Latest news with #Africa2025

Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank Launches Inaugural Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M) to tell a New African Story on Regional Integration
The African Development Bank Group ( has unveiled its first edition of Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M.) during a colourful ceremony at the Sofitel Hotel, Abidjan. The event, held on Monday 26 May as part of the Bank's 2025 Annual Meetings, marks the beginning of a new African story – celebrating 10 years of investing in integration, while looking ahead to do more and better in the future. The magazine's pulse beats to the rhythm of opportunity and optimism – showing how African governments are investing in building connectivity with the African Development Bank at their side. With interconnected economies, a rapidly growing youth population, and growing human mobility – getting integration right is no longer a good option. It is an imperative. The event featured a cultural showcase, fireside chats, keynotes and the unveiling of I.A.M. With the Bank's new Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) firmly rooting Integrate Africa as a major pillar, the conversations centred on what is to come following 10 years of investing in Africa's integration, A Chronicle of Progress, a Canvas of Possibilities The I.A.M. chronicles momentum – showcasing how the Bank has planted seeds of transformation – in roads, rail, air transport, power pools, ports, one-stop border posts – all coming together to bridge Africa. It captures the spirit of a borderless Africa in motion, with opening articles from some of the Bank's leaders framing the vision; and influential voices driving integration through trade, transport, sport, health, and business – highlighting where progress is and what we must do next. The editors took to the streets of Africa – asking young people how integration can be accelerated – with the results captured in I.A.M.'s 'Views from the Ground' segment. Border officials, traders, entrepreneurs, students and innovators all speak with the same voice: Africa's integration is the most cogent development strategy the continent has. It must happen - and happen fast. In addition to profiling 12 Bank–funded transformative projects - in transport corridors, one-stop border posts, power pools, rail, ports, agriculture, pharmaceutical production, pandemic response – and much more; I.A.M. also highlights the Bank's work at the frontlines of tackling fragility by investing in building resilience. Africa's new magazine I.A.M. offers a story of development impact – and a rare glimpse into how Africa is driving its integration and forging effective partnerships to go to scale. From Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade's keynote address showcasing Bank-financed infrastructure, to Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo's reminder that integration must be a lived experience, the launch event left us in no doubt: we are on track – but can do much more, together. Looking Forward As Africa stands at this point of immense opportunity, I.A.M. invites us to celebrate what is working, to understand the scale of what's left to be done and urges us all to be the protagonist in creating an Integrated Africa. You can access the magazine here: Integrate Africa Magazine – AfDB Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Betty Duwouona-Hammand Communication and External Relations Department email: media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:

Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Leading Hospitality Investors and Visionaries Come to Cape Town in June
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 comes to Cape Town from 17–19 June 2025, bringing together the most influential voices in hospitality investment, development, and sustainability from across the globe. This year's speaker lineup features major investors, visionaries, strategists, and dealmakers who are actively reshaping the landscape of hospitality across Africa. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will headline the summit. A self-made entrepreneur who launched his first business at 17, Mr Heinecke has built one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. His keynote will explore the lessons behind that legacy and what's next for hotel expansion in Africa. Guy Hutchinson, President of Hilton MEA, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG for MEA&Southwest Asia, will delve into how global hotel groups adapt their strategies for Africa's evolving markets. Meanwhile, Jerome Briet (Chief Development Officer EMEA, Marriott International), Jean-Baptiste Recher (CDO Luxury Brands, Accor), and Esteban Lozada (MD North, West&South Africa, Hilton) will highlight expansion plans and pipeline insights from the region's top brands. On the investment side, the programme features heavyweights like Folaseto Akin-Olugbade (Principal, Actis), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital Management), Rahul Chaudhary (MD&CEO, CG Corp Global), Magdaline Osei Baffour (Investment Director, Westmont Hospitality Group), Nyawira Kariuki (CEO, Janus Continental Group), and Jameel Verjee (Founder&CEO, CityBlue Hotels). They'll share unfiltered insights on how they evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and unlock long-term value in different African markets. Graham Wood (CEO, Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Managing Partner AMEA, Valor Hospitality Partners), David Green (CEO, V&A Waterfront) add further firepower to the operator perspective, joining sessions on operating strategies, sustainability, and navigating development constraints. Conservation and tourism sustainability will also take centre stage with Dr Morne du Plessis (CEO, WWF South Africa) and Mark Read (former WWF SA Chairman) exploring how hospitality can be a vehicle for positive environmental impact. Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino will share field perspectives on ecotourism's potential. Other voices enriching the dialogue include Gillian Saunders, one of Africa's leading tourism consultants, Kevin Teeroovengadum (Proptech Africa), Thami Nkadimeng, Paul Gardiner (CEO, Terra Nova), Bani Haddad (Aleph Hospitality), Tadiwos G. Belete (Kuriftu Resorts), Euan McGlashan (Valor Hospitality), Wayne Godwin (JLL Africa), and many more. An Investor Powerhouse FHS Africa 2025 will once again host the region's most active capital partners, including: Berkeley Properties, Cameroon Hotels Corporation, CityBlue Hotels, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, DEG, FROS Capital, Fundo Soberano de Angola, IFC, Janus Continental Group, Oak&Satin Properties, Proparco, Rockshieldburg-City, The Midwest Company, and UAG Investments. Together, these investors represent billions in active projects, acquisitions, and greenfield development across the continent. With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed at FHS Africa since its inception, the event remains a catalyst for serious deal-making and investment. Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: ' We're incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It's a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth — the perfect backdrop for an event that connects the brightest minds in hospitality and drives real investment across the continent. The 2025 programme is bold, dynamic, and focused on action." FHS Africa 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to build meaningful relationships through various formats tailored for real engagement. From high-energy speed networking sessions and curated closed-door investor councils to exclusive offsite visits showcasing Cape Town's latest hospitality developments, every moment is designed to foster strategic connections. The event also features a community-focused charity Run, offering a lighter way to meet other delegates while supporting a worthy cause. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. About FHS Africa: For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at


