Thursday, December 10, 2015

Facebook brings its Internet.org Innovation Challenge to Africa


> APO content is copyright free and can be republished at will.
>
>  
>
> PRESS RELEASE
>
> Facebook brings its Internet.org Innovation Challenge to Africa
>
> Recognition for African developers who are working to deliver apps, websites and services for learning/education and economic empowerment; $US150, 000 awards for winners in two categories
>
> JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 10, 2015/ -- Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) (http://www.facebook.com) is launching the Internet.org (http://Internet.org) Innovation Challenge in Africa (https://info.internet.org/en/story/innovation-challenge), with the aim of recognising developers and entrepreneurs who are using the internet to improve the standard of education and economic health in their communities. Developers across Africa are invited to enter the challenge.
>
> Facebook will present an Innovation Challenge Award of US $150,000 to the app, website or service judged to be the best in two categories: learning/education and economic empowerment. Each Innovation Challenge Award winner will also receive a package of tools and services worth up to $60,000 from Facebook's FbStart program (https://fbstart.com). Two apps, websites or services in each category will receive an Impact Award prize in the amount of $50,000.
>
> Connecting people across growth economies
>
> This follows the success of Facebook's Internet.org Innovation Challenge in India (https:/info.internet.org/en/2015/10/20/innovationchallengeindia), an award designed to recognise people making the internet more relevant for women, students, farmers and migrant workers in India. Facebook awarded prizes to services working on these challenges in India, where it was inspiring to see the range of entrepreneurship devoted to improving people's lives.
>
> "The Internet.org Innovation Challenge in Africa supports our vision of a connected world by recognizing those who are working on solutions that aim to improve education and economic health of communities in Africa," says Ime Archibong, director of strategic partnerships at Facebook. "We're looking forward to seeing how African developers are providing real value for their communities. By connecting people and empowering them with access to services and information, we can help them achieve extraordinary things and help them to enhance their lives."
>
> The details of the awards
>
> The awards are open to developers of apps, websites and online services that provide real value to African communities under the following pillars:
>
> Learning/education (apps, websites or online services that make use of technology to inspire and deliver learning)
> Economic empowerment (apps, websites or online services that help to advance the economic strength and ability of communities)
>
> All entries must be received by 1 May, 2016. Winners will be announced in August/September 2016.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Facebook.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> Press contact for Facebook:
> Idea Engineers
> Janina Boezaart
> Janina@ideaengineers.co.za
> +27 72 281 2441
>
> SOURCE
> Facebook
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: Ime Archibong, director of strategic partnerships at Facebook
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> APO - Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Powering Africa: Tanzania meeting to discuss reforms for the country’s power sector


> Powering Africa: Tanzania meeting to discuss reforms for the country's power sector
>
> The annual Powering Africa: Tanzania investment conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro hotel from 3-4 December 2015
>
> DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, November 17, 2015/ -- The annual Powering Africa: Tanzania investment conference (www.PoweringAfrica-Tanzania.com) will take place at the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro hotel from 3-4 December 2015.
>
> The meeting will focus on the future of Tanzania's power sector following the recent elections, identifying opportunities for investment and building crucial relationships between private and public players in the market.
>
> Recent confirmations from January Makamba, Member of Parliament Bumbuli, Tanzania, representatives from the President's Delivery Bureau (PDB) ,the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Gas Supply Company (GASCO) demonstrate the on-going commitment from the public sector towards accelerating energy access in Tanzania as a springboard for economic development.
>
> To date, 37 unique companies from the private sector are confirmed to attend including Tanzania Investment Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation, Citibank Tanzania Limited, BVI Consulting, Liquefied NG Tanzania Limited, Statoil and Sunfunder.
>
> The agenda will focus on topics such as Tanzania's commitment to energy reform, sector growth and gas development, procurement strategies for Tanzania's public sector companies and the importance of electricity for agriculture and captive power industries.
>
> Following the recent $5 million worth of funding from the IFC enabling Tanzania to explore mini-grid power capability, the programme will also look at the options for delivering renewable energy to Tanzania and the opportunities for solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power development.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..
>
> View multimedia content
>
> For more information about this meeting: 
>
> Meeting dates: 3-4 December 2015
> Venue: Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
> Visit: www.poweringafrica-tanzania.com 
> Contact: Amy Offord – Marketing Manager
> E: Amy.offord@energynet.co.uk
> T: +44 (0)20 7384 8068
>
> SOURCE
> EnergyNet Ltd.
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: Delegates participate in an interactive dialogue at Powering Africa: Tanzania last year in Dar es Salaam
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> APO - Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Facebook - Africa: Free Basics by Facebook expands internet access to millions of people in Africa


