in Windows and Linux environments, analyse attacker tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and use threat intelligence to uncover advanced threats.

As part of the training, a series of online Q&A sessions were organised, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with experts and course authors from Kaspersky's Security Services team. These sessions allowed attendees to clarify complex topics, discuss practical cases and receive additional insights, reinforcing the learning experience and ensuring a deeper understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

“Cybercrime today is highly sophisticated, borderless and constantly evolving, which means no single organisation can tackle it alone. This is why cooperation and knowledge sharing between the private cybersecurity sector and law enforcement agencies are so critical. Our long-standing collaboration with AFRIPOL demonstrates the value of this approach. Over the years, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have worked together to better understand the cyberthreat landscape across Africa and to support international efforts aimed at disrupting cybercrime. By continuing to invest in training and capacity building, we aim to support law enforcement professionals with the expertise they need to investigate digital crimes effectively and contribute to building a safer and more trusted digital environment for everyone,” says Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice President, Public Affairs, at Kaspersky.

“Strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement agencies is essential to effectively address the growing complexity of cybercrime across the African continent. Initiatives such as this training programme play an important role in equipping officers with the practical skills needed to investigate cyber incidents, analyse digital evidence and respond to emerging threats. Cooperation with partners from the private cybersecurity sector, such as Kaspersky, helps law enforcement agencies stay informed about the latest threat trends and investigative approaches. We highly value this collaboration and the opportunity it creates to further develop the cybercrime response capabilities of AFRIPOL member countries,” says Dr Mohammed Benaired, Head, Training and Capacity Building Division at AFRIPOL.

In 2024, to further enhance global efforts to combat cyber offenses, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed (http://apo-opa.co/4taXNTz) a cooperation agreement in preventing and fighting cybercrime. Covering a period of five years, the document formalises and facilitates cooperation between the company and the law enforcement agency in sharing threat intelligence data on the latest cybercriminal activities and entails the provision of assistance and know-how in information security analysis.

Kaspersky Expert Training is used by numerous organisations and academic institutions to advance their skills in battling against cybercrime. Since the inception of this online training programme, Kaspersky experts have trained more than 3,000 specialists from 50 countries around the world. Providing their expertise with 12 educational courses, they share their insights on advanced tactics and strategies in Reverse Engineering, Threat Hunting, Incident Response and more – each divided by the level of students' experience. Learn more here https://apo-opa.co/4bugdIL.

---

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4rOS1FS
X: https://apo-opa.co/4t6RfoN
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4d7bf6a
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4rRDBoy
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4uT9KPq

About AFRIPOL:
AFRIPOL, the African Union's dedicated police cooperation body, plays a crucial role in strengthening collaboration among the police forces of AU Member States to prevent and combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime and emerging threats. Established through statutes endorsed by the Conference of AU Heads of State and Government in January 2017, AFRIPOL empowers the police services of its 55-member states by enhancing their operational capabilities, promoting the exchange of critical resources and expertise, and coordinating joint efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks across the continent. With a strategic focus on building resilience and fostering a unified approach to security, AFRIPOL supports member states in responding effectively to interconnected cyber and criminal threats. Learn more at https://apo-opa.co/4bwLYRu.

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 nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

The organisers of the DRC Mining Week expo and conference have warmly welcomed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Fonds De Promotion De L'Industrie (FIP) that was recently signed in Cape Town.

VUKA Group, the organisers of the annual flagship mining gathering in Lubumbashi in June, have lauded what it terms “the commitment to building a larger mining community across the SADC region and towards greater cooperation, economic prosperity, and sustainable development for the continent."

According to the IDC, the MOU is the first of its kind and is aimed at fostering collaboration in areas of mutual economic interest between South Africa and the DRC for the benefit of the region.

Countries well-placed to cooperate

“Exploring even closer cooperation between South Africa and the DRC is a logical, strategic development, as the countries are well‑placed to cooperate, especially in mining,” states Samukelo Madlabane, Events Director – Mining for the VUKA Group. “The DRC holds vast mineral reserves, while South Africa brings decades of mining expertise, advanced technology, and established financial institutions that can support cross‑border ventures.”

Moreover, Madlabane explains: “South Africa and the DRS share a long and storied history in mining. Both nations have been blessed with generous resources and have a tradition of being close to the soil, from agri to mining—working this soil is in their DNA.” 

