The developers of ONLYOFFICE (www.ONLYOFFICE.com) are enhancing the official integration with Odoo. From now on, along with the ability to edit and collaborate on budget plans and sales reports within Odoo, users can automate form creation with inserting fields from Odoo in templates thanks to ONLYOFFICE.

Automated form creation: quick and easy

The newly released ONLYOFFICE app is designed to add data from Odoo to documents in the easiest and fastest way. Users are able to create a template directly within Odoo and use it further to fill PDFs with all the relevant data.

The ONLYOFFICE app allows creating and editing form templates for any Odoo module, filling templates out with data available in Odoo and printing them with several clicks.

Everything is being done within one window, without switching between the editor and the list of all the fields relevant to the corresponding Odoo module. For each template, there is a tag indicating for which Odoo section this template is created.

For more efficient template management, it is possible to assign access roles of User or Administrator. Users can print templates and open them for viewing, while Administrators can also create new templates and edit the current ones. The role type can be specified in the user profile.

Built to work on documents in Odoo seamlessly

The existing ONLYOFFICE integration into the Odoo environment provides business users with advanced document processing, thus extending Odoo’s capabilities beyond basic document management. It’s possible to work with text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs directly within Odoo without downloading or installing additional software.

ONLYOFFICE allows handling office documents uploaded in Odoo, including contracts, agreements, financial reports, business proposals, income statements, balance sheets, sales lead databases, purchase orders, project slides, etc. Users can launch the editors within any Odoo section where there is a possibility to upload or attach files, for example, edit deal notes in the Sales section or open chat attachments in the Discuss section.

For users of Odoo Enterprise, ONLYOFFICE provides an ability to work with office files in the Documents model. Along with the above mentioned features, here it is also possible to create new docs, sheets, and slides.

Moreover, the task of fast drafting is solved with ONLYOFFICE using its set of collaboration tools. Team co-authoring is possible in real-time and paragraph-locking modes. The latter option allows working more privately when needed. Further collaborative features comprise comments, review and Track Changes, built-in chat, integrated Jitsi plugin for video calls.

AI-driven content creation

ONLYOFFICE comes with the integrated AI assistants – ChatGPT and ZhiPu Colpilot plugins – for content creation and business document preparation in the Odoo platform. The editor utilizes AI to provide real-time grammar and style suggestions, ensuring professionalism and clarity in documents. In addition, it aids in content generation by using natural language processing to create summaries, descriptions, and introductory paragraphs, speeding up the document creation process.

Easy to start and use

The onboarding process is pretty easy for the Odoo users. It is needed to deploy ONLYOFFICE Docs choosing the suitable tariff plan, install the required ONLYOFFICE app via the admin panel or from the Odoo Apps Store, and configure the combined instance. All ONLYOFFICE apps for Odoo are provided free of charge.

Moreover, Odoo users are able to test ONLYOFFICE Docs for free during 30 days by connecting to the Demo Server. This option requires only app installation, with no need to install the actual editors.

Fit to enterprise users

ONLYOFFICE Docs is a cost-effective solution for companies and businesses. The Enterprise version is provided with a lifetime license, regular updates, and professional technical assistance. The suite is installed in a private organizational infrastructure without access from any third party. For larger public entities, ONLYOFFICE allows building a cluster with no limits for a number of users.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ONLYOFFICE.

About ONLYOFFICE: 
ONLYOFFICE, an open-source office software project, focuses on advanced and secure office solutions. With over 10 million users worldwide, it is recognized for its innovation in the online office domain. The ONLYOFFICE ecosystem includes collaborative applications such as online editors for text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and PDFs, along with a room-based collaborative platform. As an international company, ONLYOFFICE has employees and contributors across the globe, with offices located in Singapore, Dallas, Riga, London, Belgrade, Yerevan, and Tashkent.

About Odoo: 
Odoo is a Belgian suite of business software tools which cover CRM, e-commerce, billing, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse, project and inventory management. Odoo provides an open-source community version as well as an enterprise version with extra features and services. The suite is available for both on-premises and ready-to-use SaaS environment.

Official project page — https://apo-opa.co/3YD73DO
ONLYOFFICE Templates on the Odoo Apps Store —  https://apo-opa.co/3YNAgMx

Mining company African Rainbow Minerals (https://apo-opa.co/46M4tND) reached an agreement last September with financial services company Absa – along with finance institutions Standard Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa and Nedbank – to provide finance for the construction of a 132 MW solar project. The move is set to provide renewable energy to platinum mining projects in South Africa through power purchase agreements (PPAs). 

To support the growth of South Africa and Africa’s critical mineral industry, Absa is participating in this year’s Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit. Shirley Webber, Coverage Head of Resources&Energy at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking – an Absa subsidiary –, will discuss the firm’s contributions and investment strategy in the African critical mineral sector. 

