Orange (www.Orange.com), in partnership with the European Union and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) announces the launch of the “DigiGreen&Agri” project, an ambitious initiative to promote digital innovation for a transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the creation of decent jobs, support the development and financing of startups within the ecosystem, and promote sustainable investments.

Initiated as part of the Team Europe Initiatives for sustainable cocoa and the low-carbon transition, the “DigiGreen&Agri” project focuses on the development of entrepreneurship, enhancing youth employability across the entire value chain of cocoa and sustainable agriculture, through digital technology. There will be a particular emphasis on youth in rural youth, women, girls, and people with disabilities through the Orange Digital Center in Côte d’Ivoire.

This ambitious partnership benefits from joint funding of €7.6 million and aims to achieve several strategic objectives:

Improving professional skills: the project aims to strengthen the professional skills of young people and women in the digital sector by offering them new opportunities in the constantly changing labour market.
Entrepreneurship promotion: “DigiGreen&Agri” will support the creation and strengthening of strong digital startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), thus fostering innovation and economic growth.
Development of sustainable digital solutions: the partnership will strengthen the capacities of startups and MSMEs to develop and market innovative digital solutions, thus contributing to the modernization and innovation of sustainable agriculture sectors, low-carbon transition and corporate social responsibility.
Acceleration of the growth of seed startups: a seed fund will be dedicated to financing the most promising startups. Orange and GIZ will draw on the expertise of the Digital Africa programme to provide funding to startups in the ecosystem to enable them to develop their activities and accelerate their growth.

By working closely with local stakeholders, Orange, the European Union and GIZ are committed to supporting young talent, promoting entrepreneurship and catalyzing economic development in the most vulnerable communities.

Orange and GIZ are collaborating under the develoPPP programme, which is implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The DigiGreen&Agri project is supported by the special initiative “Decent Employment for a Just Transition” and co-financed by the European Union.

Francesca Di Mauro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire: “I am delighted to attend the launch of this DigiGreen&Agri project, which places youth employability at the heart of its objectives, by proposing the development of new digital solutions for sustainable agriculture and the green economy and the creation of quality jobs. This project reflects the European desire to strengthen smart, clean and secure links in the digital sector, one of the pillars of the Global Gateway strategy. It is also the result of an excellent collaboration between the private and public sectors in team Europe format: Orange’s expertise and investments, in synergy with the development aid resources of the EU and Germany, are mobilized for the inclusive growth of the country.”

Axel Klaphake, Director of Division GIZ: “This unprecedented cooperation format between GIZ, the European Union and Orange is the first development partnership with the private sector cofunded by the European Union and implemented by the develoPPP programme with the support of the Special Initiative «Decent Employment for a Just Transition» commissioned by the BMZ in Côte d’Ivoire. It will reach a very broad target group and create synergies with other cooperation programmes currently in place in Côte d’Ivoire. Technical and financial support for startups will help create jobs and build the capacity of young entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas to strengthen the agricultural sector, especially the sustainable cocoa sector. We are pleased to launch this partnership with our public and private partners and thank all the actors who made this cooperation possible.”

Jérôme Hénique, CEO Orange Middle East&Africa: “Orange’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation is once again taking shape today through our partnership with the German Cooperation and the European Union to support the digital transformation of the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire. The Orange Digital Centers are essential vectors of this transformation, offering a free and open innovation ecosystem, with a particular focus on youth, women and vulnerable people. Together, we are taking up the challenge of building an inclusive and environmentally friendly digital future for a more sustainable and prosperous economy. “

Mamadou Bamba, Managing Director Orange Côte d’Ivoire: “This project is a concrete illustration of Orange’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa. As a responsible digital operator, we believe that digital can play a crucial role in solving the challenges of the 21st century. That is why we are proud to partner with the European Union and GIZ to implement this ambitious project. I am convinced that the DigiGreen&Agri project will have a positive and lasting impact on the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and will help create jobs and improve the living conditions of farmers and people.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

About Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA):
Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 149 million customers at 31 December 2023. With 7.1 billion euros of revenues in 2023, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 90 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

Orange Digital Center is a free ecosystem open to all to support, train and mentor young people and innovative idea holders, especially girls and women to support their employability and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow or encourage them to undertake in the digital world.

