­With Spain’s commitment of $2.3 billion in funding to South Africa and its recently announced support for green hydrogen projects in Mauritania, the country joins France, Germany, Italy, the EU and the UK as European nations step up their commitment to clean energy development in the African continent.

But is the private sector ready for the investment opportunities that could potentially double those commitments?

Renewable energy capacity in Africa has almost doubled in the last decade, but it’s not enough. A recent study from Climate Analytics indicates that Africa needs $100 billion a year in climate finance – five times current investment levels – to meet the renewable energy goals agreed at COP28.

As investors from nearly 90 countries around the world prepare to arrive in Barcelona for aef24, Simon Gosling, EnergyNet, said,

“The private sector has already demonstrated its willingness to commit billions to projects, but projects still aren’t moving fast enough.  

“It’s the industrialised nations that will be most affected if Africa cannot significantly increase its electrification rates and unlock the investment landscape that is inhibiting proven private sector players.

“World food security, access to minerals, textiles, and industrial growth are critical to future economic growth, health, and sustainability.  With Africa forecast to be home to a quarter of the world’s population under 25 years by 2050, red tape must be reduced, and projects must start happening at scale and pace.”  

This year’s theme, ‘Energy Systems for the Future – Balancing Africa’s Needs with Global Goals’ is set to tackle these barriers head on.  

Public and private sector stakeholders will spend almost a full half-day together, behind closed doors, discussing the challenges both sides are facing. All attending ministers and Vice Presidents, as well as heads of utilities (national and municipal), regulatory bodies, DFIs, and private investors, will be in the room.

The new Corporate Leadership Roundtable will also give private sector developers and investors a platform to debate the opportunities and challenges they face in moving projects forward, sparking vital discussions before they meet with Ministers and utilities to establish an improved path for Africa’s energy sector. 

This innovative format will create the most high-level sessions ever held at the Africa Energy Forum, where business leaders can spend exclusive, quality time with public sector counterparts.   

Key topics on the agenda across the four days include the potential of hydrogen on the continent; grid management; energy storage and distribution; the future roles of gas and mining; advancing renewable energy projects, distributed power, and commercial and industrial (C&I) projects to accelerate universal access; navigating power markets; and Africa’s broader energy transition.

Among the nearly 2,500 delegates attending, an unprecedented number of ministers from across Africa will be in attendance, including ministers from Nigeria, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Togo, Gabon, Central African Republic and Zambia.

“As specialists in renewable energy with transformative projects in Nigeria and Angola, for the second consecutive year, we are proud to be the forum sponsor of this imperative event for Africa.” said Adam Cortese, CEO, Sun Africa.     

Wale Shonibare, Director, Energy Finance Solutions, Policy&Regulations, African Development Bank (AfDB), added: “The African Development Bank’s participation at the Africa Energy Forum underscores our commitment to sustained dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships to transform the energy landscape across Africa.

“In Barcelona, the Bank will showcase initiatives aimed at innovating finance, delivering technical assistance, and mobilizing investments to achieve universal access to modern, affordable, and reliable energy in Africa.”    

As global stakeholders in energy, including the World Bank, Engie, Power Africa, and TotalEnergies, return to aef for 2024, they will be joined by new, significant partners such as Pele Green Energy and Juwi Renewable Energy, as the forum continues to expand its reach and influence year on year.

 The stage is set. 

Website: https://www.Africa-Energy-Forum.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..

Media contact:
For media information please contact:
Poliana Sperandio
poliana@energynet.co.uk

Boilerplate:
About EnergyNet: 
FACILITATING ENERGY INVESTMENT IN FAST-GROWING ECONOMIES – EnergyNet has produced investment forums and executive dialogues for Africa and Latin America’s power sectors for the last 25 years – in Europe, the USA, Asia and across Africa and Latin America.

We work with governments and national utilities to facilitate investment summits where credible international investors can build relationships with public sector stakeholders to advance access to power.

Best known for the Africa Energy Forum, the longest-serving business development meeting place for senior-level decision makers in Africa’s power sector, other leading investment summits that provide strategic perspectives on the investment landscape and project preparation include the Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit, East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit, West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit, H2 Africa, Offshore Technology Africa, Powering Africa Summit, Latin American Energy Forum and Latin American&Caribbean Gas Conference and Exhibition. YES! Youth Energy Summit and YES! Youth Energy Day are part of the portfolio, with a focus on creating a platform and network to boost the skills, connections and business readiness of a new generation of African energy leaders.

