Cambridge, HP Open Applications for New EdTech Fellowship in Middle East and North Africa

Cambridge University Press & Assessment and HP Inc. are calling on education leaders across the Middle East and North Africa to apply for a new EdTech Fellowship aimed at accelerating digital innovation in schools.

Africa Finance Corporation Secures Record US$524m Samurai Loan to Boost Infrastructure Investment

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured its largest-ever Samurai loan, raising a record US$524 million equivalent in a dual-currency facility as demand from Japanese lenders surged.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Confirms New Owners as It Positions for Next Phase of Growth

FBNQuest Merchant Bank has announced the completion of its ownership transition, marking its divestment from First HoldCo Plc and acquisition by EverQuest Acquisition LLP, a consortium led by Custodian Investment Plc.

Wise Secures Green Light to Launch Low-Cost Money Transfer Services in South Africa

Wise has received conditional approval to begin operating in South Africa, paving the way for the global fintech firm’s first market entry in Africa.

Scottish FA Strikes Landmark Deal to Rename Hampden as Barclays Hampden

Hampden Park is to be renamed Barclays Hampden after the Scottish FA (SFA) agreed a multi-million-pound naming rights deal with Barclays, the first in the national stadium’s history.

TotalEnergies to Transfer 40% Stake in Nigerian Offshore Licences to Chevron in New Exploration Push

TotalEnergies has reached an agreement to sell a 40% interest in two offshore exploration licenses in Nigeria to Chevron, in a move the French energy major says will strengthen strategic collaboration between the companies.

Epica Awards Unveil 2025 Shortlist as Global Jury Recognises Outstanding Creative Work

The Epica Awards has revealed its shortlist for 2025, following an extensive review carried out in recent days by a jury of editors and journalists from around the world. The organisation notes that this global panel not only evaluates entries but also offers valuable PR exposure to all participants.

FG Gold, AFC and Afreximbank Seal US$330m Funding Deal to Advance Sierra Leone’s Baomahun Gold Mine

FG Gold Limited (FG Gold) has reached financial close and made its first drawdown on a US$330 million senior debt package from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), securing the development of Sierra Leone’s flagship Baomahun Gold Project. 

CBN Fined ₦620,000 for Delaying Hearing in Suits by Former Staff

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has fined the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ₦620,000 for stalling the hearing of lawsuits filed by 62 former employees.

Oil Prices Dip as US Crude Inventories Surge Amidst Russia-Ukraine Talks

Oil prices declined on Thursday following an unexpected rise in US crude inventories and signs of progress in Russia-Ukraine diplomacy, which eased supply concerns.

Apple Set to Surpass Samsung in Global Smartphone Shipments for the First Time Since 2011

Apple is poised to outperform Samsung in global smartphone shipments in 2025, ending a 14-year run in which the South Korean company has dominated the market, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. The firm forecasts Apple will ship around 243 million iPhones this year, edging ahead of Samsung’s estimated 235 million units. That would give Apple a 19.4% share of the global market, compared with Samsung’s 18.7%.

Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement in CEMEA Through New Aquanow Partnership

Visa has expanded its stablecoin settlement capabilities across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) after striking a new partnership with Aquanow, a global digital assets platform specialising in liquidity and infrastructure services.

Uber Launches First Fully Driverless Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi

Uber has rolled out its first fully driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, marking a landmark moment for the global ride-hailing industry and the Middle East’s transport landscape. The UAE capital now becomes Uber’s fourth autonomous vehicle market after Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta, and the first in the region to host Level 4 autonomous rides.