Global consumer electronics pioneer LG Electronics (www.LG.com), recently hosted its LG Showcase MEA 2024 in the Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi, under the brand’s theme of Reinventing Together. The event, which focused not only on showcasing the latest innovations, but also on building relationships with its stakeholders, had a confirmed attendance of over 500 guests each who were provided with the chance for a hands-on experience with each product.

During the course of the showcase event, LG Electronics exhibited their latest products and innovations in home appliances that not only enhance daily life, but also provide functionality, unique upgradability and personalisation. The focus area included a line-up of home appliance products, which includes refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, air conditioning solutions and more.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Il Hwan Lee, Chief Executive Officer, LG MEA Region, said “The LG Showcase MEA 2024 is the home ground where our latest innovations are displayed. We keep our customers in mind during every step of development, and the products we have on display here are a testament to that promise. Not only do we tackle the needs of the consumer, but we also provide the added benefits of unique experience, elegant styling and revolutionary features that can enhance their home.”

During the event, LG Electronics also showcased its popular refrigerator with the MoodUP™ feature. This feature, known for its exciting and unique colour options, adds a unique personality to any home kitchen. Through the LG ThinQ™ app, users can choose from 22 colours for the upper door panel and 19 colours for the lower panel. In addition to its visual aesthetic, the new LG MoodUPTM Refrigerator comes with three LED panel doors and a transparent fourth door. The panel doors can have their colours customised through the LG ThinQ app, while the transparent door features LG’s famous InstaView capability that shows the interior of the fridge with two simple knocks. It also features built-in Bluetooth speakers, perfect for playing music during cooking.

LG Electronics’ solutions to upscale your kitchen doesn’t end there, with the brand’s built-in kitchen package that was on display. Keeping in mind energy efficiency, user-friendly features and elegant designs, this unique lineup comprises of an InstaView™ oven, QuadWash™ dishwasher, bottom-freezer refrigerator and microwave oven. While each of these products are premium on their own and can individually elevate the kitchen, it is this premium portfolio of products that that can really step up your kitchen game.

LG Electronics also showcased its Residential Air Conditioning units, such as the ARTCOOL lineup which features the LG DUAL Inverter Compressor™, a critical element that brings powerful cooling without affecting efficiency. The DUAL Inverter maximises cooling performance for promising faster cooling while also saving energy with optimised compressor operation. Residents can get stronger cooling, as this Dual Inverter Compressor runs faster than conventional non-inverter compressor. It also ensures precise cooling, by maintaining the setting temperature even while running at minimal level.

LG Electronics also takes an interesting spin on washing and drying, showcased with the LG WashTower™ Compact laundry solution. Keeping in mind space-efficiency, this home appliance combines both a washer and dryer with an all-in-one control panel and advanced AI in a single, space-efficient unit. The washer offers a generous 13-kilogram capacity [1] and its dryer, a 10-kilogram capacity, and requires less installation space than the average stackable or side-by-side washer and dryer pair of the same laundry capacity. It also comes with a flat, unibody design that provides an optimal laundry experience and brings a subtle and minimalist aesthetic. The WashTower™ also uses advanced laundry technologies such as Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) to identify the most suitable washing pattern (drum motions, water temperature and wash cycle time) for each load, reducing fabric damage to help clothing last longer [1]. The Smart Pairing™ feature saves users time and hassle by syncing the dryer with the washer; automatically selecting the best drying cycle based on washer load settings, making it an excellent all-around performer [2].

Alongside the washing and drying solutions, LG Electronics also showcased the LG Styler, a premium steam cleaning solution that can refresh garments in minutes. Built with a simple plug and play method, this solution aims to be a way of smarter styling, complete with a stylish look of its own.

For more details about LG Electronics’ range of products please visit: www.LG.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.

About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four companies – Home Appliance&Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions – combined for global sales of over USD 63 billion in 2021. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.

FSC (https://FSC.org) is pleased to announce the official release of the new FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Ghana. It is applicable for all categories of Management Units, including provisions for Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs) and certification of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).