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6-7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

Absa is a major player in Africa’s critical mineral industry, providing direct financing to project developers, while supporting critical mineral mining projects through long-term PPAs. The institution is arranging a $120 million debt facility to support platinum group metal (PGM) mining firm Pensana’s (https://apo-opa.co/4fTeBZo) strategy to achieve first PGM production in South Africa by 2025. Absa also partnered with French financial services firm Société Générale in March 2023 to raise $130 million in funding to support PGM and chrome-producer Tharisa (https://apo-opa.co/46HEd76) with its mining operations in South Africa. 

Absa has positioned itself as a key driver of environmental social governance (ESG) and skills and capacity building within Africa’s critical mineral sector as the global mining industry prioritizes environmental sustainability and local content development. In May 2023, Absa closed a $562.4 million sustainability-linked green bond for mining firm Harmony Gold, enabling the company to expand production and reduce its carbon footprint at its gold and copper projects across Africa. As such, Webber is expected to use the CMA 2024 platform to highlight how Absa is driving ESG projects across Africa’s critical mineral sector. 

“Companies like Absa have positioned themselves as key enablers of Africa’s critical mineral industry growth by simplifying access to capital for project developers. As demand for Africa’s energy transition metals grows and global markets prioritize environmental sustainability, the capital and ESG expertise provided by Absa will be crucial,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital&Power. 

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

In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital&Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), discusses the Association’s efforts to harmonize fuel standards, implement a three-decade energy transition strategy and invest in infrastructure. Kragha will participate in this year’ edition of MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power – scheduled for December 3-4 in Dakar – where he will highlight the role downstream expansion plays in inclusive energy access for all.

What opportunities do you see in the MSGBC region for the energy sector and how can events like MSGBC Oil&Gas and Power 2024 help foster growth?

Africa’s energy demand is rising and MSGBC’s is growing alongside it. To meet this demand sustainably with minimal carbon footprint, we need a strategic approach. First, regulators in MSGBC must create favorable frameworks for investment. Second, projects need thorough preparation to ensure they are bankable, with clear scopes, costs and schedules. Third, projects must prioritize low carbon footprints and incorporate ESG considerations. Fourth, we need skilled professionals to execute these projects. With these foundations in place, financing becomes more accessible. The MSGBC platform can play a crucial role in establishing these pillars to attract investment and achieve a sustainable energy future for the region.

What are your views on developing refineries in the MSGBC region, specifically regarding Société africaine de raffinage (SAR) in Senegal and its role in the country’s first oil production?

We are working with the African Union and the African Petroleum Producers Organization to promote a robust intra-African oil and gas industry. Our goal is to balance energy security and the energy transition while maximizing oil production and value addition on the continent to reduce imports and enhance long-term energy security. In the MSGBC region, with a population of over 30 million, Senegal plays a key role with just over 18 million (people). The SAR refinery, recently upgraded from 27,000 to 30,000 barrels per day, plans further expansion, with SAR 2.0 to boost energy security and reduce reliance on imported crude. Mauritania, with its significant gas potential, adds another dimension to MSGBC’s downstream potential especially with regards to an integrated, value-added petrochemicals sector for the region.

How does ARDA plan to implement investment projects and promote best practices in the downstream sector, especially in the MSGBC region?

ARDA enhances Africa’s downstream sector through key initiatives such as ARDA Week and seven specialized workgroups, focusing on refining upgrades, associated storage&distribution (S&D) infrastructure development, ESG, adoption of LPG for Clean Cooking, effective regulatory frameworks, strategic human resource management and cost-effective sustainable project financing. ARDA collaborates with regulators to create supportive investment frameworks and host investment forums to connect African project developers with financiers. Our partnership with McKinsey&Company aims to create a register of bankable, sustainable African energy infrastructure projects. Our Association is focused on launching two funds: a $1 billion fund dedicated to investing in large-scale LPG projects and another for upgrading refineries to produce clear fuels via reduced carbon footprints and supporting petrochemical projects. Our goal is to match projects like SAR 2.0 with financiers to secure essential funding to deliver the project within the envisioned timeline.

How crucial are large projects like the Dangote Refinery in overcoming Africa’s resource curse?

The Dangote Refinery, with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, is the world’s largest single-train refinery. Once operating at full capacity, it will produce AFRI 6 (10-ppm sulphur) fuels, significantly boosting Africa’s energy security. With energy demand in Africa projected to grow 45-55% by 2040, the refinery will be a game-changer, reducing the need for imported crude and enhancing energy independence. ARDA aims to support investments that refine more African crude locally, balancing energy security with a lower carbon footprint. ARDA is excited about the Dangote Refinery and other key projects, such as upgrades at SIR (Société ivoirienne de raffinage) in Ivory Coast and new refineries in Ghana and Uganda.

How is ARDA balancing the harmonization of cleaner fuels with the advancement of renewable energies?

