Wi-flix To Offer Spatial Sound Experience on its Platform with Dolby Atmos

PRESS RELEASE

Wi-flix To Offer Spatial Sound Experience on its Platform with Dolby Atmos

Becomes the first African owned Video-On-Demand platform to deliver Dolby Atmos Experience to its subscribers

HOOFDDROP, Netherlands, March 29, 2023/ -- Africa’s fastest-growing video-on-demand streaming platform, Wi-flix has announced the integration of Dolby AtmosTM. Wi-flix (https://Wi-Flix.com) customers with compatible Dolby Atmos enabled devices will be able to enjoy a growing library of film titles in Spatial Sound. With this breakthrough integration, viewers will be able to elevate the impact of their entertainment with the enhanced sound of Dolby Atmos to connect more deeply to the shows and movies they love with sound that moves all around with breathtaking realism.

In addition to Dolby Atmos, the service has also integrated Dolby AudioTM bringing users a wide array of titles available in realistic surround sound.

Louis Manu, Co-Founder of Wi-flix, Chief Commercial and Technology Officer said, “Our work with Dolby marks a significant milestone for us at Wi-flix as we are the first African owned video-on-demand platform to offer Spatial Sound entertainment experiences with Dolby Atmos. It’s incredible how for decades, Dolby has been the leader in transforming the entertainment experience in the cinemas and in the home. This milestone represents our continued commitment to bringing world-class streaming experience to our customers worldwide. We want to share this excitement with our Wi-flix customers all over the world who can now connect more deeply with their favorite movies, and TV series in a theater-quality experience in the comfort of their own homes through their Dolby compatible smart device. We hope our customers love the all-new experience”.

Karan Grover, Senior Director, India, Middle East and Africa, Dolby Laboratories said “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Wi-flix to deliver a truly remarkable entertainment experience with the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos to its customers. At Dolby, we are focused on bringing together art and science to heighten and immerse the sensory experiences for consumers. With this integration, consumers with Dolby-enabled Android TVs, mobiles, tablets and iOS devices & Apple TV can enjoy a truly remarkable entertainment experience from the growing library of top-notch content in Dolby in the comfort of their home and on the go."

“We have updated our catalog with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio enabled titles such as The Signal, Bilal, Freedom Force and Created Equal for our customers to feel the premium experience that Dolby offers. We are excited to launch our first Dolby Atmos enabled Wi-flix Originals in the coming months and can’t wait for our customers to see these high-quality content”, said Bright Yeboah, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Wi-flix.

In the next few months, a lot more Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio enabled titles will be updated in Wi-flix’s growing library of content.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wi-flix.

Media contact: 
Dennis Obeng-Adjei Opare
da@wi-flix.com

About Wi-flix:

Wi-flix is a leading African-based live streaming and subscriber video on demand provider offering authentic, originally African, and international content to subscribers in Africa and the diaspora. The service offers premium content at an affordable price point as part of a bold agenda to democratize content in Africa.

Based in the Netherlands and founded by two young Africans with a deep understanding of the continent, Wi-flix is poised to become a leading content provider in Africa and the diaspora.

SOURCE

Wi-flix

Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B Joins Fight Against Skin Bleaching in Africa

PRESS RELEASE

Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B Joins Fight Against Skin Bleaching in Africa

In collaboration with UNESCO, Cardi B's Skincare brand is set to mitigate the devastating effects of trends in skin bleaching in the tropical regions of Africa