Ghana is a country in west Africa with a rich biodiversity and the forestry sector plays a significant role in the national economy for its social, environmental, and economic benefits. The forests in Ghana cover about 35 percent of the country’s total land area and serve as a source of timber, non-timber forest products, and employment, while also contributing to climate regulation, water catchment protection, biodiversity conservation, and soil conservation. These crucial socio-economic and regulatory roles of forests in Ghana are reinforced by their ecological diversity; ranging from the high-forests in the south (rain and deciduous forest), accounting for about one-third of the land area (8.2 million hectares), the coastal Guinea and Sudan savanna (15.7 million hectares), and a transitional forest-savannah zone, mostly made of semi-deciduous forest in the middle belt (1.1 million hectares).

The formal forestry sector employs about 120,000 Ghanaians with employment predominantly in log processing industry and contributes to about 36 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The timber industry is the fourth largest foreign exchange earner after minerals, cocoa and oil exports. While the Forestry Commission is the legally mandated to managed forest reserves, in practice however, the Forestry Commission awards legal concessions in the form of Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) to legal forest entities for the utilization of timber resources within such concessions.

Crafting conservation: a turning point in sustainable forestry.

Ghana’s forest cover has dwindled significantly since 1900. Over eight million hectares (8 million ha) have vanished, with nearly one million hectares disappearing in recent years (Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, Annual Report 2022 (https://apo-opa.co/3wsH9Hc)). Among other notable environmental and natural resources management projects, Ghana is implementing a remarkable national REDD+ strategy that includes conservation, restoration, and improved management of forest resources.

“Sustainable forest management should therefore not only be seen as an aspect, but essence and irreducible core of the approach and measures to realizing effective nature and biodiversity outcomes.”

The new IFSS for Ghana which incorporates FSC’s latest Principles and Criteria into effective forest management, becomes effective from 1st August 2024, and represents a significant step forward in FSC’s commitment to fostering sustainable forestry practices in Ghana. The standard directly aligns with Ghana’s Forest Plantation Strategy (GFPS, 2016-2040 (https://apo-opa.co/3JSMcDW)) which aims to ensure planted forests are managed sustainably, delivering a range of economic, social, and environmental benefits to all stakeholders. Developed between April 2020 and March 2023, the process included two 60-day stakeholder consultation periods and two online stakeholder consultation meetings, ultimately gaining approval on January 15, 2024. With this Interim Forest Stewardship Standard serving as a practical tool, FSC certification offers a credible, rigorous, and globally respected pathway towards sustainable forest management.

The IFSS for Ghana (English version) can be downloaded in the FSC Document Centre (https://apo-opa.co/3QzO4Fk).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

Contact for issues relevant to IFSS:
For further inquiries regarding the standard, please contact: nationalstandards@fsc.org

Media contact:
Israel Bionyi
Communication Manager
FSC Africa (i.bionyi@fsc.org)

About FSC:
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) – a nonprofit organization governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives equally – covers more than 150 million hectares of certified forests and is the global benchmark for sustainable forestry. NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike trust FSC to protect and enhance healthy and resilient forests, for all, forever.

Equally governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives, FSC helps forest managers, smallholders, and governments ensure thriving forest ecosystems and safeguard the livelihoods of forest communities. FSC’s forestry standards, linked to a strict chain of custody certification, are a proven solution to fight the climate and biodiversity crises. The FSC logo – found on millions of products worldwide – is the most recognized mark for responsible forestry.

In Africa, FSC promotes economic, social, and environmental sustainability in forest management. In the continent, FSC has 151 members in 24 countries and running programmes in over 15 of them. https://apo-opa.co/3wubp4r

For additional details, visit: 
https://apo-opa.co/47XHZcy
https://apo-opa.co/4a9zoDN

The 2nd annual API Mauritius&Indian Ocean Property Forum (www.APIEvents.com)​, which will be held on 13 June 2024 at the InterContinental Hotel&Resort, is situated 15km from both Port Louis and Gand Baie in Mauritius, promises to be a landmark event. The gathering is a testament to Mauritius’s growing status as a destination for real estate investment and corporate expansion.

