Monthly Archives: February 2017

21 Feb

DHL Express makes global online shopping easier with On Demand Delivery in Sub Saharan Africa

On Demand Delivery is currently deployed in 6 markets across SSA – South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius & Tanzania, with plans to roll out to further countries in SSA throughout 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 21, 2017/APO/ —

  • On Demand Delivery developed in response to significant growth in premium cross-border e-commerce volumes
  • Flexible shipping options designed to enhance the customer experience for online shoppers

DHL Express (www.dpDHL.com), the world’s leading international express services provider, has announced the launch of On Demand Delivery for the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) region. The new service allows shippers and receivers globally to select from a range of standardised delivery options.

On Demand Delivery is currently deployed in 6 markets across SSA – South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius & Tanzania, with plans to roll out to further countries in SSA throughout 2017.

On Demand Delivery offers shippers the choice to activate specific delivery options and have DHL Express proactively notify their customers via email or SMS about a shipment’s progress. Customers can then select the delivery option that best suits their requirements via the On Demand Delivery website. The service is specifically tailored to the demands of international e-commerce deliveries, where the majority of shipments are addressed to residential addresses and customers place considerable emphasis on flexibility and convenience.

“Globally, we have seen the share of e-commerce deliveries grow from about 10% in 2013 to more than 20% of the international volumes of DHL Express in 2016,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa. “This has primarily been driven by the strong demand for high-value and premium goods in the global marketplace, as well as the emergence of start-up retailers who are growing beyond borders and therefore require a worldwide door-to-door delivery service. Our On Demand Delivery service was developed with the needs of our customers at the very core. E-tailers and their customers continue to evolve and we needed to ensure that our services continue to exceed customer expectations.

“On Demand Delivery isn’t just a new customer interface – it also represents an enhancement of our worldwide network, as we have tailored our last-mile operations to meet the specific demands of cross-border e-commerce deliveries. Thanks to On Demand Delivery, we can support the service offering of online shippers and improve the delivery experience for their customers, while improving our own efficiency, particularly for last-mile deliveries.”

On Demand Delivery is easy to use and benefits both shippers and receivers. The site is accessed from any smartphone, tablet or PC, and offers receivers up to six delivery options.

Shippers can incorporate their own branding into customer notifications. Receivers can schedule a delivery, arrange delivery to a nearby DHL Service Point or their own alternate address, and even request that a shipment is put on hold during a vacation. On Demand Delivery further improves first-time delivery performance, increases customer satisfaction, and makes the overall delivery process more efficient.

On Demand Delivery will be deployed to more than 100 countries across the globe in 2017, accounting for the majority of global trade and online retail activity, and is available in over 45 languages.

Distributed by APO on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.

20 Feb

Energy Ministers from Uganda, Liberia and Democratic Republic of Congo to address investors at the 3rd Powering Africa: Summit

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 20, 2017/APO/ —

H.E. Patrick Sendolo, Minister for Energy, Land and Mines, Liberia, H.E. Hon Irene Muloni, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda and H.E. Hon Pierre Anatole Matusila, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Democratic Republic of Congo are the latest speakers to confirm attendance at the 3rd Powering Africa: Summit (www.PoweringAfrica-Summit.com), taking place from 9-10 March 2017 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington D.C.

The Ministers will join over 400 investors and 50 speakers in this investment forum exploring global opportunities within Africa’s energy & infrastructure sectors.

U.S. Representative Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee has also confirmed to address delegates at the 2017 Summit. Chairman Royce worked tirelessly to pass the Electrify Africa Act which was successfully signed into law in early 2016. The bill seeks to address the significant electricity shortage in Africa that affects the everyday lives of millions of people. His participation will provide an insight into the act and how it will continue to maintain competitiveness in Africa whilst increasing global security and social stability.

