Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

The African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) is aghast at Africa Oil Week’s decision to relocate the conference venue for its flagship event from Cape Town, South Africa to the United Arab Emirates.

As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the African Energy Chamber fully supports and commits to conferences of African nature being held on African terrain. With this in mind, the Chamber acknowledges the increased difficulties of the Covid-19 restrictions and governmental guidelines imposed on Africa and the rest of the world during this time.
In the same manner, mothballing a conference in South Africa, an African nation that has handled the Covid-19 pandemic remarkably well, is a clear sign of opportunism and detachment from the pledge to support African venues and our continent.
“While Dubai is a fabulous venue in its own right, we do believe that events of African nature should show strong commitment to African communities, cities and the local workforce. An event of the magnitude of Africa Oil Week is a big local employer. Reneging on its long-standing partner, the African people and the continent, is a truly unfortunate sign of disinterest in African values of trust, loyalty and companionship, and is in fact very unscrupulous in nature,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chair of the African Energy Chamber.
“Keeping to Covid-19 travel restrictions and how they have particularly strenuous burden on the conferencing industry, there are smart ways to hold hybrid conferences of both online and offline nature. Further, vaccination rates are increasing rapidly across the Northern hemisphere, which would allow business travellers to visit South Africa in a safe manner by November”, he added.
The African Energy Chamber expresses its discontent with the decision made, and continues to support both local and international conferencing operators willing to prioritize African venues for African events.
Given the relentless attack that the oil and gas industry is facing, there is no better time for the oil and gas industry to stand with Africa but now. The Chamber will continue to push for a discussion on energy transition, fiscal responsibility, free markets, upstream, midstream, downstream, renewables and petrochemicals in Africa.
As a first step, the Chamber will encourage, advocate and provide support for an energy event in October or November this year with African ministries, entrepreneurs, NOC’s, IOC’s, Civil society and possibly four African heads of States. The Chamber will continue to be the voice of the sector and work towards building bridges that brings together governments and companies in the African energy industry to find a common ground.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Media files

African Energy Chamber Condemns Africa Oil Week’s decision to shun Cape Town conferencing hub for a non-African venue

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

The United Nations World Food Programme has started providing emergency food rations to people displaced from their homes in Goma by the sudden eruption of Nyiragongo volcano on 22 May.

WFP and partners have so far delivered food to some 43,000 displaced people in Sake, Minova and Rutshuru, towns close to Goma that have seen an influx of people fleeing their homes.  Thousands of displaced people remain scattered across the region amid warnings of further eruptions. Those who have had to flee their homes have been receiving 10-day rations of flour, pulses, oil and salt.
“People are feeling helpless and getting desperate. The families that have fled are completely reliant on government and aid agencies for basics like food, water and shelter,” said Erwan Rumen, WFP’s Eastern Area Coordinator. “WFP is very concerned about the food and nutrition situation of the people forced out of their homes. We are providing them with the food assistance they need in this crisis.” 
The eruption left more than 30 dead and caused an estimated 400,000 people to either flee their homes or to be evacuated. Families who left with their few belongings, either headed north on foot on the Rutshuru/Beni road, recently cleared of the lava that had blocked it, or round the lake towards the towns of Sake and Minova, located 27 km and 46 km west of Goma, respectively. Some with vehicles continued further south to Bukavu.
Based on assessments carried out over the past week, WFP aims to reach a total of 40,000 people in Sake, 65,000 in Minova and 60,000 in Rutshuru, while WFP in Rwanda is providing emergency food assistance to many others who have crossed the border.
Jointly with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), WFP is also delivering food to 300 children who have been separated from their families in the chaos that followed the eruption.
North Kivu is already facing armed conflict, mainly in Beni territory where attacks on civilians continue. In efforts to bring stability to this conflict-hit province, the government has declared a security emergency there, and in Ituri, immediately to the north. Shortly after military rule was introduced, Nyiragongo erupted.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Media files

World Food Programme (WFP) provides food to thousands displaced from Goma after Volcano eruption

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Daily: Laboratory Test: 4,600 Cases: 249 Severe Cases: 399 New Deaths: 6 Recovery: 741

Total: Laboratory Test: 2,728,559 Active Cases: 28,142 Total Cases: 271,790 Total Deaths: 4,171 Total Recovery: 239,475 Total Vaccinated: 1,822,343
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.
Media files

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 Reported Cases in Ethiopia (1 June 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Following a virtual meeting yesterday, World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org), The RFU, WRU, International Rugby Players and Progressive Rugby are encouraged by constructive and positive initial dialogue regarding the sport’s commitment to player welfare advancement at all levels.

All parties care deeply about rugby and its playing community and want the sport to be all it can be for everyone and, while recognising that there are naturally some differing views on how to achieve that goal, we are encouraged that there is much common ground in terms of current and future focus areas.
One of rugby’s strengths is that it is a diverse and inclusive global family of people who are unwavering in their passion for the sport and the welfare of its present, future and past players, whether they be administrators, players, coaches, fans and medics.
This meeting has established a line of dialogue, but just as importantly, an understanding of a common goal: the continued advancement of player welfare in rugby at all levels of the game. We look forward to continuing the conversation to deliver on this shared goal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

World Rugby Contact: Dom Rumbles +353 86 852 0826
Media files

Joint statement by World Rugby, RFU, WRU, IRP and Progressive Rugby

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) (www.UNIDO.org) today held a high-level bilateral meeting to highlight two project agreements in a virtual kick-off ceremony with Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC and LI Yong, Director General of UNIDO. Following the ceremony, the ongoing strategic partnership between the two entities was further discussed.

The projects will support two key initiatives: the first is the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which aims to revive the Egyptian cotton industry by supporting growers to cultivate sustainable cotton. The second project in Sudan, aims at transforming the country’s dairy sector which will see ITFC and UNIDO provide selected dairy enterprises with technical assistance for food safety production and will assist dairy plants to resume production. The two institutions will ensure that these sectors remain resilient with increased production, easier access to finance and an enhanced safe operating environment for workers.

In his opening remarks at the virtual meeting, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC noted that “ITFC’s participation demonstrates a commitment to nurture the cotton sector’s economic prospects by strengthening the overall value chain. ITFC is confident that our partnership with UNIDO will continue to add value to important economic sectors, contribute to industrialization, build stronger economies and, ultimately, support Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries as they emerge from the pandemic with more resilience.”

