A consortium, including the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), has signed an agreement to extend $94 million in senior debt funding to PMD Assetco Limited (PMD) for the construction and operation of a floating dock ship repair facility in Ghana’s western Takoradi port.

Other consortium members are the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), and Petra Pension Schemes.

With this milestone, the project, nicknamed “Shiprite,” has secured the total commitment of all providers for the required $137 million in capital. When completed, the facility will house a new 13,500-ton lift-capacity floating drydock, 30,000 square meters of reclaimed land, a 200-meter jetty, a modern workshop, offices, and heavy marine equipment.

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank, emphasized the project’s strategic significance: “The strategic location of this facility will provide shipowners whose vessels trade within the Gulf of Guinea with world-class repair and maintenance services. As the Mandated Lead Arranger, we are confident that Shiprite will enhance intra-African trade and foster regional economic growth and integration. By providing services that would have otherwise been lost to foreign shipyard repair facilities, the interventions of Prime Meridian Docks will retain much-needed foreign currency within the continent.”

Mike Salawou, Director for Infrastructure, Cities and Urban Development at the African Development Bank, highlighted the socio-economic benefits. “With over 400 new jobs expected to be created, of which more than 15% will be reserved for youth and women, the socio-economic impact of Project Shiprite is a compelling proposition for the Bank”.

Michael Awori, Chief Executive of TDB, said: “TDB is pleased to co-finance Project Shiprite, a ground-breaking project in West Africa which will enable considerable cost and time savings for shipowners in need of maintenance and repair solutions in proximity and in line with international standards, thereby enhancing the efficiency of their operations. Ship owners with operations in several countries in the region need to travel up to 5,500 km away in some cases to obtain the same services. The project will reduce the carbon footprint of shipowner operations as a result, in addition to generating forex, boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure and logistics in Ghana, which became a TDB Member State in 2022.”

Chris Hammond, Chairman of the Boards of the Petra Advantage and Petra Opportunity Pension Schemes, said, “The participation of the Petra Pension Schemes in Project Shiprite represents a pioneering move by these pension funds into Project Finance and Infrastructure fund investments. This initiative supports the broader diversification agenda of the schemes and the wider local pensions industry.”

Jobalo Oshikanlu, Deputy CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund, PMD’s long-standing development and equity partner, remarked: “We are proud to reach this milestone, having worked through the years with yet another resilient African sponsor in overcoming the bankability challenges in what promises to be a game-changing piece of infrastructure in the region.”

Stanley Raja Korshie Ahorlu, the project’s Lead Sponsor, affirmed, “PMD Assetco is poised to commence the construction of both the civil works and the floating dock and looks forward to entering the market timeously to support shipowners in the region as international shipping works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

PMD is a Ghanaian ship repair company with Free Zones Service Enterprise status and a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. The company has benefited from the support of international partners and advisers over the past years.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Photos: https://apo-opa.co/3Xc8F6C

Media contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org

Technical contact:
Hassen Ben AYED
H.BENAYED@AFDB.ORG

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

The Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP), that is the African Catholic Union of the Press, and its Malian section – the Association des Journalistes Catholiques du Mali (AJCM) – in collaboration with the Malian Episcopal Conference, are organising an international seminar called Refresher Program on the theme “Sahel – safety – accountability, what roles for believing journalists?”, from 11 to 17 August 2024, in Bamako, Mali.

The Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) is a continental organisation of media practitioners based in Lomé (Togo). One of UCAP’s main objectives is to contribute to the personal and spiritual growth of media practitioners, particularly journalists and communicators. The organisation serves as a meeting point and coordination centre for apostolic and professional activities relating to evangelisation and human development. UCAP has also actively expanded its network of collaboration with non-Catholic organisations within the scope of its operational activities.

The coming international seminar will take place at the Centre Abbé David located on the banks of the Djoliba river in Sébénikoro, District of Bamako, and aims to explore the significant roles that journalists can play in understanding and resolving security challenges in the Sahel region in particular and in Africa in general. The event will bring together experts, Catholic media professionals and journalists from all over Africa, regardless of religion.

AJCM and UCAP, as the voice of the Church and other stakeholders, are uniquely placed to raise awareness of security concerns on the continent and highlight successful initiatives that inspire others to adopt behaviours and practices conducive to social cohesion, peace, security and development on the continent and globally.

Registration for this seminar is open until 3 July 2024.

