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M-Pesa now Working with China’s WeChat

Special Correspondent - December 4, 2018

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Africa Property Investment (API) Events (https://www.APIEvents.com) is proud to announce a bespoke investor tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, designed to provide African delegates with exclusive access to the Gulf’s capital markets and iconic real estate developments. API Events, a leading facilitator of investment and development platforms across Africa, will host the inaugural Africa-UAE Investor Tour, taking place from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This exclusive, boutique tour is designed to inspire, educate, and catalyse new deals for Africa’s top property developers, investors, and C-suite leaders by connecting them directly with the heart of Gulf capital and world-class real estate innovation. The tour addresses a critical market need, a trend underscored by industry leaders. As Kevin Teeroovengadum, Board Director of real estate and hospitality companies, observes: “We are seeing growing interest from Middle East investors across Africa, extending beyond traditional sectors like ports, mining, and petroleum into areas such as high-end bush lodges in the hospitality sector.” This sentiment is echoed by Murray Anderson-Ogle, Managing Director of API Events: “There is a lot of Gulf capital — sovereign wealth funds, family offices — and a lot of activity led out of the Gulf and Dubai into Africa. But for someone from the Gulf to come to Africa to meet a developer or a pension fund, it’s hard; you’re going to spend months tracking them down.” Anderson-Ogle says the tour is about bringing the leader of Africa to Dubai, creating a two-way exchange that matters. “It’s not just another conference or sightseeing trip. It’s a chance to forge authentic connections with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, private equity, and venture capital investors who actually deploy capital into Africa. Since some Gulf investors can be cautious about Africa, this tour is set to build trust and allow the kind of relationship-building that takes months or even years to develop if you go alone.” The four-day tour will offer attendees an opportunity to study Dubai’s unparalleled blueprint for urban development, town planning, and sustainable residential growth through sessions and site visits with leading real estate developers, including Binghatti, DAMAC, and others. This connection is a two-way street, as noted by Teeroovengadum: “Real estate companies from Dubai, such as DAMAC, are actively marketing their products to African buyers seeking to diversify their wealth and establish a ‘plan B’.” It will also be an opportunity to meet global retailers and brands actively expanding into Africa’s high-growth markets, facilitated by the UAE’s role as a global trade hub. “As the UAE positions itself as a hub for trade, more and more Africans are using places like Dubai for their trading operations,” adds Teeroovengadum. African delegates joining the tour will be welcomed by Dubai’s leading developers and funders, getting exclusive behind-the-scenes access to landmark projects. They’ll also engage directly with global retail giants and hospitality leaders who are expanding aggressively into African markets. Key site visits include: ICD Brookfield Place: The Gulf’s premier business & lifestyle destination in Dubai International Financial Centre, a global financial hub and a free zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the tallest & largest Green Building in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. One Za’abeel Tower: Featuring an exclusive exploration of Siro hotel, the World’s First Sport Hotel, with insights by Kerzner. CityWalk: An urban master-planned community, featuring a lunch experience with insights by Meraas and Merex Investments. Residential Developments: Exclusive visits to projects by leading developers like Binghatti and DAMAC. The tour combines project site visits with the Africa + UAE Investor Conference, featuring industry panels and networking sessions focused on joint ventures, capital raising, and preserving personal wealth. The core conference day on 11 November will feature sessions led by industry luminaries, including a macroeconomic overview of Dubai by Taimur Khan, Head of Research at JLL in the region, and deep-dive panels on capital raising, urban development, and retail expansion into Africa. Enhanced flight connectivity has been a key driver in strengthening these economic ties. “Airlines such as Emirates have been pivotal in connecting Africa with the Middle East and the world. We are also seeing Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, and Saudia Airlines expanding routes to key African hubs,” says Teeroovengadum. “All the above demonstrates the importance of the Middle East as a partner with the African continent, more so in a world of geopolitical turbulence.” Anderson-Ogle says the tour will target audiences in the C-suite, including CEOs, CFOs, chairpersons, founders, and pension fund heads, all looking to deepen their professional networks and secure legacy investments. “That’s the real selling point – the connections you can’t just make by flying solo to Dubai,” he says. Key highlights will include insights into emerging sectors, including healthcare, logistics, education, and digital infrastructure, from players such as DP World and Agility. Hospitality and tourism will take centre stage with Abu Dhabi Capital, Accor, Marriott, Radisson, and others exploring Africa’s hotel investment boom. Anderson-Ogle highlights Dubai’s growing role as a neutral and strategic financial gateway. He notes that capital from the Gulf is increasingly viewed by African investors as a receptive and pragmatic source for diversification, offering a valuable and long-term option for wealth preservation within a rapidly evolving global landscape. The Africa–UAE Investor Tour is limited to 40 top-tier delegates who will gain unparalleled professional networks in a focused, boutique setting. “We are seeing a lot of interest, but it’s very boutique. We’re targeting quality over quantity with about 40-50 participants to maintain exclusivity and real engagement,” Anderson-Ogle explains. API Events invites senior African and Middle Eastern investors, developers, and funders to join this unique opportunity to build legacy and unlock new avenues of growth in one of the world’s fastest-evolving investment hubs. For more information, registration details, and the full itinerary, please visit: Dubai Tour - API Events: https://apo-opa.co/46Vz2Rs

