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Africa’s Economic Resilience Holds Firm Amid Global Headwinds, Says New African Development Bank (AfDB) Report

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Despite ongoing regional and global headwinds, Africa continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and maintains its status as a global growth frontier. This is the headline finding of the 2026 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report, released by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on Monday 30 March 2026 at the Bank Group headquarters in Abidjan. The report underscores that Africa outpaced the global average in 2025 as real GDP surged to 4.2 percent, up from 3.1 per cent in 2024, comfortably eclipsing the 3.1 per cent world average. A key finding in the report is the "broad-based" surge, with growth exceeding 5 per cent in 22 African countries, and topping 7 per cent in six, bolstered by easing inflationary pressures, improved macroeconomic management and favourable agricultural conditions. Other highlights include: Africa's real GDP growth is projected to stabilise at 4.3 percent in 2026 and grow further to 4.5 percent in 2027. 12 of the 20 fastest-growing economies in the world in 2025 were African. In 2025, East Africa maintained its lead as the continent’s fastest-growing region (posting 6.4 percent GDP growth), with its expansion driven by the surge in growth performances of 9.8 per cent in Ethiopia, 7.5 per cent in Rwanda, and 6.4 per cent in Uganda. Africa’s GDP per capita growth rose from 0.9% in 2023 to 1.1% in 2024 and 1.9% in 2025, but still remains too low to propel rapid poverty reduction. Inflation is declining, with average inflation estimated at 13.6 percent in 2025, down from 21.8 percent in 2024; further reductions are projected for 2026 and 2027. Foreign direct investment rebounded sharply in 2024, rising by more than 75% to reach $97 billion. Remittance flows rebounded strongly in 2024, rising by more than 14 percent to $104.6 billion—offsetting the 6 percent decline recorded in 2023 and making remittances the largest single source of external non-debt financing, surpassing foreign portfolio investment. In his high-level remarks at the launch, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, underscored that the continent faces an "important moment when the world is changing, not always in favour of the African continent." Citing a difficult landscape of increasing geopolitical fragmentation, trade tensions, and declining global development finance flows, Dr Ould Tah positioned the Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points agenda as a vital strategic shield, explaining that "each one speaks directly to the challenges this Macro Economic Outlook report has identified and quantified." In light of recent developments in the Middle East, Dr Ould Tah noted that the 2026 MEO analysis and projections "were prepared before the current crisis" began. He added that the Bank Group and partners, including the United Nations Development Programme are currently assessing the potential consequences of the crisis on the continent. In his detailed presentation, the Bank Group Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, Prof Kevin Urama, expressed optimism that the current crisis would have a limited impact on Africa's macroeconomic landscape in 2026. "Africa has held strong in previous shocks, and has the capacity to bounce back after, provided we do not panic and we instead apply the right policy levers," he said. "In our estimates, if the crisis lasts beyond three months, it might cause a dip of 0.2 percentage point in Africa's economic growth rate in 2026." An expert-led panel followed the presentation and explored the report's findings and policy recommendations aimed at sustaining growth, strengthening financial systems, and mobilising development finance at scale. Panellists included Souleymane Diarrassouba, the Minister of Planning and Development of Côte d'Ivoire; Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia; Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe; Dr Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Lesotho; and Mrs Aminata Toure, the International Monetary Fund Resident Representative for Côte d'Ivoire. The panelists emphasised the importance of sustaining reforms linked to domestic resource mobilisation, including deepening local equity and fixed-income markets, and scaling digitalisation efforts to improve the efficiency of tax collection. They also shared success stories from ongoing reforms in their respective countries. A consensus emerged that Africa's experiences with shocks can position the continent to draw on valuable lessons to weather current and future challenges. The African Development Bank Group publishes the Macroeconomic Report biannually to complement its annual Africa Economic Outlook. Dr Ould Tah described the series as a demonstration of "the Bank's commitment to provide our member countries, our partners and our investors with the most rigorous, timely and actionable analysis."
Despite ongoing regional and global headwinds, Africa continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and maintains its status as a global growth frontier. This is the headline finding of the 2026 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report, released by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on Monday 30 March 2026 at the Bank Group headquarters in Abidjan.