Having this focus on public and private sector partnerships provides us with a valuable lens through which we can offer independent perspectives and support the business development activities of companies from around the world operating in these fast-growing markets. 

Headquarters: London, UK

For further information, please visit our website https://EnergyNet.co.UK/

Pantum, a renowned global printer manufacturer, is excited to announce its participation in Gitex Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup exhibition. Taking place on May 29-31 in Marrakech, Morocco, this event brings together top technological advancements and innovators from around the world. Visitors can find Pantum at Stand 4A-7, Hall 4, where the company will showcase its latest products, including the Smart Classic series, the Vibrant 20 color laser printers, the A3 Ultra 270 series, and label printers.

With a global presence in over 110 countries, Pantum has continually expanded its reach since beginning its international journey in 2012. Known for its patented technology, Pantum offers economical, user-friendly, and energy-efficient printing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of customers. The company’s commitment to providing high-value, cost-effective products and premium services remains steadfast as it advances into the African market.

Expanding Horizons in Africa

Pantum’s presence at Gitex Africa underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint and enhancing brand recognition across the African continent. The event provides a platform to connect with diverse customer groups and explore new market opportunities.

Pantum is dedicated to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity, emphasizing sustainable development through advanced design and technological innovation. By participating in Gitex Africa, Pantum aligns itself with leading tech innovators, contributing to the transformation of Africa’s digital landscape.

Pantum aims to establish strong business connections, foster new partnerships, and better understand the unique needs of African markets. This engagement supports the continent’s growing technological ecosystem and drives digital transformation.

Introducing the Latest Printer Series

Pantum will showcase its latest printer series, designed to meet various business needs with cutting-edge features. The Smart Classic series offers cost-effective, high-quality monochrome A4 printing in a compact design, ideal for small and home offices. The Vibrant 20 color laser printers deliver exceptional color printouts with high productivity and advanced connectivity. The new A3 Ultra 270 series excels at printing, copying, and scanning with enhanced security features, suitable for SMBs and large workgroups.

Connecting for the Future

Pantum is excited to engage with new business partners and clients at Gitex Africa 2024, fostering connections that will drive the future of printing technology in Africa. Visitors are invited to experience Pantum’s innovative solutions firsthand and discover how they can enhance their printing operations. Join us at Stand 4A-7 Hall 4 to explore the future of printing with Pantum.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Media Contact:
marketing.int@pantum.com

About Pantum:
Founded in 2010, Pantum is a printer manufacturer, with its business covering printers, printing materials, and printing solutions and services. Starting international expansion in 2012, it now operates in over 110 countries. With its patented technology, Pantum is committed to meeting evolving printing needs by offering economical, user-friendly, and energy-efficient products, as well as reliable printing solutions.

For more information, please visit our Website (https://Global.Pantum.com), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4aHeLzg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/453Qhid), X (https://apo-opa.co/3yDLVCp) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4bFoXcy).

Dubai Internet City showcases homegrown entrepreneurial excellence at GITEX Africa (www.GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco; The globally influential tech hub has led the Middle East’s digital transformation drive for 25 years.

Dubai Internet City is reinforcing the profound significance of collaboration to nurture impactful innovation that harnesses emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) as the region’s leading technology hub spotlights entrepreneurial successes from its ecosystem at GITEX Africa, held in Morocco on 29-31 May.

Part of TECOM Group PJSC, a champion of business excellence pivotal to Dubai’s economic growth and diversification, Dubai Internet City has led the region’s digital transformation for 25 years by uniting more than 3,500 industry leaders, such as Google, Microsoft, VISA, and MasterCard, to deliver globally impactful innovation.

Dubai Internet City’s legacy highlights how co-creation can help to unlock AI-enabled economic growth – led by industry champions and supported by strategic visions such as Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and the newly launched Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI (DUB.AI) – and deliver lasting value for future generations around the world.

“A diverse range of accelerators and enablers must collaboratively build pathways to harness the promise of AI and ensure its benefits deliver globally impactful innovation,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group, on behalf of Dubai Internet City. “As the cradle of digital transformation in the region and home to the world’s leading early AI adopters, Dubai Internet City is uniquely positioned to catalyse this journey.

“Inspired by the long-term vision of Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and DUB.AI, our vibrant and inclusive ecosystem embraces global expertise to further drive innovation and economic development for the good of all. We aim to reinforce the significance of collaboration between stakeholders across the value chain, including policymakers, tech corporations, and start-ups as we spotlight the best and brightest talent from our ecosystem at GITEX Africa.”