> Free Basics by Facebook expands internet access to millions of people in Africa
>
> Free Basics Platform is now live - more than 60 new services are available across the 29 countries where Free Basic services are available, including 14 in Africa
>
> JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 16, 2015/ -- Free Basics Platform is now live - more than 60 new services are available across the 29 countries where Free Basic services are available, including 14 in Africa
>
> Praekelt Foundation and Facebook announce a partnership that aims to accelerate the impact of Internet and more organisations to create services for the Free Basics Platform
>
> Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) (http://www.facebook.com) kicks off its activities at AfricaCom 2015 by sharing the progress of Free Basics, a programme that brings relevant basic internet services without data charges to people in growing countries.
>
> Facebook also shared the latest progress of the Free Basics Platform, which is now available to all developers around the world, and today together with the Praekelt Foundation (http://PraekeltFoundation.org) announced the Praekelt Foundation Incubator for Free Basics, a global partnership to support developers building for the Free Basics Platform.
>
> Facebook has, to date, brought free basic internet services to people in 29 countries, including 14 in Africa, and brought more than 15 million people online. Free Basics is now available to more than one billion people across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
>
> Some of the African countries where Free Basics has been launched include Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, Ghana, Angola and Malawi. Mobile phone users in these countries now have access to a set of websites and services with no data charges, in categories including maternal health, education, news updates, as well as local information.
>
> The program is making an impact on people's lives by providing free health, education, and economic information. For instance, SmartBusiness, a website that helps people learn to launch and run a business, now sees 5x more daily searches within their service since launching in South Africa in July, meaning more people are getting access to important economic information. BabyCenter and MAMA both reach millions of people around the globe with vital health information for pregnancy and parenting, including 3.4 million people through Internet.org's free basics services alone.
>
> "When people are connected, they can achieve extraordinary things as individuals and as a community. Connectivity brings opportunity for people around the world, and we've seen this firsthand here in Africa, where we began this journey," said Ime Archibong, director of strategic partnerships at Facebook.
>
> Internet.org Platform is now Live
>
> In May we introduced the Platform (http://newsroom.fb.com/news/2015/05/announcing-the-internet-org-platform/) as a way for developers to easily create services that integrate with Free Basics, and a way to give people more choice and control over the services they access. And now, the Free Basics Platform is live.
>
> Archibong continued, "Our mission is to connect the world, and we know when we bring communities together we can have even more impact. That's why we launched the Free Basics Platform to work with as many developers, non-profits and the social good community, and entrepreneurs as possible to extend the benefits of connectivity to diverse, local communities. Today is the next step in this journey, and I'm thrilled to announce the Praekelt Foundation Incubator for Free Basics here in Africa together with the team. The people I have met and impact I have seen from the benefits of connectivity simply remind me we are only 1% done. Together Facebook and the developer, entrepreneur and non-profit communities in Africa can work together to bring opportunity to people in Africa and around the world."
>
> If you're a developer interested in submitting your service to be part of the Free Basics Platform, you can learn more on our developer page here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/internet-org.
>
> Partnering with the Praekelt Foundation to support developers and social change organisations
>
> Praekelt Foundation (http://PraekeltFoundation.org) and Facebook also announced (http://praekeltfoundation.org/praekelt-foundation-facebook-partnership.html) the launch of a new partnership to support developers and social change organisations in their efforts to build accessible online services designed by and for people living in the developing world. Together with Facebook, and the support of Torchbox (https://Torchbox.com), we're creating an open source toolkit of technologies and strategies that will empower organisations across the globe to adapt services for mobile and to create new ones, allowing them to distribute these services through the web and the Free Basics by Facebook platform.
>
> To launch this initiative, Praekelt Foundation is creating an incubator programme that will provide support and resources to 100 independently-selected social change organisations. The tools and lessons that emerge from this programme will be opened up to the public in 2016 to allow thousands more organisations to take advantage of the ubiquity of mobile devices and the potential of the internet to create sustainable change.
>
> The partnership aims to increase and add to the mix of free websites and services available to users on this platform. It will also focus on providing the right tools as well as technical, content, capacity building and leadership support to organisations working in the social change environment.
>
> Praekelt Group Founder and CEO Gustav Praekelt said: "Praekelt Foundation believes that access to essential information and basic services is a human right. When people have access to the tools and knowledge that the internet and other digital communication technologies provide, they have access to opportunities that will make their lives better."
>
> Praekelt continued: "Over the last year, we have worked with NGOs to provide life-saving information to a potential audience of over 1 billion through Internet.org and the Free Basics Platform. We've never seen our work reach so many people so quickly. But we need to do more, and through the creation of the Praekelt Foundation Incubator for Free Basics we will do just that."
>
> Register your interest to join the Praekelt Foundation Incubator for Free Basics here: https://PraekeltFoundation.typeform.com/to/QekN63.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Facebook.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> Press contacts: 
>
> For Praekelt Foundation
>
> Praekelt Foundation
> Samantha Manclark
> sam@abetterworld.co.za
> +27 82 556 5188
>
> For Facebook
>
> Idea Engineers
> Janina Boezaart
> Janina@ideaengineers.co.za
> +27 72 281 2441
>
> SOURCE
> Facebook
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: Ime Archibong, director of strategic partnerships at Facebook
> Image: Praekelt Group Founder and CEO Gustav Praekelt
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> APO - Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Africa: The Aid & International Development Forum Africa Summit 2016 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Aid & International Development Forum Africa Summit 2016 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
>
> ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 11, 2015/ -- More than 250 senior representatives and advisors from regional governments, UN agencies, international and regional NGOs, CBOs, investors and donors, research institutes and the private sector are going to meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Aid & International Development Forum Africa Summit 2016 (http://linktrack.info/.1ds15).
>
> The Summit set for 2-3 February at the United Nations Conference Centre will focus on technological innovations and best practice to improve aid delivery and development strategy in East Africa.
>
> The Aid & International Development Forum has been building long-lasting partnerships between key actors in the humanitarian and development sector for over 13 years. The agenda has been developed in consultation with key organisations, such as WFP, IRFC, World Vision, USAID, UNICEF, World Bank, Save the Children, UN Habitat, CRS, FHI360, Oxfam, Habitat for Humanity International, IRD and will include case studies, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive roundtable sessions.
>
> For more information and to register your participation, please visit http://linktrack.info/.1ds15
>
> Early registration is advised as places are limited.
>
> AIDF Africa Summit 2016 will provide comprehensive overview of the latest trends around humanitarian logistics, community health, WASH, security of aid workers and communities, camp management, mobile for development, financing, communication with communities and among aid agencies.
>
> The unique event format combines high level strategic information with multiple specialist topic tracks and structured networking as well as peer-to peer round table discussions enabling full and frank sharing of views, experience and vital feedback within the community.
>
> Key speakers include:
>
>
> Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Kenya
> Dr Chukwudozie Ezigbalike, Chief of the Data Technology Section at the Africa Centre for Statistics, UN Economic Commission for Africa
> Dr Sharad Sapra, Director of Global Innovation Centre, UNICEF
> Christopher Hoffman, Regional Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director (RHEAD), World Vision (Kenya)
> Rishi Ramrakha, Head of Zone Logistics Unit, Africa, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 
> …and many others!
>
> Reserve your place now at http://linktrack.info/.1ds15  to discover new partnership opportunities, exchange ideas and influence regional development and humanitarian goals. Early registration is advised as places are limited.
>
> For all enquiries, please get in touch with Alina O'Keeffe at aokeeffe@aidforum.org
>
> We look forward to welcoming you to the AIDF Africa Summit in February! 
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Aid & International Development Forum.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> SOURCE
> Aid & International Development Forum
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Kenya
> Image: Christopher Hoffman, Regional Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director (RHEAD), World Vision (Kenya)
> Document: AIDF AFRICA 2016 Sponsorship Brochure
> Document: AIDF Africa Summit - Programme October
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> APO - Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Africa: PwC enjoyed double digit growth in Africa and the Middle East with revenues up 16%





PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)

PRESS RELEASE

PwC FY15 global revenues increase 10% to US$ 35.4 billion

-       Double-digit growth in Middle East and Africa (16%), North America and the Caribbean (12%) and Australasia and Pacific Islands (11%)

 

-       PwC's strategy in Africa mirrored that of its international clients who are also expanding across the continent

 

-       "We have great confidence in the future of Africa and are investing heavily in talent and skills development"

 

-       The South African firm recently appointed Dion Shango, a South African citizen, as the Southern Africa CEO role with effect from 1 July 2015

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 6 October 2015/ -- The PwC (http://www.pwc.com) network reported total global gross revenues of US$35.4 billion for the fiscal year ended on 30 June 2015. At constant exchange rates, PwC's total global revenues rose by 10%. This is up markedly from the previous year and the strongest year-on-year growth that the network has seen since FY07. Growth was strong across all lines of business and in all geographic regions.

"The global business environment remains challenging, with a continuing patchy economic picture, geopolitical issues creating uncertainty for business and fierce competition in the professional services market.  Despite these challenges the PwC network performed exceptionally well in FY15 with growth of 10%, pushing revenues over the US$35 billion mark for the first time," said Dennis M. Nally, Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd.

"Our strongest growth for eight years is a result of the significant investment we have made in recruiting the best people, enhancing the quality of our services and building new product offerings such as data analytics.  We have also continued to make key strategic acquisitions to complement and expand our core business.

"Technology is transforming all aspects of our lives and every business, so we are working in alliances with market leaders such as Google and others, to bring the latest and best technology thinking to our clients.

"The PwC brand has been acknowledged as the strongest professional services brand in the world and this reputation is built on the energy, enthusiasm and quality of our 208,000 people and their commitment to working with all of our stakeholders to build trust and to solve important problems.

"There's much to be proud of and I think we have strong momentum going into FY16 with many significant accomplishments to build on.
All of our lines of business and geographic regions are growing, the acquisition of Booz & Company (now Strategy&) has provided a major boost to our capabilities and we are now the leading organisation in our ability to provide services ranging from strategy right through to execution.  We recruited 53,000 new people last year and plan to recruit even more in FY16 from a broader range of countries and with a wide range of skills, as we expand our capabilities to match the increasingly diverse demands of our stakeholders.

"While there is large variation around the world and some countries will continue to struggle, overall we predict stronger global economic growth of 3.6% in 2016," added Dennis Nally.

