Updated hourlyHourly refreshSun, Oct 25, 2026
SaaS · Energy
A Bankable Co-Investment Pipeline: SNEL and Invest Africa convened UAE leaders to showcase a structured, multi-gigawatt infrastructure pipeline, highlighting a highly secure opportunity for institutional capital to scale up renewable generation and modernise the national grid.
Unrivaled Regional Cost Leadership: Moving beyond theoretical potential, SNEL leverages an operational, 99.9% clean hydro baseload that delivers a structural cost advantage with an LCOE of ~$32/MWh, significantly outperforming regional peers and offering highly competitive margins for industrial off-takers.
Powering the Global Mineral Transition: Delivering reliable, ultra-low-carbon electricity is the strategic prerequisite for the DRC's copper and cobalt mining sectors, driving sustainable industrialisation while securing the critical supply chains essential to the global energy transition.
Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL SA), the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) national electricity utility, in partnership with Invest Africa (https://www.InvestAfrica.com/) convened senior representatives from the UAE’s investment, finance, energy and infrastructure sectors for a private investment dinner in Dubai on 21 October. The event provided a platform to explore opportunities for international investors to participate in the development and modernisation of the DRC’s energy infrastructure.
Led by SNEL Director General, Prof. Dr. Ir. Teddy Lwamba Muba, the discussion focused on SNEL’s proposed investment pipeline, spanning large-scale hydropower, solar energy, battery storage, regional power interconnections, transmission infrastructure and digital metering. The pipeline reflects the scale of investment required to expand electricity supply, modernise the national grid and strengthen the DRC’s role in regional energy markets.
The DRC possesses an estimated 167 GW of hydropower potential across 3,350 identified sites, including the approximately 44 GW Inga complex. Yet, according to SNEL’s investment presentation, just 4.6 GW of hydropower capacity is currently installed nationwide. Unlocking this potential represents a significant opportunity to expand low-carbon electricity generation while supporting the country’s industrial development and growing demand for reliable power.
Among the opportunities presented were three major hydropower projects: Luapula, with a proposed capacity of 800 MW and an estimated investment of US$1.68 billion; Kibombo, at 246 MW and US$662 million; and Wanie Rukula, at 688 MW and US$3.4 billion. The wider pipeline also includes approximately US$4 billion in solar photovoltaic development, alongside investments in cross-border transmission, grid expansion and smart metering.
Reliable, competitively priced electricity will be essential to the DRC’s ambitions as a global supplier of critical minerals, particularly copper and cobalt. Expanding low-carbon power infrastructure can help meet the needs of energy-intensive mining operations, support more sustainable mineral supply chains and create the conditions for wider industrial growth. Improved regional interconnections could also strengthen electricity trade and enable the DRC to contribute further to regional energy security.
The discussions took place as SNEL pursues measures to strengthen electricity supply in the near term. Through its partnership with Turkish company Karpowership, SNEL is preparing for the deployment of a floating power plant with an announced initial capacity of approximately 134 MW in Matadi, intended to inject additional electricity into the national grid and support supply to Kinshasa. The initiative illustrates the importance of combining near-term capacity solutions with sustained investment in generation and transmission infrastructure.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Teddy Lwamba Muba, Director General of SNEL SA, said:
“Reliable, ultra-low-carbon power is the catalyst converting critical mineral endowments into sustainable industrial wealth. SNEL’s strategic transformation delivers exactly that: modernizing our generation fleet, securing regional transmission links, and deploying private capital frameworks under our updated regulatory regime. We are offering international investors disciplined governance, captive industrial demand, and long-term, risk-adjusted returns at the heart of Africa’s clean energy corridor.”
Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, said:
“The DRC presents significant opportunities for investors seeking to participate in Africa’s next phase of infrastructure development. Reliable electricity is fundamental to industrialisation, regional trade and the growth of competitive, sustainable businesses. By bringing SNEL together with investors and industry leaders from the UAE, we aim to support the partnerships needed to mobilise capital, advance priority projects and realise the country’s energy potential.”
The dinner formed part of Invest Africa’s wider work to connect African businesses and institutions with international investors, facilitating partnerships across key sectors of the continent’s economy.