Morocco World
14-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Concentrix Unveils Strategic Digital Shift at GITEX Africa 2025
Marrakech – As GITEX Africa 2025 is underway in Marrakech from April 14 to 16, Concentrix is making a high-impact entrance, revealing a bold vision for the future of technology and artificial intelligence on the continent. Located at Hall 2, Stand 2C 20, Concentrix is showcasing a series of innovations designed to redefine the tech landscape and elevate customer experiences through intelligent transformation. This year's presence marks a significant milestone for the global customer experience leader, with the exclusive introduction of a new strategic digital transformation division. This initiative is aimed to push the boundaries of innovation and setting new standards in how businesses engage with their clients. The company's agenda across the three-day event includes an engaging mix of workshops, expert-led conferences, and TEK Shows, offering visitors an inside look at the cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of AI-driven customer experience. A key highlight of Concentrix's participation was set for day one, April 14 at 13:45, when the company will formalize a series of strategic agreements with several major institutions. These include 'AUSIM, APEBI, Technopark, the Digital Development Agency (ADD), and Maroc Numeric Cluster', showing Concentrix's commitment to collaborative innovation and ecosystem development. These partnerships reflect a shared ambition to foster a smarter, more connected Africa, one where technology is not just an enabler, but a transformative force across industries. In line with the company's global mission, 'Powering a world that works,' Concentrix's presence at GITEX Africa 2025 signals more than a showcase, it's a statement of intent. Through close engagement with institutional partners, clients, and tech innovators, the company aims to co-create the future of digital experiences in Africa and beyond. Visitors are invited to explore the full program, meet the leadership team, and take part in shaping what comes next. From transformative strategies to immersive tech activations, the stand offers a gateway into a future built on collaboration, intelligence, and customer-first thinking. As Africa continues to rise as a global hub of innovation, Concentrix is positioning itself at the heart of that momentum, with Marrakech as the launchpad. Tags: Africaartificial intelligenceconcentrixGITEX Africa 2025


CairoScene
02-03-2025
- Science
- CairoScene
Solar Decathlon Design Challenge to Be Held in Egypt For First Time
The international competition will be hosted in AUC and will encourage students from around the world to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings using only renewable energies. Mar 02, 2025 The American University in Cairo has officially launched The Solar Decathlon Design Challenge - Africa 2025 for the first time in Egypt. The decathlon is an international competition that encourages university students from around the world to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings using only renewable energies. Held in partnership with the US Department of Energy and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the challenge will include 10 contests that test the ability of the students to collaboratively develop zero-energy buildings, and will encourage them to address real sustainability challenges such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, affordability and community resilience. Participating students will also incorporate the latest technologies and materials when designing their projects. and will adapt these projects to the unique challenges currently facing Africa's urban environment. After working on their design solutions over the next year, participating teams will have the opportunity to present their initial designs to expert jurors at the virtual semi-final competition in November 2025. Finalists will be invited to compete in person at AUC in March 2026, where the Division Winners and Grand Winners will be announced. Registration is now open, and will close on October 15th, 2025.