[Interview] Fred Swaniker on the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship
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By Bas Vlugt. Interview with Fred Swaniker, Co-Founder and CEO of African Leadership Network ALN about the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship AAE
What are the Africa Entrepreneurship Awards?
"The AAE is the leading Awards programme for business and entrepreneurship in Africa-- ‘The Oscars’ of business and entrepreneurship in Africa. Over 5 successful years, the programme has given away more than USD 1.4 million in prizes to about 25 winners and invested over USD 5 million to celebrate and promote Africa’s leading entrepreneurs. More details can be found at www.africaawards.com."
The Awards are now organised by the African Leadership Network. What are the objectives of this organization and how do the Awards fit in?
"The African Leadership Network is the premier community for a new generation of Africa’s leaders –the most dynamic leaders under the age of 45 from both the private and public sector who are poised to bring prosperity to Africa in the next decades. The sole objective of ALN is to bring prosperity to Africa.
The AAE is a perfect partner for ALN because it helps expand and strengthen ALN’s commitment to creating prosperity for Africa by recognizing and promoting entrepreneurship as an engine for prosperity and wealth creation in Africa. AAE believes that business is development and this is a premise that ALN fully agrees with and supports. "
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[Forum] Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will head the African Union - what does that mean for Africa and Business? |
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South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will head the African Union. What does this mean for the development of Africa in general and for doing business in Africa in particular?
Peter Asolo - PetVini Global Concept: "The idea of making a South African the head of Africa Union is a mistake in the 2012 when almost all the western countries think SA is the only country in Africa while others are jungles... read more
Thandanani Khoza - Sakina Energy Solution Pty (Ltd): "There have been a lot of mixed reactions throughout South Africa and the world conveyed about Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's new post. In my view this signals a way forward for Africa. Africans have not recognised the reason to be united as there are a lot of sector groupings between North and Southern countries. Africa is seen by most international investors as the new frontier in terms of economic growth. Those who enter where angels fear to walk will reap the benefits in the long-term... read more
Martin Egbuka - IHS in Lagos, Nigeria: "The appointment of Dlamini-Zuma South Africa's home affairs minister, who previously served as minister of health and foreign affairs, will add to the global diplomatic influence of an African state which is already the continent's largest economy. As head of the organization’s executive arm, she faces immediate challenges as the AU tries... read more
Henry Change - LWC Mining in Lusaka, Zambia: "Lusaka Congratulations to Mrs Zuma on her historical election to such an important position. Her election will bring about a shift in the way men of politcal power exercises their power on the Continent of Africa; Men will have to realise that the preserve of power is not only vested in men alone, now and in the future. Coming from the Southern part of Africa, is a great thing has happened because most of the UN and AU positions have been for a longtime been dorminated by our brothers and sisters from either the West, East or North Africa ... read more
Khanya Ngonyama - Georem International in Johannnesburg, South Africa: "I doubt that Dr Dlamini-Zuma's AU victory will have a significant impact on business in South Africa & the rest of Africa because the AU mostly deals with political issues. This is also because the AU has not made many changes so far in reducing tensions between certain countries. They can help by creating political stability wich is the foundation for economic stability and attracting foreign direct investment... read more
Johnny Loji - Transnet National Ports Authority in Johannesburg, South Africa: "I would not see much change there because the countries comprising the association have to possess a certain minimum power potential in order for a business to be self -sustainable economically. Without this leverage any person who would be elected to assume officer ship in the OAU would offer an organizational service that would be beneficial more to the stronger components of the association... read more
Chabedi Mphela - PanSALB in Johannesburg, South Africa: "My view is that, Dlamini-Zuma, having dealt with the problem of zenophobia in South Africa, would be able to address the issue of opening border doors for Africa to:
Be able to accept one another as one continent (if we still label another and think that immigration from one country to another legally, is detrimental to the receiving country, then we won’t be able to do business together... read more
Akakpo K. Blandin - Danhtin in Lomé, Togo: "I personally and some colleagues here did sincerely appreciate the fact that the leadership of the African Union will change and for two main reasons;
First to answer your question: for African in general , i desire that Mrs Dlamini-Zuma taking over the chair of the AU will certainly provoke a change of paradigm in the ways things are done there. Unlike francophone, English speaking people are more of active people with a very pragmatic ways of doing thing... read more
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| Management Edge Signs Contract with EXIN to Ensure she Continues in her Leading Role in Training Delivery and Certification |
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Management Edge has entered into a contract with EXIN, the independent global Examination Institute specializing in Information Management. The contract with EXIN regarding ITIL certification for professionals covers both the delivery of ITIL examinations and accreditation as an ITIL training organization.