Invest Africa and SNEL will look to build on the discussions and support further engagement with prospective investment partners around the DRC’s energy infrastructure priorities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
Media enquiries:
George Meadows
george.meadows@investafrica.com
SNEL
lli@concerto-pr.com
About SNEL SA:
About Invest Africa:
Oct 23 · 12:52·APO Group
AI · Automotive
ITWA 2026 brings together global leaders in electronics, robotics, automotive, semiconductors, displays, and materials, offering innovation, sourcing, and networking opportunities across the manufacturing supply chain. [PR.com]
Oct 23 · 12:37·PR.com
Industrial
CIIF stands for China International Industry Fair, the industrial exhibition held in Shanghai, China. The 2026 edition concluded on October 16 after five days at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), bringing manufacturing technologies, professional trade acti…
Oct 23 · 12:21·PR Now
Finance · Food & drink
The Food Contract Manufacturing Market size was valued at US$447.56 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$765.16 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.93% during 2026–2033. The retrieved public source material for this batch did not ...
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Oct 23 · 12:19·PR News Releaser
Finance · Retail
BEND, Ore., Oct. 23, 2026 -- BranchOut Food Inc. (Nasdaq: BOF) (“BranchOut” or the “Company”), a growth-stage consumer packaged foods company focused on developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing clean-label, plant-based dried fruit and vegetable snacks, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 2,941,177 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $1.70 per share (the “Offering”). Gross proceeds to the Company, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $5.0 million. All of the shares in the Offering are to be sold by the Company.
Oct 23 · 12:00·GlobeNewswire
AI · SaaS
- Showcasing Innovation, Technology and Trendsetting Designs to Capture New Opportunities in the Eyewear Industry
HONG KONG - October 23, 2026 - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKMOA), the 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair will be held from 4 to 6 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons", the fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, featuring a wide range of products and solutions covering smart eyewear, eye care, sports and specialist eyewear, frames, lenses and more, providing buyers with a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam said: "The eyewear industry is entering a new era driven by technological innovation, sustainability and changing lifestyles. AI-powered smart glasses, for example, recorded global shipments of 8.7 million units last year, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 322%, underscoring the sector’s strong growth momentum. The Hong Kong International Optical Fair showcases the latest products and technologies, and also inspires the industry to explore emerging market opportunities from fresh perspectives and foster cross-industry collaboration. From smart eyewear and green solutions to innovative fashion-forward designs, we look forward to providing a platform for exchanges and partnerships within and beyond the industry while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international business hub and regional sourcing centre."
Global brands unveil the next wave of eyewear innovation
This year, the fair brings together exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and across Asia, Europe and the United States. Industry associations and enterprises from various regions will also be featured, including the HKOMA, Danyang in Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang, Yingtan in Jiangxi Province, Taiwan, ASEAN, Korea and the Fukui Optical Association, as well as the Visionaries of Style zone dedicated to creative designer brands. Making its debut at the fair, Daegu Health College of Korea will bring a number of local eyewear companies and showcase their innovative products. The spotlighted "Brand Name Gallery" will showcase some 200 renowned brands from around the world, highlighting the latest designs and technological innovations.
The 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair has already attracted pre-registered buyers from leading retailers and distributors worldwide, including Capitol Optical (Singapore), Eyespace Eyewear (UK), Grand Optik (Indonesia), Kaundi GmbH (Austria), Optica Halperin Ltd (Israel), Optical London Drugs (Canada), Parasite Design (France), The Optical Company (Australia) and Vision Plus (US), demonstrating the event’s strong international sourcing appeal.
Capturing growth in smart eyewear and the silver economy
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and wearable technology are driving strong growth in the smart eyewear sector. According to IDC, global smart glasses shipments reached 3.566 million units in the first quarter of 2026, up 130.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, market research firm Omdia reported that global AI eyewear shipments reached 8.7 million units in 2025, representing annual growth of 322%, highlighting the transition of smart eyewear from a niche category to mainstream adoption.
This year's fair will feature a wide array of smart eyewear equipped with augmented reality (AR), AI voice assistants, real-time translation, 4K recording and navigation functions. At the same time, growing demand from the silver economy is fuelling interest in vision care and eye-health products. Exhibitors will showcase progressive lenses, smart reading glasses, bone-conduction audio glasses and eye-care devices designed for older consumers, helping to enhance quality of life and visual wellbeing. Sports eyewear, performance eyewear, sustainability-focused products and green manufacturing technologies will also be among the highlights.
