Latest news with #AATC
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2 Small Cap AI Stocks for Your Watch List
(0:30) - Are Small Cap Stocks The Smart AI Investment? (5:15) - Top Picks To Keep On Your Watchlist Right Now (41:35) - Episode Roundup: AATC, DUOT Podcast@ Welcome to Episode #445 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast. Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds, and ETFs and how it impacts your life. This week, Tracey is joined by Zacks Small Cap Analyst, Mark Zinski, to talk about 2 small cap companies that are involved in the AI Revolution. Unlike the last time Mark was on the podcast, this week's stocks are not in the health care sector but are in technology services. The large cap companies aren't the only way to play AI. There will be opportunities for many small companies as well. But investors will have to do their research to find them. Tracey and Mark are here to share 2 stocks this week. 2 Small Cap AI Stocks for Your Watch List 1. Autoscope Technologies Corp. (AATC) Autoscope Technologies is a global company that has AI-enabled platforms like IntelliSight which provides data analytics on traffic. It's 'smart traffic.' Autoscope Technologies has a market cap of $41 million. Autoscope Technologies has royalty income and has a gross margin of 95% and low capex. Autoscope Technologies is a rare small cap company that pays a dividend. In 2024 it paid a special dividend in addition to the regular dividend. Autoscope's regular dividend is currently yielding 8%. Be aware, Autoscope is thinly traded on the over-the-counter market. Should Autoscope Technologies be on your watch list? 2. Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (DUOT) Duos Technologies Group has several business segments. One uses AI to analyze fast moving vehicles, including railcars. Another segment, Duos Energy, owns gas turbines. A third segment is its Edge Data Center segment. Duos Technologies Group has a market cap of $87 million. It is more heavily traded than Autoscope, with about 100,000 shares traded daily. Duos Technologies does not pay a dividend. But total revenue in 2025 is expected to be up and will fall between $28 and $30 million. Get More Information on YouTube Be sure to check the description box on this video on YouTube for links to the Zacks Research Report and Zacks Detailed Estimates. What Else Should You Know About Small Cap AI Stocks? Tune into this week's podcast to find out. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Autoscope Technologies Corporation (AATC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (DUOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Afreximbank commissions first-of-its-kind African Trade Centre in Abuja, Nigeria - marking a new era for Intra-African trade
Multilateral Bank African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( has officially commissioned its first Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) today in Abuja, Nigeria, ushering in a transformative era for trade and investment in Africa. During the grand commissioning ceremony, speakers, including Hon. Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Nigeria representing H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, The Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighted the AATC's strategic importance, its pivotal role in shaping Africa's economic future and the significant impact it is poised to make on Africa's trade and investment landscape. Speaking at the Ceremony, Dr. Akume stated, 'Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) is a landmark project that embodies our shared commitment to advancing Intra-African Trade, fostering economic integration and unlocking a vast potential of our continent. This occasion is a realisation of a bold vision for Africa's economic future. AATC stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience and forward-thinking leadership. It is more than a physical structure; it is the beginning of innovation, a hub for entrepreneurship and a catalyst for sustainable development. He added, 'This centre will serve as a critical platform for trade facilitation, capacity building and investment promotion – key pillars of Africa's economic transformation. Afreximbank's role in shaping Africa's trade landscape cannot be overstated because the institution has consistently demonstrated its commitment to breaking down barriers, bridging financing gaps and empowering African businesses to be competitive. All these have been accomplished through flagship projects such as the AfCFTA adjustment fund that is managed by Afreximbank's subsidiary, Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), PAPSS and other Trade Finance Programmes. The AATC located in Abuja represents yet another milestone in this journey and this aligns perfectly with Nigeria's strategic priorities under the Federal Government's eight-point agenda, particularly in the areas of job creation, economic diversification, and regional integration. As we commission this remarkable edifice today, let us renew our resolve to be the stronger, more interconnected and prosperous Africa.' Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, echoed this sentiment, remarking, 'The Abuja AATC is the first of several AATCs being developed across Africa and the Caribbean. Some would be Afreximbank owned while others would be supported through a franchise-scheme. With these, we expect to create a sizeable network of AATCs that will act as the lighthouses to guide the interconnections and flow of trade and investments within continental Africa and between Africa and Caribbean regions. This AATC Abuja has been a 41-month journey, one built on hope and determination. Like the other AATCs, the Abuja AATC would serve a multi-purpose goal; it will serve as a platform for fostering deeper regional and continental integration and house Afreximbank's permanent regional office, bringing a three-decade-old aspiration to fruition. This AATC will also offer a technology incubation hub, an SME incubation facility, a Digital Africa Trade Gateway, a conference and exhibition facility and a business hotel.' Prof. Orama thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for its support noting that the relationship between the Bank and Nigeria has been truly mutually beneficial and most cordial. 