With this contract Management Edge is set to play a leading role in ITIL Certification in the West African sub region being the first and only indigenous company to be accredited by EXIN across this region.
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| [Interview] Wale Adebayo, MD/CEO, Nissi-Lloyds Capital Investments - "Africa is the most Investable Continent." |
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By Andrea Ayemoba. International banker, Managing Partner/CEO of Nissi-Lloyds Capital Investments, Wale Adebayo, speaks candidly on the Banking and Finance Industry in Africa and beyond. His interview:
Can you tell us about your company and where you operate from?
Nissi-Lloyds Capital and Investments, LLC is a leading independent multi-discipline financial services firm headquartered in Nigeria - with offices in Dubai and Zimbabwe - to carry out bespoke business and financial advisory services, derivatives advisory, capital markets, offshore capital sourcing and private equity investments.
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Philips provides educational centre in Nairobi with new solar powered LED lighting system for evening sport and education |
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During the Kenya leg of its third annual Cairo to Cape Town road show, Philips announced that it will be providing a new solar powered LED lighting system to the Raila Educational Centre Kibera Nairobi to help stimulate evening time sport.
The aim is to demonstrate that a new generation of cost effective outdoor lighting powered by the sun is now available, which has the potential to transform life in Kenya at an economic and social level, in ways which have never been possible before.
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| Airtel Honored at EuroFinance Awards |
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Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel), a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa including Ghana, has won the ‘Highly Commended Award’ at this year’s ‘EuroFinance Treasury Awards for Excellence’.
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| World Cocoa Foundation honours COCOBOD boss |
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The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has honoured Mr Anthony Fofie, Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), for his immense contribution towards cocoa sustainability in Ghana.
He received the award at the 21st World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) Partnership Meeting and Roundtable Sessions held in Washington, DC, where he spoke on the topic, “The Role of Public Private Partnership in Feed the Future.”
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| Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2013 to Award USD 150,000 to Winners! Applications Open Now … |
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The second round of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), which aims to reward innovation across Africa in key sectors of interest, was launched on 2nd of July. It will award USD 150,000 to winners who deliver market-oriented solutions for African-led development.
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| [Interview] Jude Asare on Empire Royale Real Estate |
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By Isaac Twumasi Quantus. This week Africa Business Communities brings you this interview with Jude Asare, CEO at Empire Royale Real Estate in Ghana.
Empire Royale Real Estate deals with the sale and purchase of houses, flats and land. Many also manage rental properties, which has been a growth area.
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| China-Africa relations must be mutually beneficial – Kufuor |
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Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, said on Tuesday in Suzhou, China, that relations between China and Africa must be based on a win-win situation in which the aspirations of both Africans and Chinese are met.
He said Africa should seek partnerships that will open up the enormous wealth of their markets in a way that will benefit their people and not those that deprived them of their well-being even as their resources were being taken away.
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| "Fidelity is Nigeria’s Soundest Bank" – The Banker |
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The world-renowned Banker magazine, a subsidiary of The Financial Times of London, last weekend released its ranking of the Top 1,000 banks in the world.
Among the highlights is the listing of two Nigerian banks among the “soundest banks” in the world by virtue of their capital adequacy.
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| Employees Fly Mandela Day flag in Africa and the Middle East |
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MTN employees joined multitudes of people and organizations around the world to observe Mandela Day in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday.
They will mark the day by doing good for humanity in tribute to an icon whose fight for freedom and contribution to the ushering in of democracy in South Africa inspired the birth of MTN, now a global African brand that is using the empowering force of mobile telephony to transform people’s lives.
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| Protecting Nigeria’s Revenue Through Crude Oil Hedging |
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Crude oil accounts for about 80 percent of Nigeria’s export earnings. It may therefore be surmised that any drop in the international price would have a significantly negative impact on the Nigerian economy and create a massive budget deficit. A budget deficit would lead to drawdown in our foreign reserves.
Nigeria’s foreign reserves currently stand at about $36.5billion as at April 2012.
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| Ecobank Ghana named “2012 Best Bank in Ghana” by Euromoney |
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Ecobank Ghana has been named “Best Bank in Ghana” by the leading international finance magazine, Euromoney. The awards were presented last night at the 2012 Euromoney Awards for Excellence Dinner in London. The Ecobank Group also scooped the award for Best Bank in Africa.
Regarded as the flagship awards for financial services globally, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence are now in their 22nd consecutive year. This year’s awards process, which began in April, attracted over 600 submissions from the world’s banks and brokerage houses.