Access Multimedia Content

LOS ANGELES, California, March 8, 2023/ -- Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B, a leading beauty brand, announced today its commitment to fighting against the practice of skin bleaching in Africa. Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening or whitening, is a dangerous trend that has become prevalent in many African countries, where it is associated with beauty and social status. Edith F. Gibson Are you tired of seeing harmful skin-bleaching products advertised and promoted to achieve "beauty" in Africa? The popular rapper has recently announced the projected launch of her own line of skincare products that are designed to celebrate melanin-rich skin and discourage people from using dangerous chemicals on their bodies. In this article, we'll dive deeper into why Cardi B's brand is such a game-changer for African beauty standards and how it can help steer the conversation away from harmful beauty practices. Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B believes that all skin colors are beautiful and aims to promote self-love and confidence through its products. The brand's decision to act against skin bleaching in Africa is part of its larger mission to empower women and promote positive body image. By joining forces with UNESCO alongside Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame. The country has enforced a ban on skin-lightening products with the president stating “these practices are quite unhealthy among other things. Includes use of prohibited chemicals.” While other administrations such as Ghana followed suit on Rwanda’s efforts the country too has issued its own ban on skin-lightening products. The acting chief executive of the authority, Mimi Darko said “Ghana has banned these types of products, there will be no importing of such harsh and damaging products to this country.” It is no secret that skin bleaching is a big problem in Africa. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, an estimated 77% of women in Nigeria use skin-lightening products. This number is even higher in other countries like Togo (88%), South Africa (80%), and Senegal (59%). "I'm proud to be part of a brand that stands for inclusivity and celebrates diversity. Skin bleaching is a harmful practice that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and can have severe health consequences," said Cardi B, CEO of Kulture Wave Beauty. "We want to help women embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their own skin." Why Kulture Wave Beauty is different. Cardi B's skincare brand, Kulture Wave Beauty, is partnering with UNESCO to help mitigate the devastating effects of skin bleaching in tropical regions of Africa. Skin bleaching is a dangerous and harmful practice that can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. Kulture Wave Beauty's line of natural and safe skincare products will help to combat the harmful effects of skin bleaching and promote healthy skin practices in Africa. This partnership is an important step in raising awareness about the dangers of skin bleaching and promoting healthy skin care habits in Africa. Kulture Wave Beauty is a beauty brand founded in partnership with the Grammy-winning artist Cardi B and KWBI Management, LLC. The brand offers a range of high-quality six-phase skincare product line that is designed to celebrate diversity and promote self-love. Cardi B has launched her beauty line and is using it to combat the harmful practice of skin bleaching in Africa through a partnership with Delight Cosmeceutical Labs (https://apo-opa.info/3mCVkUB), which formulates the products for the skincare brand. The lab's leading esthetician, Edith F. Gibson, has a 5-year contract to work with the UNESCO field office in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to combat the practice of skin bleaching. The line, called Kulture Wave Beauty, includes a range of products designed to nourish and protect the skin. The products are made with patented scientific technology and natural ingredients which are free from harmful chemicals. Cardi B is committed to helping women of all colors feel beautiful in their own skin. She hopes that by offering a quality alternative to skin bleaching products, she can help put an end to the dangerous practice. Kulture Wave Beauty will be available online, and in-store and will be expanding to stores across Africa in the near future. The line is set to be released in Six separate phases. UNESCO Partnership Objective: The problem with skin lightening in Africa is that there are several reasons why women bleach their skin. Many believe that it will make them more attractive to men, while others think it will help them get ahead in life. Some simply want to fit in with society's standards of beauty. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that skin bleaching is extremely harmful to your health. Bleaching agents contain toxic chemicals that can damage your skin and lead to several health problems. These include liver damage, kidney failure, cancer, and even death. In addition, bleaching your skin makes you more susceptible to sun damage and can cause premature aging. "We believe that by working together, we can create a world where all women feel empowered and beautiful, regardless of their skin color," said Cedric Yengo the Chairman for KWBI Management (www.KWBIManagement.com). "We hope that our commitment to this cause will inspire others to join the fight against skin bleaching in Africa." If you're considering bleaching your skin, we urge you to think twice about it. There are plenty of other ways to achieve the look you desire without risking your health in the process. This partnership is set to achieve the following. 1. To initiate the creation of networking systems to mitigate the devastating effects of trends in skin bleaching in the tropical regions of Africa. 2. To expose scientific technology and a better approach to tropical skincare for stakeholders in the field while reiterating the need for further research and training of more professionals. 3. To raise awareness of the wealth of biodiversity of tropical regions of Africa and its potential to benefit local communities in and around biospheres. Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B is an inspiring initiative and a huge step forward toward fighting skin bleaching in Africa. The fact that such influential public figures like Cardi B are taking a stand against this issue sends out a powerful message of hope to people all over the world. Kulture Wave Beauty also serves as a reminder that we need to respect each other's differences and embrace our uniqueness, no matter what it may be. It’s important for us to keep talking about this issue so that more people can become aware of its consequences, for only then will the real change begin to happen. KWBI Management, LLC. For more information about Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B and its commitment to fighting against skin bleaching in Africa, please visit the brand's website at www.KWBIManagement.com Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KWBI Management,LLC.   Disclaimer: The information contained in this release is as of March 2023. The content is for information purposes and as such, should not be construed as legal, tax investment, financial, or other advice. The release contains forward-looking statements. Media Contact: Cedric Yengo Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B press@kwbimaangement.com 775.260.3119

Idris Elba To Build Film Studios in Ghana To Attract Hollywood

Famous British actor and director, Idris Elba recently met with the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, during his visit to Ghana.

During the meeting with the President of Ghana discussed building a film studio in the country. 

He also urged the president to create favorable policies for filmmakers to thrive. 

He noted that he has plans to shoot a movie in Ghana. 

In a video from their meeting that has gone viral on social media, Idris Elba was seen pitching the idea of establishing a film studio in the west African country.

He noted that there is a lot of filmmaking potential that the lack of facilities has stifled. He also spoke about the importance of government policies in boosting the film sector in Africa.

“We’ve studied the models of obviously South Africa’s incredible incentive package, and around Europe, obviously, Greece, Morocco, these are all places where they realize the value of the filmmaking dollar and have brought that policy into play,” he said to the Ghanaian president.

Idris Alba during a meeting with the President of Ghana discussed building a film studio in the country. 

He also urged the president to create favorable policies for filmmakers to thrive. 

He noted that he has plans to shoot a movie in Ghana. 

The blockbuster actor revealed that he has a movie he is currently shooting and would love to shoot some parts of that movie in Ghana. He disclosed that pre-production is set for August, and principal photography would begin in December.

#IdrisElba #Ghana #SouthAfrica #Nigeria #Filmmaking #FilmStudios #filmmakers #movies #actors 

#August #filmindustry

Read more on 

https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/idris-elba-adds-ghana-to-list-of-african-countries-he-wants-to-partner-with/4z27x1x

Partech Africa Report: Resilient African Tech Ecosystem Still Growing with $6.5 Billion Raised in 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Presenting the 2022 Partech Africa Report: Resilient African Tech Ecosystem Still Growing with $6.5 Billion Raised in 2022

Partech Africa, the VC fund dedicated to technology startups in Africa, has issued its annual report on Africa Tech Venture Capital

DAKAR, Senegal, January 24, 2023/ -- Amid the drastic pullback in global VC funding, the African tech ecosystem stands out with +8% growth from 2021. Debt funding doubled in volume to $1.5B, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total funding. Fintech, still leading, attracted 39% of the total equity volume; Nigeria retained the top spot with 23%

Partech Africa, the VC fund dedicated to technology startups in Africa, has issued its annual report on Africa Tech Venture Capital. The report, which aims to provide a practical picture of the state of the ecosystem, revealed that despite the global VC downturn, the African tech ecosystem grew faster than all other markets globally. 