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Public attitude data are key to building resilient, competitive businesses, Afrobarometer tells private-sector leaders

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Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) is urging private-sector leaders and investors across Africa to integrate public attitude data into their decision making, as citizen perspectives are essential to building resilient, competitive, and future-ready enterprises. This call came through strongly as Afrobarometer engaged business leaders, investors, policy makers, regulators, and innovators at the CEO Conclave and Investors Forum 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum, convened by the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), brought together about 100 leaders from across the business ecosystem to explore opportunities for investment, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. At the event, Afrobarometer presented data on economic and social conditions tailored for private-sector stakeholders and highlighted the role of citizens’ lived experiences and perceptions in shaping consumer behaviour, investment climates, and business performance. “The environments in which you operate are shaped by the expectations, frustrations, resilience, and aspirations of people,” said Felix Biga, chief operations officer for Afrobarometer. “Citizen experiences and perceptions of economic conditions, trust in institutions, access to services, and lived realities all influence market behaviour, investment climates, and ultimately business success.” Participants echoed the value of integrating citizen-centred data into business planning. “As Africa emerges as a significant frontier for economic growth, those who lead will be organisations prioritising insights derived from robust data, particularly citizen-centred data,” said Peter Mutinda, president of AAMECC. “What is most important to me in business, especially when working with African partners, is starting with data, then building connections and cooperation, and only then moving into the details and country-specific specialisations,” said Pawel Zarzecki, an export manager at Bart, a health-focused manufacturer. Eve Mischeki from the Women in Business network also underscored the relevance of the findings presented by Afrobarometer. “As a woman in business, I see strong synergy with Afrobarometer’s data, particularly in the key priorities it highlights, which closely reflect the realities we navigate,” she said. This engagement forms part of Afrobarometer’s broader effort to deepen collaboration with business leaders through a series of targeted dialogues aimed at increasing awareness of its data and co-creating solutions that respond to both business and societal priorities.
Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) is urging private-sector leaders and investors across Africa to integrate public attitude data into their decision making, as citizen perspectives are essential to building resilient, competitive, and future-ready enterprises. This call came through strongly as Afrobarometer engaged business leaders, investors, policy makers, regulators, and innovators at the CEO Conclave and Investors Forum...
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PAC Capital Secures Four Major African Honours at the International Business Magazine Awards 2026

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PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com) has been recognised with four prestigious continental awards by the International Business Magazine, further cementing its position as a leading force in investment banking and transaction advisory across Africa. At the 2026 awards, the firm emerged as: Excellence in Cross-Border Transactions Africa 2026 Best Investment Banking Firm Africa 2026 Best Deal Structuring & Advisory Firm Africa 2026 Financial Advisory Firm of the Year Africa 2026 These recognitions come on the heels of the firm’s 2025 honour as Best Transaction Advisory Firm Nigeria, underscoring a consistent trajectory of excellence, innovation, and strong execution across both domestic and cross-border mandates. Over the years, PAC Capital has built a reputation for structuring and delivering complex, high-value transactions across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. From mergers and acquisitions to capital raising and bespoke financial advisory mandates, the investment banking arm of PAC Holdings continues to demonstrate deep technical expertise, strategic foresight, and an intimate understanding of the African business landscape. Its growing portfolio of cross-border transactions highlights its ability to navigate regulatory environments, manage multi-market stakeholders, and unlock sustainable value for clients operating within and beyond the continent. Commenting on the achievement, Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director/CEO, PAC Capital, stated: “We are honoured by this recognition from International Business Magazine. Receiving four continental awards in one year is a strong validation of our borderless capital solutions initiative, strategic direction, execution capability, and the trust our clients place in us. Cross-border transactions in Africa require resilience, precision, and deep market intelligence. Our team remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that enable businesses to scale, expand, and create long-term impact.” Also speaking, Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director, PAC Capital, added: “These awards reflect the strength of our advisory model and our deliberate focus on value-driven deal structuring. Every mandate we undertake is approached with rigor, creativity, and a clear understanding of our clients’ long-term objectives. As markets become increasingly interconnected, our role as a trusted transaction partner across Africa becomes even more critical.” With this latest milestone, PAC Capital continues to reinforce its standing as a premier African Investment Banking and Financial Advisory firm—driven by excellence, defined by innovation, and committed to shaping transformative transactions across the continent.
PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com) has been recognised with four prestigious continental awards by the International Business Magazine, further cementing its position as a leading force in investment banking and transaction advisory across Africa. At the 2026 awards, the firm emerged as: Excellence in Cross-Border Transactions Africa 2026
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Securing the bridge between legacy and smart

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The recent Liaison Agreement between the STS Association and the DLMS User Association marks a pivotal step in the evolution of interoperable, secure and future-ready metering systems. By aligning STS token technology with the widely adopted DLMS/COSEM framework, this collaboration is set to bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and next-generation smart metering. The partnership reflects a shared vision to enhance interoperability, strengthen smart prepayment integration, and unlock greater value across the global metering ecosystem. STS Association, in partnership with ESI Africa (part of VUKA Group), and DLMS User Association, is hosting a free webinar on this topic: Securing the bridge between legacy and smart Thursday, 7 May 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cfEUb5 What you will learn Industry experts will unpack how this strategic alignment enables seamless integration between your trusted prepayment systems and advanced data exchange protocols. Attendees will gain insight into: How STS tokens can be securely transported using DLMS/COSEM The role of Generic Companion Profiles in enabling interoperability How coordinated roadmaps will shape the future of token technology and smart metering The expanding application of these standards beyond electricity into water, gas and time metering Practical benefits for utilities, manufacturers and system integrators navigating the transition from legacy to smart environments Introducing the Panel Lance Hawkins-Dady – STSA Board Chairman Franco Pucci – STSA Technical Consultant Don Taylor – STSA Independent Director Sergio Lazzarotto – DLMS User Association, President Join STS Association and ESI Africa to explore how this landmark collaboration is securing the bridge between legacy systems and smart innovation. Discover how aligned standards can simplify integration, enhance security and future-proof your metering strategy. Register now: https://apo-opa.co/4cfEUb5
The recent Liaison Agreement between the STS Association and the DLMS User Association marks a pivotal step in the evolution of interoperable, secure and future-ready metering systems. By aligning STS token technology with the widely adopted DLMS/COSEM framework, this collaboration is set to bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and next-generation smart metering. The partnership reflects a...
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Investment: Africa’s Lithium Pipeline Gains Momentum as Global Supply Deficits Loom

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Despite ongoing regional and global headwinds, Africa continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and maintains its status as a global growth frontier. This is the headline finding of the 2026 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report, released by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on Monday 30 March 2026 at the Bank Group headquarters in Abidjan. The report underscores that Africa outpaced the global average in 2025 as real GDP surged to 4.2 percent, up from 3.1 per cent in 2024, comfortably eclipsing the 3.1 per cent world average. A key finding in the report is the "broad-based" surge, with growth exceeding 5 per cent in 22 African countries, and topping 7 per cent in six, bolstered by easing inflationary pressures, improved macroeconomic management and favourable agricultural conditions. Other highlights include: Africa's real GDP growth is projected to stabilise at 4.3 percent in 2026 and grow further to 4.5 percent in 2027. 12 of the 20 fastest-growing economies in the world in 2025 were African. In 2025, East Africa maintained its lead as the continent’s fastest-growing region (posting 6.4 percent GDP growth), with its expansion driven by the surge in growth performances of 9.8 per cent in Ethiopia, 7.5 per cent in Rwanda, and 6.4 per cent in Uganda. Africa’s GDP per capita growth rose from 0.9% in 2023 to 1.1% in 2024 and 1.9% in 2025, but still remains too low to propel rapid poverty reduction. Inflation is declining, with average inflation estimated at 13.6 percent in 2025, down from 21.8 percent in 2024; further reductions are projected for 2026 and 2027. Foreign direct investment rebounded sharply in 2024, rising by more than 75% to reach $97 billion. Remittance flows rebounded strongly in 2024, rising by more than 14 percent to $104.6 billion—offsetting the 6 percent decline recorded in 2023 and making remittances the largest single source of external non-debt financing, surpassing foreign portfolio investment. In his high-level remarks at the launch, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, underscored that the continent faces an "important moment when the world is changing, not always in favour of the African continent." Citing a difficult landscape of increasing geopolitical fragmentation, trade tensions, and declining global development finance flows, Dr Ould Tah positioned the Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points agenda as a vital strategic shield, explaining that "each one speaks directly to the challenges this Macro Economic Outlook report has identified and quantified." In light of recent developments in the Middle East, Dr Ould Tah noted that the 2026 MEO analysis and projections "were prepared before the current crisis" began. He added that the Bank Group and partners, including the United Nations Development Programme are currently assessing the potential consequences of the crisis on the continent. In his detailed presentation, the Bank Group Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, Prof Kevin Urama, expressed optimism that the current crisis would have a limited impact on Africa's macroeconomic