'Over the last three decades, successive governments have accorded unflinching support to Afreximbank, responding most positively to capital calls, creating a congenial environment for its smooth operations while providing the Bank significant domestic policy support that helped to execute many of the development programmes in Nigeria.' He said. With the opening of the Abuja AATC, Afreximbank continues its mission to promote intra-African trade and investment opportunities, laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and integrated African economy. Over 500 distinguished guests attended the commissioning ceremony, notably, Hon. William F. Duguid, J.P. Senior Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Republic of Barbados, Hon. Sylvester Grisby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Liberia, Hon. Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria and his counterpart, Hon. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, Minister of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nigeria as well as Nigeria's former Vice President Hon. Namadi Sambo. Hon. Bockaire Kalokoh, Deputy Minister of Finance of Sierra Leone and Hon. Sheilla Chikomo, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe represented their respective countries. The event was also well attended by business leaders led by billionaire entrepreneur Mr. Aliko Dangote, Founder and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Transcorp Group, policymakers, pan-African CEOs, and entrepreneurs. Their presence showcased a shared vision and determination to enhance trade across Africa, as they pledged to work together to leverage the AATC for the continent's economic transformation. The Abuja AATC comprises two interconnected nine-storey towers. One tower features world-class commercial A-grade office spaces, a trade and exhibition centre, a conference centre, a technology and SME incubator, a Digital Trade Gateway and a trade information services hub. The adjoining tower boasts a 148-room business hotel, seminar and meeting rooms, a wellness centre, a restaurant and other ancillary facilities. These features are designed to provide a comprehensive ecosystem for trade and business activities, catering to the diverse needs of African businesses. It will also host office spaces for local and international financial institutions and policy organisations, ensuring a complete support system for trade and business activities. The AATC building is expected to achieve gold - and potentially platinum - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a globally recognised standard for sustainable building design and construction. This certification will make the Abuja AATC one of the few certified buildings in Nigeria and West Africa, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability. The global architect Messrs SVA International developed a multifaceted global design, drawing inspiration from the concept of a bazaar, which reflects the vibrant feature of daily life in many African cities. Construction of the USD120 million project commenced in November 2021 on a prime piece of land measuring 5,856 square meters and achieved completion in 41 months. The Abuja Afreximbank African Trade Centre (Abuja AATC) is the first of seven planned AATCs across Africa, including Kampala, Uganda, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cairo, Egypt, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Tunis, Tunisia, and Kigali, Rwanda. In addition, Afreximbank recently broke ground in Bridgetown, Barbados, to construct the first AATC outside of Africa. Through franchising and licensing arrangements, the Bank intends to partner with relevant institutions and economic development organizations to establish non-Bank owned ATCs in the rest of Global Africa. These AATCs will serve to link buyers, sellers, suppliers, service providers, enterprises, governments, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, economic development organisations and the general African and global trade and investment community. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Afreximbank breaks ground on historic state-of-the-art Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Barbados, first outside Africa
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( Africa's leading Multilateral Financial Institution, made history today when it broke ground on its first-ever state-of-the-art Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in the Caribbean, marking a pivotal moment for trade relations between Africa and the CARICOM region. The US$180 million Barbados AATC, the first to be established outside Africa, is an authentic icon of trade embodying the ambition, resilience, and influence of leading commercial cities in Africa and the Caribbean that serve as dynamic focal points for commerce, fostering regional and global trade connections. It is expected to enhance intra-and extra-African trade, with a focus on countries of the Global South through Afreximbank's Global Africa initiative. To facilitate the construction of its iconic AATC in its capital, Bridgetown, the government of Barbados granted Afreximbank 6.4 acres of land at Jemmotts Lane, the former Ministry of Health headquarters. Upon completion, the business complex will house Afreximbank's CARICOM office, a conference facility, a technology