The Summit will take the form of panel discussions and roundtables focusing on sector-specific topics and addressing how bottlenecks can be overcome to drive forward projects. Maintaining US competitiveness in Africa will be a key theme, setting out how commercial partnerships can deliver energy, create jobs, build capacity and spur industrial growth.

26 countries will be represented at the Summit to date, including 16 African countries. A networking reception will take place on the evening of 9th March, and delegates will have the opportunity to arrange meetings with other attendees using an onsite networking app.

This meeting will be co-located with the Growing Economies: Latin America Energy Forum, focusing on investment opportunities in Latin America’s energy & infrastructure sectors.

Distributed by APO on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..

15 Feb

Linkages, investment and diversification in African mining: Ghana under the spotlight

One of the possible outcomes from the Ghana study is the potential for a national suppliers’ development programme, in partnership with the mining industry, local suppliers, and government

Mining Indaba delegates were offered a sneak preview of some ground-breaking work in Ghana, designed to unpack new approaches to linkages, investment and diversification in the country’s minerals sector during the Linkages Panel Session on 8 February 2017.

The Mining Indaba Special Information Session on 8 February 2016 shared findings from a new economic assessment on linkages and domestic procurement in Ghana, conducted jointly by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR). Ghana invited the study following its recognition of the need for upstream domestic supply linkages, diversification of the country’s economic structure, stronger involvement of the local business sector, and enhancement of its human resource and technological capabilities to create sustainable value from its mineral resources.

Kojo Busia, moderator of the panel session and Acting Coordinator of AMDC, explained that this work with Ghana will help in onboarding the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) through a country-specific mining vision, saying “The Country Mining Vision is where the ‘rubber meets the road’ in implementing the AMV. Ghana is a relatively mature mining country and there is an opportunity for the country to optimize and add value. And this transformation requires examining this from a regional dimension.”

One of the possible outcomes from the Ghana study is the potential for a national suppliers’ development programme, in partnership with the mining industry, local suppliers, and government.

Using Ghana’s experience as a springboard, the AMDC-hosted session also brought together key experts to examine the African mineral sector’s potential for deepening linkages, promote investment and pursue diversification to contribute to broader economic transformation.

The session, which is in partnership with BGR, focused on concrete opportunities in value creation within upstream linkages in the mining sector in Africa.

Johannes Danz, program officer of extractives and development at BGR, noted that the concept of producing locally needs to go beyond locally registered firms, and should involve local production and value addition. Big-ticket items should be the focus of local procurement.

Edward K. Brown, director of policy advisory service of African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) shared the Center’s assessment of local content value addition in 8 African countries. Findings indicate that as many countries have very small markets, establishing domestic manufacturers may suffer from limited demand. Thus we need to look regionally throughout ECOWAS.

As well as Johannes Danz of BGR and Edward Brown of ACET, speakers included: Tony Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Commission, Ghana; Abraham Workwui, Newmont, Ghana; David Noko, Vice President, Sustainable Development, AngloGold Ashanti; and Suleman Koney, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines.

Distributed by APO on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

14 Feb

Private Equity Africa | 7th Annual Review & Outlook Seminar

The Private Equity Africa 7th Annual Review & Outlook Seminar will be hosted by Thomson Reuters March 1 from 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm.

OVERVIEW

Generating Alpha in Uncertainty

2017 Outlook & 2016 Review

In 2017, investors will locally be navigating a re-based Africa and globally, a post-Brexit Europe and the Trump presidency.

What will fundraising and deal making in 2017 look like? How did investors mitigate challenges in 2016, and what have been the biggest lessons learnt?

In its 7th year, this very popular event offers a great networking opportunity, pulling together between 150 and 200 delegates.

The evening commences with specialist presentations on economic, legal and risk expectations, which culminate into an investor panel discussion.

The evening ends with a networking drinks reception.

KEY TOPICS

• Top Sectors and Strategies for 2017
• Data Presentation: 2017 deal making and fundraising review
• Key investment sectors in 2017
• Exits expectations in 2017
• Economic forecasts
• Key Africa investment risks in 2017

Free attendance for qualified LPs and subscribers.