DRC Mining Week success story

He continues: “The DRC Mining Week success story of the last two decades is proof that the two countries are already working closely across the value chain in the sector. For the last 20 years, we have had the privilege of building an incredible, dynamic community of mining pioneers and entrepreneurs in the heart of the Copperbelt, gathering in Lubumbashi for DRC Mining Week. Many South African technology and service providers as well as developers have been with us since the start and have greatly benefited from being able to build close ties and successful businesses and partnerships in-country.”

The DRC Mining Week organisers hope to provide a platform for the IDC and FIP at the event in order to report back on the progress of the MOU and the establishment of a broad framework for these institutions to collaborate, co-develop, and co-invest in projects and exchange investment.

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:
- Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
- Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4bE3Rww   
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/47gv9b8
LinkedIN: https://apo-opa.co/4uNrFqp  

About DRC Mining Week:
In another record-breaking year in 2025, DRC Mining Week's numbers increased by 42% for a total of 13,078 visitors as part of 16,500 attendees from 80+ countries.

Website: http://www.DRCMiningWeek.com    

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group (www.WeAreVUKA.com) (formerly Clarion Events Africa), is a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum (http://apo-opa.co/4bKcm9k), Nigeria Mining Week (http://apo-opa.co/3Nmc00H), Enlit Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4bKuEaI), Africa's Green Economy Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4v6gmdp), Carbon Markets Africa Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4uO7Ijo), Smarter Mobility Africa (http://apo-opa.co/47nS3xg), ECOM Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4svIG7e) and CEM Africa (http://apo-opa.co/3NniRqJ).
 

• In 2024, the Coca-Cola system in South Africa contributed R51.2 billion in value-added economic impact across its value chain. 
• The Coca-Cola system and its value chain supported over 87,000 direct and indirect jobs in South Africa in sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services. 
• The Coca-Cola system purchased R25.6 billion worth of goods and services from suppliers in South Africa in 2024, strengthening the country's industries and communities.

The Coca-Cola (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) system in South Africa today announced the results of a comprehensive socio-economic impact study, conducted by global consulting firm Steward Redqueen.

Download Infographic: https://apo-opa.co/4bpsbn2

“This new independent study highlights the scale of the Coca-Cola system's contribution to South Africa's economy, employment, and communities,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, president of the Africa operating unit of The Coca‑Cola Company. He spoke during a media briefing hosted by the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau, ahead of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, where the Coca-Cola system will participate as a sponsor.

The study reveals that the Coca-Cola system in South Africa – comprising Coca-Cola and its authorized bottlers – alongside a broad network of local suppliers, distributors, and retailers, contributed R51.2 billion in value-added economic activity in 2024.

Through its value chain, the Coca-Cola system supported over 87,000 jobs through suppliers, partners, and customers. This means that for every direct job created by the system, 10 more jobs were supported across South Africa's economy.

“Our business is interconnected with local communities, we hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally, helping to build a stronger, more integrated economy in South Africa,” Avellar said.

Charl Goncalves, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, emphasized the system's focus on partnerships: “We remain committed to creating opportunity for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

The study also highlights the Coca-Cola system's strong local integration, with R25.6 billion worth of goods and services sourced from suppliers in South Africa in 2024. This local procurement supports industries as diverse as sugar production, packaging, transportation, and marketing, reinforcing the Coca-Cola system's role as a partner for growth in South Africa's economic development.

“South Africa remains one of our most strategic markets in Africa—the beginning of a legacy that dates back to Coca-Cola's first entry on the continent in 1928. These findings reaffirm the Coca-Cola system's role as a key driver of shared value and sustainable growth within the South African economy,” said Sunil Gupta, CEO, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

The Coca-Cola system has strengthened its footprint in South Africa through sustained investment and innovation, including the launch of a new bottling line at CCBSA's manufacturing facility in Midrand.  This investment highlights the system's commitment to investing, producing, and distributing locally, while contributing to South Africa's social and economic development.

The Coca-Cola system's contribution extends beyond economic impact. South Africa is one of the beneficiaries of the Africa Water Stewardship Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/4bFqSiD), a nearly $25 million investment through 2030 to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries.

The study conducted by Steward Redqueen measured the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of the Coca-Cola system in South Africa, combining company operational data with trusted third-party economic sources. The analysis demonstrates how Coca-Cola's local operations ripple across the economy – from farmers growing sugarcane to retailers selling beverages – creating jobs, generating income, and building opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

For Media Enquiries:
Wendy Thole-Muir
Senior Director
Strategic Communication 
Coca-Cola Africa
wtholemuir@coca-cola.com

Amava Kamana
Senior Manager Communications
Coca-Cola Africa
akamana@coca-cola.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4t2MCvQ), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3PrF6fJ) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4bxztDS).