Total funding invested into tech startups on the continent reached $6.5B, an increase of 8% vs 2021, spread across 764 deals - compared to 724 rounds in 2021. The report, consisting of disclosed and confidential deals, saw debt funding more than double in volume, reaching $1.55 billion through 71 deals [65% YoY growth]. In comparison, equity rounds showed a slight decline, as 653 African tech startups raised $4.9B [-6%] in 693 equity rounds [2% YoY growth].

Focusing on the equity funding, the report revealed the ecosystem was still accelerating during Q1 and Q2 of 2022 compared to 2021, with the YoY comparison showing Q1 and Q2 at +127% YoY and +83% YoY, respectively. However, the global VC slowdown stifled growth in activity in Q3 [-65% YoY] and Q4 [-35% YoY]. In 2022, fundraising activities remained flat across all stages. At $1.4M, Seed+ ticket sizes averaged higher in 2022 [+12% YoY], while Series A remained the same at $8.5M. Later stages reverted to 2019 levels, as Series B and Growth round sizes dropped by -23% and -50% YoY, respectively. In addition, 2022 witnessed a significant reduction in the number of megadeals [over 100M], with only seven deals compared to 14 in 2021.

Speaking on the launch of the annual report, Tidjane Deme, General Partner at Partech, said: "2022 was a particularly challenging year for the venture ecosystem worldwide, as venture and growth investors scaled back their investment by a third. However, by comparison, our report revealed the African tech ecosystem showed great resilience, as more investors have doubled their commitment to the continent by investing in local teams and funds dedicated to the market, which is proving to be the best way forward.”

Overall, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya remain the top investment destinations in Africa, with a share of total volume staying relatively steady at 72%. Nigeria retained the top rank, bringing in  $1.2B in capital, despite a decline of 36% from 2021; South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya each attracted over $0.7B in funding, with Ghana completing the top 5 with just over $0.2B. Overall, 28 countries attracted equity funding in 2022, 13 of them in Francophone Africa..

In light of the market downturn, the report’s findings also revealed that Fintech, which has historically attracted sizable investments, was the most impacted by the slowdown in the number of large rounds. However, fintech remains the most funded sector in Africa, and this across all sources of capital, with 39% of the total equity volume [$1.9B] and 45% of the total debt volume [$691M]. Other sectors have experienced substantial growth and gained a meaningful share of the equity funding activity this year, most notably Cleantech, which made a big comeback with 18% of total equity funding at $863M [+347% YoY] but also 39% of the total debt funding at $605M. 

The report's findings also show:

Female-founded startups raised 22% of all equity rounds in 2022, up 2 percentage points from 20% in 2021. They also contributed $644 Million or 13% of the total equity funding, down 3 percentage points from 16% in 2021.

Outside of the top 4 countries, Ghana ($202 million), Algeria ($150 million), Tunisia ($117 million) and Senegal ($105 million) were the only other countries that broke the $100M funding mark.

Despite a slowdown in the growth rate of equity investors, Africa’s tech ecosystem attracted 1,149 unique investors for the first time [+29% YoY in 2021]. African tech has seen more investors committed, with 89 participating in 5 or more deals (compared to 65 investors in 2021).

The number of debt investors active on the continent is growing 2.5x YoY, with a good mix of local debt institutions, international lenders with emerging market vehicles and Development Finance Institutions.

Cyril Collon, General Partner at Partech, added: “Much of our methodology has remained the same over the years, and we, therefore, can provide a snapshot of how the African continent has evolved over the years. Nigerian and the fintech vertical have remained at the top spot; however, in an environment where equity funding is more challenging, debt has proved to be a solid alternative source of African tech startups in 2022, which signals a maturity within each sector.”

Headquartered in Dakar, Partech Africa is the largest VC fund dedicated to technology startups in Africa. With a focus on Late Seed, Series A and B equity rounds in startups which are changing the way technology is used across multiple sectors, including education, mobility, finance and healthcare, the VC has, to date, invested in 17 African startups, such as Wave (http://bit.ly/3J9lGqy) and TradeDepot (http://bit.ly/3R2IgD9). Using the same methodology as previous years, the seventh Partech Africa annual report on African tech start-ups only includes equity rounds where the total amount is higher than US$200K.

To download the full ‘2022 Africa Tech Venture Capital’ report, click here (https://bit.ly/3R5mChF).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Partech Partners.

For media inquiries:

Isabelle Tresson: +33 7 86 08 85 85

itresson@partechpartners.com

About Partech Africa:

Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, Partech Africa is the largest VC fund dedicated to technology startups in Africa. Partech Africa focuses on series A and B equity rounds in startups which are changing the way technology is used in education, mobility, finance, healthcare, delivery, energy, etc.

About Partech:

Born in San Francisco 40 years ago and now headquartered in Paris, Partech is one of the most active tech investors in the world, bringing together capital, operational experience, and strategic support for entrepreneurs at seed, venture and growth stages. The company manages more than €2.5B and its current portfolio includes 210 companies in 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the US.

www.PartechPartners.com

SOURCE

Partech Partners

"CATFISH Christmas" the Romantic Comedy for Christmas

 

This holiday, "CATFISH Christmas" and a few glasses of eggnog are just the perfect pairings for lovers and lovers at heart.