With its favourable business environment, safety, strategic location, and growing economy, Mauritius is poised to attract increased foreign direct investment and become a major player in the regional business landscape. This one-of-a-kind event covers opportunities for buyers and developers as well as Mauritius’s significant potential as a business hub for Africa and the region.

The forum, a gathering of local and international stakeholders, offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the industry. With its well-structured schedule, diverse sessions, and high-profile speakers, the event promises to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for all.

Murray Anderson-Ogle, GM of marketing and commercial at API Events, says, “The API Mauritius&Indian Ocean Property Forum is easy to attend and comes with plenty of opportunities in residential, hospitality and commercial property, property management, and more. It also coincides with one of the best months to visit this beautiful island nation.” Adding that this year’s theme “ Building the Future – Leading Tomorrow’s Africa provides a unique platform to share insights into the opportunities in Africa’s fastest growing and impactful business hub.”

JLL, a second-time sponsor, is the largest global real estate advisor present in Africa and has been active in Mauritius for more than a decade, advising investors, lenders, developers, occupiers and the public sector on a broad spectrum of asset classes, with the aim of linking global capital and innovation with local platforms and expertise.

Wayne Godwin, Co-CEO of JLL Africa, comments, “The success of the inaugural event in 2023 really highlighted the appetite for Mauritius from the regional and local investor community and 2024 will no doubt build on this success. Mauritius has weathered many of the global headwinds better than other regional economies and the fundamentals are amongst the best in Africa for recovery through 2024. As JLL, we are very proud of the partnership with API and the forum’s ability to raise awareness of the opportunity for investment into Mauritian and African real estate.”  

Bloomage is a proud sponsor of the API Mauritius&Indian Ocean Property Forum for the second consecutive year. It is a growth-driven innovative property fund that holds and manages a well-diversified portfolio of prime properties in Mauritius, with assets valued at circa MUR 6 billion spanning across the retail, office, industry and hospitality segments, and land for future development.

Robin Hardin, CEO of Bloomage Property Fund, comments, “Our strong permeating belief in ‘Real Estate with a Heartbeat’ supports our dedication to positively contribute to Mauritius’s economy through the real estate sector. By collaborating with API Mauritius, we reinforce our role as a reliable partner in developing the property market both locally and in the region.” 

“Our principle of ‘Real Estate with a Heartbeat’ underscores our dedication to enhancing Mauritius’s economy through the real estate sector. By supporting API Mauritius, we reinforce our role as a reliable partner in developing the property market both locally and in the region.” 

As a repeat sponsor of the event Landscope Mauritius are pleased to demonstrate their ongoing support for the Summit, which serves as a valuable platform connecting international and local real estate professionals and leveraging on a wealth of industry expertise and pan-African knowledge.

Sandee Teeroovengadum, Head of Marketing&Communication at Landscope Mauritius, says, “API Mauritius aligns with the organization’s intent of promoting sustainable and cutting-edge real estate development in Mauritius. As a repeat sponsor, we are pleased to demonstrate our ongoing support for the Summit, which serves as a valuable platform connecting international and local real estate professionals and leveraging on a wealth of industry expertise and pan-African knowledge”.

Medine Property, another second-time sponsor, is part of the historic Medine Group in Mauritius, which has been part of the western Mauritius growth story since 1911. Since 2007, Medine Property managed a diverse portfolio of high value, strategically located properties, including retail, offices, education, and hospitality assets.

Joel Bruneau, Managing Director of the Property Department at Medine Group, says API Mauritius offers valuable international exposure and connections with industry leaders and potential buyers. “Medine Property’s support aligns with our goal to create world-class integrated residential and commercial offerings in The West of Mauritius with leisure and educational developments – all part of a carefully considered masterplan – while contributing to Mauritius’ sustainable social and economic progress.”

HTI Consulting is proud to be a second-time sponsor at the Mauritius&Indian Oceans Property Forum. HTI Consulting brings 20 years of experience in the brokerage, asset management, operation selection and management contract negotiation, due diligence, financial and feasibility analysis fields having worked in over 40 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Wayne Troughton, CEO of HTI Consulting, comments “The inaugural API Mauritius held last year provided significant opportunities to engage, network and hear from the leaders in the property and hospitality sector in Mauritius. It brought together all the major players in Mauritius and was invaluable for us and something that we are very proud to support again this year”.

Join the 2nd Mauritius&Indian Oceans Property Forum on 13 June 2024 at InterContinental Hotel&Resort, Mauritius. For more information and to book to attend the API Mauritius&Indian Oceans Property Forum visit https://apo-opa.co/3Wwtgm0

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

Distributed by API Events:
API /Mauritius&Indian Oceans Property Forum enquires: 
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Murray@apievents.com
+27 71 890 77 39
Website: https://www.APIEvents.com

Segismundo Nguema Nsue, General Director of Equatorial Guinea’s national gas company Sonagas, will speak at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – Africa’s premier event for the energy sector taking place from 4–8 November in Cape Town. Sonagas’ participation is expected to drive dialogue around opportunities for global gas players in Equatorial Guinea as the country invites foreign firms to unlock the full potential of the market. 

Committed to maximizing the development and monetization of Equatorial Guinea’s vast gas resources – amounting to 5 trillion cubic feet -, Sonagas partnered with Chinese firm Wison to conduct a feasibility study for a floating gas production and processing ship for the Ebano Field in Block EG-27 in November 2023. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, Nsue will speak on the role of Equatorial Guinea’s gas resources in driving sustainable development across the continent, sharing insight into how investing in gas can bolster local economies while generating high returns for investors.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Sonagas has been instrumental in Equatorial Guinea’s gas market since the company’s inception in 2005. The state entity runs several projects in partnership with global market players, producing around 23,000 cubic meters of LNG per day through a joint venture with Marathon Oil, Mitshui and Marubeni. Sonagas also operates a methanol production plant in Alba – producing one million tons of LNG per year – in partnership with Marathon Oil and Noble E.G. In addition to gas production, the company produces electricity on Bioko Island, thereby supporting the security of the country’s electricity network.

Going forward, the company has several projects in the agenda to attract fresh investments into the country’s gas market. Sonagas plans to construct a second LNG plant on Bioko Island with a production capacity of 4.4 million tons per annum to expand export revenue. The company is also planning to establish gas-powered electricity generation projects country-wide while enhancing LPG production and distribution within local and regional markets.

In the transportation sector, Sonagas plans to rollout gas charging stations nationwide to expand a gas-powered vehicles initiative launched by the government and Egyptian firm TAQA Arabia in March 2022. The first five compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles have already been delivered to the country. In addition to CNG supply stations, the project includes the construction of the Punta Europa CNG project. By leveraging the country’s gas resources to power the transportation industry, Sonagas is setting a benchmark for other gas-rich nations in Africa while laying the foundation for sustainable fuel production in Equatorial Guinea.

To ensure the successful execution of these projects, Sonagas is seeking partnerships with companies that offer the technical and financial expertise to optimize the nation’s gas value chain. Uniting companies and investors from across the global and African energy sectors, AEW: Invest in African Energy facilitates this engagement by connecting technology and service providers with Equatorial Guinea’s future gas projects.

“Sonagas is adding value to Equatorial Guinea’s economy by maximizing the use of the country’s gas resources. The company’s innovative approach across the LNG, LPG, methanol and gas-to-power sectors is crucial for driving new investments across Equatorial Guinea’s gas market, aligning with the government’s ambitions to accelerate economic growth and industrialization through sustainable fuels,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energy serves as the preferred platform for Nsue to connect with investors, project operators and technology providers to ink partnership and investment deals. At the conference this November, Nsue will provide an update on Sonagas’ project pipeline, presenting investment opportunities for global industry players.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.