Regional results

PwC member firms in North America and the Caribbean continued to grow very strongly with revenue growth of 12%.
Our largest firm, PwC US, enjoyed an impressive year with revenues up 10% to US$12.2 billion and strong growth in all lines of service.

Revenues from South and Central America remained buoyant, up 8% – although this growth is down from the previous year impacted by the tough ongoing economic conditions in Brazil.

Revenue growth in Asia was also strong in FY15 up by 9% to US$4.1 billion. 
PwC's continued focus on service development and expansion in Asia paid dividends with PwC's firms in China and Hong Kong growing by 8% and India by 17%. While the economic situation in China looks more challenging in the year ahead, we continue to be optimistic and believe we are well placed to enjoy growth in the year ahead.

Growth also increased impressively across Europe with revenues up 8% in Western Europe and 6% in Central and Eastern Europe. The UK firm, PwC's second largest, also performed strongly with revenues up 9% to US$4.1 billion, recording particularly good growth in its Assurance and Advisory services.  PwC's firms in Italy grew by 11%, Germany 8% and France 6%.

PwC enjoyed double digit growth in the Middle East and Africa with revenues up 16%.

Hein Boegman, CEO of PwC Africa, said that the global firm expects increasing growth in the emerging markets in the next few years.
"We embarked upon an ambitious investment strategy in Africa in 2012 to build PwC into the leading network in Africa, which is paying dividends. We have invested substantially in the region and our people, and are firmly embedded in the local communities. Our practice in Africa with its over 10,000 staff members is a strategically important asset in the PwC Global network."

Boegman said PwC's strategy in Africa mirrored that of its international clients who are also expanding across the continent. "We clearly see the opportunity in Africa is huge for a number of reasons. For instance, the level of political democracy has improved significantly over the past 20 years and in the past five years we have seen the discovery of oil & gas reserves in countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana and Angola.

"We have great confidence in the future of Africa and are investing heavily in talent and skills development to ensure that we have the right people in the right place to continue to provide value for our clients in the years ahead."

The South African firm recently appointed Dion Shango as the Southern Africa CEO role with effect from 1 July 2015. 
Shango, a South African citizen, is the first African black to be appointed in this role within PwC. PwC South African Board Chair, Shirley Machaba, was elected to the PwC Global Board - the first female black partner to be elected to the Global Board. "This bears testimony to our commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are also key focus areas for our global firm," adds Boegman.

Growth was also good across the Australasia and the Pacific Islands region with revenues up by 11% with strong growth in Australia where revenues grew by 10%.

Our people

Being the number one professional services network, PwC needs the best talent.
PwC welcomed record numbers to the network, adding 53,049 people in FY15, including 24,600 graduates. Our global headcount grew 6% to more than 208,000 people, which reflects the exceptional opportunities for development and advancement PwC offers.

[Multimedia content: Aggregated revenues of PwC firms by geographic region (US$ millions)]

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

Ver o conteúdo multimídia

Contacts:

Hein Boegman: CEO of PwC Africa
Office: + 27 11 797 4335
Email: hein.boegman@za.pwc.com

OR

James du Preez: Clients and Markets Development Leader, PwC Africa
Office: + 27 11 797 4367
Email: james.du.preez@za.pwc.com

OR

Zachary Giglio: Account Manager, Edelman South Africa
Office: + 27 11 504 4000
Mobile: + 27 076 657 4645
Email: Zachary.Giglio@edelman.com 

OR

Sanchia Temkin: Head of Media Relations, PwC
Office: + 27 11 797 4470
Email: sanchia.temkin@za.pwc.com

OR

Nonki Ndlazi: PwC Media Liaison Officer
Office: + 27 11 797 0418
Email: nonki.ndlazi@za.pwc.com

At PwC (http://www.pwc.com), our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We're a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 208,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

SOURCE
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)

Share
Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon

Distributed by :

APO (African Press Organization)
2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
Voie du Chariot 3
1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
www.apo-opa.com

To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.


Monday, October 5, 2015

Africa tourism set for sustained growth




-

Bench Events

PRESS RELEASE

Africa tourism set for sustained growth

The hotel and tourism industry in Africa is beginning a period of sustained growth, according to the sector's leading experts gathered at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa

LONDON, United Kingdom, 5 October 2015/ --  The hotel and tourism industry in Africa is beginning a period of sustained growth, according to the sector's leading experts gathered at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa (http://www.Africa-Conference.com).

The conference heard that inward international flights were recovering after being hit by the ebola outbreak.
And the hotel sector reported significant expansion, as well as increased visitor numbers, boosted by demand from African business.

Now in its fifth year, AHIF (30 September to 1 October 2015)  brought together 500-plus leading international hotel investors, local operators, ministers, government officials and industry experts from around 40 countries.

The immediate good news came from ForwardKeys, which monitors future travel patterns by analysing 14 million reservation transactions each day.
Its analysis showed there was an increase of 6.4% in international arrivals in September in Sub-Saharan Africa. The upturn marked a turning point after the ebola outbreak, which had wiped out four years of strong growth.