November 23, 2022 | Rating: 7/10 |
Critic Alan Ng

Catfish Christmas
Romance/Comedy ‧ 1h 30m
Release Date: Friday December 16, 2022.
Actors: Angelo Kern, Anthony Riggins, Charlotte Evelyn Williams, Ciarah Amaani, Devin Laster, Ella Joyce, Grover McCants, Leigh-Ann Rose, Tony Todd
Director: Victoria Rowell
Genre: Comedy, Coming Soon, Drama, Romance
Release: December 16, 2022
Language: English

At Blue Pictures Cinemas, City Mall  in Onikan, Lagos Island

Silverbird Cinemas nationwide

Genesis Deluxe Cinemas nationwide

Kada Cinemas in Benin, Edo State

SYNOPSIS

A heart-broken young woman returns home for the holidays and feels the family pressure of being single. Her loving and nosy sister hatches a plan to set her up on an online date with a handsome professional athlete. But things take an unexpected turn when he turns out not to be her “prince in shining armor”, and her childhood best friend shows her that true love may be much closer to home.

#catfish #Christmas #Christmas2022 #love #romance #comedy #drama #lovers #family #girlfriend #boyfriend #dating #holidays #Nigeria #Ghana #Hollywood #entertainment #sex

August of Enchanting Content

August of Enchanting Content

It has been a busy August for me communicating with some of the biggest film and TV production, acquisition and distribution companies in America, Europe, Australia and India. I have a large catalog of movies, series and documentaries for international theatrical release, TV channels and OTT platforms.
VISION FILMS, INC and Vuulr have premium content. Vuulr has new  buyers and sellers for international film and TV rights of enchanting dramas, comedies, documentaries and animes.

The first MIP Africa held last week from August 24-26, 2022 at the  International Convention Center (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
MIP Africa had special overviews on South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania with United States of America as the first guest country.
85 exhibitors met with 60 hosted (all expenses paid) buyers, as well as some of 240 “member” buyers.

#mipafrica #filmmakers #buyers #sellers #filmmarket #acquisition
#Nigeria #Africa #Southafrica #Ghana #Tanzania #distribution #TV #movies #series #India #Europe #film #America #Australia #exhibitors #distributors #content #entertainment

Silverbird Brings "The American King" To Cinemas in NIgeria and Ghana

Silverbird Brings "The American King" To Cinemas in NIgeria and Ghana

Silverbird Film Distribution is delighted to bring you, "The American King", the sizzling Hollywood and Nollywood comedy from Vision Films Inc of California and Ihotu Films in association with Doctors Charity.

The film opens in cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana from Friday, March 4, 2022.

The exciting star-studded movie is starring the famous African American singer, Akon with top Hollywood stars, Andrew Howard (“Limitless“), Nick Moran (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows“, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels“), Massi Furlan (“Jumanji: The Next Level“), Nathin Butler (“Westworld”), and Miguel Nuñez Jr. (“Juwanna Mann,”, “Tour of Duty“) and our very own top Nollywood stars, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe.

This beautiful fusion of top American actors and our very own Nigerian stars presents us with that fine blend of drama and comedy. 

Similar to “Coming to Africa” but this time, Nigeria sitting pretty as the giant of Africa that we are with excellent acting by our A-list Actors Nse ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe.

Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films, says, “The American King is a cross between Coming to America and Black Panther, and while this movie is delivered with comedy, it depicts a very powerful commentary about the divisiveness and double standards in today’s society. We know audiences will have a good laugh and enjoy the very talented cast.”

Download Hi-Res movie trailer for your various platforms
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHH5_n0W-2OEuJxxbKgy0cGfylCSBRZV/view?usp=sharing 

Trailer code: TSWZ/02/22/08

Rating: TBC

Contact:
Silverbird Film Distribution,
2nd Floor, Silverbird Galleria,
133 Ahmadu Bello Way,
Victoria Island - Lagos.
Tel:
+234 913 874 2193
eMail:
info@silverbirdfilmdistribution.com

Source
Silverbird Film Distribution

New Movie Poster for "The American King"

 Here is the new poster of "The American King" opening at the cinemas in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia from March 4, 2022 distributed by the Silverbird Group.

Top Actors:Akon, Andrew Howard, DaShawn Barnes, Enyinna Nwigwe, Massi Furlan, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Nick Moran, Nse Ikpe Etim, Stella Ademiluyi

Director:Adah Obekpa

Release:March 4, 2022

Language :English

Nollywood actors Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe are in the Hollywood and Nollywood comedy film “The American King” with the popular singer Akon.

Written and directed by Adah Obekpa and co-produced by Joan McCarthy, the film follows the story of Sebastian, an ex-con dealing with some dangerous yet sensitive Russian gangsters to whom he owes money, who receives an unbelievable offer to escape it all from a mysterious High Priestess who seeks to fulfil a 400-year-old prophecy: choose an American to become King of an ancient African kingdom and restore it to the global superpower it once was.

The film also stars Andrew Howard (“Limitless“), Nick Moran (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows“, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels“), Massi Furlan (“Jumanji: The Next Level“), Nathin Butler (“Westworld”), and Miguel Nuñez Jr. (“Juwanna Mann,”, “Tour of Duty“).

Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films, says, “The American King is a cross between Coming to America and Black Panther, and while this movie is delivered with comedy, it depicts a very powerful commentary about the divisiveness and double standards in today’s society. We know audiences will have a good laugh and enjoy the very talented cast.”

#America
#Akon
#Hollywood
#Nollywood
#romance
#comedy
#drama
#movie
#cinema

PanAfrican Capital Holdings Sets Up The Catalyst Project To Promote African Entrepreneurship

The Catalyst

PRESS RELEASE

PanAfrican Capital Holdings Sets Up The Catalyst Project To Promote African Entrepreneurship

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 13, 2021/ -- In commitment to its vision to deliver exceptional services in chosen markets and create value for stakeholders, PanAfrican Capital Holdings ‘PAC Holdings’ has set up a venture capital project, to be known as The Catalyst (www.TheCatalystAfrica.com), to identify and invest in growth to product-expansion stage companies with convincing business models and market opportunities.