landscape in 2026. "Africa has held strong in previous shocks, and has the capacity to bounce back after, provided we do not panic and we instead apply the right policy levers," he said. "In our estimates, if the crisis lasts beyond three months, it might cause a dip of 0.2 percentage point in Africa's economic growth rate in 2026." An expert-led panel followed the presentation and explored the report's findings and policy recommendations aimed at sustaining growth, strengthening financial systems, and mobilising development finance at scale. Panellists included Souleymane Diarrassouba, the Minister of Planning and Development of Côte d'Ivoire; Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia; Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe; Dr Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Lesotho; and Mrs Aminata Toure, the International Monetary Fund Resident Representative for Côte d'Ivoire. The panelists emphasised the importance of sustaining reforms linked to domestic resource mobilisation, including deepening local equity and fixed-income markets, and scaling digitalisation efforts to improve the efficiency of tax collection. They also shared success stories from ongoing reforms in their respective countries. A consensus emerged that Africa's experiences with shocks can position the continent to draw on valuable lessons to weather current and future challenges. The African Development Bank Group publishes the Macroeconomic Report biannually to complement its annual Africa Economic Outlook. Dr Ould Tah described the series as a demonstration of "the Bank's commitment to provide our member countries, our partners and our investors with the most rigorous, timely and actionable analysis."
Rising demand for lithium is positioning Africa to attract foreign investment, accelerate local beneficiation and strengthen its role in securing the global battery supply chain. A recent forecast by Wood Mackenzie projects that global lithium demand could exceed 13 million tons by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition scenario. This surge is expected to place significant pressure...
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Ascott expands in Nairobi with new Citadines signing, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional hub

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The Ascott Limited (www.DiscoverASR.com), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Capital and Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of Citadines Westview Nairobi, a 160-key hotel located in the capital’s established Kilimani district. The new property will complement the existing 162-key Somerset Westview Nairobi serviced apartments, forming a strategic dual-brand offering that enhances Ascott’s ability to serve both short- and extended-stay demand across a broader range of traveller segments. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, Citadines Westview Nairobi is designed to cater to a growing mix of both corporate and leisure travellers as well as the meeting and conferences demand. Reinforcing Nairobi’s Role as a Regional Business Hub Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a key regional business and investment hub, supported by growing corporate activity, infrastructure development and increasing international connectivity. This is driving sustained demand for high-quality, flexible accommodation that caters to both short-term and extended stays. The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline. Part of Ascott’s Broader Africa Growth Strategy The Nairobi signing forms part of Ascott’s broader expansion across Africa, where the company has secured 10 signings over the past year. Once fully operational, these will expand its portfolio from two properties today to 23 properties with over 2,800 units across 10 cities in eight countries by 2028. In addition to Kenya, Ascott is growing its presence in key markets including Morocco, Nigeria and Ethiopia, where two properties are slated to open in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, further strengthening its footprint in East Africa. Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, The Ascott Limited, said: “Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand. This signing reinforces our commitment to the Kenyan market and reflects our focus on expanding in cities where we see sustained demand from both business and leisure travellers. We are honoured to further strengthen our partnership with Britam on this development, bringing together strong institutional investment and Ascott’s global operating expertise. By introducing Citadines alongside Somerset, we are able to offer a broader range of accommodation options that cater to different guest segments, while maintaining the quality and flexibility that define our brands.” Ambrose Dabani - CEO & Principal Officer Britam Holdings PLC, said: “This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Nairobi as a key economic and commercial hub in the region. We are focused on high-quality, resilient assets that deliver sustainable value over time. Partnering with Ascott allows us to combine strong real estate fundamentals with an experienced global operator, ensuring the development is well positioned to meet evolving demand for professionally managed accommodation in the market.” Designed for Modern Urban Living Citadines Westview Nairobi will offer a mix of well-balanced hotel rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, supported by a comprehensive range of amenities including food and beverage outlets, meeting and conferencing facilities, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium. The F&B offering will complement the Somerset Westview Nairobi’s Jabu rooftop bar and La Mascotte restaurant, contributing to a more vibrant and integrated lifestyle destination within the development. Strategically located adjacent to Somerset Westview Nairobi in the prime Kilimani district, the property offers seamless access to Nairobi’s key business hubs and lifestyle destinations, providing guests with the flexibility and convenience for a comfortable stay, whether travelling for business or leisure, on short or extended stays.