Flight bookings for the next six months suggest a sustained recovery. The data shows arrivals on-the-book (bookings for travel in future) from October 2015 to March 2016 are now running 4% ahead, compared with the same period last year. (See graph in Multimedia content.)

For more information, contact: Anja Eckervogt, anja@tarsh.com

The growing opportunities for investment in hotels on the continent were revealed in the African Hotel Report 2015.
Hotel Partners Africa identified the top ten opportunities. Nigeria heads the list with the strongest economy, but with only 34 branded hotel bedrooms per million population. This compares with 6,754 branded hotel bedrooms per million population in North America and 2,432 bedrooms per million in Europe. Ghana with 59 bedrooms and Cote d'Ivoire with 61 bedrooms also present great opportunities with very strong unmet demand. [See Multimedia content: Supply of Branded Hotels in Africa (by Region)]

For more information or a copy of the African Hotel Report 2015 please contact: David Harper,
David.Harper@HotelsPartnersAfrica.com

AHIF also heard announcements of several new hotel development projects in Africa:

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide plans to grow its portfolio by more than 50% in the next five years.
Anjali.mehra@starwoodhotels.com

Movenpick will open three hotels in Kenya, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire over the next four years.
teri.friesen@moevenpick.com

Carlson Rezidor will welcome guests to the first Radisson Blue Residence in Nairobi in late 2016.
Lee-Ann.Morgan@carlsonrezidor.com 

Hilton Worldwide has announced the Awassa Resort and Spa which is expected to open in 2020 in Addis Ababa.
dan.corfield@hilton.com

Marriott has already opened Africa's first Marriott Executive Apartments in Addis Ababa.
Deema.Kingsmill-Moore@marriott.com

Best Western used the conference to showcase its re-branding.
karl.delacy@bestwestern.com

The 2015 African Hotel Valuation Index, released at the conference by HVS, revealed that the African hotel sector was becoming less reliant on foreign visitors with increased demand from local businesses.
The Index showed African hotel brands such as Azalai, City Lodge and Protea were trading well, with a number of hotel investors showing faith in the continent.

You can download a copy of 2015 African Hotel Valuation Index by Tim Smith and Sophie Perret here: http://www.apo.af/qnaQVX.

The conference also heard the latest thought leadership research paper from JLL. It found the growth drivers for the hotel sector in Africa included:

-improved fiscal management
-favourable demographics (a population of 1.1billion)
-rapid urbanisation
-growing middle class
-rich commodity and energy resources
-considerable infrastructure investment
-increased tourism.

To download the report, click here:
http://www.apo.af/gYuFB4.

In another special market report, hotel consultants Horwath HTL said they expected a surge in projects in Cameroon ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations which will be held there in 2019.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Bench Events.

View multimedia content

For further information, including interviews, please contact Anja Eckervogt, Anja@Tarsh.com or David Tarsh, David@Tarsh.com on +44 7770 816 070.

SOURCE
Bench Events

Share
Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon

Distributed by :

APO (African Press Organization)
2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
Voie du Chariot 3
1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
www.apo-opa.com

To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.


Africa: The Value of Dual Citizenship for African’s Wishing to Take Advantage of Opportunities within the Continent and Abroad