Start-up showcase

Dubai Internet City has united more than 29,000 professionals and entrepreneurs who work, connect, and innovate within its ecosystem, home to global tech brands including Fortune 500s and corporations like Google, 3M, and Microsoft, in addition to start-ups and innovators from across the world. This includes African-backed companies such as the Sudanese-owned Neulink, a platform to streamline, simplify, and automate tasks for pharmacists and the mobile-based door-to-door valet trash service We4Recycle. Dubai Internet City is also home to Egypt’s Nile.com and South Africa-founded TravelStart.

As ‘Business Acceleration Partner’ of GITEX Africa, Dubai Internet City will offer networking and educational opportunities led by success stories from its ecosystem, including all-in-one messaging platform Grambell; AI-powered customer experience management platform Sprinklr, which launched its offices at Dubai Internet City on the side-lines of GITEX Global 2023 in October; sustainable innovation specialist Abcurr Entrepreneurial Institute; and AI-powered digital twin enabler Twyn.

Dubai Internet City’s participation in GITEX Africa follows its successful participation as Innovation Partner of GITEX Global in October 2023, during which the destination announced landmark developments including the addition of international industry giants Endava, Yango, and Sprinklr to its repertoire of customers, as well as strategic partnerships with German Entrepreneurship GmbH, Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), and Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) to empower global entrepreneurs seeking to live, work, and invest in Dubai.

Dubai Internet City has accelerated the regional digital transformation drive for 25 years and is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts, which also includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Outsource City, and Dubai Design District (d3).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

About TECOM Group PJSC:
TECOM Group has been developing strategic, sector-focused business districts across the emirate of Dubai since 1999. TECOM Group is well-positioned to continue playing an integral role in cementing Dubai’s status as a global business and talent hub. 

The TECOM Group portfolio consists of 10 business districts catering to 6 vital knowledge-based economic sectors, including design, education, manufacturing, media, science, and technology. The Group provides a varied and tailor-made leasing portfolio – which includes offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, and land – to over 11,000 customers and more than 124,000 professionals.  

TECOM Group offers additional value-added services to deliver a competitive and attractive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in and to facilitate engagement between the districts’ community members. Government and corporate services are made available through an integrated smart services platform, “axs”, which enhances ease of doing business and provides community members with a seamless experience. 

TECOM Group also provides industry specialised facilities, including media production studios, laboratories, and higher education campuses. in5, its enabling platform for entrepreneurs and start-ups, offers innovation centres supporting tech, media, and design start-ups and SMEs. Its future-focused co-working spaces D/Quarters deliver stimulating work environments for tenants, and the “Go Freelance” package serves freelance talents.   

Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com), a global leader in imaging solutions, makes its debut at GITEX Africa 2024, the largest technology and startup event on the continent happening from 29 – 31 May in Marrakech, Morocco. Canon’s participation at GITEX Africa is set to inspire creativity and innovation, forge valuable partnerships and relationships, and enhance the exchange of knowledge by demonstrating its entire ecosystem of consumer and business products and solutions.

‘WORLD UNSEEN’ EXHIBITION – A FIRST FOR AFRICA

A key highlight of Canon’s participation is the debut of its ‘World Unseen’ campaign in Africa. This is a unique photography exhibition designed to enable people with sight loss to better engage with the visual world. It also challenges sighted individuals to see imagery through different lenses.

The ‘World Unseen’ campaign is a groundbreaking initiative that embodies Canon’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the creative arts field. By offering a sensory-rich experience, we aim to change how both sighted and visually impaired individuals engage with photography, making it an immersive and inclusive art form. The exclusive unveiling of the “World Unseen” exhibition at GITEX, led by Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director&Amine Djouahra, B2B Business Unit Director at Canon Central&North Africa, was inaugurated by Her Excellency Ms. Aawatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Family, alongside Mr. Hamid Nabil, the first blind Moroccan student to earn a Ph.D.

Her Excellency Aawatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Family in Morocco, highlighted the importance of the exhibition with the following statement:

“It is an immense honor to be here today at the launch of Canon’s World Unseen photography exhibition. This groundbreaking event marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and reshaping how we perceive the world, particularly for those with sight loss. By providing visually impaired and partially sighted individuals with an opportunity to engage with photography through elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, Canon is not only making art accessible but also challenging societal perceptions. This exhibition exemplifies how, by adapting our surroundings and approaches, we can remove barriers and empower everyone to participate fully in life. It invites us all to experience images from a different perspective, fostering empathy and understanding, and it stands as a testament to the profound impact that art and technology can have on personal development and social inclusion.”

The campaign believes that photography is an incredibly powerful medium that can push the imagination. It is designed for everyone- blind, partially sighted, and sighted – by transforming how we all experience photography. This exhibition features works from world-renowned photographers and Canon ambassadors Muhammed Muheisen and Yagazie Emezi, from the MENA region. Visitors will experience photography through elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille for a tactile connection with the powerful images and stories they tell.

According to WHO data, 2.2 billion people have some form of visual impairment globally (https://apo-opa.co/4582Ed9), which puts up barriers to appreciating photography. The ‘World Unseen’ exhibition removes these barriers by offering a unique, accessible, and immersive way to experience and enjoy photography.

Click here to learn more: https://apo-opa.co/4aBBFI8

DEMONSTRATING CANON’S CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INNOVATION 

Participation in the event not only demonstrates Canon’s commitment to contributing to the continent’s digital transformation and economic growth, but also provides a unique opportunity to showcase its products and solutions, as well as demonstrate how it is actively contributing to sustainable growth and education initiatives on the continent. 

“Canon Central and North Africa’s participation at GITEX Africa is a testament to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the African region. We are very excited to showcase our wide ecosystem including the latest cutting-edge technologies, providing an immersive and interactive experience for attendees. We have an incredible range of innovative solutions that cater to various industries and applications. These include the wide range of EOS R System cameras&lenses, multicamera technology, and advanced printing solutions. Our goal is to inspire creativity, foster meaningful connections and drive technology advancement across the continent,” says Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central&North Africa

Conference attendees have the chance to explore unique experiential zones that showcase Canon’s offerings, providing an immersive experience that allows participants to interact with cutting-edge technology.As a brand with six offices across Africa offering diverse expertise, Canon has ensured that at GITEX, its entire expertise will be on-ground for partners and end users, fortifying our closer-to-customer strategy.  

The Photography Application Zone offers the complete input-to-output technology Canon provides, allowing visitors to discover the mirrorless range of cameras and lenses and experience firsthand the precision and versatility of these state-of-the-art imaging tools, as well as explore the range of Canon photo printers. This zone aims to engage photography enthusiasts and professionals by providing them with the tools and inspiration to capture stunning images with unparalleled quality.

The Video Zone features captivating live demonstrations of Canon’s PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera range. This interactive experience highlights the advanced capabilities of the PTZ cameras showcasing their potential in various applications, from broadcast and live events to security and surveillance.

The Workspace Zone features a diverse range of products tailored to enhance productivity in both home offices and small to medium-sized businesses. Visitors can explore Canon’s MAXIFY and color laser printers, as well as B2B offerings such as the imagePRESS series, Uniflow, and PRISMA solutions. These B2B offerings will aid in document digitization and automation of processes, demonstrating how these products can streamline workflow and improve efficiency in work environments.

The Education Zone features the company’s education initiatives, highlighting Canon’s approach to education on the continent, which aligns with Canon’s corporate philosophy, Kyosei, a Japanese concept meaning living and working together for the common good. This zone will demonstrate how we bring to life our commitment to sustainability, how we work together, and our desire to create an environment for everyone to thrive and grow. Our dedicated team focuses on six programmes under the umbrella of Canon’s World of Education: the Miraisha Programme, Canon Academy Juniors, Canon Academy Photo, Canon Academy Video, Canon Print Hub, and the Canon Student Development Programme.

Amine Djouahra, B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa, expressed his enthusiasm upon Canon’s participation, “GITEX Africa 2024 is an incredible platform for us to connect with our valued partners and potential customers from across the African continent. This event represents a remarkable intersection of innovation and collaboration where we introduce cutting-edge technology while celebrating the strength of our local connections. These zones are designed to demonstrate our latest innovations and allow participants to interact with our latest technology. Our goal is to provide hands-on and interactive experiences that inspire creativity, forge valuable connections, and drive technological advancement throughout the region,”.

Canon’s participation in GITEX Africa is a testament to the company’s commitment to getting closer to its customers and bringing cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience. It serves as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s ever-growing presence in the African region.

Canon invites visitors to GITEX Africa to experience this unique, inclusive exhibition.

For more information, please visit Canon’s stands at 1B-30, Hall 1 and 17D-10 Hall 17 at GITEX Africa 2024.

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) (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/3R6hvzd) – ‘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