About the European Union:
The European Union maintains a mutually beneficial relationship with Côte d’Ivoire based on shared values, ambitions and common interests. With its Member States and the European Investment Bank, gathered as «Team Europe», it is committed to supporting the efforts of the Ivorian government to create the conditions for the optimal implementation of initiatives in line with the priority sectors of EU action in Côte d’Ivoire, namely the development of human capital, sustainability, peace and stability.

With the Global Gateway Strategy, the European Union aims to foster local added value, sustainable growth and job creation, especially for young people, by supporting clean and safe investments in the areas of among others, digital, energy and transport.

About GIZ:
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a service provider of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education worldwide, employing 25,422 people. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide range of fields, from economic and employment promotion to peace and security, energy and environment. Its business volume is around 4 billion euros. As a federal utility, GIZ helps in some 120 countries the German Federal Government and in particular the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development as well as a large number of public and private clients and clients to achieve their international cooperation objectives. Together with its partners, GIZ develops effective solutions that open up opportunities for people and sustainably improve their living conditions.

For more information on the “DigiGreen&Agri” project, please contact:

Press contact:
Orange: 
Stella Fumey 
stella.fumey@orange.com

European Union:
Aminata Paraiso 
aminata.paraiso@eeas.euro pa.eu

GIZ: 
Roseline Fischer 
roseline.fischer@giz.de

In today’s digitally connected world, consumers tend to expect every business to be fully searchable for product information, location, operating hours with an easily accessible website online.  According to recent GoDaddy (https://www.GoDaddy.com) global research, 90% of small businesses surveyed said they felt that digitalization of their business was either very important or quite important to them.

With so much opportunity to share with your business with people in your local area and around the world, it is likely many businesses are considering how to build a stronger online presence this year.

GoDaddy shares six tips to help build a website to help a business be visible online and serve as a professional hub for your digital presence.

Consider the purpose of your website. When you know your business so well, it can be easy to get caught up in the design and functionality of what you know instead of what you would like consumers to know about your business. Take time to decide what is the purpose of your website and how do you want viewers to engage with it.  It is a good idea to be very clear on the front page of your website on what your business offers.  For example, a restaurant owner might want to show their location and menu images, while retailers might focus on showcasing their products for sale, and businesses selling experiences might consider videos and content as the best way to generate excitement before prompting a booking or inquiry.
Tell your story creatively. As a business owner, consider what might set you apart from everyone else in a similar business. Perhaps, it is the story behind why you do what you do. Videos, images, and blog content could be a great way for prospect customers to get to know your brand personality behind your business, as well as your story behind your business. This can lead to deeper connections with your target audiences which could positively impact the growth of your business and help to set you apart from the competition.
Be clear about your call-to-action. One way you could generate leads from a website is by having a clear call-to-action. The type of call-to-action you use could vary depending on the product or service your business offers. What would you like prospective and current customers to do on your website? Buy a product, learn more about your business by reading your blog, know where to find you on a map, see what your business does and how it might help the viewer solve a problem. It is important that your call-to-action be prominent on your website and encourages your customers to take a next step.
Start simply with lots of room for growth. It’s easy to get excited thinking about all the different website features and functions you could incorporate, but it’s important to pay close attention to what you really need to get started. A simple website is both easy and cost-effective to build, it can be easier for customers to navigate and come away with the information they were looking for.  Starting simply can also allow you to find time to focus on updating with fresh quality content, fast loading speeds, and mobile optimization.
Focus on your target audience. Have a clear idea about who your target audience is and focus on delivering an exceptional online experience for them. There are many things about your target audience that could influence the design, function, and content on your website. Some key questions could include: How old are they? What activities do they like to do? How do they communicate? How do they consume content? The answers to all these questions can help you create a website that resonates with your target audience and can effectively communicate how your products or services solve their problems or fit with their lifestyle.
Choose the right website tools and hosting provider: Once you have determined the strategy for your website, the next step is to build it. The good news is that today there are tech tools that help to make it quick and easy to build and maintain a website without having a technical degree. GoDaddy Website Builder (https://apo-opa.co/4aV9HaL) for example, offers templates, images, features text and other information to help you easily build a professional website for your business.  You may choose to have your website hosted by the same provider where you have registered your domain, for a more integrated experience.