> PRESS RELEASE
>
> The Value of Dual Citizenship for African's Wishing to Take Advantage of Opportunities within the Continent and Abroad
>
> It is estimated that only around 1% of the world's population have two or more passports, making dual citizenship an exclusive privilege
>
> JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 5 October 2015/ --  "No man is an island" is the theme of this year's upcoming Investment Agenda, being held in Johannesburg on the 20th of October. Leading investors, asset managers and industry experts will assemble to examine the prevailing economic and political environment in Africa and its impact on investment strategy in 2016.
>
> In light of this conference, Monarch&Co International (http://www.monarchandco.com) emphasizes the value of dual citizenship, especially for African's wishing to take advantage of opportunities within the continent and abroad. Holding the passport of another country can open opportunities for business, education, healthcare and visa-free travel for investors and their families.
>
> Monarch&Co International are specialists in residency and citizenship by investment programmes and currently have a wide portfolio of countries around the world for investors to choose from. Among the countries that offer the best benefits are, Antigua & Barbuda, Cyprus (EU), Grenada, Malta (EU), Mauritius, Portugal (EU), St Kitts & Nevis, the UK (EU) and the USA.
>
> According to statistics, it is estimated that only around 1% of the world's population have two or more passports, making dual citizenship an exclusive privilege. While in the past it was only possible for people to attain dual citizenship through their ancestry or emigration, many countries have now made it possible for applicants to gain residency or citizenship through various investment programmes without ever having to emigrate.
>
> By making a substantial investment into either a business venture or the purchase of real estate, investors can apply for residency and / or citizenship in a foreign country. James Bowling, CEO of Monarch&Co, says that investors are particularly interested in obtaining citizenship in countries that are members of the European Union (EU). This is largely due to the benefits afforded to EU citizens including right of free movement, settlement and employment across all EU member states. Whilst Bowling agrees that the EU offers unparalleled opportunity, other countries can offer similar and / or different benefits that may better suit other investor requirements. These countries can include the USA, Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda. Therefore, the choice of country really concerns the primary reason for investment, explains Bowling.
>
> Bowling highlights five advantages of gaining dual residency and / or citizenship:
>
> A Lifestyle Hedge
>
> The lifestyle benefits that investors could reap include access to better basic services such as healthcare, education, security and transport.
>
> A Financial Hedge
>
> A hard currency investment is a good currency hedge. "Many are looking for investment options that allow them to financially hedge against future economic uncertainty in their home country. Some of the programmes offer investors returns of up to 6.5% as well as buy-back guarantees once they qualify for citizenship – allowing investors to earn returns in foreign currency - these countries include Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda.
>
> Unrestricted Travel
>
> Freedom of travel is one of the major benefits of these programmes. "Many of our clients incur huge travel inconveniences when travelling abroad owing to the conditions set on them by virtue of the passport that they carry.  Visa applications are both costly and time consuming and generally an irritating nuisance. Through residency and citizenship programmes, investors can gain travel benefits through obtaining another citizenship that has fewer travel restrictions and visa requirements," says Bowling.
>
> Tax Breaks
>
> Bowling points out that by gaining a second citizenship, investors are also able to enjoy tax breaks as well as the possibility of improved personal and corporate tax exposure. "The extent of these benefits would depend on the new jurisdiction's offering and incentives as well as where the client makes their primary tax residence."
>
> Family Security
>
> Investors who are looking for better schooling opportunities for their children, a safe environment in which to raise their families, or just a better quality of life, are attracted by the benefits of dual citizenship.
>
> "There are many reasons why dual residency and citizenship appeals to many investors, but mostly it revolves around the second passport, which is their key to a world of free movement, greater flexibility, and legal tax reduction," Bowling concludes.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Monarch&Co International.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> Media contact :
> Bridget Meyer
> International Marketing Manager
> e: BridgetM@MonarchAndCo.com 
> t: +27 (0)11 322 4400 
>
> About Monarch&Co International
>
> Monarch&Co International (http://www.monarchandco.com) was established in 2007 under the name Crusader Rock International, becoming the market leader in facilitating residence, property and investment options and structures in Malta.
>
> 2011 saw the rebranding of the company to Monarch & Co International. Monarch&Co offers clients immigrant investor programmes for residence and citizenship, investment properties and personal and corporate structures in hand-picked territories around the world.
>
> SOURCE
> Monarch&Co International
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: It is estimated that only around 1% of the world's population have two or more passports, making dual citizenship an exclusive privilege
> Image: Many countries have now made it possible for applicants to gain residency or citizenship through various investment programmes without ever having to emigrate
> Image: By making a substantial investment into either a business venture or the purchase of real estate, investors can apply for residency and / or citizenship in a foreign country
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Africa: DHL Global Forwarding Appoints Daniella de Pauw as new Sub-Saharan Africa Chief Executive Officer


>
> PRESS RELEASE
>
> DHL Global Forwarding Appoints Daniella de Pauw as new Sub-Saharan Africa Chief Executive Officer
>
> Daniella de Pauw returns to DHL to helm the Sub-Saharan Africa region effective from 19 August 2015
>
> CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 2 October 2015/ --  DHL Global Forwarding (http://www.dpdhl.com), leading provider of air, sea and road freight services in Europe and Asia, has appointed Daniella de Pauw as Chief Executive Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, with effect from 19 August 2015.  In her new role, Daniella is based in Johannesburg and will be responsible for driving growth in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Daniella currently reports to Thomas Nieszner, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Europe.
>
> "Daniella's strong background in Africa's unique logistics climate has made her well-equipped to scale our operational and reputational footprint to the next level," said Thomas Nieszner, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Europe. "With her great experience as a Forwarder and her vast network and knowledge in the Africa region, her return to DHL will strongly support our efforts to strengthen our market position in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and our rapidly expanding presence in Africa will benefit from her steadfast leadership."
>
> "With a compound annual 4% growth rate that shows no signs of slowing(1), Africa is one of our network's fastest growing markets. But while capital investment continues to hit higher and higher levels – reaching US$128 billion(2) (€113 billion) in 2014 – Africa still needs increasingly robust infrastructure networks to harness it to its full potential: infrastructure investment in the continent still experiences an annual deficit of US$50(3) billion. For example, while 31 percent of business leaders expect agriculture to drive growth in Africa(4), this will only be possible if supported by highly reliable and versatile freight channels connecting producers with both regional and global demand," said Daniella. "Having served businesses in the region for over 35 years, we continue to ensure that the markets have access to our logistics solutions for their everyday needs. I look forward to working with our first-rate team again to continue going the extra mile in fulfilling our customers' needs with excellence."
>
> In her previous role with DHL Global Forwarding, Daniella was Managing Director for South Africa and Regional Director for Southern Africa and Indian Ocean. Prior to that, she was appointed as Vice President, Danzas Africa in 2001 and held several management positions within DHL Global Forwarding Africa region. Daniella first joined the DPDHL Group as a Managing Director with Profreight Aircargo (Pty) Ltd in Johannesburg in 1987. She has led the organization through a number of significant changes during her career and the company has received a number of external awards and accolades under Daniella's leadership.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> (1) http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/fileadmin/uploads/aeo/2015/PDF_Chapters/Overview_AEO2015_EN-web.pdf
> (2) http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/Issues/Business-environment/EY-africa-attractiveness-survey-2015
> (3) http://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/august-2015/can-africa-fund-its-own-growth
> (4) http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/Issues/Business-environment/EY-africa-attractiveness-survey-2015
>
> Media Contact: 
> DHL Asia Pacific & EEMEA             
> Corporate Communications and Responsibility
> Belinda Tan 
> Phone: +65 6771 3332
> Fax: +65 6771 3322
> E-mail: apeemeamediarelations@dhl.com
> On the Internet: http://www.dhl.com/en/press.html 
> Follow us at: www.twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
>
> DHL – The logistics company for the world
>
> DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. DHL's family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With more than 325,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, they connect people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including e-commerce, technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".
>
> DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 56 billion euros in 2014.
>
> SOURCE
> Deutsche Post DHL
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: DHL Global Forwarding has appointed Daniella de Pauw as Chief Executive Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, with effect from 19 August 2015
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