The Ascott Limited (www.DiscoverASR.com), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Capital and Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of Citadines Westview Nairobi, a 160-key hotel located in the capital’s established Kilimani district. The new property will complement the existing 162-key Somerset Westview Nairobi serviced apartments, forming a strategic dual-brand offering that enhances Ascott’s ability to serve...
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Wingu Africa Launches Wingu Cloud Exchange in Ethiopia

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Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa), the pioneering specialist provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres in East Africa, has announced the launch of the Wingu Cloud Exchange (WCX), a new private cloud platform tailored specifically for East African businesses and now available in Ethiopia. With WCX, Ethiopian organisations can keep their data securely within the country, ensuring compliance with local regulations and protecting sensitive information. For businesses, this enables faster access to services, improved operational efficiency, and reliable support through locally optimised infrastructure. Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, COO and Co-founder of Wingu Africa, said, “WCX is a game-changer for African businesses. We are delivering secure, compliant, and scalable cloud solutions built specifically for local needs. With this platform, we are setting a new standard for digital infrastructure in the region and accelerating Ethiopia’s transformation into a digitally enabled economy.” WCX brings together essential cloud services such as computing, storage, container management, and security, making advanced technology accessible to companies of all sizes. Enterprises can scale operations on demand, pay predictable prices in local currency, and avoid the uncertainties of foreign exchange or hidden fees. This gives businesses clarity in planning and the freedom to grow without constraints. The platform offers a full range of services, including Wingu Compute, Wingu Kubernetes, Wingu Drive, and Wingu Security, enabling businesses to deploy, manage, and secure applications with confidence. The platform also integrates seamlessly with existing on-premises systems and complements global providers such as Azure and AWS, offering customers flexible hybrid options tailored to their operational requirements. The launch of WCX highlights the company’s commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation and strengthening the region’s cloud infrastructure. By delivering locally relevant solutions, Wingu Africa supports sustainable growth and inclusive development, while addressing customer demand for simplicity, reliability, and predictability in cloud adoption.
Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa), the pioneering specialist provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres in East Africa, has announced the launch of the Wingu Cloud Exchange (WCX), a new private cloud platform tailored specifically for East African businesses and now available in Ethiopia. With WCX, Ethiopian organisations can keep their data securely within the country,...
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CityBlue Hotels announces Oceara Residences by CityBlue in Watamu, Kenya

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ityBlue Hotels, a member of The Diar Group, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, is pleased to announce a deal with Sands of Darakasi Resort Ltd for the development and operation of Oceara Residences by CityBlue, a landmark beachfront hospitality project in Watamu, Kenya. Set on an approximately 6-acre prime beachfront site with over 130 metres of direct ocean frontage, Oceara Residences by CityBlue is envisioned as a premier coastal destination combining resort living with branded residential offerings. The development will comprise of 200+ units, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, supported by an extensive range of lifestyle and leisure amenities. These will include multiple swimming pools, a beach club, restaurants, a spa, fitness facilities, and landscaped green spaces, positioning Oceara Residences by CityBlue as one of the most compelling mixed-use resort developments on the Kenyan coast. The project is currently in the development phase, with completion targeted for Q4 2029. The development will be fully integrated into the Residences by CityBlue platform, ensuring alignment with international hospitality standards, strong brand positioning, and access to regional and global distribution networks. Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Hospitality Summit in Nairobi, Jameel Verjee, CEO of CityBlue Hotels, commented: “Oceara Residences by CityBlue represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Kenya’s coastal hospitality market. We are proud to partner with Sands of Darakasi Resort Ltd to bring this vision to life, combining world-class hospitality expertise with a unique beachfront offering that will attract both investors and leisure travellers. Our focus is to deliver a high-performing, design-led destination that creates long-term value for all stakeholders.” The project reflects growing investor interest in branded residential and mixed-use hospitality developments in East Africa, particularly in high-growth leisure destinations such as Watamu. With its strong positioning and comprehensive amenity offering, Oceara Residences by CityBlue is expected to appeal to both regional and international buyers seeking a blend of lifestyle, investment, and hospitality-driven returns.
ityBlue Hotels, a member of The Diar Group, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, is pleased to announce a deal with Sands of Darakasi Resort Ltd for the development and operation of Oceara Residences by CityBlue, a landmark beachfront hospitality project in Watamu, Kenya. Set on an approximately 6-acre prime beachfront site with over 130...