Creating a home for your business on the internet can be a way to help you grow your business and stay engaged with your customers for many years to come. And now might be the best time to get started.

For more information on how GoDaddy can help your small business get started online: https://www.GoDaddy.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GoDaddy.

About GoDaddy: 
​GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7.  To learn more about the company, visit https://www.GoDaddy.com

Rystad Energy – leading independent energy research company – and Energy Capital&Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) will organize a webinar on April 18 analyzing the short- and long-term growth engines driving Africa’s energy markets, with a view to meeting rising energy demand and facilitating a just transition across the continent.

Under the theme, “Africa – an Energy Addition Story,” the webinar will highlight the necessity of developing Africa’s energy supplies through diversified investments in oil and gas, traditional renewables and green hydrogen to meet the continent’s required 160 GW of new capacity by 2025. Panelists will examine the scope and location of Africa’s high-impact exploration wells and upcoming licensing rounds, as well as the latest trends shaping high-growth upstream markets.

The “Africa – an Energy Addition Story” webinar unites Rystad Energy’s leading coverage and analysis team to explore Africa’s energy prospects and potential. Hosted by Rystad Energy in partnership with Energy Capital&Power, the webinar will take place on April 18, 2024 at 10:00 GMT+1 via Zoom. To register, please visit (https://apo-opa.co/49DbEHR). 

On the renewable energy front, the webinar will highlight growing interest in Africa’s renewable resource wealth and strategies for maximizing clean energy access. Panelists will identify effective policies and frameworks conducive to attracting investment in Africa’s renewable energy sector, along with the role of regional collaboration and integration in enhancing energy security and stability.  

“Africa – an Energy Addition Story” will feature the participation of Rystad Energy’s leading coverage and analysis team, including Renewables and Power Analyst Nivedh Das Thaikoottathil, Vice President of Upstream Pranav Joshi, and North African Analyst Fiza Jan. The panel will be moderated by Petroleum Economist Editor-in-Chief Paul Hickin, contributing over two decades of experience in financial and commodity news and analysis.

The webinar is organized ahead of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum taking place in Paris this May, which serves to connect the global investment community with Africa’s most transformative energy projects. From upstream oil and gas to decentralized renewable solutions, IAE 2024 showcases Africa’s diverse energy resources that have the potential to meet universal energy access targets and catalyze broad industrialized growth. Visit here (https://apo-opa.co/49DbEHR) to register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

As South Africa migrates to an off-grid economy, one mixed-use precinct is leading the way with its sustainability prowess. Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co.za/) has a thriving waste separating facility, underground cooling plant, gardens and rooftop solar system, providing its hotels, businesses and residential properties with an unparalleled experience.

After blasting and bulk earthworks commenced in the year 1998, Melrose Arch opened with a limited upmarket facility, with phase 1 consisting of only 11 buildings in 2001. It was constructed on a super basement that connects all areas of the precinct and remains the only one of this kind in the country. Parking cars in the basement reduces traffic congestion, and assists in reducing ambient air pollution above ground. Therefore, walking on street level is safe and pleasurable.

Renowned for its upmarket appeal and European street style aesthetic, Melrose Arch’s streets are lined with greenery. The precinct has over 700 trees planted within its border, as well as five internal garden spaces creating green lungs for residents and tenants to enjoy.

Melrose Arch has since expanded to house 106 000m² office space, 39 000m² retail space, 17 000m² hotel space, 29 000m² of residential and conferencing space, and 8600m² accommodating health clubs. The integration of sustainability operations has expanded parallel to the 199 600m², with the result of seamless integration. 