Africa: New organisation of the Orange Group: Bruno Mettling will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA)


> PRESS RELEASE
>
> New organisation of the Orange Group
>
> Bruno Mettling will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA)
>
> PARIS, France, 1 October 2015/ --  With its Essentiels2020 strategic plan, Orange (http://www.orange.com) has defined its priorities for the next five years. As from 1 March 2016, the Group's organisation will evolve in line with the strategic plan in order to best implement this roadmap and support Orange in its transformation.
>
> Marc Rennard, who successfully led Orange's development in Africa and the Middle East, will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of customer experience and mobile financial services. Armed with his experience gained rolling-out Orange Money, he will be in charge of mobile financial services, one of the two areas of diversification set out in the strategic plan.
>
> Bruno Mettling, who has worked ceaselessly for the Group's transformation, will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA). In parallel, Jean-Marc Vignolles, who has carried out outstanding work at the head of Orange Spain since 2007, will become his second in command as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AMEA operations. Africa and the Middle East is a growth territory for Orange. The creation of a holding company bringing together its operations in this zone, as well as the planned acquisition of four new countries, opens up new development prospects for the Group to affirm its ambitions in that region.
>
> Laurent Paillassot will be appointed CEO of Orange Spain. Laurent Paillassot, who brings his executive experience and who has been very successful in his work since he joined the Group, will take the helm of the Orange's subsidiary in Spain, which, with the acquisition of Jazztel, is set to become the most dynamic convergent player in the Spanish market and now represents more than 10% of the Group's revenues.
>
> Jérôme Barré will be appointed Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Human Resources. Orange will mobilise all of its employees based on a new, people-oriented digital employer model. This is an essential condition for meeting the challenges of digitisation while adhering to the social contract. This key mission is entrusted to Jérôme Barré, who has already demonstrated his strong management qualities.
>
> Thierry Bonhomme, who is currently in charge of Orange Business Services (OBS), will also be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. This appointment recognises his contribution to the redeployment of OBS as the trusted partner for enterprise customers in their digital transformation.
>
> Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO, commented: "This new organisation has been thought out to support our strategic plan, Essentiels2020. I am especially proud of the talent that makes up the management team at my side. These changes will take effect on 1 March 2016 in order to allow for the completion of certain particularly important projects for the Group, such as the preparation of our mobile banking offer and the integration of Jazztel. I also wanted the coming months to be devoted to the preparation and organisation of this transition, so that it can take place in an efficient and coherent manner, and so that the new organisation will be fully operational from day one."
>
> From 1 March 2016, the Orange Group's Executive Committee will be made up of twelve members around Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO:
>
> -Christine Albanel, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of CSR, Diversity, Partnerships & Philanthropy,
> -Jérôme Barré, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Human Resources,
> -Thierry Bonhomme, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Orange Business Services,
> -Fabienne Dulac, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Orange France,
> -Ramon Fernandez, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer,
> -Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Innovation, Marketing & Technologies,
> -Pierre Louette, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, General Secretary, Operators (France) and Purchasing,
> -Béatrice Mandine, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Communication & Brand,
> -Bruno Mettling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA),
> -Gervais Pellissier, Delegate Chief Executive Officer in charge of European operations 
> -Marc Rennard, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of customer experience and mobile financial services.
>
> The Executive Committee will continue to be supported by Michaël Trabbia, Head of the Chairman & CEO's office and Secretary of the Executive Committee.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange.
>
> View multimedia content
>
> Press contacts: 
> +33 1 44 44 93 93
> Jean-Bernard Orsoni; jeanbernard.orsoni@orange.com 
> Tom Wright; tom.wright@orange.com 
>
> About Orange
> Orange (http://www.orange.com) is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with sales of 39 billion euros in 2014 and has 154,000 employees worldwide at 30 June 2015, including 97,000 employees in France. Present in 29 countries, the Group served 248 million customers worldwide as of 30 June 2015, including 190 million mobile customers and 16 million broadband internet customers. Under the Orange Business Services brand, Orange is also one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies. In March 2015, the Group presented its new strategic plan "Essentiels2020" which places customers' needs at the heart of its strategy with the aim of allowing them to benefit fully from the digital universe and the power of its new generation networks.
>
> Orange is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).
> For more information (on the web and on your mobile): www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, www.livetv.orange.com or to follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.
> Orange and any other Orange product or service cited in this press release are trademarks held by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.
>
> SOURCE
> Orange
>
> Multimedia content
>
> Download logo
> Image: Bruno Mettling will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA)
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.