The UNIDO Director General, Li Yong, stated that “the mission of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). This strategic partnership with ITFC will promote industrialization, trade, and sustainable development for our common member countries towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in general and SDG 9, in particular.”

During the discussion on strategic partnerships, Eng. Sonbol highlighted ITFC’s interest in expanding the partnership with UNIDO in Asia, the CIS, Europe and Latin America. The participation of UNIDO in the second phase of the Aid-for-Trade Initiative for Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) was also addressed, with its development objective to “enhance the environment for international trade in the Arab region by making it more efficient and inclusive, thereby creating opportunities for employment and contributing to sustainable development”. The discussion concluded with the exploration of new avenues of partnership in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially in the area of the sectoral and industrial impacts of the AfCFTA in OIC member countries.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
Contact Us: International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Tel: +966 12 646 8337 Fax: +966 12 637 1064  E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org 
United Nations Industrial Development Organization Tel: +43 (1) 26026-0  Fax: +43 (1) 2692669 E-mail: unido@unido.org
About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC): The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided US$55 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Twitter: @ITFCCORP  Facebook: @ITFCCORP  LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) 
About the United Nations Industrial Development Organization: The UN Industrial Development Organization is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. Currently, it has a membership of 168 states.  UNIDO&#39;s mandate is to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition, and work towards improving living conditions in the world&#39;s poorest countries by drawing on its combined global resources and expertise. In recent years, UNIDO has assumed an enhanced role in the global development agenda by focusing its activities on poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability.
Today, the Organization is recognized as a highly relevant, specialized, and efficient provider of key services in support of the interlinked challenges of reducing poverty through productive activities, promoting the integration of developing countries in global trade through trade capacity-building, fostering environmental sustainability in industry, and improving access to energy. UNIDO&#39;s role is that of an informed institution, in tune with the goals of its partners and capable of making an effective contribution to inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Twitter: @UNIDO Facebook:  @UNIDO.HQ.  LinkedIn: UNIDO
Media files

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) partners with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support Egypt’s cotton sector and Sudan’s dairy sector

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Following Canon Inc.’s (https://global.Canon) initial development announcement of the EOS R3 (https://bit.ly/2RcOAgY) – its latest high-performance, high-speed professional mirrorless camera – more details have been revealed today confirming it marks a new era for sports, wildlife and news photographers.

Canon is committed to achieving the impossible, and this camera is no exception. Today, new specs prove the EOS R3 takes object-tracking to another level – adding Auto Focus (AF) tracking for motorsports including racing cars and motorbikes. In addition to this, ideal for filmmakers, the EOS R3 can record oversampled 4K video.

The EOS R3 combines the next-level performance and image quality advantages of Canon’s innovative EOS R System line-up. Pairing its RF Mount with Canon’s RF lenses (https://bit.ly/3paSUtQ), the EOS R3 offers possibilities unseen in any other camera/lens duo and opens the door to previously unattainable capabilities and unseen optical excellence. As a result, professional photographers – whether shooting sports, wildlife, or news – can capture fleeting moments in time, in ways they never thought possible.

Following the April development announcement, here’s some of the freshly revealed EOS R3 specs to be aware of:

Capture fast-moving subjects in pin-sharp focus, with ease

Professionals following moving objects around the frame will enjoy the EOS R3’s ability to keep them in pin-sharp focus – even when shooting RAW at 30fps – thanks to Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. Alongside the people and animal (including birds) AF tracking technology found in the EOS R5 (https://bit.ly/2S3K8Sb) and EOS R6 (https://bit.ly/3uNjBpw), the EOS R3 is perfect for motorsports photographers – with its ability to track racing cars and motorbikes. And when light conditions get tough, the camera can focus in extreme darkness at light levels -7EV or lower [1].

Supporting Canon’s unique Eye Control AF technology, which enables professionals to select the AF point with only their eye, the EOS R3 is an extension of any photographers’ creativity – reacting quickly in the moment to capture the shot. In low light, the EOS R3 offers up to 8-stops of protection against camera shake [2] with Canon’s revolutionary combined Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. The camera’s sensor-shift IS works in tandem with the optical IS built into many RF Mount lenses (https://bit.ly/3i9HNjl), for a result that lets professionals shoot handheld in very dim light or while using long shutter speeds to intentionally blur movement.

High-quality RAW at 30fps

At the heart of the EOS R3 lies a brand-new back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, working together with Canon’s high-performance DIGIC X image processor. Today, Canon can confirm it will capture quality RAW files at a staggering 30fps with full AF/AE tracking. The breath-taking speed of the camera’s new sensor also redefines what can be done with an electronic shutter. Flash sync is now possible with the electronic shutter when used with external Speedlites and rolling shutter distortion when shooting fast-moving subjects has been reduced.

Oversampled 4K and RAW recording abilities

In addition to its next-level still photography capabilities, the EOS R3 is suited to those looking to capture high-quality video. The camera will record oversampled 4K, or users can record RAW footage internally. Canon Log 3 is also available to provide professionals with greater dynamic range and colour grading possibilities. Crucially, the same object recognition available to stills photographers is also available to videographers, so filmmakers can track fast-moving objects around the frame, keeping them in sharp focus.

Built for professionals

Built to withstand the rigours of day-to-day professional use, the EOS R3 will have a tough, magnesium-alloy body featuring dust and water resistance to the same level as Canon’s legendary EOS-1D X series – ensuring it can cope in the toughest weather conditions. Dual card slots allow image files to be written to SD or CFexpress memory cards. The camera is powered by a high-capacity LP-E19 battery – the same as the one found in Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark III cameras – enabling professionals to use and share batteries between cameras that they may already have in their kitbag. The camera will also offer a choice of controls with both multi controller and smart controller – for completely intuitive operation. Offering three customisable dials on the body, plus a Lens Control ring on each RF Mount lens, this allows shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation all to be easily adjusted while the camera is at the photographer’s eye. The EOS R3 is also equipped with a Vari-Angle screen letting professionals compose easily from creative perspectives.