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| Dangote Sugar Surpasses Profit Projections |
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Investors and other stakeholders in Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) are in for a bumper harvest this year as the company has been on steady rise, which is above its performance projections, since the beginning of the operating year.
The management said at the weekend that the minor fire at its bagging store notwithstanding, it would continue with its cutting-edge business plans to achieve its set goals to the benefits of the investors.
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| Sage ERP X3 Expands its Footprint in Africa |
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Sage ERP X3 offers the flexibility and functionality that many African businesses need to manage a competitive operation in an increasingly global market, offering a compact and affordable software system that was designed for the unique needs of a mid-sized company.
“In the last year, Sage ERP X3 has experienced 54% growth in Africa, which is a great achievement considering the global economic climate,” says Jeremy Waterman (left), Managing Director of Sage MMD Africa, part of the Sage Group.
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| Algeria's Sonatrach in Talks with Shell, ExxonMobil on Shale Gas |
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Algeria has started talks with Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil on shale gas exploration in the North African country, the head of state energy firm Sonatrach said on Wednesday.
Italy's Eni last year signed an agreement with Sonatrach to help carry out shale gas exploration.
"We are in talks with Shell and Exxon," Sonatrach Chief Executive Abdelhamid Zerguine told a news conference.
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| GHACEM produced 2.55 million tonnes of cement in 2011 |
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The Ghana Cement Works (GHACEM) Limited, produced 2. 55 million tonnes of cement in 2011, Mr. Morten Gade, Managing Director of the Company, said on Monday.
Mr Gade was speaking at the 2011 Workers Performance Apprasial Awards Ceremony of the company at Takoradi.
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| Prominent Nigerian Social Network Signs Million Naira Deal with Blackberry Nigeria |
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Prominent Nigerian social networking website, Ladies And Gentlemen book, popularly known as LAGbook, on 18th June, 2012, signed an 8 weeks sponsorship deal with Research in Motion (Blackberry) Nigeria, valued at N1.2million.
Before the deal, LAGbook had over 75,000 registered members with international media attention from Webrazzi and TechCrunch, the world's foremost technology news portal on the Internet.
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| [Blog] Russia's Relations With Africa Floundering |
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By Kester Kenn Klomegah. A lack of focus and lack of interest are hindering what could be a beneficial economic and political relationship between Russia and the African continent.
Russia today does not have a concrete policy agenda for Africa, and offers much less to the continent now than it did during the Soviet era, at least according to Irina Filatova, professor emeritus at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and a professor at the National Research University at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
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| World Bank Supports Malawi’s Economic Recovery with $150million |
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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$150 million to Malawi to support the government with its current reform program to stabilize the fragile economy.
This will help accelerate the resumption of growth, support a quick rebound in the agricultural sector, and cushion the costs of the economic transition.
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| Access Bank Takes Social Responsibility Campaign to Ham Polo Club |
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Access Bank Plc, a leading African financial institution, extended its corporate social responsibility campaign to London's oldest polo ground on Sunday 8 July 2012. In conjunction with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker, the event was held to highlight the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in Nigeria.
Ham Polo Club was the setting for this inaugural 'Access Bank Day' which was attended by senior members of African and Nigerian governments, UK and African business leaders and customers of Access Bank Nigeria and UK, as well as members of the British royal family.
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| World Bank to help improve healthcare for 11 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially women |
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The World Bank’s Board has approved an additional International Development Association (IDA)* grant of $75 million for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Health Sector Rehabilitation Support Project to help improve primary health care for 11 million people.
The new grant will be used to provide basic services that will ensure greater survival among women and children.
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| GOIL after-tax earnings up by 25% |
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Oil marketing company GOIL’s after-tax earnings rose by 25% in 2011, reaching GH¢7.9 million from GH¢6.3 million in 2010, according to financial results released ahead of its annual general meeting on July 25.
The company said net sales went up by 29% from GH¢472.3 million in 2010 to GH¢609.3 million, resulting in a 22% increase in gross margin. Gross sales amounted to GH¢671.7 million, an increase of 31% over the previous year.
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| [Blog] Meet Africa's Mark Zuckerberg: Uganda’s billionaire student & tech guru |
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By Erika Amoako-Agyei. He’s been described as the Mark Zuckerberg of Africa: Twenty-two-year-old Ugandan IT student Abdu Ssekalala has made a fortune from mobile apps, benefiting from Africa's fast-growing telecoms market. His applications have rivaled some of the world's most popular platforms in downloads.
He's only 22 and already a billionaire - at least in Uganda where he lives. The Computing and Information Technology student at Makerere University in Kampala, develops mobile applications.