For information and registration for this Refresher Program of the Association des Journalistes Catholiques du Mali (AJCM – UCAP Mali), please contact us at the address below. We also invite all individuals and organisations interested in issues of peace, security, accountability, media development and sustainable human development to contact us for any financial, material and/or technical support to ensure the success of this seminar.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact us:
E-mail: zufodembele@gmail.com  
ucap.official@gmail.com    
Phone: +223 70222998, +228 99802198

Press Contacts:
Father Alexis DEMBELE
President of AJCM (UCAP Mali)
Ecclesiastical Adviser to UCAP
Tel: +223 70 22 29 98
E-mail: zufodembele@gmail.com
Bamako, MALI

Charles AYETAN
President of UCAP
Tel. +228 99 80 21 98
E-mail: ucap.official@gmail.com
Lomé, TOGO

About AJCM :
The Association des Journalistes Catholiques du Mali (AJCM), whose aims are in harmony with those of the Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) in general, is to promote in press circles a Christian conception of information and of the journalistic profession; to defend  journalism and the interests journalistists; to increase, through mutual aid, the quality of the Catholic press and its influence throughout the world; to collaborate with any association or organisation with the same objectives. The AJCM is affiliated to the African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

About UCAP :
The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) is a continental organisation dedicated to the promotion of media and communication within and outside the Catholic Church, with partners who share its vision and goals for a better world. Its mission is to foster spiritual growth, collaboration and responsible journalism. UCAP works tirelessly to spread Gospel and human values, but also to support development initiatives across the African continent.

Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com) is expanding its lineup with the debut of the EOS C400 featuring an RF mount, alongside the CN7x17 KAS T lens engineered to elevate large scale productions to greater heights.

Adapting to the evolving needs of the market and designed with versatility in mind, the EOS C400 offers an all-in-one solution tailored to support a vast range of different productions, from indie cinema and documentary, live and virtual broadcasts to the electronic news gathering field.

The EOS C400 is the first high-end RF mount cinema EOS camera, ushering in a groundbreaking new era for Canon products particularly within the EOS R System. Compact yet mighty, the innovative design packs advanced features and specifications typically found in larger cameras into a more nimble box shaped design, prioritising ease of use and operability without compromising on capability. Moreover, specific in-camera connectivity such as genlock, return input and 12-pin lens terminal all support live multi-camera productions.

BSI sensor and triple ISO

The EOS C400 is equipped with a cutting-edge 6K full frame backside-illuminated, stacked CMOS sensor (BSI), boasting 16 stops of dynamic range. The technology enhances light capture efficiency and facilitates faster readouts, ensuring superior image quality.

Setting a new standard, the camera introduces the Canon triple base ISO technology, crafted for optimal performance in low light environments and delivering the cleanest optical results. With base ISO levels of 800, 3,200 and 12,800 when shooting in Canon Log 2 or 3, users have greater flexibility when it comes to shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

To make the shooting process that much easier, an automatic switching mode detects ambient lighting and adjusts the base ISO level accordingly, enhancing the overall user experience.

RF mount

Supporting Canon RF mount technology, the EOS C400 seamlessly integrates with a wide array of RF prime, zoom, hybrid, cinema and VR lenses. For added flexibility without the need for third party accessories, the camera also supports the option to use a variety of Canon’s EF-EOS R mount adapters as well as the new PL-RF mount adaptor. Additionally, the camera has enhanced metadata capabilities and connectivity options facilitating real time frame-by-frame data capture enhancing both VFX and Virtual Production workflows.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II

Canon is now introducing its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II to its cinema EOS system, providing filmmakers with improved autofocus features. With comprehensive 100% coverage across the sensor plane, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II delivers swift and precise performance, upgrading filmmaking clarity and reliability whilst providing piece-of-mind that you are nailing the shot every time.

This latest system also unlocks additional benefits such as face/ eye/ body tracking and animal detection and tracking, especially useful when working solo in a fast-paced environment.

Recording formats

With more options when it comes to internal recording formats, users can now tailor the format to suit their specific needs. Options include Canon’s scalable 12-bit Cinema RAW Light LT/ ST/ HQ, reliable 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC and all-new MP4 based XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S formats, accommodating several types of professional requirements.  All of which accommodate detailed filmmaking workflows with professional filename and metadata support.

Compact design

Users familiar with the EOS C500 Mark II will appreciate the EOS C400’s recognisable design, now upgraded with an even more compact form while still offering an extensive array of connectivity. This enables operators to access the full suite of features typically associated with larger scale production cameras without the burden of size, weight or attaching additional modules.

The new compact design and enhanced accessories such as a versatile LCD bracket, advanced top handle and improved hand grip offer compatibility with a range of shooting styles whether handheld, on a gimbal, drone or shoulder-mounted.

Introducing the latest Cine Servo lens

The all new CN7x17 KAS T available with either RF or PL mount sits within the Canon Cine Servo lens range, an evolution to the previous CN7x lens but with improved updates designed to bolster operational performance and extend compatibility with virtual and VFX workflows.