Advanced connectivity

As a camera intended for leading sports and news shooters – connectivity is vital. Offering a built in Wired LAN socket and 5GHz Wi-Fi [3] allowing communication with computer networks, laptops and mobile devices, professionals can share images quickly and easily. As previously announced, the EOS R3 is also compatible with the Canon Mobile File Transfer app. What’s more, the EOS R3 will feature a new accessory shoe which provides data communication and power for new accessories when attached to the camera.
[1] For still photos only with an f/1.2 lens, except RF lenses with a Defocus Smoothing (DS) coating, using center AF point and One-Shot AF used at room temperature and ISO 100
[2] Based on CIPA standards using RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM, measured in yaw and pitch directions at 105mm focal length
[3] 5GHz Wi-Fi-compatible models only. Specifications may vary depending on country and region
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
EOS R3 key features announced as of today (2nd June 2021) are:
 	•  New Canon-developed back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor 	•  30fps with AF/AE tracking 	•  AF tracking of people, animals (including birds) and motorsports (racing motorbikes and racing cars) 	•  Can record oversampled 4K, or RAW footage internally and Canon Log 3 	•  Eye Control AF point selection 	•  Focus in light levels -7EV or loweri 	•  Dual Pixel CMOS AF 	•  EOS-1D series dust and water resistance 
Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group &#8211; PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region &#8211; 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://bit.ly/3fEUFMG) &#8211; ‘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.
Media files

AF tracking for racing cars and motorbikes – more details of Canon’s EOS R3 revealed – a high-speed, high-performance mirrorless

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
After careful evaluation of government guidelines and consultation with customers, the organisers have made the decision to move dates and location of Africa Oil Week (https://Africa-OilWeek.com) 2021, originally scheduled from 1-5 November in Cape Town, South Africa, and the event will now take place in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) on 8-11 November 2021 in the Madinat Jumeirah.

Simon Ford, Portfolio Director of Africa Oil Week and Investing in African Mining Indaba, said: “Delivering the event to the high standard to which our audience is accustomed and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our attendees has always been our top priority. We believe that hosting the 2021 edition in Dubai will enable us to ensure that the event experience is both safe and premium for our customers.”
 He added: “Though we are very disappointed not to be able to host our event in Cape Town this year, we believe that Dubai is the next best location. The country has demonstrated exceptional progress in its vaccination programme and has also led the way in safely reopening international events having played host to large-scale, highly-successful events recently that attracted business travellers from more than 150 countries, increasing business confidence and accelerating the revival of all major sectors in the country. As such, in order to allow our customers ample time to make travel arrangements, we have made the decision to move dates and location &#8211; we are confident that Dubai will be a safe and highly desirable destination to host Africa Oil Week’s 27th edition.”

The organisers have vowed that despite the location change, Africa Oil Week will continue to be the must-attend event with Africa at its core, a platform dedicated to fostering relationships and driving transactions across the African Upstream. Africa Oil Week has confirmed the continued support from key customers regarding the decision to host the event in Dubai in 2021, including Total, Chevron, Tullow Oil, Eni, PGS and Fugro. Clay Neff, President, Chevron Middle East, Africa, South America Exploration and Production Company said: “Chevron is committed to the African continent, where we have operated for more than a century. We are pleased to sponsor Africa Oil Week and look forward to this annual gathering.”

The organisers have also confirmed the participation of the leading Ministers of Energy and regulatory bodies from across Africa for the 27th edition, confirming Africa Oil Week’s position as the event shaping the future of Africa.

AOW will take place in accordance with the latest health &#038; safety and government guidance and will reunite the industry under the ‘Succeeding in a Changed Market’ theme, as well as provide the leading platform to help rebuild the future of oil and gas in Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
For more information, please contact: On behalf of Africa Oil Week Abbie Coonan Email: abbie.coonan@hyve.group

About Africa Oil Week: Africa Oil Week is the meeting place of choice for the continent’s upstream oil and gas sector. Now entering its 27th year, the event brings together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors, the G&#038;G community and service providers.

Africa Oil Week announces the 2021 event edition will be held in Dubai, 8-11 November

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

349 people have tested positive for the disease, from a sample size of 4,208 tested in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate is now 8.3%. Total confirmed positive cases are now 171,084 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,815,766.

New cases by County; Nairobi 80, Kisumu 67, Siaya 37, Mombasa 35, Kilifi 19, Nyamira 14, Kericho 14, Kiambu 12, Makueni 10, Kisii 9, Garissa 9, Busia 7, Uasin Gishu 5, West Pokot 5, Kitui 4, Nakuru 3, Kajiado 3, Homa Bay 2, Kakamega 2, Kirinyaga 2, Narok 2, Trans Nzoia 2, Laikipia 1, Machakos 1, Migori 1, Nandi 1, Nyeri 1 and Embu 1.
176 patients have recovered, 144 from the Home Based and Isolation Care while 32 are from various health facilities. Total recoveries now stand at 117,023 of whom 85,040 are from the Home Based Care and Isolation program, while 31,983 are from various health facilities.
16 people are reported to have succumbed to the disease with all of them being late death reports from facility record audits conducted on diverse dates in the months of April and May. This now pushes the cumulative fatalities to 3,188.
1,257 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities, while 4,704 patients are under the Home Based Isolation and Care Program.  92 patients are in the ICU, 21 of whom are on ventilatory support and 54 on supplemental oxygen. 17 patients are under observation.
90 patients are separately on supplemental oxygen with 84 of them in general wards and 6 in High Dependency Units.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Media files

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (1 June 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Digital solutions provider Liquid Intelligent Technologies (https://Liquid.tech) achieves the 100,000 km fibre network milestone, positioning the organisation as the largest independent fibre network provider in emerging markets globally.

Liquid has been manoeuvring steadily through Africa, investing in increasing its reach, which it has successfully done, moving the dial from 89,989 km at the beginning of 2021 to reach this new milestone now.  With its additional fibre network connecting 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, customers can now explore opportunities in Africa and across the US, Asian and European markets.

The organisation’s fibre infrastructure impacts more than 100 million people across 643 towns and cities on the continent. This extensive network will create new opportunities by making digital inclusion a reality for businesses and individuals across the continent and ultimately accelerating the ongoing digital transformation in Africa.

This well-earned achievement has not come without the extensive effort and drive that followed Liquid’s initial vision and growth plan, as noted by Nic Rudnick, Group Chief Executive Officer, Liquid Intelligent Technologies. “Over the years we have been successfully connecting countries through our high-speed connectivity and digital services. Our successful partnerships with customers ensured that today we are recognised as a technology company that has brought local businesses access to Cloud capabilities, world-class Cyber Security solutions in addition to our existing telecoms and connectivity capability”.

