Latest news with #GITEXAfrica

Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
APO Group Wins Gold at 2025 SABRE Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaign, Secures Five Finalist Placements
APO Group ( the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has been recognised with top honours at the prestigious 2025 SABRE Awards Africa, winning gold for its pioneering World Unseen Experience at GITEX Africa campaign with Canon Central and North Africa. The campaign showcased Canon's innovative efforts to make photography accessible to people with visual impairments through tactile imagery, transforming the way art and visual storytelling are experienced. APO Group was also shortlisted as a finalist in five other categories, reinforcing its position as the communications partner of choice for some of the continent's most impactful and purpose-led organisations. The finalist placements include campaigns for: GITEX Africa 2024, Africa's largest tech and startup show; Africa's Business Heroes 2023, a flagship philanthropic programme in Africa to support entrepreneurs; The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI); and Canon Central and North Africa's 10 Years of Miraisha: A Decade of Empowerment campaign 'We are incredibly proud to see the impact of our clients' campaigns being recognised at such a high level. Winning gold for Canon's World Unseen is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates how communications can drive accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, our finalist placements across such diverse categories reflect the strength, creativity, and dedication of our team, and our commitment to sharing Africa's positive narratives,' said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. The SABRE Awards are globally recognised for celebrating superior achievement in branding, reputation, and engagement. The World Unseen campaign's success at the SABRE Awards Africa 2025 follows its earlier win this year at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards, where APO Group secured gold and bronze for its innovative approach to inclusive brand experiences. Read more about the Davos wins here ( 'These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do. It is an honour to partner with clients who trust us to tell Africa's most compelling stories with authenticity, impact, and purpose,' added Rania El-Rafie, APO Group's Vice President: Public Relations&Strategic Communications. This latest industry recognition further cements APO Group's position as the continent's only 360-degree public relations and strategic communications consultancy, with its own proprietary press release distribution service, Africa Newsroom ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.


News24
05-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Why our digital lives need premium protection in 2025
From online banking and smart home devices to remote work and family content sharing, our lives are more connected than ever. But as we become more digitally dependent, the threats we face are growing just as fast. In 2024 alone, Kaspersky detected more than 467,000 malicious files per day globally. That staggering number reflects a reality where malicious apps, phishing scams, spyware, and password stealers are becoming harder to detect and easier to spread. For South African users, the risks are particularly urgent. A recent Kaspersky report presented at GITEX Africa revealed that phishing and ransomware continue to be significant threats on the continent, with 66 million phishing link clicks recorded by Kaspersky in Africa in 2024. Yet despite these rising threats, many users still rely on basic or outdated protection, not realising how much more is at stake. Protection for the digital life you actually live Kaspersky Premium is designed for how we live now. It's more than antivirus. It's an all-in-one solution that protects the security, privacy, identity, and performance of individuals and families navigating today's digital environment. Whether you're banking from your phone, streaming on smart TVs, video calling across continents, or storing sensitive documents in the cloud, Kaspersky Premium is built to protect your data and devices across every touchpoint. What sets it apart? First, Kaspersky Premium includes advanced anti-phishing and anti-fraud tools that help prevent identity theft and fake website scams—no surprise that it was recently crowned the best anti-phishing solution. Second, it's backed by Kaspersky's decades of global cybersecurity expertise and evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. The company's recent research predicts that in 2025, consumer cybersecurity will be shaped by AI-driven threats, increasingly invasive surveillance, and growing demands for digital privacy. Premium features for premium peace of mind Launched as part of Kaspersky's reimagined consumer product range in 2022, Kaspersky Premium includes a suite of features purpose-built for personal and professional digital lifestyles: · Real-time protection and AI-driven threat detection to block the latest malware, spyware, and ransomware. · Identity Protection Wallet to safeguard passwords, digital IDs, and payment data. · Unlimited VPN for secure, private browsing on public or home networks. · Remote tech support and PC health check-ups to optimise performance. · Data leak detection to alert you if your personal info is found on the dark web. Plus, it works across platforms—PC, Mac, Android, and iOS—so your protection goes wherever you go. Why now? We're not just spending more time online; we're trusting the digital world with more of our lives. That includes our finances, our work, our identities, and our children's safety. Cybercriminals know this—and they're adapting quickly. Today's cyber threats don't always announce themselves. A phishing email disguised as a bank alert, a fake Wi-Fi hotspot at your local coffee shop, or a malicious link in a WhatsApp group chat could be all it takes to compromise your data. That's why cybersecurity solutions need to be as dynamic and multi-layered as the risks they defend against. As we look ahead, it's clear that premium protection isn't just a luxury. Rather, it's a digital essential.