With an expansive 7x optical zoom and 17-120mm focal length, the lens appeals to live sports and news, documentary, film, remote and virtual productions.11 iris blades produce softly diffused highlights and silky out of focus backgrounds.

Among its standout features are improved connectivity between the lens and camera, streamlining processes such as real-time lens distortion correction, frame by frame lens metadata and virtual production workflows with an Unreal Engine plug-in tailored for the EOS C400. The PL mount variant of the lens supports both Cooke /i TechnologyTM and ZEISS eXtended DataTM for lens metadata and distortion/ shading correction  [1].

Decked with the state-of-the art next-generation e-Xs V digital drive unit, the CN7x17 KAS T features advanced functionalities including optical focus breathing correction, faster iris control and a convenient USB-C interface for remote control and user setting transfer.

EOS C300 Mark III firmware update

Canon is also releasing a free-of-charge firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark III, adding 12-bit Cinema RAW Light formats: LT (Light), ST (Standard) and HQ (High Quality), improving workflow flexibility and providing more options post-production. An Auto ISO feature will also be made available to seamlessly transition between dynamic lighting conditions in a continuous shot.

Canon today also introduces the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, a first of its kind hybrid lens designed to capture both stills and video, along with the new Speedlite EL-10 for elevating portraits with controllable lighting.

For more information about these products, please visit:

EOS C400: https://apo-opa.co/4bFrXpv

CN7x17 KAS T:   https://apo-opa.co/4ebZfy8

EOS C300 Mark III firmware update: https://apo-opa.co/4efTLTd

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4ebZklq)– ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: Canon-CNA.com

Crossware Email Signature, a leader in email signature management solutions, has successfully concluded its participation in GITEX Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com) held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event, renowned for highlighting the latest technological advancements, provided a valuable platform for Crossware (www.Crossware365.com/) to engage with industry leaders and showcase its innovative solutions.

Download document 1: https://apo-opa.co/3VwxRUg
Download document 2: https://apo-opa.co/3VujeAW

Throughout the event, Crossware demonstrated how its email signature management software can enhance communication and branding for businesses. The company’s booth attracted numerous visitors interested in learning how Crossware’s solutions can ensure consistency, compliance, and professional branding in every email. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with over 120 badges scanned throughout the event.

“We were thrilled with the response we received at GITEX Africa 2024”, said Al Schaeffer, Head of Sales of Crossware. “The event exceeded our expectations, providing us with numerous opportunities to engage with potential customers and partners. We are excited about the future possibilities this exposure has opened up for us in the African market and extended territories”.

“Presenting our work and receiving such positive feedback was a highlight for us at the conference”, added Al Schaeffer. “We were delighted to demonstrate our technological advancements, which showcased our industry-leading services and paved the way for discussions on future collaboration opportunities with global innovators interested in our work”.

Event Highlights:

Networking Opportunities: Crossware connected with key industry stakeholders and potential partners, paving the way for future collaborations. Notable interactions included meetings with 4Sight Cloud, Mindware, and the Chief Commercial Officer for Morocco Telco, all positive and hinted at fruitful partnerships. Securing a new channel partner for North Africa, and servicing clients across government sectors, financial services, and healthcare was a significant highlight.

Live Demonstrations: Attendees experienced live demonstrations of Crossware’s email signature management solutions, highlighting their ease of use and effectiveness. These demonstrations showcased our product’s capabilities to prospective clients and partners, reinforcing its value and driving interest.

Market Expansion: The event solidified Crossware’s commitment to expanding its presence in Africa, helping businesses streamline their email communications. Key opportunities emerged in various sectors, including finance, insurance, distribution, and cloud services. Moreover, Crossware identified substantial user opportunities with prominent organizations in Morocco. The total number of users interested in our software exceeded 39,500, and we have developed promising opportunities with several key partners and potential distributors.

By strategically engaging with these stakeholders and demonstrating the robust capabilities of our solutions, Crossware has significantly strengthened its market presence and laid the groundwork for continued growth and success in the African region and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

For interviews, images or further information please contact:
Crossware Managing Director
Troy Adams
tadams@crossware365.com

About Crossware:
Crossware’s powerful tools allow its clients to personalise company emails with intelligently applied ad banners, email signatures, disclaimers and more.

In 2013 as Microsoft business solutions grew, Crossware was the first to introduce an Email Signature Solution for Microsoft Office 365. Today, Crossware Email Signature has over a million users across 80 countries.

For more information about Crossware Email Signature and to explore our innovative solutions, please visit www.Crossware365.com.