As a proprietary investment company with the focus to offer strategic investment solutions and unlock value across emerging and frontier markets across Africa, PAC Holdings acknowledges the vital role of technology in driving economic growth in Africa.

According to the Venture Capital in Africa Report, “90% of all reported VC deals between 2014 and 2020 were in technology-enabled companies operating across a variety of sectors. Financials accounted for the largest share of VC deals by both volume (22%) and value (26%) from 2014 - 2020, with Information Technology (18%) and Consumer Discretionary (16%) accounting for the second and third largest share of VC deals by volume within the same timeframe.” This trend is expected to continue with more opportunities for technology solutions arising in a post covid world.

Toluwalope Oni, the Global Coordinator of The Catalyst, said, “The Catalyst Project has been set up to facilitate and finance the delivery of technology enabled solutions, as well as promote African entrepreneurship. Our industries of primary focus are pivotal gears of a digital African economy, and these include finance, education, health, agriculture and logistic.”

Some of the objectives for the initiative include driving a culture of innovation and contributing to the delivery of forward-thinking market value across Africa.

“The project’s target is to inject an initial sum of $1,000,000 into ‘growth stage’ businesses that meet its criteria of; a clearly defined minimum viable product, solving a need/gap either on the demand or supply side in Africa, generating revenue enough to cover direct costs, seeking capital to boost expansion required to achieve exponential scale and little or no debt balances in the company’s balance sheet,” the Global coordinator added.

The identified sectors, given current macro-economic realities, represent the key underlying catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in emerging and frontier economies. Selected businesses that become successful would benefit from PAC Holdings access to an ecosystem of strategic investors & mentors, and enjoy product/service synergies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Catalyst.

Media Contact:
On behalf of PanAfrican Capital Holdings Limited
Omolola Ojo
Email: omolola.ojo@panafricancapitalholdings.com

Follow us on:
Twitter (https://bit.ly/3EQyu0j)
Facebook (https://bit.ly/3ynkWGQ) 
Instagram (https://bit.ly/3pQjEk2)

About PanAfrican Capital Holdings:
PanAfrican Capital Holdings “PAC Holdings” is a Proprietary Investment Company with special focus on Key Sectors across Africa including Financial Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Agro-Allied & FMCG, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, and ICT & Media.

With specialist subsidiary companies across chosen sectors. PAC Holdings is geared towards offering strategic investment solutions and unlocking value across emerging and frontier markets. The company’s corporate Head Office is in Lagos, with presence in Accra, Nairobi and Mauritius.  With Over the years, we have created strong strategic alliances with multilateral financial institutions such as African Export-Import bank, Africa Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Development Bank of South Africa, Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export-Import bank and other banks across the continent.

For more information, visit www.thecatalystafrica.com

SOURCE
The Catalyst

Gyakie of Ghana is A Better Singer Than Tems of Nigeria

 #Gyakie #Ghana

#Tems #Nigeria

#Singers #heart #throat #sensous

#songs #vocals #music

#falsetto #acappella #voice #unpluggef

Jackline Acheampong who is professionally known as Gyakie of Ghana is a better singer than Nigeria's Temilade Openiyi, popularly known by her stage name Tems.

Gyakie sings from her heart, whereas Tems sings from her throat.

Her sensous falsetto is all that she has to offer and unplugged, Gyakie will make Tems an ordinary singer without powerful vocals.

Let Gyakie and Tems sing a cappella and you will hear the difference.

PS:

If you have not studied music or you don't have a good ear for music, you may not know the difference between the two singers.

Netflix Needs To Partner with MTN andd Airtel To Increase Subscribers in Nigeria

Netflix Needs To Partner with MTN andd Airtel To Increase Subscribers in Nigeria

Nigeria has about 101 million mobile internet users on the GSM networks in Africa's most populous country with the largest economy. But the high cost of data for viewing videos online is making the leading video streaming services to be out of reach for majority of the teeming population who prefer to subscribe to cable TV services. 

There are an estimated 15 million subscribers of cable TV networks in Nigeria with 10 millon of them shared by Multichoice and StarTimes.

MultiChoice streams satellite TV to between 4.5 million and 6 million Nigerian subscribers from the database reports of the cable TV subscribers in the country.

In Nigeria, satellite TV reception was the choice for 11.8 million households in 2019, a 23% increase compared to 2017, and a further 4.7 million in Ghana, up by 19% from 2017.

The study also highlighted that High Definition (HD) TV sets are becoming increasingly popular, already present in approximately 50% of Ghanaian and Nigerian TV homes.

Paying less than N3, 000 to subscribe to Netflix is not expensive, but including the costs for internet data have discouraged majority of people in Nigeria.

The following analysis on data usage is useful.

"Data consumption is different from speed. If you have a fast connection, that doesn't necessarily mean you use a lot of data per month. However, services like video streaming adapt to the available speed, so having a fast connection often does increase your data usage (and video quality), even if your habits don't change.

Streaming video:

Video uploads and downloads:

If you download a movie rather than streaming it or if you upload one to YouTube or Vimeo, the data consumption is similar, and it's always based on the full quality of the movie. If you make a video on your phone, you probably aren't creating HD quality or running for streaming video. The data consumption will depend on the quality of the video you receive. If you have a slow connection, most providers will adjust the quality so you won't have to pause for buffering too often. High-definition video can run as high in bandwidth consumption as 8 megabits (1 megabyte) a second. That's 60 megabytes a minute, if your connection is fast enough to handle it. A two-hour movie, at that rate, will consume 7.2 gigabytes. That's an upper bound, and usually it will be less, but a feature movie is a lot of data no matter what.