African and European farm machinery distributors join forces to support AGCO brands in Zambia


> PRESS RELEASE
>
> African and European farm machinery distributors join forces to support AGCO brands in Zambia
>
> A Joint Venture between Barloworld and BayWa will be responsible for sales and support for AGCO's Challenger and Massey Ferguson brands of farm machinery
>
> LUSAKA, Zambia, 1 October 2015/ --  AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO) (http://www.AGCOcorp.com), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reports that a new Joint Venture company formed between South Africa's Barloworld and Germany's BayWa has been appointed as its national distributor for Zambia. The Joint Venture between Barloworld and BayWa will be responsible for sales and support for AGCO's Challenger and Massey Ferguson brands of farm machinery.
>
> Barloworld Agriculture is AGCO's largest distributor in Africa and BayWa AG its largest distributor worldwide. They will each hold a 50% stake in the new venture. The Joint Venture combines the expertise and dedicated resources of Barloworld and BayWa in support of AGCOs Sustainable and Inclusive Mechanization Strategy in Africa.
>
>  "We are delighted that these two leaders in agricultural equipment distribution have joined forces to support us in serving the Zambian market where we are making major investments in infrastructure and people, and creating key partnerships to help drive agricultural development forward across the full spectrum of farming." says Nuradin Osman, AGCO Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East.
>
> Barloworld Agriculture was established in 2002 and is AGCO's distributor for South Africa. It is part of Barloworld Handling, a division of global industrial brand distributor Barloworld Limited.
>
> BayWa is a group with worldwide operations in the core competencies of trading, logistics and supplementary services in its core segments of Agriculture, Energy, and Building Materials. BayWa Group is also one of the largest agricultural traders worldwide. The head office of the parent company, which was founded in 1923, is located in Munich. The international activities focus on Europe as well as on the US and New Zealand.
>
> Smart Farming & Internationalisation Agri-Services develops solutions for process-driven farming and is also expanding international agricultural sales and equipment business.
>
> "Barloworld Agriculture's existing AGCO distribution network combined with our strong African know-how provides the Joint Venture with a strong operational platform," says John Blackbeard, Chief Executive Officer of Barloworld Handling, Inc. "Together with BayWa, we look forward to providing region-specific resources and solutions to the agriculture value chain in Africa."
>
> Commenting Roland Schuler, member of BayWa's Board of Management responsible for BayWa Agri Services business unit, said: "In markets like Zambia where agricultural operations are so varied, the use of modern technology that is geared towards the needs of the market is instrumental in improving productivity. This is exactly where BayWa and Barloworld can contribute their experience from successful mechanisation projects on farm operations of all sizes."
>
> As part of AGCO's significant investment in Zambia, the company has established a 150ha Future Farm near Lusaka to develop leading-edge agriculture for Africa. Among its major activities, the AGCO Future Farm provides education and training on integrated agricultural solutions, offers hands-on experience with new technology appropriate to local markets and seeks to establish new agricultural standards for crop establishment, nutrition and protection.
>
> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of AGCO Corporation.
>
> CONTACT: Louisa Parker 
> Manager External Affairs – Africa and Middle East
> Tel: +44(0)7789746268
> Zambia Tel :+260 (0)971398169
> Email: Louisa.parker@agcocorp.com
>
> About AGCO
> AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) (http://www.AGCOcorp.com) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural equipment. AGCO supports more productive farming through a full line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage equipment, grain storage and protein production systems, seeding and tillage implements and replacement parts. AGCO products are sold through five core equipment brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra® and are distributed globally through a combination of approximately 3,100 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries. Founded in 1990, AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, GA, USA. In 2014, AGCO had net sales of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit http://www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.
>  
>
> AGCO: 25 years of identity, centuries of history
>
> SOURCE
> AGCO Corporation
>
> Share
> Twitter |  Facebook |  LinkedIn |  Google+ |  Tumblr |  Reddit |  Pinterest |  StumbleUpon
>
> Africa Newsroom | Safe sender instructions | Privacy Policy
>
> Distributed by :
>
> APO (African Press Organization)
> 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
> Voie du Chariot 3
> 1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
> Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
> E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
> www.apo-opa.com
>
> To unsubscribe from APO news releases please click here.