Industry events spotlight emerging trends and future opportunities
A series of forums and seminars will be held during the fair, covering topics such as smart eyewear, performance eyewear, testing and certification, enabling industry professionals to keep abreast of the latest market developments. The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will take place on 5 November. Under the theme "Primary Eye Care in Action: Elevating Clinical Scope and Community Impact", experts from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will share the latest research findings and clinical experiences on a wide range of topics, including paediatric eye care, digital eye strain, driving vision assessment, dry eye management, inherited retinal diseases, and collaborative management between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
In addition, the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition will hold its award presentation ceremony on the opening day of the fair. This year's theme, "Mix & Match", encourages designers to showcase eyewear as an expression of fashion and personal style through innovative designs. A new Technology Concept Award has been introduced for student participants to encourage the integration of creativity and technology.
The fair will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model which seamlessly integrates online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect and arrange meetings through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 13 November. During the physical event, buyers can also use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ QR codes to bookmark favourite suppliers, access product details and interactive floor plans, and make product enquiries - enabling engagement with exhibitors before and after the fair to continue their sourcing journey.
Featured Products
Driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts and increasing health awareness, the eyewear industry is entering a new era of growth and transformation. This year's fair spotlights five major trends: smart technology, the silver economy, fashion and design, active lifestyles, and sustainability. Showcasing innovative products and solutions that combine technology, wellness, design and environmental responsibility, the fair offers a glimpse into the future of the industry while opening up fresh business opportunities. Highlights include:
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4iuIl1Q
Websites
The Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en
Event details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/programme
The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-24th-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium
The HKTDC's Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Fair Details
Date:
4 – 6 November 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time:
(4 to 5 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm
(6 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm
Venue:
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only. Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)
Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform:
Date: 28 October – 13 November
Media enquiries:
For enquiries, please contact:
HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Navin Law
Tel: (852) 2584 4525
Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.org
Winnie Kan
Tel: (852) 2584 4055
Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Oct 23 · 11:21·NewMediaWire
Healthcare · Industrial
The Bioprocess Validation Market is gaining importance as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical companies increasingly focus on manufacturing consistency, product quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Bioprocess validation involves documented procedures used to demonstrate that manufacturing processes consistently produce products meeting ...
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Oct 23 · 10:36·PR News Releaser
Industrial · Biotech & pharma
The Biopharmaceutical Fermentation Market is gaining importance as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly adopt advanced manufacturing technologies to develop biologics, vaccines, therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and other biotechnology-derived products. Fermentation processes utilize microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and other engineered biological systems, ...
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Oct 23 · 10:34·PR News Releaser
SaaS · Automotive
Strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing is critical to enhancing military operational readiness, securing supply chains and advancing national self-reliance. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to prioritise local innovation and production to build sustainable logistical capabilities and reduce dependence on external supplies.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, underscored these priorities while chairing the 74th Board of Directors Meeting of the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret, where he launched two key initiatives aimed at strengthening operational support and staff welfare.
A major highlight was the unveiling of a locally manufactured Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE) ration, designed to provide convenient and nutritious meals for military personnel during operations, training exercises and field deployments.
The introduction of the MRE marks a significant milestone in expanding Kenya’s domestic defence production capacity, strengthening logistical resilience and reducing reliance on external supply chains for essential military provisions.
Lieutenant General Omenda also launched a new KOFC staff bus to enhance personnel mobility, improve transportation efficiency and support the corporation’s daily operations, underscoring the importance of workforce welfare in sustaining institutional productivity.
The initiatives highlight KOFC’s growing role in advancing defence industrial innovation, promoting local manufacturing and supporting the KDF’s operational requirements.
By integrating technological innovation, personnel welfare and indigenous production, KOFC continues to contribute to a more resilient, efficient and self-reliant defence sector, reinforcing the KDF’s capacity to sustain operations and safeguard national security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
Oct 23 · 10:21·APO Group
Industrial · Logistics
Tungsten carbide market growth is driven by cutting tools, APAC manufacturing, infrastructure and 3D printing. HYDERABAD, TELANGANA, INDIA, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the global tungsten carbide market size is projected to grow from USD 17.23 billion in 2026 to USD 21.20 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 4.23%. Rising demand for reliable supply chains is encouragin
Oct 23 · 10:15·EIN Presswire
Travel · Industrial
QUANZHOU, FUJIAN, CHINA, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- For procurement teams building a resilient supply chain, selecting the right manufacturing partner requires evaluating both production capabilities and the operational workflows that connect them across borders. Established in 2000, DCP TRAVELLING PRODUCTS CO., LTD. supports cross-border supply through a synchronized China and Indonesia production netw
Oct 23 · 10:08·EIN Presswire