Accomplishing one achievement after the next, Liquid recently expanded its operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing its world-class fibre network and digital services to a country that previously relied only on expensive mobile broadband. For the first time, 2.7 million people of Mbuji-Mayi in the DRC will have access to fibre connectivity, creating an environment that stimulates exciting new sector growth opportunities.

Knowing that connectivity is vital for Africa’s economic growth, the extended penetration will also enable small businesses, enterprises, and government entities to increase their competitiveness through the many digital solutions catering to their individual needs.

Rudnick said, “The internet offers unprecedented opportunities for economic growth in developing countries. By providing access to information, connecting people to businesses everywhere, and opening up new markets, the internet can act as an enabler of economic activity and an engine for information sharing. Economic development is not about choosing between access to the internet and basic necessities, they need to work together to allow societies to flourish”.

According to Deloitte, it is estimated that by extending internet penetration, another 640 million children may access the internet and the wealth of information it makes available while they study. With only a 20% internet penetration in Africa, the internet plays a pivotal role in extending access to educational resources and accelerating knowledge sharing among students and teachers. It improves the quality of offline education, resulting in better school performance with online learning resources. As a result of education improvement, young people are more employable, and improved literacy promotes social inclusion and benefits the economy.
*Stats and figures as per the Deloitte paper prepared around Value of Connectivity: Economic and social benefits of expanding internet access.

https://bit.ly/3vNOYBQ
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
For more information contact: Angela Chandy Email: Angela.chandy@liquid.tech
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a pan-African technology group with capabilities across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2005, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent. Under its new brand identity, Liquid Intelligent Technologies has eight business units, namely: Liquid Networks, Liquid Business, Liquid Sea, Liquid Cloud, Liquid Cyber Security, Liquid Home, Liquid Innovation and Liquid Satellite. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is now a full one-stop-shop technology group that provides tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors across the continent. The Group also operates state-of-the-art data centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare and Kigali, with a combined potential 19,000 square metres of rack space and 74 MW of power. https://Liquid.tech
Watch full panel discussion &#8211; https://bit.ly/3pfbhxv
LinkedIn &#8211; https://bit.ly/3if1AOe
Twitter &#8211; https://bit.ly/3i7ADvX
Facebook &#8211; https://bit.ly/3yVYAwd
Media files

Liquid Intelligent Technologies achieves 100,000 km of fibre, making them the largest independent network provider in Africa and other emerging markets

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Welcome to the 17th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.
Allow me to begin by extending thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation for their commitment and tireless dedication to the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).
Your leadership is of great importance to this group, and brings comfort and reassurance as we tackle the rebalancing process and enable the return of more sustainable stability.
I would also like to praise the excellent work of the Joint Technical Committee, and offer our sincere appreciation to HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC’s tireless Secretary General, as well as the entire staff of the OPEC Secretariat, for ensuring the full and efficient operation of the Secretariat and the DoC process through these challenging times.
Since we last met towards the end of April, we have seen relative stability in the oil market.
The global economy, oil market fundamentals and the oil demand outlook have all been encouraged by positive news on vaccine rollouts, although we still need to see more expansion on the vaccination front in developing countries, and the continuing massive fiscal stimulus that is driving the economic rebound.
The market has also continued to react positively to the decision taken at the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, and reinforced at the 16th Meeting, to adjust upward the production levels in the DoC for May, June and July 2021.
 It is evident that the decision we took back at the start of April has proven both reasonable, and judicious.  However, as we all know, given events of the past year or so and the ever-evolving outlook, we need to remain vigilant, flexible and agile.
Uncertainties remain.  We still have clouds on the horizon.  Over the past month we have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases in a number of countries, such as India, Japan and Brazil.  This is evidently having an impact on oil demand, particularly in the Asian region, which needs to be monitored carefully.
There has also been much talk of the spread of new COVID-19 variants and the potential impact on the recovery process, and we also need to be watchful of such issues as sovereign debt levels in some regions, inflation, central bank responses, and the return of oil supplies to the market.
Here, I would like to acknowledge again all participating countries for their individual and collective efforts on conformity, which stood at 114% in April (including Mexico), and again applaud the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous additional voluntary adjustments in 2021.
As we look at the path ahead, it is important to reiterate that each participating country must continue to do its part, meet its 100% conformity level and make up any compensation volumes. 
It is only through unified commitment that we can achieve our full potential.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
Before I conclude I would like to touch on one issue that is central to our industry, our countries and to the energy security that both producers and consumers desire.  That issue is: investments.
Here in Angola, investment in oil and gas production is the lifeblood of our economy, helping fuel growth and prosperity, and enabling us to undertake economic diversity.
We believe that oil and gas will be vital to the global energy mix in the years and decades ahead, but at the same time we also recognize the need to reduce emissions, with a key focus on cleaner and more efficient technologies. 
Alongside ensuring stable supplies to consumers, this is a core focus of OPEC and the broader oil and gas industry.  We are committed to being part of the solution to reducing global emissions.
We need to keep in mind that without the necessary global investments, there is the potential for further volatility and a future energy shortfall, which is not in the interests of either producers or consumers.
Moreover, from a developing country perspective, it is important to underscore just how challenging a net zero emissions goal is in the coming decades, and even beyond. 
Coming from the continent of Africa, I speak from the heart when underlining that if billions of people in the developing world that suffer from a lack of energy access, feel they are excluded from access to energies that have helped fuel the developed world, then this could sow further divisions. It could expand the divide between the haves and have nots, the global North and the South.
It is vital we continue to focus on the core principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – equity, and common, but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
With that, I look forward to our meeting today as we focus on our objectives of market
rebalancing and a sustainable stability, both in the short and longer terms.
Thank you.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of OPEC.
Media files

Full Speech: H.E. Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo remarks at the 17th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

17 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-8 Rivers-5 Kano-2 Kaduna-1 Plateau-1   166,534 confirmed 159,935 discharged  2,099 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Media files

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (1 June 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Excellencies,