Eco Centre, Waste Separating Facility

Melrose Arch’s waste separating facility, that operates 24/7 separates paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, and sends these for recycling. At the property’s approximately 30 restaurants, cafés and bars on the precinct, food waste is separated at source i.e., in the restaurant kitchens.

The food waste recycling works by implementing efficient waste separation methods and commitment, allowing each restaurant to divert food waste from traditional waste streams. By separating the food waste at source, restaurants assist in thorough recycling and processing, transforming waste into valuable resources such as compost.

The food waste is taken offsite and directly to the Urban Farms Recycling Centre, where it is converted into organic fertiliser. This organisation’s vermiculture facility in Modderfontein is the largest of its kind in South Africa. After the majority of the waste is recycled, the balance goes to a landfill, where the eco center aims to minimise the amount each day.

In February 2024, of the 92.578 tons of waste collected across the precinct, 88% was recycled. A total of 77,303.58m³ CO2, 712,447.19L of water and 312,494.50 kWh energy was saved. Additionally, the eco center creates employment and enhances community participation in climate-relevant mitigation and adaptation measures.

Melrose Arch Cooling Plant

The provision of efficient indoor climate and comfort, particularly in the offices and commercial buildings, has been prioritised since the inception of Melrose Arch’s development. The precinct boasts its own 1,471m² district underground cooling plant, that operates 24/7. This remarkable facility includes 8 chillers that are 2722.94kW in size, 12 cooling towers and 5 building water pumps.

Operated by a Building Management System, the plant is energy efficient. The cooling is centrally produced and distributes cold water to each building through a closed distribution network. Environmentally-friendly and economically savvy, this center helps to regulate the temperature inside buildings across the entire precinct.  

The cooling plant’s machinery and equipment have a nameplate capacity of 4,324.74KW, but for safety, are never operated at full capacity. The kVA demand for the plant during the summer months is set at 8.5kVA, which means that the plant regulates itself depending on demand, but it will limit itself to 8.5kVA. The average monthly kWh consumption for the plant is 494,914.08kWh.

Intricate Solar System

The Melrose Arch precinct’s rooftop solar system is intricately accommodated across 16 different roof surfaces, and every building under the precinct’s joint venture agreement that can host solar panels does. Currently featuring 7,811 solar panels and multiple inverters, generating approximately 3.2MW of clean energy annually, the grid-tied system integrates with multiple generators during load-shedding.

Some of the commercial operators on the property such as the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch operate their own solar systems, providing further sustainability. “We are committed to a target of 30% renewable energy across all of our properties by 2025, and becoming net zero for carbon emissions by 2050,” said Richard Collins, Area Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriot International.

Melrose Arch is investigating the expansion of its current solar capacity, looking to increase its clean energy supply by a further 3MW per annum. Melrose Arch is also investigating a battery plant solution, tied into its own grid, to be powered by the solar plant, which will provide the precinct with up to 4 hours of standby energy in the event of outages.

Back up water

Melrose Arch has two sources of underground water. Through its water treatment plant, water is filtered and cleansed before being converted to potable water. This water is channeled to Melrose Arch’s standby tanks, which are in place to enable the precinct to continue to enjoy water when there are interruptions to the local supply.

This system keeps the precinct’s gardens green throughout the year and ensures that less water is wasted. Last year alone, the precinct saved 3,500,000 litres of water in this way. Furthermore, Melrose Arch/the precinct has a water back-up system with sufficient supply to keep operations flowing for up to 72 hours at any given time.

“Melrose Arch’s prominence in the commercial and residential sector is underpinned by its robust operational sustainability integration that includes solar power, waste separation, a cooling plant, water backup and more,” says Reiner Henschel, Operations Director at Melrose Arch. “However, our commitment doesn’t end there. We are resolute in continually integrating sustainability into our operations, ensuring that the precinct maintains its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in South Africa,” he concluded.

For further details on Melrose Arch, visit https://MelroseArch.co.za/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.