ARDA’s “tale of three decades” strategy guides our Association’s plans to deliver a unique, sustanaible energy transition roadmap for the African Downstream sector. With Africa’s only contributing less than 3% of global cumulative carbon emissions to date, compared to 33% for the EU’s and 29% for North America, our continent needs a tailored approach that balances energy security and energy transition. Our strategy focuses on three pillars: cleaner transport and cooking fuels( including low-sulfur fuels and LPG) and  S&D infrastructure and petrochemical projects first; support for biofuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and mature, cost-effective renewable energy solutions second; and finally cleaner primary energy sources for power e.g. replacing coal and oil with natural gas. ARDA’s vision of the “Tale of Three Decades is as follows: Decade One (no to 2030), focus should be on upgrading refineries to produce cleaner fuels and reduce carbon footprint, LPG for Clean Cooking and regional S&D infrastructure while adopting cost-effective renewables like solar technology. Decade Two (2030 to 2040) will integrate biofuels, wind and other emerging renewables technologies. Decade Three(2040 to 2050), will incorporate more advanced solutions like CCUS, hydrogen, etc, as they become more mature.

How is ARDA working to standardize fuel specifications in Africa?

ARDA has led efforts to harmonize fuel specifications across Africa, notably through supporting the 2020 ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) directive adopting AFRI-5 specs of 50 parts per million (ppm) sulfur for fuel. Africa currently has 11 diesel grades (10 to 10,000 ppm sulfur) and 12 gasoline grades (10 to 2,500 ppm). ARDA has partnered with UNEP (UN Environment Program) and participated in the 2022 UNEP Africa Meetings with energy ministers in Nairobi to promote cleaner fuel and vehicle emissions standards across the continent. ARDA has also collaborated with the African Union Commission to deliver reports highlighting the health and socio-economic benefits of adopting cleaner, low-sulphur fuels as well as the costs of upgrading African refineries to produce AFRI-6 (10-ppm sulphur) fuels. Finally, as part of the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue, ARDA continues to work with OPEC, the African Union Commission and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) on the development of a robust, intra-African oil and gas industry that is focused on eliminating energy poverty while balancing both energy security and energy transition.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

The Africa Property Investment (API) Summit, the continent’s premier real estate gathering, returns for its 15th edition on 19 and 20 September 2024 for its Cape Town debut at the Westin Hotel, Cape Town.  Under the theme, ‘IMPACT’, this year’s summit will explore how effective strategy and execution are key to real estate success in today’s shifting African landscape.

The 15th annual API Summit 2024 will bring together over 550 delegates from more than 30 African and international countries, drawing representatives from Africa’s leading banks, pioneering listed funds, institutional investors, developers, operators, and other key stakeholders under one roof to shape the agenda for the continent’s real estate landscape.

In a market being reshaped by environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, focusing on impact and genuine demand positions real estate developers and investors for long-term success. Impactful assets can transform communities and countries by optimising space usage and driving business growth and foreign direct investment (FDI). While AI, monetary policy, climate action, and diversification remain important considerations, those prioritising demand and impact will be the ultimate long-term winners.

As the gathering point for regional and global participants from every facet of the real estate value chain, the two-day power-packed summit will serve as a platform for over 100 distinguished speakers.

The Summit will feature the Africa Proptech Forum and API Hospitality Forums, promising an exciting blend of networking, insights, and rich first-hand experiences. In addition, exclusive networking events, comprising the API Summit Cocktail Party and API Awards, API Networking and IFC EDGE Champions Dinner, together with site tours of iconic Cape Town projects, will provide ample opportunities to foster meaningful, lost-lasting professional connections.

Previously held in Johannesburg, the API Summit’s move to Cape Town highlights the city’s rising status as a hub for real estate innovation and investment for global real estate players.

Murray Anderson-Ogle, API Summit Organiser, says: “We are thrilled to bring the API Summit to Cape Town, a city that epitomises growth, innovation and excellence in Africa. This year’s theme, IMPACT, is a nod to the importance of both strategy and execution in driving meaningful change in the real estate, hotel and Proptech sectors.”

Niyi Adeleye, Head of Real Estate Finance – Africa Regions, Standard Bank Group, adds: “The real estate sector remains an important contributor to the development of the African continent, improving quality of life and providing opportunities to deploy ESG initiatives. As Standard Bank Group, Africa is our home, and we drive her growth. Supporting the API Summit aligns with our commitment to enhancing the relevance of this sector and attracting increased participation from both domestic and international capital sources.”

Thomas Reilly, CEO, Lango Real Estate, comments: “Lango is proud to be associated with the API Summit, which has established itself as a premier forum for market participants. This event is a unique opportunity to support the industry and showcase the asset class in Africa to a global audience.”

Wayne Godwin, CEO, JLL Africa, says: “Africa is home to 70 of the 100 fastest-growing cities in the world. We are excited to participate in the API Summit to address challenges impacting positive growth. At JLL, we are launching our specialist-led approach to consulting at the summit, which recognises the need for experts at an asset class level to provide discernible value to clients.”

The 2024 API Summit once again promises to be a landmark event, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into the latest trends, and explore tangible examples of success in Africa’s real estate sector from Africa’s biggest players and decision-makers and international players invested in Africa.

For more information and to register, visit www.APISummit.co.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

For any media enquiries or interviews, kindly contact:
Anne Lovell via anne@dmix.com or 083 651 7777

Distributed for API Events by Dmix:
API Events
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Email: Murray@apievents.com
Contact: +27 71 890 77 39
Website: www.APIEvents.com

Social Media:
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