For free registrations, kindly email events@peafricagroup.com

VENUE

Thomson Reuters
30 South Colonnade-Canary Wharf
London, E14 5EP United Kingdom+ Google Map
Phone:
+44 (0) 20 7250 1122

EARLY BIRD OFFER ENDS 20 FEBRUARY 2017

 

13 Feb

Dangote Sets to Launch 25,000 Hectares of Rice Outgrower Scheme in Sokoto

Dangote Rice, a subsidiary of Dangote Group is set to launch in Sokoto. Sokoto state it’s multi-million naira 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower scheme with a prospect of hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for the rural communities inhabitants.

President of the Group, Aliko Dangote disclosed at the weekend that the Company will on Wednesday, flag off with a pilot project of 500 ha by Gonroyo dam, in Goronyo community. Gonroyo dam is the second largest in the country, after Kainji.

The flag off ceremony which will be performed by the governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwa will witness seedlings being distributed to the primary local farmers who will in turn plant the seed after which Dangote Rice company will purchase from them for milling and final processing.

Sokoto state is the second after Jigawa out of the 14 states spread across the state where Dangote Rice plans to operate outgrower scheme to empower local farmers and create job opportunities for community dwellers and reduce migration to the cities.

Dangote Rice projects in the 14 states, when, operational, will generate a significant number of jobs and increase take-home income for smallholder farmers, all while diversifying Nigeria’s economy and reducing the nation’s food import bill.

Statistics from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) estimates that rice demand in Nigeria reached 6.3 million MT in 2015, with only 2.3 million MT of that demand satisfied by local production.

This local production shortfall leaves a gap of 4.0 million MT that is currently being filled through formal importation of rice or illegal imports over land borders.

By year-end 2017, Dangote Rice plans to produce 225,000 MT of parboiled, milled white rice. This will allow us to satisfy 4% of the total market demand within 1 year. Our model can then be successfully scaled to produce 1,000,000 MT of milled rice in order to satisfy 16% of the domestic market demand for rice over the next 5 years.

Due to the current economic crisis, domestic prices for agro-commodities have risen dramatically over the last 12 months, making local agriculture an attractive investment. Dangote Rice Limited  seeks to take advantage of this economic trend and the favourable policies laid out in the FMARD’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Dangote Rice has a mandate to locally high-quality milled, parboiled rice for the Nigeria market. This goal will be achieved by sourcing the raw material (paddy) required from the Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme. […]

You can read the full-story here: APO

 

10 Feb

M&A action shifts from west to east Africa

Despite market deal volumes being down by nearly a third for Africa mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2016, international law firm Clifford Chance saw an increase in M&A instructions in Africa in the same period.

The power sector was particularly active in Africa in 2016, with Clifford Chance acting on almost twice as many deals in the sector as in the previous year. Other sectors which saw significant growth were agribusiness and education, with performance in financial services remaining strong.

There was also a noticeable continental deal shift from west to east Africa, where Clifford Chance advised on 50% more deals than in the previous year. While concerns over FX risk and an economy adjusting to a sustained period of low oil prices dampened appetite for M&A in Nigeria, Kenya and other east African jurisdictions became more favoured investment destinations.

“Delivering deals in difficult markets requires investors to be creative in their approach to agreeing and structuring transactions. We are seeing an increased use of bespoke purchase price mechanisms to protect against key risks and to bridge valuation gaps,” said Spencer Baylin, Clifford Chance global head of emerging markets M&A. said:

“Other risk mitigation strategies include investing in countries perceived to be regional hubs through which growth in nearby economies can be accessed, and establishing multi-jurisdictional platforms to build scale and a natural hedge against FX and individual country risk,” he added.