Two months ago today, the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting took the forward-looking step of gradually increasing production, in line with the brightening outlook for both the economy and oil demand. Today marks the start of the second month of the stepped-up production increases, and our compass continues to point in the direction of a durable recovery.
Step-by-step progress is being made on providing life-saving vaccinations to the world.  Around 1.9 billion doses have now been administered globally, and millions more are being given every day.  We are encouraged by the international commitments to support developing countries so they can acquire sufficient vaccines, and thus improve the chances for a durable and inclusive recovery.
Turning first to the global economy, our latest projections show GDP growth of 5.5% in 2021, up from 5.4% at our last meeting and driven by expectations for a robust second half of the year.
China and the US continue to fuel the growth prospects for the year, with China’s economy on course to expand by 8.5% and the US by 6.2%.  Despite the tragic second wave of COVID-19 in India, India’s economy is still expected to grow by 9.7%. The Euro-zone, where there has been a gradual easing of strict lockdowns, should benefit from pent-up consumer demand and the beginning of the summer holiday season.  Growth in the Euro-zone this year is forecast at 4.2%.
The projections for oil are largely unchanged from our last meeting, with demand expected to grow by 6 mb/d to around 96.5 mb/d on average for the year, an increase of 6.6%.  As with the economy, the market outlook for later this year looks especially promising.  In fact, we anticipate that demand will surpass 99 mb/d in the fourth quarter, which would put us back in the range of pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, demand in countries outside the OECD should rise by nearly 6.8%, or 3.3 mb/d, this year, and by almost 6.4%, or 2.7 mb/d, in the OECD.  This is a welcome turn of events from the sombre situation we experienced in 2020.
Here, I would caution that this is no time for complacency.  As we know from experience over the past year, COVID-19 is a persistent and unpredictable foe, and vicious mutations remain a threat to both human health and the recovery.  Furthermore, many leading economies are pumped up by record levels of fiscal and monetary stimulus, debt levels have soared, and inflation is beginning to rear its ugly head in some countries.
We are also monitoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action talks that are taking place here in Vienna.  IR Iran is a Founder and an extremely important and valued Member of OPEC.  We anticipate that the expected return of Iranian production and exports will occur in an orderly and transparent fashion, thereby maintaining the relative stability that we have worked hard to achieve since April of last year.
Turning to the supply side, non-OPEC liquids production is now forecast to grow at a slightly slower pace than we expected last month, rising by around 700,000 b/d in 2021 to an average of 63.6 mb/d.  In the US, liquids production is expected to dip slightly, to around 17.6 mb/d, despite the improving market conditions and demand prospects.  Both conventional and tight crude production are forecast to decline in the US, while NGLs and biofuel output are expected to rise.  In contrast to the US, liquids production is expected to grow in Canada, Brazil, China and Norway.
We continue to keep a close watch on OECD commercial oil inventories. April data showed a drop of 6.9 mb from the previous month, to 2.96 billion barrels.  On the positive side, inventories have fallen by 250 mb from their peak of 3.2 billion barrels in the middle of 2020.  OECD commercial stocks fell to 66 days in April 2021, 12.3 days lower than the April 2020 levels, but still 3.9 days above the 2015-2019 average.
In the US, total commercial stocks fell by more than 8% in April, to nearly 1.3 billion barrels, about 2% below the latest five-year average.  Yesterday was the Memorial Day holiday in the US, the traditional start of the summer driving season, and we are hopeful this will accelerate the drawdown.
Our latest data also show that the backwardation structure of all three major benchmarks lessened slightly in April.  Hedge funds and other money managers slightly raised their long positions in crude following the sell-off seen in March, with gains concentrated mainly in Brent.
Month-on-month, the actions of the Declaration of Cooperation continue to support the rebalancing process, and have helped reduce the global supply by more than 2.9 billion barrels since May 2020.
However, there continues to be significant overproduction by some of the participating countries.  The overproduced volumes need to be accommodated to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
In this regard, the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting agreed to extend the very generous compensation period for overproduced volumes until the end of September 2021. Our continued contributions to sustainable oil market stability depend upon all participants achieving 100% conformity and, where necessary, working dutifully to compensate for overproduction.
The advice and guidance of this Committee, along with the support of the Joint Technical Committee, is vital to supporting the Declaration of Cooperation decision-making process.
As we prepare for the 17th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, allow me to draw inspiration from the renowned Russian writer Ivan Turgenev, who said &#8211; and I quote:
“If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.”
From the very beginning of the Declaration of Cooperation, we have never stood back and waited to act.  Rather, we have worked proactively and with determination, and our efforts to restore oil market balance and stability continue to bear fruit.  I look forward to the work before us today, and to our continued and valued cooperation going forward.
Thank you.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of OPEC.
Media files

Opening speech by OPEC Secretary General at the 30th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

We called and you responded, and there&#39;s still time to come on board to sponsor the exclusive editorial interview series, profiling promising young Africans on Biz this June.

Our grateful thanks to the companies who are allowing us to honour the 45th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising on June 16 (Youth Day) and the establishment and ideals of the OAU and AU ( Africa Day and Africa Month), in a befitting way via their nominations.

The amazing list of rising under-35 stars has been submitted by organisations, from across the board of African business sectors – from legal, finance, tech and retail to the healthcare and advertising sectors and you can own this important and highly shareable content.

Confirmed interviews to date:
 	Nicholas Riemers – head: investment education, FNB 	Simphiwe Mokonza – chemical engineer, Sanedi 	Raees Carim – app founder, PharmaGo 	Courtney Hodgson – founder, Kiffkak 	Phumelela Malinga – designer, By Phume 	Nombuso Khanyile – designer, Afrikan Passion Designs 	Lekau Sehoana – founder, Drip Footwear 	Hatsu Mphatsoe – copywriter, Ogilvy 	Connor Rogers – senior sales manager, VDX.tv 	Ashleigh Burton – head of social media, Weber Shandwick Africa 	Izak van der Walt – integrated business unit manager, HaveYouHeard Marketing 	Neo Makongoza – group head copywriter, Grey 	Itumeleng Matlare – brand manager, Tiger Brands 	Bianca de Beer – senior marketing manager, Telesure Investment Holdings 	Robyn Hobson – head of sales and marketing, Mobile Guardian 	Serisha Pillay – senior marketing manager, Discovery Limited 	Ashton Muller – team manager/brand manager, Goliath Gaming 	Alex Krause – senior strategist, HelloFCB+ 
To nominate your under-35s, across any of 18 industries, email our editors at sales@bizcommunity.com
Bizcommunity (Bizcommunity.com) Content Feature Sponsorship offers:
 	Top story branding 	Newsfeed branding 	Special Section branding 	Multimedia interview with your organisation 	Social media exposure to 100,000 business-to-business followers in Africa 
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact sales@bizcommunity.com

Forthcoming Content Features for sponsorship:
Month                 
             Focus                          
Link
April
#BehindtheBrandManager
New>
June
#YouthMatters
Visit>
August
Women’s Month
Visit>
October
Entrepreneur Month
Enquire>
December
Evolution of Work
Visit>
January 2022
BizTrends 2022
Visit>

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity.
Media files

#AfricaMatters: Featuring the Future Leaders of Africa!