and SME incubator, a Digital Trade Gateway, 100 room hotel, and a trade and exhibition centre, as well as office spaces for local, regional and international financial and policy organisations. This groundbreaking event marks the official commencement of construction for this historic project and is a significant step in Barbados and CARICOM's journey towards economic advancement and regional integration. Afreximbank initiated the AATC concept following a 2018 Board decision to create trade facilitation hubs in key commercial capitals across Africa. These hubs will provide integrated trade information, services, finance, and ancillary facilities. Nine leading commercial cities were subsequently selected to host the network of AATCs across Africa and the Caribbean. They include Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), Kampala (Uganda), Cairo (Egypt), Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire),Yaoundé (Cameroon), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kigali (Rwanda) and Tunis (Tunisia).They will serve to link buyers, sellers, suppliers, service providers, enterprises, governments, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, economic development organisations and the general African and global trade and investment community. Delivering the keynote address during the event, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), highlighted the site's historical significance as the location of Barbados' first hospital, opened in 1844 to look after the health of emancipated slaves. "My government stands proud here today to be able to bring in to the pantheon of financial institutions in this country, Afreximbank, not simply as an entity that is leasing a building from somebody for an office, but as an institution ready to lay roots and foundations in this country - the first AATC outside of Africa, just like Barbados was the first hub (for slaves) outside of the continent of Africa, and in so doing, we send the signal that we intend to be able to reclaim our Atlantic Destiny.' She added: 'Professor Oramah, I ask you to accept, on behalf of Afreximbank, this clear offer from the Government of Barbados to make available this gesture of over two hectares of land to ensure that the investment will bring jobs to the people of Barbados; that it will bring foreign exchange and investment opportunities to the people of Barbados and the region.' Speaking during the groundbreaking, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, thanked the Hon. Mia Mottley, her government and its people for the warm welcome and for being a strong agent for the reunification of Global Africa and hosting Barbados AATC that will also serve as Afreximbank's regional CARICOM office. Prof. Oramah said: 'The Barbados AATC will serve as the gateway for Afri-Caribbean trade and investments, creating opportunities for doing business with the Caribbean and for Caribbeans doing business in Africa. He expressed confidence that the project would deliver tangible positive economic, community and social impact to Barbados and the Caribbean region by enhancing trade and fostering sustainable development. Prof. Oramah assured the Prime Minister and other leaders present that Afreximbank remained committed to supporting the economic growth and prosperity of Africa and the Caribbean by attracting investments, removing barriers to trade and reshaping the narrative of business in the region. The event also featured the official handover of the land for the project from the Government of Barbados to Afreximbank. Construction of the complex is projected to take approximately 30 months, generating around 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during this phase. Additionally, about 50 SMEs will benefit from business opportunities as subcontractors and suppliers of construction materials, labour, and other services. Upon completion, the facility will create 300 permanent jobs, significantly contributing to employment. The facility will include a hotel, which will boost the supply of hotel rooms in Barbados, critical for tourism promotion. It will also house the Bank's office as well as lettable office spaces, which are expected to be occupied by Caribbean businesses as well as African Banks and businesses that are already beginning to do business in CARICOM. Afreximbank has extended its credit lines to CARICOM to the tune of US$2.5 billion, aiming to bolster the region's development, particularly on the backdrop of Guyana and Suriname's new oil discoveries, expected to impact the entire region once fully commercialised. In 2024, the Bank provided Barbados with US$25 million for its Cricket World Cup sports complex refurbishment, and currently has deals worth US$500 million in the pipeline. Meanwhile, Hon. Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, noted that in the very short period since the Bank landed by choice on the shores of the Caribbean, the region has benefitted tremendously. PM Mitchell added: "Grenada will follow Barbados, Guyana and The Bahamas, hosting on July 28 and 29 the Afreximbank Trade and Investment Forum in Grenada. And we do so cognisant of the economic opportunities, trade, investment, financing, the movement of our people, our goods and services between the continent of Africa and the Caribbean." Also participating in the groundbreaking ceremony was Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary General of CARICOM, Afreximbank's Board Members, the Bank's Senior Executive Vice President and Vice Presidents and several other notable local and regional government officials and business leaders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: Vincent Musumba Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) Email: press@ Follow us on: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. For more information, visit:
