Tag: Marketing
Astron Revamps 600 Caltex Service Stations: A Bold New Look for Enhanced Customer Experience!
Seychelles: Appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Social Protection
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President Dr. Patrick Herminie has announced the appointment of Mrs. Roma Edmond as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Social Protection (ASP).
Mrs Edmond holds a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Bolton, UK and a Master's degree in Strategic Management and Leadership from the National University of Ireland.
Mrs Edmond has had a 24 year career within notable sectors like auditing, marketing, National Assembly and administration. From November 2016 to April 2021 she was the Deputy CEO of the Agency for Social Protection during which time she also undertook the responsibilities of acting CEO from 15th September to 30th November 2020.
Prior to her appointment, Mrs Edmond was employed as the Director for Administration at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment.
Mrs Edmond's appointment follows the simultaneous resignation of Ms Brenda Morin and Ms Tracy Tirant; former CEO and Deputy CEO respectively.
Her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Social Protection takes effect from 17th November, 2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and Afreximbank Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Arab–Africa Trade and Investment
The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in promoting trade and investment flows across Arab and African countries.
The MoU was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on 27 October 2025 by Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC, and Mr. Kofi Asumadu Addo, Director, Guarantees and Specialised Finance at Afreximbank who represented the Bank's Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham EL Maayergi.
The partnership provides a robust framework for collaboration, enabling the two parties to harmonise their efforts in supporting Arab-African businesses seeking regional market opportunities while facilitating practical information exchange in areas where access to trade and investment intelligence has been limited. Through the cooperation, ICIEC and Afreximbank will align their strategic decision-support tools, developing synergies to better serve public- and private-sector actors across their respective networks.
Areas of cooperation covered in the MoU include risk-sharing mechanisms, which will underpin Afreximbank's efforts to mobilise financing in support of trade; a structured exchange of information to strengthen the outreach and insight of both institutions; support for Afreximbank's digital platforms; access for both partners to TRADAR Club offerings, such as TRADAR Intelligence (TIP) and TRADAR Regulations (TRIP); joint capacity-building and advisory services; collaborative work in marketing, promotion and product development; and deployment of the AfrexInsure initiative to maximise risk mitigation and trade-finance tools.
Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC commented, “This partnership marks a milestone in our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade and investment across the Arab-Africa corridor. By combining ICIEC's risk-mitigation expertise with Afreximbank's expansive financing and advisory platform, we are enabling businesses to move from ambition to action. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and deliver strategic value-add to trade flows that benefit our member countries and private-sector partners.”
Commenting on the MoU, Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank noted, “This MoU is a testament to the long-standing relationship between Afreximbank and ICIEC aimed at deepening Arab-Africa trade. It is expected to generate mutually beneficial and meaningful outcomes in areas such as market development, risk-sharing, digital innovation, and capacity building. Both institutions look forward to advancing our joint initiatives, including the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Arab African Trade Bridge.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).Media contact:
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org
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About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to counterparts in its 51 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18th consecutive year, maintained an "Aa3" insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody's, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC's "AA-" long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC's resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors—energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
For more information, Visit https://ICIEC.IsDB.org
About the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank):
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Mineral Sales Surge by 14%: A Booming Market Trend!
African Energy Chamber G20 Forum Fireside Chats to Explore the Future of Africa’s Oil and Gas Value Chain
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The African Energy Chamber's G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum (https://EnergyChamber.org/) – taking place on November 21 in Johannesburg – will host two exclusive fireside chats that will unpack the future of Africa's oil and gas value chain, exploring how upstream growth, midstream diversification and downstream modernization can accelerate investment across the continent. At a time when African governments and companies are repositioning themselves for new exploration, refining upgrades and energy-transition aligned strategies, these dialogues will highlight the role of global partnerships in driving Africa's energy and climate goals.
Oando PLC has set a strong example for how independent oil and gas companies can position themselves at the helm of African energy diversification. By evolving from a trading and downstream company into one of sub-Saharan Africa's most competitive and integrated groups, the company is not only expanding its investments but unlocking the potential of the continent's oil and gas value chain. Recent developments reflect this approach. In 2024, the company acquired Eni's Nigerian Agip Oil Company in a move that widened its upstream portfolio. The company also launched Oando Mining – focusing on developing lithium and other critical minerals -, while reinforcing its downstream and marketing business.
These efforts reflect a commitment to a diversified energy portfolio, one that many independents can mirror across the continent. During the G20 Forum, Tinubu will participate in a fireside chat on Strategy, Growth and Expansion: From Upstream to Energy Diversification. The session will offer insight into the company's energy strategy, opportunities for African independents in Africa and the need to expand the continent's oil and gas value chain.
“Africa's oil and gas value chain is full of untapped potential, and companies like Oando are proving what is possible when African champions lead from the front. Oando's growth story shows that with the right capital and the right partnerships, African companies can drive transformative expansion across the entire value chain,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
Meanwhile, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) – the country's newly-formed state entity – has set its sights on accelerated project development, with a view to strengthening supply chains and enhancing fuel security. In addition to pursuing upstream projects, the SANPC has committed to transforming the country's midstream sector through the revival of strategic refining infrastructure. Lack of investments have long-plagued the country's refineries, leading to an over-reliance on imports that have made South Africa vulnerable to supply disruptions. However, the SANPC strives to turn this trend around. Key projects include the revitalization of the SAPREF refinery and reinstatement of the Gas-to-Liquids refinery. The company aims to bring the 180,000 barrel per day SAPREF facility back online following a closure in 2022, boosting capacity to between 400,000 bpd and 600,000 bpd in the long-run.
A fireside chat at the G20 Forum will unlock the role these infrastructure projects will play in the country's energy future. The discussion will feature the SANPC's CEO Godfrey Moagi, who is expected to share insight into strategies for strengthening the country's oil and gas supply chain. The discussions takes place under the theme Repositioning the National Champion: Refinery Modernization and De-Risking South Africa's Supply Chain, providing investors with exclusive insights into South Africa's midstream expansion strategy.
“South Africa's energy security hinges on strengthening its downstream infrastructure, modernizing refineries and building a supply chain that is resilient, competitive and future-ready. SANPC is positioned to play a pivotal national role, but unlocking this vision requires global finance, technology partnerships and strategic investors who are willing to back long-term refinery upgrades and fuel-security projects,” Ayuk added.
With global interest in Africa's energy markets rising and new policies across multiple countries seeking to accelerate upstream and downstream investment, the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum's fireside chats promise to provide strategic clarity and actionable insight for investors, national companies and international financiers seeking to expand their footprint across the continent.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4pewDcs).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Canon showcases Nigerian Filmmaker Nora Awolowo’s creative brilliance with exclusive screenings of Racket Queen in Lagos
- Canon celebrates Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo's creative excellence with the exclusive Lagos screening of Racket Queen, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400.
- The event highlighted Canon's support for Africa's filmmaking community, featuring dual screenings, networking sessions, and the soft launch of the EOS C50.
Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com), a leader in imaging technology, hosted an exclusive movie screening of Racket Queen in Lagos, a short film by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera. The production stands as a testament to Nora's creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery, with her work speaking powerfully for itself.
The Canon EOS C400, designed for professional filmmakers, played a pivotal role in capturing the film's striking visuals and emotional depth, showcasing Canon's ongoing commitment to supporting the region's creative community with advanced imaging tools.
The morning media screening brought together journalists from across arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, providing an exclusive first look at Racket Queen and deeper insight into Nora's filmmaking approach. Later in the evening, Canon hosted an industry screening for filmmakers, peers, and Canon's creative network, an engaging event and networking session celebrating collaboration, innovation, and shared passion for storytelling.
Both events also featured a soft launch of Canon's new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon's professional cinema lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to new creators.
Speaking at the event, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said: “At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision. Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa. We're proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region.”
Canon's collaboration with Awolowo aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term partnerships. By enabling filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon reinforces its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.
About The Racket Queen
The Racket Queen follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her passion for tennis and, with her mother's support, pursues her dream of becoming a star. Along the way she encounters, triumphs, setbacks, and sacrifices. The film features performances by Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms.
Nora Awolowo, Filmmaker & Cinematographer reflecting on her experience, added: “Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation. The EOS C400 gave me the flexibility and technical precision I needed to bring Racket Queen to life. I'm proud of what we achieved together and grateful for Canon's continued support for filmmakers like myself.”
Canon's Commitment to African Filmmaking
Canon's collaboration with Awolowo reflects its long-term commitment to African filmmaking. Through partnerships, training programmes, and access to professional equipment, Canon continues to empower the next generation of storytellers and strengthen its role in the region's creative economy.
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/49j6Gnn) – ‘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: www.Canon-CNA.com
Call for Entries Issued for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards
The Stevie® Awards (https://www.StevieAwards.com), organizer of the world's premier business awards programs, has issued a call for entries for the 2026 (seventh annual) Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry (http://www.RAKChamber.ae/). Entry kits and complete details on the competition are available at https://MENA.StevieAwards.com.
The Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards are the region's only awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all its forms. The awards are open to all organizations within 18 nations in the MENA region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
All individuals and organizations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - may submit any number of nominations to any number of the categories.
There are no entry fees in this awards program. Organizations may submit as many nominations as they would like, without cost. Instead, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners can choose to pay a “winners fee” for each successful nomination to maintain their Stevie winner status.
Nominations may be submitted online through two entry deadlines. Winning nominations submitted through the first deadline, 3 December 2025, will have reduced winners' fees. 21 January 2026, is the second and final entry deadline.
Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards in the competition will be announced on 16 April 2026, and celebrated during a gala event at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 14 May 2026.
New for the 2026 Competition
The 2026 competition introduces several new and expanded category groups, including AI Innovation Awards (https://apo-opa.co/3JQW8RP) recognizing the achievements of individuals and organizations in Artificial Intelligence, and Public Sector Innovators (https://apo-opa.co/3LwT2mC), , honoring innovation and excellence in government and public service. Other category groups with new award categories include Sustainability, Technology, Customer Service, Marketing, and Human Resources.
Nominations citing innovative achievements will be accepted and judged in both Arabic and English, in more than 150 categories across the following category groups:
• AI Innovation (https://apo-opa.co/3JQW8RP)
• Apps & Websites (https://apo-opa.co/4oKt4dS)
• Achievements (https://apo-opa.co/497sWQV)
• Annual Reports & Other Publications (https://apo-opa.co/4hSzGo1)
• Company/Organization (https://apo-opa.co/49ecmPw)
• Corporate Communications & Public Relations (https://apo-opa.co/3LC9WQI)
• Customer Service (https://apo-opa.co/47PNScG)
• Human Resources (https://apo-opa.co/4oCh2Dw)
• Individual Professionals (https://apo-opa.co/49IaP4b)
• Live & Virtual Events (https://apo-opa.co/43WFUNT)
• Management (https://apo-opa.co/3Lw7Z8t)
• Marketing (https://apo-opa.co/4owmwPX)
• New Products & Services (https://apo-opa.co/4oKt4uo)
• Public Sector Innovators (https://apo-opa.co/3LwT2mC)
• Social Media (https://apo-opa.co/4hXgCVM)
• Sustainability (https://apo-opa.co/43ner7Z)
• Technology (https://apo-opa.co/49KWCU4)
• Videos (https://apo-opa.co/3JMPZGr)
• Thought Leadership (https://apo-opa.co/4hT50CY)
New Website and Entry System
For the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards program, a new website and entry system have been introduced to make participation easier and more efficient than ever before. Entrants can now use a single account to access the entry system for all nine Stevie Awards programs, submit and manage nominations seamlessly, and enter directly from any device. The platform supports over 30 languages with automatic translation for judging and offers multiple convenient payment options, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for participants across the region.
Winners of the 2025 edition with multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards include Abdulla Almazrouei Advocates & Legal Consultants, Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), ADNOC Logistics & Services, Alef Education, Barns (Saudi Arabia), DAMAC Properties, Deloitte & Touche (M.E.), DHL Express (across multiple MENA locations), Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Emirates Health Services, Etihad Aviation Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Ministry of Finance (Saudi Arabia), Ooredoo Group (Qatar), Petromin Express (Saudi Arabia), Public Works Authority – Ashghal (Qatar), QNB Türkiye, RAK Police, Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, Saudi Aramco, Sharjah Economic Development Department, Silal (Abu Dhabi), STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Turkcell, VUMI Global, Yalla Group (UAE), and ZIGMA8 | 360º Creative Communications, among others.
The 2026 competition will be judged by more than 150 professionals around the world. Those who wish to apply to participate on one of the juries may do so at https://apo-opa.co/445vdsn
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards.Contact:
May Hassan
May@StevieAwards.com
About the Stevie® Awards:
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at https://www.StevieAwards.com.