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Introducing the Biz Digitorial: The new product that converts your press releases into dynamic interactive formats.

Digitorials (digital advertorials) are short online editorial features that provide exciting new dimensions for your branded content, ideal for sharing via web or mobile.

A great animated format for new product launches, ad campaigns or market reports.
 All you need to do to see your content in these super-engaging, shareable formats is to submit the usual ±500-word article, engaging headline, subheadlines and pull quotes, and we’ll convert your press releases into a digitorial for you.

Digitorials can include video and advertising footage and are ideal for advertising agencies and companies that wish to package brand stories in one impressive page.
 Historic news, related articles or products can also be linked to provide a holistic picture of your company or organisation.
 How to supply content for Biz Digitorials:
 Materials required:

 	Company logo (preferably a transparent background png, svg or the editable file) 	Up to three header images need to be of high quality. Either in jpg or png and the larger the better for quality 	 		You can also have a title, blurb and link button can overlay the image if needed 	 	 	Contact details 	 		Telephone numbers 		Address 		Email address 		Website url 		Social media links – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. 	 	 	Videos 	 		Send a link to the video you would like to include or the embed code for it via YouTube, Vimeo, etc. or you can just send us the video file and we upload it from our side. 	 	 	Three optional news or product links 	 		Historic news or related articles can link through to an existing Press Office article or other website to provide a holistic picture of your company 		You can feature and link related products, by name and shirt descriptor copy 	 	 

Visit the Biz Digitorial example, and enquire about one month’s exposure for your most current company or brand news within the heart of your business media space on Bizcommunity (http://BizCommunity.com).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity.
Contact sales@bizcommunity.com today to discuss converting your press releases to digitorial on Biz!
Media files

Digitorials: More than a press release

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

The One Club for Creativity, the world’s foremost nonprofit organisation whose mission is to support the global creative community, is offering a special affordable registration price for South Africans interested in attending all programming at this year’s online Creative Week 2021, 7-11 June 2021.

Under the banner “Connect. Provoke. Inspire.,” Creative Week 2021 encompasses nearly 100 online events over five days, with sessions featuring top creative leaders, virtual visits inside some of the most successful agencies in the world, winners ceremonies for The One Show and historic ADC 100th Annual Awards and much more.
Creative Week 2021 passes are available here. When registrants select South Africa as their location in the registration process, the price for an all-access pass to the full week of programming will automatically adjust to US$35 (approximately R494) for professionals, more than an 80% discount off the standard global price.
Students in South Africa can have their portfolios reviewed online by top creatives, speak to US agency recruiters, partake in virtual agency visits and attend all sessions throughout the week for just US$9 (approximately R125).
“As a global organisation, it’s important to us that South Africa have a place on the global stage of Creative Week, and be represented by attendees,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. “This greatly reduced registration fee is an example of how the club places people and purpose before profit: our goal is to have South African creatives involved and engaged with Creative Week, and the global community.”
As part of the all-access pass, registrants also get to attend the “Creative Week 2021 Global Media Talks: South Africa” online panel, cohosted by Bizcommunity and The Creative Circle on 10 June, 5-6pm SAST.
Speakers on the special panel &#8211; all Creative Circle members and have served on juries for The One Show &#8211; are Camilla Clerke, ECD, Ogilvy Cape Town; Xolisa Dyeshana, ECD/partner, Joe Public United, Johannesburg; and Neo Mashigo, CCO, M&#038;C Saatchi Abel Group, Johannesburg.
The panel, moderated by industry advocate Ann Nurock, senior partner, Relationship Audits &#038; Management and a Bizcommunity contributor, will include discussion of creative trends and other industry issues in South Africa, and a Q&#038;A portion where attendees can engage and interact with panelists.
Creative Week 2021 overview
For the low registration price, creatives in South Africa gain access to all Creative Week 2021 programming on the Main, Agency, Awards and Education Stages, including:
 	Awards Stage: The One Show 2021, historic ADC 100th Annual Awards, Young Ones Student Awards and TDC special awards ceremonies, as well as panels and workshops with the creative teams responsible for this year’s biggest winners. 	Agency Stage: Take a glimpse inside the offices and lives of our creative community from around the world with agency tours, panels, workshops and networking focused on agency culture and what you can do to inspire your teams.  Visit agencies including Droga5, McCann, FCB, The Martin Agency, Big Spaceship, MadeBrave, Venables Bell &#038; Partners, VMLY&#038;R, Zambezi, Jones Knowles Ritchie, 22Squared, Zulu Alpha Kilo, Cactus, Mekanism, Day One and Barbarian. 	“Games, Game Engines, Metahumans, the Metaverse, and Real-Time Production”: Epic Games, a leading interactive entertainment company recently named one of the Time100 Most Influential Companies of 2021 and developer of Unreal Engine and Fortnite, will host five sessions on how game technology is empowering creators and redefining pipelines for VFX, filmmaking, interactive experiences and more. 	Health Pharm: Daily sessions with McCann Health Global CCO Matt Eastwood on things wished he&#39;d known before joining the world of healthcare advertising. 	Daily panels and virtual events corresponding to The One Club’s four operational pillars — Creative Development, Diversity &#038; Inclusion, Gender Equality and Education &#8211; as well as Brand-Side creative agencies. Content for and by the global creative community, including an array of panels, presentations and screenings featuring many of the world’s top creative leaders.  	Global Media Talks, with leading ad publications in 10 countries and regions around the world hosting an information and lively series of panels with the top creatives in their country to discuss global creative trends and the best work of the past year.  	Education Stage, featuring online portfolio reviews from leading creatives, recruiting booths run by top agencies, and a full-day Global Educators Summit, The One Club’s annual symposium where creative teachers, professors, administrators, and other educators discuss the issues they face in the classroom. 
Creative Week 2021 sessions have been designed, both in scheduling and content, to make programming convenient and relevant for creatives in all time zones around the world. The same global focus has been applied to pricing, with different tiers for regions where currency and economic conditions make it more challenging to register for the festival.
In addition to programming included in the all-access Creative Week pass, two other events requiring separate tickets are taking place: the Creative unConference, a crowd-sourced, interactive event featuring multiple breakout rooms and an opportunity for anyone to lead a session; and the Executive Creative Summit, bringing together C-suite creatives, agency founders and partners to discuss “What keeps them up at night” and the issues that affect their businesses, far beyond the scope of creativity. 
Creative Week 2021 branding was created by Benny Gold, senior graphic designer, Goodby Silverstein Partners, San Francisco.
The One Club for Creativity, producer of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Type Directors Club Communication Design and Typeface Design awards, Young Guns and Creative Week, is the world&#39;s foremost non-profit organisation whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. The One Show is a top global awards show for advertising, design and digital marketing, focusing on the creativity of ideas and quality of execution. Established in 1921, the global ADC Annual Awards are the world’s longest continuously running creative award for advertising and design, honouring excellence in craft, design and innovation. Creative Week takes place in June, and is the preeminent festival celebrating the intersection of advertising and the arts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity.
Media files