The shift in focus to the east was echoed by Nicholas Hughes, head of Clifford Chance’s east Africa practice. Speaking last week from the Risk and Raising Capital 2017 conference in Nairobi, he commented: “Multiple years of significant economic growth have made Kenyan companies operating in many sectors appealing targets for international private equity houses.

“Despite some high profile bank failures in the region, businesses active in the insurance and broader financial services sector continue to attract new capital. And a surge of investment in off-grid solar companies has cemented east Africa’s reputation as a global leader in this rapidly growing industry.”

Distributed by How we made it in Africa

09 Feb

Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) 2017 to take place in Kenya for the first time

The 11th edition of the AFIF “Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Growth” will be hosted by the Strathmore University in Nairobi

The Pan-African meeting of SMEs managers, entrepreneurs, investors and government representatives convened by EMRC, will take place from 13-16 February in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation and access to finance in key sectors such as energy, water, ICT, health and agriculture.

Highlights of the AFIF 2017 official agenda:

  • 2-day training “Scaling an Entrepreneurial Venture” for entrepreneurs to provide the tools to present a business plan to potential investors and access to finance. (13-14 February);
  • Panel discussions with top experts, including speakers from several international organisations such as the International Finance Corporation (World Bank), Rabobank Foundation, Japanese Intl. Cooperation Agency, African Guarantee Fund, Strathmore University, Afreximbank, European Investment Bank African and several Chambers of Commerce. (15-16 February);
  • B2B pre-arranged business meetings between investors and entrepreneurs (15-16 February);
  • Awards Ceremony: Six African SMEs have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation. Out of the 51 projects from around the continent and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the networking dinner, on 15 February.

“Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the creators of the middle class in Africa, but access to finance remains a hurdle for entrepreneurs in the region,” explains Inês Bastos, AFIF manager. “To strengthen the private sector in Africa, AFIF offers a platform to promote new business partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors which will contribute to a sustainable development in Africa”.

Distributed by APO on behalf of EMRC.

08 Feb

Africa Needs to Refocus Its Attention on the Urgency of Economic Diversification

Davies further pronounced that the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” will offer new opportunities to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by fast tracking market integration in Africa through industrial corridors and regional integration

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says that the current economic climate has forced South Africa and majority African countries that are commodity dependent to refocus their attention on the urgency of economic diversification, revitalisation of manufacturing and innovation. Davies was speaking during the ‘Investment Dialogue’ session that formed part of Investing in African Mining Indaba programme in Cape Town, yesterday.

Davies further pronounced that the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” will offer new opportunities to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by fast tracking market integration in Africa through industrial corridors and regional integration.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution will have an impact on manufacturing and how things are done in the economy. We need to start preparing ourselves to respond to it,” said Davies.

Furthermore, Davies added that the effects of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” will not be limited to the manufacturing area, rather they would extend to service sectors, including e-commerce and the legal and accounting professions.

“We need to understand what the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is and unpack how South Africa could benefit from it, especially when it comes to capitalising on innovation. Our country is gearing up collectively between the mining industry, government and labour in preparation of the eminent headwinds in the mining and minerals industry. Central to this are the opportunities to extend and strengthen value chains through further downstream manufacturing. Significant value chain opportunities already exist and are being operationalised as set out in the successive iterations of the Industrial Policy Action Plan,” he said.

Minister Davies also stated that beneficiation is no longer something we want to talk about but rather do.

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane invited investors and mining companies to explore opportunities to partner with South Africa in the beneficiation of minerals to ensure stable and growing demand for mineral resources.

“We have developed a programme for Special Economic Zones, with an array of tax and investment incentives as well as bulk infrastructure to support the growth of mineral beneficiators,” he said.

Zwane clarified that in their effort to support investment in mining and beneficiation, they have a particular focus on the growth and promotion of small and medium sized enterprises.

“We are of the firm view that a new era of junior to mid-tier sized mines is upon us. We further believe that most job opportunities lie with small to medium companies, hence in 2017 we will be focusing on the Promotion of Investment, with a special focus on junior miners. We will continue to give them the support to enable them to thrive,” added Zwane.