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| Tullow Oil Trading Statement and Operational Update |
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Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) issues this Trading Statement and Operational Update in respect of the first half of the 2012 financial year ended 30 June 2012.
This is in advance of the Group’s Half-Yearly Results, which are scheduled for release on Wednesday 25 July 2012. The information contained herein has not been audited and is subject to further review.
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| GTB Named the Best Bank in Nigeria for the Fourth Consecutive Year |
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Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) plc has been named the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney Magazine, for the fourth consecutive year.
The award was presented in London earlier this month at the 2012 Euromoney Awards for Excellence Dinner, which recognized the excellence of financial institutions around the world.
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| Tech giant makes great strides towards total empowerment |
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The Integr8 Group, South Africa’s largest privately owned ICT managed services provider, has been officially accredited with Level 4 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) status, is regarded as a ‘Value Adding Supplier’ and is on track to achieve Level 3 recognition.
In July the company received confirmation of its status from the National Empowerment Rating Agency (NERA), a South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)-accredited verification agency, after having been fully assessed.
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Apply for the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship! |
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Are you a high performing African entrepreneur with a track record of business excellence and high social impact? Do you share our core belief that business is development and that entrepreneurship is the key to Africa’s economic resurgence? Do you see yourself as an icon of entrepreneurial success in Africa? If so, then this year’s African Awards for Entrepreneurship may bear your name!
The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (AAE), indubitably ‘the Oscars’ of business and entrepreneurship in Africa, is pleased to announce the 2012 Awards Programme. African Leadership Network (ALN), the premier network of Africa’s new generation of leaders, is pleased to partner with Legatum Group, a leading Private Equity firm and previous hosts, to bring you the Awards this year. As in previous years, the programme will recognize and award exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who serve as role models to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs and who demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability.
Since inception in 2007, AAE has attracted more than 7,000 applications from leading African businesses and has given out prizes in excess of $1.4 million to 25 leading companies. Aside from the generous prize money, the incredibly high beam of spotlight provided by the Awards, as well as the unrivalled access to a network of top entrepreneurs and funding resources, has spurred previous winners unto even more glorious heights in their respective industries.
Unlike in past years when the AAE was limited to only enterprises with revenues from USD2M to USD15M, this year, entrepreneurs with a range of business sizes from as small as USD500k to as much as USD 50M or more in revenue may apply for the Awards. Please see the attachment for the 2012 application and send in your completed entries to info@africaawards.com.
The deadline for entries is 31 August 2012.
AAE 2012 especially welcomes women entrepreneurs to apply.
2012 Programme
The objectives of the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship are:
- To promote the value of entrepreneurship as a driving force of today’s Africa
- To celebrate the highest standards of business excellence within Africa
- To encourage business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship
- To build strong networks of African entrepreneurs as a source of learning and sharing of best practice
- To attract more venture capital inflows towards good businesses across Africa
The awards will be open to firms originating from Africa that are independent and not a subsidiary of a larger organization, and are fully registered in the home country.
The 2012 Awards will have the following four categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award (New!)
Citation and trophy awarded to a senior African business leader who has served as an entrepreneurial icon for several decades and has left an enduring legacy of entrepreneurial success in Africa.
Transformational Business Award
Citation and trophy awarded to notable business leader who has had a major socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD 50M
Outstanding Mature Business Award (New!)
First Prize: USD 100,000 prize to a business leader who has built a company with revenues between USD5M to USD50M
Runner-up Prize: Additional USD 50,000 to the first runner up
Outstanding Small and Growing Business (New!)
USD 50,000 prize to a young, remarkable African business with revenues between USD0.5M and USD 5 M
 What makes an AAE winner?
The Africa Awards will be judged by an international panel of leading business experts, employing a rigorous and transparent selection process. Winning companies will be selected based on their ability to operate truly sustainable and innovative businesses, and will demonstrate excellence in:
- Overall profitability, return on investment and growth
- Long-term business strategy
- Leadership, culture and values
- Investment in employees
- Innovating to address a market need
- Making a contribution to the community
Who is eligible?
Entry is open to all Africa-based entrepreneurs with firms that:
- Have revenues over USD 500, 000
- Have been profitable for at least two years
- Are independent (not a subsidiary of a larger organization)
- Have employed a significant number of people
- Are fully registered in their home country and free of legal actions.
For further information please visit:
www.africaawards.com | www.africanleadershipnetwork.com
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Africa Business Communities is launching 23 LinkedIn Groups |
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Recently we have launched a seris of new Africa LinkedIn Groups
You are more than welcome to join any LinkedIn group you like!
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