The One Club offers special SA pricing for all-access to Creative Week 2021

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, today announced the appointment of Lynne Krawchuk as Vice President of Digital, PR, and Media Relations.

Lynne will lead APO Group’s consultancy division, helping multinational companies thrive in Africa. In particular, Lynne will focus on building digital strategies and leading creative campaigns that connect APO Group’s customers with media all over Africa and beyond.

Public Relations in Africa is traditionally challenging. There are 54 individual countries with vastly different cultures and media landscapes. APO Group is in the unique position of being able to build a bridge between international business and this diverse African media community.   

Not even the largest global PR Agencies can match APO Group’s reach or depth of contacts in every African country. APO Group has a database of over 450.000 journalists and distributes more than eight million press release emails in Africa every month. In 2020, content distributed by APO Group appeared on more than a million online African news pages. 

Lynne brings huge experience in all areas of Public Relations and digital marketing, and she is excited by the prospect of working with the many multinational organizations who look to APO Group to establish and develop their presence in African markets. 

“Journalists in Africa know APO Group better than any PR or digital agency,” Lynne says. “But the opportunities for our clients go far beyond traditional PR and press release distribution. Our role is to make integrated communications in Africa easier for multinational companies and help them utilize the special relationship APO Group has with African media.” 

Born in Cape Town and residing in Johannesburg, Lynne has more than 20 years’ experience in PR and digital marketing. She has worked across the African continent, and throughout Europe, spending much of her early career in the event management space in the UK. Over the last decade, she has worked in key leadership roles within the Digital, Public Relations and Traditional Agency sectors.
Lynne has developed strategic brand solutions for a number of award-winning agencies, notably TBWA Group and, most recently, Clockwork Media, where she worked as Executive Head of Client Service and was responsible for major accounts including BMW, Emirates, La Liga, Standard Bank, Exxaro, E! Entertainment, Oracle, Seacom, and many others.

Lynne’s experience with these major international companies will play an important role in promoting APO Group’s ongoing mission to change the narrative about Africa. 

“Brands prosper when they engage in continuous conversations with people in a relevant and meaningful way,” Lynne says. “At APO Group we can make those conversations happen, building lasting relationships that open new doors for multinational organizations, and generate positive stories about Africa that can be told all around the world. If the biggest companies are thriving in Africa, the whole continent benefits.” 

As well as working towards challenging international perceptions of Africa, Lynne is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, with a particular interest in promoting equality and developing women leaders on the continent.  

“Lynne is a perfect fit for this unique role within African PR and media relations,” says Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “APO Group is the only consultancy with the reputation and knowhow to help multinational companies build integrated, digital media strategies across the whole of Africa. Lynne’s experience working with some of the biggest international brands will help our clients make even deeper connections with the African media. We are thrilled to welcome her to APO Group.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Media Contact: marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organisations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients’ needs. Among our prestigious clients: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestle, GE, NBA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Telecom, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace…   Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | Offices in Senegal, Dubai and Hong Kong For further information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com
Media files

APO Group appoints Lynne Krawchuk as Vice President of Digital, Public Relations (PR), and Media Relations

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Savings, flexible booking and endless adventure with Jumeirah Summer Escapes; Book before 30 June for stays up until 25 December 2021 and save up to 15% for three nights or more along with exclusive privileges and further rewards on wellness and dining experiences; Kids 11 and below stay and dine for free.