Video uploads and downloads:

If you download a movie rather than streaming it, or if you upload one to YouTube or Vimeo, the data consumption is similar, and it's always based on the full quality of the movie. If you make a video on your phone, you probably aren't creating HD quality or running for hours. Still, if you upload a lot, it will add up hours. Still, if you upload a lot, it will add up."

https://www.buckeyebroadband.com/support/internet/what-exactly-is-internet-data-and-data-usage

Netflix has partnerships with Telkom and Vodacom in South Africa and these deals have increased the subscriptions to the video streaming service. A similar partnership with MTN and Airtel in Nigeria will attract the millions of the middle class subscribers of the GSM networks in the country so include subscription to Netflix in their monthly budget.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor, 

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series 

247 Nigeria (@247nigeria) / Twitter

https://mobile.twitter.com/247nigeria

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Adonko Alcoholic Bitters Bounces Back, Fetes Distributors

Adonko Alcoholic Bitters Bounces Back, Fetes Distributors

- By Ingram Osigwe 

It was a twin event Thursday, 22nd April 2021, at the cosy   Santiago Milano Hotels & Suites Amuwo- Odofin, Lagos, when Angel Group of companies, makers of the popular Adonko Bitters flew in from the Group's base in Ghana to meet with their loyal distributors and customers in Nigeria who have over the years ensured that the brand was never absent from shops and shelves in the country.

The Adonko makers also used the opportunity to announce the rebranding of the Bitters.

Notedly, Adonko is the favourite  Bitters among Bitters lovers in Nigeria because of its unique taste, quality and its natural ingredients content.

Stakeholders present at the event agreed that Adonko remains the Bitters to beat.

Mr.Samuel Kofi Acheampong,  son of Adonko Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Angel Broadcasting Network and Group Managing Director of the Angel Group, Ghana, thanked distributors, consumers and everyone that have kept faith with Andoko all these years

He told distributors that they would be rewarded with mouth- watering incentives to further encourage them.

Acheampong apologised for the breakdown in supply chain and logistics, saying it was caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged border closure in Nigeria.

He was full of effusive praises for Angel's Nigerian partners and holder of sole franchise for Adonko Bitters in the country, the Ekulo Group of companies, for keeping the brand's flag flying in Nigeria.

The Ekulo Group was represented at the event by its General Manager, Mr. Joseph Okonkwo.

Okonkwo commended the distributors for their loyalty and steadfastness despite the harsh economic realities, and for keeping a date with the epochal event.He promised that the Ekolu Group will do its best to reset the supply chain by eliminating the various bottlenecks militating against smooth delivery of the brand.

On his part, Mr. Vincent Opare, Marketing Director of Adonko Bitters pledged to open a communication and feedback channel between the company and the distributors in order to be constantly abreast of their concern.

Mr. Ingram Osigwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of Fullpage Communications, the Advert Agency for Adonko, disclosed that his agency was poised for a mind blowing but creative advert and awareness strategies that will ensure that the brand gets to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and also counter demarketing schemes of competitors.

As a way of showing gratitude to the distributors, each of them went home with either deep freezer or refrigerator.

The event attracted distributors and consumers of Adonko across the country.

The ambience was gay and enchanting as there were alot of sumptuous meals and choice wines which flowed endlessly.

The country Manager of Adonko, Mr. Ernest Brobbey who gave the votes of thanks told the distributors that he would always be there to cater for their needs and get the necessary feedback.

IBM Boosts Africa Expansion With New Angola Office

19 Sep 2011 11:00 Africa/Lagos


IBM Boosts Africa Expansion With New Angola Office
New subsidiary demonstrates company's increased footprint in key growth markets

PR Newswire

LUANDA, Angola, Sept. 19, 2011

LUANDA, Angola, Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced the opening of a new branch office in Luanda, as part of the company's continued geographic expansion to increase its presence in key growth markets in support of its global strategy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110919/NY69873-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110919/NY69873-b )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

The Angolan arm is part of a broad programme of investment that IBM is making in Africa and follows the recent opening of new locations in Dakar, Senegal and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This gives IBM a direct presence in more than 20 African countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria.



The expanded presence in Angola will enable IBM to increase its level of service to clients and partners across the Central African region and deliver more advanced and high-value solutions across many industries.

IBM already serves a number of key clients in Central Africa, spanning sectors including telecommunications, oil & gas, finance and government. For example in Angola, IBM is working with one of the country's major banks to help transform the institution's core banking technology infrastructure and support business growth. With a new system based on IBM Power servers and software technologies, the bank has been able to upgrade its banking services.

IBM is also working closely with other local financial institutions and oil & gas companies in Angola to improve the accuracy and security of information in the country.

"Expanding into Angola offers IBM an important business opportunity as we expand our presence throughout the African continent," said Bruno Di Leo, General Manager, IBM Growth Markets. "This demonstrates IBM's commitment to expand into new markets to provide innovative solutions for our clients and partners. Luanda is one of more than 230 IBM branch offices across 55 growth market countries."

IBM is also engaged in an active programme of corporate citizenship across Africa. Since 2008, IBM has deployed 250 of its most talented employees on projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt helping to solve local problems with the aim of fostering economic development and job creation.

"By opening a direct presence in Angola and many other markets on the African continent, IBM overcomes one of the biggest barriers to entry in Africa, namely being able to offer local support and insights to their clients and business partners," says Hannes Fourie, Senior Analyst IDC, Middle East and Africa.