Morocco World
29-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
GITEX Africa 2025 Exceeds All Expectations, Morocco's Digital Minister Says
Rabat — On Monday, Moroccan Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni commented on the wrap-up numbers of Africa's largest tech fair: 'The 2025 edition of GITEX Africa surpassed all expectations and anticipated numbers.' The massive event drew in over 52,000 visitors – technology leaders, startups, and government officials from Africa and beyond. It further put Morocco on the map, not only solidifying the country's role as Africa's digital hub but also a global tech epicenter, prepped and ready for new projects on the horizon. Visitor numbers jumped 16% compared to last year, with attendees coming from around the world. The tech fair featured 1,450 exhibitors from 138 countries, including 740 startups – 260 of them being Moroccan. The Moroccan government covered the participation costs of over 200. Speaking a the House of Representatives, Seghrouchni pointed out Africa's strategic advantages in leading digital transformation, being a rich continent with a tech-savvy young population and growing investment momentum. She also explained that the digital economy now represents 15% of global GDP, estimated at $6.5 trillion. 'Digital transformation is no longer optional but has become a fundamental lever for development and prosperity,' Seghrouchni noted. GITEX Africa 2025 positioned the continent as a beacon of tech solutions. Not merely following in the steps of more developed countries, Marrakech brought together governments, global companies, research institutions, and startups to exchange the latest technological developments and rethink the future. The event constituted a platform to forge several key partnerships, aiming to enhance both Morocco's and Africa's role in developing tech solutions and respond to growing challenges. These partnerships are set to accelerate innovation, strengthen national technological sovereignty, develop young Moroccan talent in digital technologies, create high-value jobs, and position Morocco as a regional and international technology leader. Read also: GITEX Africa 2025 Closes with a Bold Vision for Africa's Digital Future Additionally, other agreements focused on outsourcing services, expected to create more than 1,000 jobs by 2029 through new service centers in the Eastern Region and Casablanca-Settat. The government also signed an agreement to support the expansion of an international IT consulting company's operations in the Casablanca-Settat region. As for the cultural side of GITEX Africa 2025, two agreements supporting the Amazigh language saw the light inside the venue. One supports Morocco Post's (Barid Al-Maghrib) efforts to implement the official status of Amazigh, while the other promotes Amazigh tangible and intangible heritage in intellectual productions and crafts. Also, a third agreement aims to restructure the National Library of Morocco's electronic portal and enhance digital book offerings, legal deposits, and document digitization. 'Morocco's hosting of an event of this magnitude reflects the Kingdom's significant potential,' Seghrouchni concluded. 'It positions Morocco as a digital destination thanks to its infrastructure, investment climate, and political will to support innovation, improving its standing regionally and internationally as a country that creates and directs digitization.' Tags: GITEX Africa 2025GITEX Africa Morocco


Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital Cooperation Organization reaffirms commitment to inclusive Digital Transformation
Morocco: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) participated in 'GITEX Africa Morocco 2025' for the second consecutive year as part of its unwavering commitment to advancing digital transformation and promoting digital inclusion globally. The event, hosted in the city of Marrakesh from 14-16th April, featured a record-breaking participation of over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 130 countries, establishing itself as the largest platform for technology and innovation on the African continent. A bilateral meeting between H.E. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Ms. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director-General of the DCO, was held on the sidelines of 'GITEX Africa Morocco 2025', Her Excellency the minister highlighted two significant national projects that exemplify Morocco's forward-looking digital strategy. The 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, represents not just a sporting event, but a transformative opportunity to accelerate infrastructure development, innovation, and digital services that enhance national pride and global connectivity. Additionally, the 'One Million Jobs' initiative, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, aims to empower youth and stimulate inclusive economic growth through digital upskilling, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships. Also, Ms. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director-General of the DCO, emphasized that the organization's participation in this leading tech event reflects its keenness to support impactful digital initiatives and projects. She noted that challenges related to digital readiness remain significant, particularly in areas concerning future skills and cybersecurity. "Studies indicate that around 39% of workers are expected to experience significant changes or obsolescence in their skillsets within the next five years. This poses real challenges in accessing job opportunities, financial services, and participating in the digital economy. Meanwhile, one-third of the global population remains offline—a serious digital gap that urgently needs to be addressed," stated Ms. El Haddaoui. "During our visit to GITEX Africa, we witnessed an impressive level of innovation and entrepreneurship, with more than 200 startups showcasing cutting-edge tech solutions. It is imperative to transfer these successful models to our Member States while focusing on digital infrastructure development and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities to ensure a safe and innovation-friendly environment," she added. Throughout its participation, the DCO highlighted and discussed a series of digital initiatives aimed at building digital capacities and empowering youth and women in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and e-commerce. The organization also emphasized support for national digital policies and opening new global market opportunities through cooperation with governments, the private sector, and civil society. Initiatives highlighted include several cross-border initiatives recently endorsed at its fourth annual General Assembly in Jordan in February 2025: the DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence, the AI Readiness Toolkit, the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation, and the E-Waste Management Framework. Attendance at GITEX Africa aligns with the strategic direction of the organization and its vision to build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy, through expanded international cooperation in supporting digital communities, especially in developing nations—by empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs and facilitating their access to the digital tools and opportunities needed for growth and prosperity. Ensuring digital transformation remains a driver of economic and social development, at a time when global attention is increasingly turning toward Africa as a rising hub for technological innovation. The DCO reiterates its commitment to working with international partners to ensure a fair, inclusive, and secure digital transformation that enables all individuals to benefit from the digital economy—and to contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable future for all. About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) The Digital Cooperation Organization is the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization focusing on the acceleration of the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020 that aims to enable digital prosperity for all. The DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its Member States, and is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy, and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) brings together ministries of communications and information technology in 16 countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Ghana, the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - collectively representing nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP and a market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35. Through cooperation and strategic dialogue, we drive the facilitation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation. The DCO seeks to establish within its Member States the optimal infrastructure and policies for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses, and societies can innovate and thrive. The DCO's vision is to work towards a world in which every nation, business, and person has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. In pursuit of the Member States' common interests, the DCO works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy. The DCO's key initiatives include programs to enhance cross-border data flows, promote market expansion for SMEs, empower digital entrepreneurs, and advance digital inclusion among women, and the youth, and other underrepresented populations. More information about the DCO can be found at For media enquiries, please contact media@


Arabian Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Salesforce Unveils Agentforce at GITEX Africa, Pioneering AI-Driven CRM Evolution
Salesforce has introduced its autonomous AI platform, Agentforce, at GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco, marking a significant advancement in customer relationship management technology. This launch underscores Salesforce's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into business operations across the African continent. -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management – Voxafrica, Salesforce Soars at GITEX Africa: Unveiling Artificial Intelligence -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management ) Agentforce is designed to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction by automating tasks in service, sales, marketing, and commerce. At the core of this platform is the Atlas Reasoning Engine, which enables AI agents to analyze data, make decisions, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention. This system allows organizations to build, customize, and deploy AI agents quickly using low-code tools, streamlining operations and reducing the need for extensive programming knowledge. Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, emphasized the transformative potential of Agentforce, stating that it represents a new era of intelligent agents that actively drive customer success. He highlighted the platform's ability to integrate AI across various workflows, enhancing customer interactions and business growth. The platform's capabilities were demonstrated at GITEX Africa, where attendees experienced firsthand how Agentforce can personalize customer interactions and build lasting loyalty. Salesforce's booth showcased the Data Cloud platform, which connects and harmonizes customer data in real-time, providing a comprehensive view of customer needs and behaviors. -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management ) Omar Oualif, Regional Sales Director for Africa at Salesforce, noted that GITEX Africa provided an ideal venue to showcase how AI, data, CRM, and trust are revolutionizing businesses across the continent. He highlighted the platform's potential to drive growth and success in Africa's rapidly expanding markets. -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management , Salesforce Soars at GITEX Africa: Unveiling Artificial Intelligence -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management – Voxafrica) Agentforce's integration with existing Salesforce platforms, including Slack, allows for seamless deployment across various business functions. The platform also features a Partner Network, enabling customers to deploy pre-built agents and utilize agent actions from partners like Amazon Web Services, Google, IBM, and Workday. Companies such as OpenTable, Saks, and Wiley have already adopted Agentforce, reporting significant improvements in customer service efficiency and case resolution rates. For instance, Wiley has seen over a 40% increase in case resolution by leveraging Agentforce to handle routine inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on more complex cases. Salesforce's participation in GITEX Africa also included panel discussions on 'Trusted AI & Ethics in Africa,' addressing critical issues surrounding AI development and deployment, with a focus on ethical considerations and preventing information manipulation. -Powered, Data-Driven Customer Relationship Management –