Tech

Adenia Partners acquires Air Liquide’s operations in 12 African countries

Published

3 months ago

July 25, 2024

Adenia Partners, a leading private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of Air Liquide’s operations in 12 African countries, adopting the name Erium, which will make it a pan-African leader in industrial and medical gases.

The acquisition which was first announced in March, was formally closed on Monday July 22, marking the latest in a series of controlling-stake deals and acquisitions by Adenia which has focused on growth opportunities in Africa for over 20 years.

Effective immediately, Erium will replace the Air Liquide brand in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Togo.

Christophe Scalbert, a Senior Partner at Adenia, in a statement on Wednesday, said the launch of the new Erium brand signifies the beginning of a new era for its assets.

“The birth of Erium is remarkable in more ways than one. It is the culmination of an acquisition project by an African entity from an international actor; a large-scale project covering a vast geographical area and involving activities essential to the development of the continent,” said Scalbert.

“Above all, though, it is the beginning of an exciting future due to the growth prospects it offers; growth that we are committed to fully supporting for the benefit of employees, customers, and the local economic fabric.”

He stated that Erium leadership, supported by Adenia, aims to deliver value for the full spectrum of stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and local communities.

“The [R] sound evokes “air,” highlighting the essential natural resource integral to many gas solutions.

“Meanwhile, the [IUM] lettering suggests the scientific foundation of gases and materials, as well as premium quality and optimal solutions.

“Erium’s international name is both serious and robust, yet simple and accessible, embodying historical expertise and new agility,” he added.

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Tech

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Published

3 seconds ago

November 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.