The Luanda office is part of IBM's Central Africa operations and will complement IBM's other branch offices in the region. IBM has supplied products and solutions to Central Africa since the 1940's, and IBM equipment was installed in Angola by the company known as Benguela Railways in 1955.

The new office was inaugurated this week at a ceremony for customers, business partners and government officials in Luanda.

About IBM
For more information on IBM, please visit:
http://asmarterplanet.com/blog/2011/06/ibm-in-africa.html

Contacts:
Arlene Wainstein
IBM External Relations, Middle East & Africa
33 (0) 1 5875-5951
Mobile: 33 (0) 672 759574
arlenewainstein@fr.ibm.com

Marie-Anne (Kui) Kinyanjui
IBM External Relations, Growth Markets Unit
254 20 283 4000
Mobile: 254 721 676 543
mariekin@ke.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

Web Site: http://www.ibm.com


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Ster-Kinekor Theatres, The Largest Cinema Chain in Africa

South Africa's Ster-Kinekor Theatres is the largest cinema chain in Africa, followed by Egypt's Al Arabia International and Nu Metro Cinemas of South Africa. Nigeria's Silverbird Cinemas and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas are also increasing the numbers of their cinemas from Nigeria to Ghana and other countries in Africa.

Cinemas are central to the growth of the film industry and Ster-Kinekor Theatres and Nu Metro Cinemas have sustained the growth of the appreciation of cinemas in South Africa and other African countries.

Ster Kinekor Theatres is South Africa's largest cinema exhibitor. They offer 31 Ster Kinekor Junction value cinemas and 6 Ster Kinekor Classic cinemas countrywide, totalling more than 400 screens and 60 000 seats. Cinema Nouveau offers 7 cinemas countrywide, where patrons can experience 'art' movies. At The Zone in Rosebank and at the Gateway complex, patrons can also experience films on special 3D screens. The Ster Kinekor Movie Club has more than 2 million members, offering rewards such as discount on movie tickets, half-price Tuesdays and special newsletters with information on upcoming movies, movie reviews, movie trailers, schedules and show times.

Ster Kinekor originated in 1969 when 20th Century Fox sold their South African theatre business to Sanlam, who already operated Ster Theatres and Ster Films under the Ster brand. The newly acquired business was called Kinekor. Since then, the company continued to open cinema complexes throughout South Africa. Ster Kinekor is now a division of Primedia.

Ster Kinekor represents the following studios in South Africa: Universal Pictures (video), Walt Disney Pictures (theatrical), Miramax Films, Focus Features and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. Ster Kinkor Theatres - Always Better on Our Big Screen.
Business Listings

Showing 57 businesses in the category Ster Kinekor:
Ster Kinekor (Arcades Mall)
Zambia, Lusaka, Arcades Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Bayside)
Cape Town, Table View, Bayside Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Bedford Nouveau)
Johannesburg, Bedfordview, Bedford Square Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Blue Route)
Cape Town, Tokai, Blue Route Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Brooklyn Nouveau)
Pretoria, New Muckleneuk, Brooklyn Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Brooklyn)
Pretoria, New Muckleneuk, Brooklyn Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Cape Gate)
Cape Town, Brackenfell, Cape Gate
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Carlton Centre)
Johannesburg, Johannesburg Central, Carlton Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Carnival City)
Brakpan, Dalpark, Carnival City Casino
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Cavendish Nouveau)
Cape Town, Claremont, Cavendish Square
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Cavendish)
Cape Town, Claremont, Cavendish Square
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Cedar Square Nouveau)
Sandton, Fourways, Cedar Square Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Centurion Centre)
Centurion, Centurion CBD, Centurion Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Cresta)
Randburg, Cresta, Cresta Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (East Rand Mall)
Boksburg, Jansen Park, East Rand Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Eastgate)
Johannesburg, Bedfordview, Eastgate Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Eikestad)
Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Central, Eikestad Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Festival Mall)
Kempton Park, Esther Park, Festival Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Fourways)
Sandton, Fourways, Fourways Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Garden Route Mall)
George, Kraaibosch, Garden Route Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Gateway Nouveau)
Durban, Umhlanga, Gateway Theatre of Shopping
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Gateway)
Durban, Umhlanga, Gateway Theatre of Shopping
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Greenstone Mall)
Edenvale, Edenvale, Greenstone Shopping Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Irene Mall)
Centurion, Irene, Irene Village Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Kenilworth)
Cape Town, Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Key West)
Krugersdorp, Krugersdorp North, Key West Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Kollonade)
Pretoria, Montana Park, Kolonnade Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Long Beach)
Cape Town, Noordhoek, Long Beach Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Maerua)
Windhoek, Maerua Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Mall of the North)
Polokwane, Bendor, Mall of the North
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Maponya Mall)
Soweto, Klipspruit, Maponya Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Mimosa Mall)
Bloemfontein, Brandwag, Mimosa Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Mooi River)
Potchefstroom, Mooirivier, Mooirivier Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Musgrave)
Durban
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (North Cape Mall)
Kimberley, Monument Heights
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Northgate)
Randburg, North Riding, Northgate Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Northmead Square)
Benoni, Northmead, Northmead Square
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Parow)
Cape Town, Parow, Parow Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Riversquare)
Vereeniging, Three Rivers, Riversquare Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Rosebank Nouveau)
Johannesburg, Rosebank, The Mall of Rosebank
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Rustenburg)
Rustenburg, Waterfall Park, Waterfall Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Sandton City)
Sandton, Sandton CBD, Sandton City
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Savannah Mall)
Polokwane, Fauna Park, Savannah Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Scottsville)
Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville, Nedbank Plaza
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Shelley Beach)
Shelly Beach, Shelly Beach Central, Shelly Beach Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Somerset Mall)
Cape Town, Somerset West, Somerset Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Southgate)
Johannesburg, Mondeor, Southgate Mall
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Sterland)
Pretoria, Pretoria Central
012 341 7568
Ster Kinekor (The Bridge)
Port Elizabeth, Greenacres, The Bridge Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (The Wheel)
Durban, South Beach, The Wheel Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (The Zone)
Johannesburg, Rosebank, The Zone
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Tygervalley)
Cape Town, Bellville, Tygervalley Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (V&A Nouveau)
Cape Town, Waterfront, V&A Waterfront
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Velskoen)
Randburg, Ferndale
011 793 2812
Ster Kinekor (Vincent Park)
East London, Vincent, Vincent Park Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Westgate)
Roodepoort, Horizon, Westgate Shopping Centre
086 130 0444
Ster Kinekor (Wonderpark)
Pretoria, Karenpark, Wonderpark Shopping Centre
086 130 0444