Distributed by APO on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.

07 Feb

Quantum Global named Best Investment Company Angola 2016

The award, which recognises excellence globally within the financial community, operates a strict assessment criterion measuring investment strategies, first-class client-advisor relations through active management and comprehensive services as well as developmental change

African focused investment firm Quantum Global Group were announced as the winners of the Global Banking and Finance Review award for Best Investment Company Angola 2016.

The award, which recognises excellence globally within the financial community, operates a strict assessment criterion measuring investment strategies, first-class client-advisor relations through active management and comprehensive services as well as developmental change.

Quantum Global’s Deputy Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Thomas Ladner said: “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best Investment Company Angola 2016. Our investments generate value added returns for our clients and winning this award is a testament to the commitment of our investment strategy in Angola.”

Quantum Global’s “Africa for Africa” strategy, which constitutes investing African assets back into African Markets for growth and value creation, has seen the group successfully develop its investment portfolio across the continent. The Group will pursue opportunities across its target areas (Agriculture, Timber, Mining, Healthcare, Structured Equity, Infrastructure and Hospitality) to achieve economic and social development.

“Quantum Global’s dedication to excellence throughout its investment services to maximise investment value and returns through active management and value creation is what made them stand out as the clear winner this year,” said Wanda Rich, Editor, Global Banking and Finance Review. “We look forward to seeing further industry-leading solutions from them in the years to come.”

Distributed by APO on behalf of Quantum Global Group.

 

 

06 Feb

Rwandan Journalist Johnson Kanamugire Wins APO Group Invitation to the World’s Largest Events for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

APO Group, the advisory firm for companies entering the African market or expanding their presence in Africa, and owner of Africa Wire® and MENA Wire®, the press release distribution services dedicated to Africa and the Middle East, today announced that Journalist Johnson Kanamugire from Rwanda has won APO Group’s invitation to cover the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) – one of the world’s largest events for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) –, to be held on April 2-4, 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The 2017 edition of AIM expects to welcome more than 15,000 participants, heads of states and governments, businessmen and investors from over 140 countries across the globe.

APO Group will offer one round trip ticket and accommodation in Dubai for Johnson Kanamugire to cover the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM).

“APO Group congratulates Johnson and is proud to offer this opportunity to an experienced Journalist with a rich background. APO offers invitations each year to major African events as part of our commitment to supporting journalism in Africa,” says Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO Group.

Johnson Kanamugire is a reporter with The East African and Rwanda Today newspapers, both regional weeklies published by the Kenya-based Nation Media Group. Kanamugire is based at The East African’s Rwanda Bureau where he covers a variety of beats including business for both the main paper and Rwanda Today, a smaller weekly specific to Rwanda.

During his six years of experience, the Journalism and Communication School graduate at the National University of Rwanda has developed a career in broadcast, print and online journalism.

He worked for Radio Salus and Isango Star prior to joining KFM’s digital desk in 2013.

APO Group provides consultancy for companies entering the African market or expanding their presence in Africa. APO Group understands that securing and consolidating your position in such a diverse and complex market is important and often requires expert advice. From market research to meeting country stakeholders, from defining your digital communication strategy to meeting with the press, APO Group provides tailor-made solutions that will accelerate your market entry and development in Africa.

The advisory firm owns and manages Africa Wire® and MENA Wire®, the press release distribution services dedicated to Africa and the Middle East and is the global leader in media relations related to Africa and the Middle East.

More than 40 PR agencies have used APO Group services over the last 12 months, including Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Weber Shandwick, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, APCO Worldwide, Edelman, Porter Novelli (UK), Ruder Finn (UK), FTI Consulting, Idea Engineers, Tribeca PR, Magna Carta, VUMA Reputation Management, WPP Team Gabon, Atmosphere Communications and Djembe Communications, to name just a few.

Distributed by APO Group.