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CityBlue Hotels Announces Launch of Diani Beach Residences by CityBlue

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The Diar Group in partnership with Staroot Real Estate, is pleased to announce a proposed collaboration to develop and operate Diani Residences by CityBlue, a landmark mixed-use residential and hospitality development in Diani Beach. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi on 1 April 2026. Set on approximately five acres, the project is envisioned as a flagship lifestyle destination comprising between 400 and 500 contemporary residential units. The development will feature a thoughtfully curated mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, designed to meet the evolving needs of both investors and end-users seeking high-quality coastal living experiences. The project will be branded under the Residences by CityBlue platform, leveraging the extensive experience of CityBlue in managing hospitality-led residential developments across Africa. Known for its operational excellence and performance-driven approach, Diani Residences by CityBlue is expected to be the benchmark for integrated living within Kenya’s coastal real estate market. The development will include multiple swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness centre, spa facilities, conferences and meeting spaces, children’s recreational areas, paddle courts, and curated food and beverage experiences. A signature restaurant concept will anchor the culinary offering, supported by flexible dining spaces designed to accommodate both casual and private dining experiences. Speaking on the proposed partnership, Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels noted: “Diani continues to emerge as one of East Africa’s most attractive coastal destinations. This project represents an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant, hospitality-led residential community that delivers long-term value for investors while enhancing the destination’s global appeal.”
The Diar Group in partnership with Staroot Real Estate, is pleased to announce a proposed collaboration to develop and operate Diani Residences by CityBlue, a landmark mixed-use residential and hospitality development in Diani Beach. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi on 1 April 2026.
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Africa’s fastest-growing hotel group CityBlue Hotels selects Inntelo AI to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-native operations across portfolio

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CityBlue Hotels, one of Africa’s fastest-growing hotel groups, has selected UK-based platform Inntelo AI to deploy AI-native concierge agents across its portfolio, marking a significant step in the group’s strategy to lead the next phase of hospitality innovation across the continent. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi on 31 March 2026. The rollout represents one of the first scaled implementations of AI-native concierge agents in African hospitality, positioning CityBlue Hotels at the forefront of AI-driven transformation in the sector. Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and expected to open soon in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia, with additional strategic tie-ups in South Africa and Mozambique, CityBlue Hotels’ partnership with Inntelo AI comes amid continued growth in Africa’s tourism sector, supported by rising intra-African travel and increasing global demand for new destinations. As part of its broader digital strategy, CityBlue Hotels will deploy Inntelo AI’s platform to embed AI directly into hotel operations. The AI-native system coordinates guest interactions and service workflows in real time, enabling faster response times, improved task prioritisation, and consistent service delivery at scale, while allowing teams to focus on high-value, in-person guest engagement. The partnership also includes the development of educational programmes to advance skills, innovation, and AI adoption across Africa’s hospitality industry. Jameel Verjee, said: “CityBlue has always been focused on where our markets are going. As we scale, AI-native operations become essential to delivering consistency, speed, and quality across multiple geographies. “This partnership allows us to embed AI at the core of how we operate—supporting our teams in real time, reducing friction, and elevating the guest experience across every property. Just as importantly, we are shaping how AI is applied within an African context.” Asif Alidina, added: “CityBlue Hotels is exactly the kind of operator that defines where the industry is heading. Their focus on AI-native operations and scalable systems makes them a natural partner. “Together, we are deploying technology that is purpose-built for hospitality—combining conversational and agentic AI to support teams, enhance guest experiences, and set a new standard for modern hotel operations in Africa.”
CityBlue Hotels, one of Africa’s fastest-growing hotel groups, has selected UK-based platform Inntelo AI to deploy AI-native concierge agents across its portfolio, marking a significant step in the group’s strategy to lead the next phase of hospitality innovation across the continent. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi...
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