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Migrants Continue to be Vulnerable in Libyan Conflict

7 Jun 2011 16:46 Africa/Lagos


Migrants Continue to be Vulnerable in Libyan Conflict

GENEVA, June 7, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM Press Briefing Notes


The on-going conflict and political stalemate in Libya has left migrants in a situation of continued vulnerability, with large groups stranded across the country.


During an assessment of the humanitarian needs in various parts of Libya, IOM staff reported on the plight of a large community of mostly African and Filipino migrant workers sheltering in two sites in the capital, Tripoli.


Staff say some of the migrants have been without jobs since the beginning of the crisis as their employers had left the country. Feeling they have nothing to return to, they stay on in Libya in the vain hope that they may receive back pay from their employers or find another job. Others have been left to take care of employers' properties but have not been paid since February.


The majority, from Ghana, Togo, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon and other African countries, are unskilled and undocumented workers.


Like the others, they are dependent on whatever food and shelter people of goodwill from within and outside their community can provide with some basic food prices having increased by up to three times since the start of the crisis.


Although the numbers of migrants managing to flee Libya on a daily basis have slowed down in recent weeks, migrants continue to be stranded in towns and cities around the country.


The Malian Ambassador to Tripoli estimates between 8,000-10,000 of his compatriots remain in western Libya, mostly in Sabha, Gadames, Ubari and Murzuk, while the vulnerability of Sub-Saharan Africans in the eastern part of the country has led to Malians there fleeing into Egypt.


Thousands of Egyptian migrants are also believed to be still in the country, according to the Egyptian Ambassador to Tripoli. While most are thought to be in the south in cities such as Gatroun and Sabha, others are in places like Sirt and in need of evacuation.


As these reports emerge, IOM is continuing its efforts to access Gatroun where many Chadians are reported to be stranded. IOM interviews with Chadians who are returning home by truck reveal that many migrants have stayed as long as they could in Libya in the hope of being given months of unpaid wages. Lack of food and water was forcing them to finally leave.


Meanwhile, an eighth IOM mission to evacuate another group of migrants by sea from the port city of Misrata concluded late last week.


The mission, funded by the US State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, rescued 166 migrants, the majority from Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeriens, Chadians, Ghanaians and Sudanese. The rest comprised Palestinians, Moroccans, Egyptians, Tunisians as well as migrants from Jordan, Britain and Pakistan.


Thirty-six war-wounded casualties were evacuated to Benghazi with the migrants, bringing the number of people rescued from Misrata to about 7,200.


The IOM-chartered ship also delivered hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid and provided the logistics for the deployment of an IOM-led interagency assessment team to Misrata to assess humanitarian needs there after months of fighting.


So far, IOM has provided evacuation assistance to about 31,000 people from inside Libya including the Misrata operations. More than 9,000 migrants including Sub-Saharan Africans have been transported by road from Tripoli to the Tunisian border and nearly 15,000 from Benghazi in the east to the Egyptian border.


Since late February, IOM has helped nearly 144,000 migrants in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Chad and Niger with evacuation assistance back to their home countries.


As the crisis drags on, the numbers of people fleeing across Libya borders continue to mount steadily. More than 952,000 people have so far crossed into its six neighbouring countries or arrived in Italy and Malta.


Source: International Office of Migration (IOM)

Professor Amos Sawyer arrives Abuja to lead ECOWAS observers to Nigeria's presidential election

Professor Amos Claudius Sawyer


April 14, 2011 11:22 ET

Professor Amos Sawyer arrives Abuja to lead ECOWAS observers to Nigeria's presidential election


ABUJA, April 14, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The former President of the Interim Government of Liberia and Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to Nigeria's 16th April 2011 presidential polls, Professor Amos Sawyer, has arrived Abuja, the Nigerian capital, to lead 300 regional observers who are being deployed to the six geo-political zones of the country to observe the election.

Members of the Mission include ECOWAS Ambassadors, representatives of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, representatives of civil society organizations, the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice, electoral experts as well as representatives of electoral commissions from the 15 Member States.

Professor Sawyer who will be joined on Election Day by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, was part of the ECOWAS Observer Mission to the 2008 general elections in Ghana. He led the organization's pre-election fact-finding mission to Ghana in October 2008.

Under its Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, ECOWAS is required to dispatch fact-finding and observer missions to Member States conducting presidential elections as part of its determination to ensure democratic convergence across West Africa.

These missions also enable ECOWAS to determine appropriate assistance to be rendered to such States in order to ensure the conduct of free, transparent and credible elections in the region.


Source: Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)