If you’re looking for a unique and world class retreat to soak up the sun, explore a new city or simply switch off this summer, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts (www.Jumeirah.com) is here to help you plan the ultimate escape and make it one to remember.
With a diverse collection of luxury hotels in sought after locations around the world, ranging from exquisite beachside resorts to extraordinary city chic destinations, a summer of unforgettable dining, personalised experiences and service beyond expectations awaits. Ensuring a summer exceptionally well spent for guests around the world, Jumeirah has launched an exclusive global promotion to help travelers make the most of their time away and spend precious moments with those that matter most. Through Jumeirah Summer Escapes, anyone who books before 30th June 2021 for stays up until 25th December 2021 can save up to 15% when staying three nights or more, along with exclusive privileges and further discounts on wellness and dining. Furthermore, children 11 years old and below stay for free and eat with the hotels’ compliments at select restaurants.
Eligible across its global portfolio spanning the Middle East, China, the UK and Europe, guests are invited to experience Jumeirah’s renowned hospitality and exceptional service. From sophisticated luxury at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, its prestigious hotel in the heart of London’s fashionable Knightsbridge that recently underwent a complete transformation, to the Italian Dolce Vita at the exquisite Capri Palace Jumeirah or a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape at the stunning Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel &#038; Spa in Mallorca, there’s no shortage of amazing destinations to choose from. Guests can also opt for one of Jumeirah’s beachside properties in the UAE, several of which have undergone major renovations and product enhancements such as incredible new pools, as well as introduced innovative dining concepts. These include the introduction of SAL, a hugely popular beach club and restaurant on the Terrace at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as well as new Royal Penthouse suite accommodations and a high-end boutique style fitness centre at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Jumeirah Al Qasr has also renovated and refurbished a number of its dining destinations including the stunning Pierchic that sits resplendent on the end of the hotel’s private pier, in addition to launching French Riviera, a poolside sea-facing restaurant that offers mouthwatering flavours of the South of France. Last but not least, guests at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam can enjoy a brand-new family pool.
The Jumeirah Summer Escapes offer includes the following:
 	Up to 15% off our Jumeirah Flexible Rate when staying for three nights or more 	Kids 11 and below stay for free and dine with the hotels’ compliments (select restaurants) when accompanied by their parents. 	Resort credit and exclusive Beach Club access when staying in a suite (select hotels) 	Access to private temperature-controlled pools 	Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™ (located in Dubai and valid for select hotels) 	Use of wellness facilities at Talise Spa and the J-Club (located in Dubai) 	Sinbad’s Kids Club access for junior guests 	Daily breakfast when booking Jumeirah Summer Escapes with Breakfast 	Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner when booking Jumeirah Summer Escapes with Half Board 	Complimentary wi-fi to share your special moments 	Jumeirah One (https://bit.ly/3paJtKX) members can elevate their Jumeirah Summer Escape with an extra 5% off their stay, a complimentary upgrade and late check-out at 2pm 
Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts understands that flexibility is key when faced with changing travel restrictions during these uncertain times. With the Jumeirah Summer Escapes promotion, guests are given the option to change or cancel their reservation free of charge, up to 24 hours prior to arrival if the reason is due to COVID-19 restrictions. These include a positive PCR test, cancelled flights or travel ban if you are within your cancellation period. Amendments will be based on the room rate and availability on the new date requested. Confirmation of flight cancellation and positive PCR test will need to be provided. Full details for the cancellation policy are available before you make your reservation.
To find out more about this exclusive global offer, visit www.Jumeirah.com/summerescapes and book your summer retreat at these participating hotels:
 	Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai 	Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai 	Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai 	Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai 	Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai 	Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Dubai 	Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Dubai 	Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai 	Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai 	Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence, Dubai 	Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai 	Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, Dubai 	Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi 	Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel &#038; Spa, Kuwait 	The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London UK 	Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, London UK 	Jumeirah Frankfurt, Germany 	Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel &#038; Spa, Mallorca 	Capri Palace Jumeirah, Italy 	Jumeirah Guangzhou, China 	Jumeirah Living Guangzhou, China 	Jumeirah Nanjing, China 	Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, China 
Stay connected via our social media channels and don’t forget to tag us in your posts #TimeWellSpent. 
Images can be viewed here (https://bit.ly/3yUrYmy)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Jumeirah Group.
For more information, please contact: Sara Al Jawi Communications Manager Sara.Aljawi@jumeirah.com
Instagram: @jumeirahgroup @burjalarab @Jumeirahbh @Jumeirahdaralmasyaf @Jumeirahminaasalam @Jumeirahalqasr @Jumeirahalnaseem @Jumeirahcreeksidehotel @Jumeirahemiratestowers @jumeirahsaadiyat @jumeirahzs @zabeelhousethegreens @jumeirahlivingmg @jumeirahmessilahbeach @capripalace @jumeirahportsoller @jumeirahfrankfurt @thecarltontowerjumeirah @jumeirahlh @jumeirahguangzhou @jumeirahnanjing @jumeirahhimalayas
About Jumeirah Group: Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding and a global luxury hotel company, operates a world-class 6,500+-key portfolio of 23 properties across the Middle East (including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah) Europe and Asia, with more properties currently under construction around the globe.
The health and safety of guests and colleagues is Jumeirah Group’s utmost priority. It has implemented a series of protective measures across all of its hotels, while strictly adhering to each market’s respective Government directives. Demonstrating Jumeirah’s commitment to operating its hotels to the highest global standards, 12 of its hotels were recently awarded the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, with Jumeirah Al Naseem being the first hotel in the world to receive the prestigious certification. The Group is working closely with Bureau Veritas to certify its wider portfolio.
Media files

APO

African Energy Chamber Condemns Africa Oil Week’s decision to shun Cape Town conferencing hub for a non-African venue

World Food Programme (WFP) provides food to thousands displaced from Goma after Volcano eruption

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 Reported Cases in Ethiopia (1 June 2021)

Joint statement by World Rugby, RFU, WRU, IRP and Progressive Rugby

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) partners with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support Egypt’s cotton sector and Sudan’s dairy sector

AF tracking for racing cars and motorbikes – more details of Canon’s EOS R3 revealed – a high-speed, high-performance mirrorless

Africa Oil Week announces the 2021 event edition will be held in Dubai, 8-11 November

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (1 June 2021)

Liquid Intelligent Technologies achieves 100,000 km of fibre, making them the largest independent network provider in Africa and other emerging markets

Full Speech: H.E. Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo remarks at the 17th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (1 June 2021)

Opening speech by OPEC Secretary General at the 30th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC)

#AfricaMatters: Featuring the Future Leaders of Africa!

Digitorials: More than a press release

The One Club offers special SA pricing for all-access to Creative Week 2021

APO Group appoints Lynne Krawchuk as Vice President of Digital, Public Relations (PR), and Media Relations

Time for an Exceptional Summer Well Spent with an Exclusive Global Offer from Jumeirah

News Tips

Advertise With Us

APO

African Energy Chamber Condemns Africa Oil Week’s decision to shun Cape Town conferencing hub for a non-African venue

World Food Programme (WFP) provides food to thousands displaced from Goma after Volcano eruption

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 Reported Cases in Ethiopia (1 June 2021)

Joint statement by World Rugby, RFU, WRU, IRP and Progressive Rugby

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) partners with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support Egypt’s cotton sector and Sudan’s dairy sector

AF tracking for racing cars and motorbikes – more details of Canon’s EOS R3 revealed – a high-speed, high-performance mirrorless

Africa Oil Week announces the 2021 event edition will be held in Dubai, 8-11 November

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (1 June 2021)

Liquid Intelligent Technologies achieves 100,000 km of fibre, making them the largest independent network provider in Africa and other emerging markets

Full Speech: H.E. Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo remarks at the 17th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (1 June 2021)

Opening speech by OPEC Secretary General at the 30th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC)

#AfricaMatters: Featuring the Future Leaders of Africa!

Digitorials: More than a press release

The One Club offers special SA pricing for all-access to Creative Week 2021

APO Group appoints Lynne Krawchuk as Vice President of Digital, Public Relations (PR), and Media Relations

Time for an Exceptional Summer Well Spent with an Exclusive Global Offer from Jumeirah

News Tips

Advertise With Us

Newsletters