African Packaging Organisation officially launched
The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has endorsed the creation of the APO, which aims to improve the standard of packaging throughout Africa by various means, including support of its member organisations, building packaging capability in Africa, and seeking to increase trade throughout the continent.
Founder membership of the APO includes Institute of Packaging Professionals (Kenya), Packaging Council of South Africa, Tanzanian Institute of Packaging and Institutes of Packaging in Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa (IPSA). All WPO members are also included.
At the first meeting, the Kenyan Bureau of Standards participated as an observer. Joseph Nyongesa, from Institute of Packaging Professionals in Kenya, was elected as its first president and Ahmed Alex Omah, from Institute of Packaging, Nigeria, as first vice president.
Roger Cary-Smith from IPSA, who has served as interim secretary during the formation stages, was confirmed as general secretary of the new organisation.
Sidel sees potential for PET in Africa
Liquid packaging specialist, Sidel Group, is targeting Africa’s beverage market — a territory that the company believes is ripe for growth.
“With a population of over 1 billion, Africa represents a huge opportunity for Sidel to enhance and expand its presence in one of the fastest growing markets for our business globally,” said Terence Hobson, managing director, Sidel Packaging Systems, South Africa.
“With its promising economic outlook, aggressive infrastructure development, population growth and stable political situation, Africa is one of the best places in the world for us to present our innovative solutions which address evolving market needs.“
The PET blow molding company is therefore exhibiting at Juice Africa 2014, the continent’s only gathering dedicated solely to Africa’s juice segment.
Plastics, Printing & Packaging industry bets big on MENA market
Visitor turnout and participation at the 2nd Plastivision Arabia, 2nd Arabia Mold, inaugural Print Pack Arabia, and the 5th International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon) was high on the first three days of the event. The three trade fairs and the conference opened at Expo Centre Sharjah on April 7 and will conclude on April 10.
"The first three days were fantastic. With one more day to go, we are expecting further surge in visitors to the multi-industry events. Most of the exhibitors are optimistic about the MENA and GCC growth story and are planning to expand their presence in the region," said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah .
The World Bank Group's latest regional economic update projects growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to accelerate from an average of 2.6 per cent in 2013 to 4.6 per cent in 2015.
MasterCard aims to increase electronic payments
MasterCard today announced the licensing of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) to issue MasterCard debit, credit and prepaid cards in Kenya. The collaboration is expected to increase the adoption of electronic payments in the country, especially in the retail banking sector.
James Wainaina, Vice President and Area Business Head, MasterCard East Africa said: “MasterCard’s vision for East Africa and the rest of Africa is a world beyond cash and we can only achieve this by working with industry partners that have a similar goal. As our nation moves towards being a cashless society, we are proud to work with GTBank as they move towards retail banking and whose retail focus will further the adoption of electronic payment systems in Kenya’s fast-growing retail sector.”