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Emirates (http://www.Emirates.com) has continued its commitment to making travel more accessible for all, by successfully arranging bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities globally over the past year. With more than 250 families positively impacted, Emirates Travel Rehearsals are designed to support children and young adults with autism, allowing them to practice the journey through the airport to prepare for real flights - easing travel anxiety and empowering them to fly with more confidence. After the initial Emirates Travel Rehearsals in Dubai resulted in positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations; the Emirates Office of Accessibility & Inclusion formulated the travel rehearsal into an official programme, to be rolled out across its global network. Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to arrange more than 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports like Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Cairo, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Luanda, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice and Vienna. More than 35,000 Emirates staff have been trained to support customers with autism and can help facilitate travel, and Travel Rehearsals. Emirates teams work very closely with airport authorities and partners to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive and successful experience for the families. Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, commented; ‘The Emirates Travel Rehearsal programme has been a resounding success across 6 continents, with impressive collaboration and drive shown by all stakeholders, from our own Emirates teams to our airport partners, and the parents and teachers who trusted us to support their children. We will continue to amplify this success with more locations, more teams involved, and more families positively impacted and empowered to fly with confidence.’ What is an Emirates Travel Rehearsal? As the world’s first autism certified airline, Emirates is aware that for many families, international air travel is a highly challenging experience, or something to be avoided completely due to the high level of sensory stimuli that is involved. A survey on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations for these reasons. For many people with autism, planning and predictability is critical – and an airport represents a world of unknown processes and stimuli. Emirates Travel Rehearsals are a purposeful community collaboration and learning exercise arranged by Emirates, with the support of international airport teams, Border Control and Security teams, and schools and centres for autism based all around the world. The travel rehearsals empower neurodivergent people to participate in a real-time journey through the airport, practicing the actions of checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing the hustle and bustle of retail and dining areas. While familiarising themselves with the airport, participants are also issued mock boarding passes and given the chance to meet the many uniformed staff encountered along the way. In some airports, Emirates’ teams managed to arrange access to real aircraft for the children and young adults. Positive feedback from participants Now on an international level - parents, therapists, teachers, young adults and children involved in the travel rehearsals so far have reported to Emirates that the experience has been invaluable in helping them have a safe and successful flight, by offering the comfort of preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff to support. “The relief experienced when institutions like Emirates have considered children with neurological differences in their operational strategies! To know a parent is welcomed with massive support during travels is such a beautiful feeling. It’s like a road to freedom for my child.” From an Autism Center founder and parent, Accra. “Now I am not afraid anymore! Maybe we can fly again next year. Before it was terrible. But now I can leave my fears somewhere else.” From Noah in Dusseldorf, 13 years old. “A real highlight of the day was watching the Emirates A350 arrive on stand, with the Captains waving to the children - a moment that sparked huge excitement. By the end of the evening, smiles were everywhere, and the atmosphere was filled with pride and joy. The children headed home with their bags they had “checked in,” filled with Emirates goodies, making the experience even more memorable. It was an incredibly rewarding day, and we’re grateful to everyone who took part and supported this.” From an Autism Group Leader, Edinburgh. “It is heartwarming to see and feel that in this busy world, there is still time taken to think of those who need just a little extra care. Thanks to this experience, our child can finally form a real picture of what to expect from an air‑travel holiday, because with explanations alone, he simply cannot imagine it. We found it incredibly fun and very helpful to experience this together with our son! Thank you!” From a Parent in Brussels. “Interesting! I was allowed to control the baggage belt. Everything was great. Especially the picnic room (lounge), the weapon control (security), the aircraft, just everything!” From Oskar in Dusseldorf, 7 years old. “Thank you for yesterday’s experience. From what participants have said, I think it couldn’t have been better, Mario is still saying that it was the best day of his life.” Parent from Fundación Friends, Barcelona. “The effort that Emirates put into creating more awareness, understanding, and sensitivity towards people with an invisible disability deserves the highest appreciation. Your approach shows insight, respect, and genuine commitment, making the world a better place and the lives of people with disabilities more liveable. It is inspiring to see how much care and attention you put into this. Hopefully, other airlines will follow your example, and awareness for people with disabilities will continue to grow. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience.” From an Autism Group leader in Brussels. “Unusual, I have never been to an airport. Very strange bus, it had doors on both sides. Cockpit was very cool! I was surprised to receive a present, I was very happy! Everything was unusual but fine and I could understand everything what was explained.” From Erik in Dusseldorf, 19 years old. ‘I was buzzing with excitement as the day approached with my students. Emirates’ team were incredibly welcoming and supportive, going above and beyond to make our travel experience both exciting and comfortable. From sensory-friendly spaces to tailored support, every detail was thoughtful. We had so much fun with the staff they truly understood us and were thrilled to have us. Thanks for making it a memorable day’. From a Class Teacher in Accra. “The experience you’ve given us is invaluable. We continue to be overwhelmed by the welcome we received. We loved all the details and preparation of the tickets at check-in, controls, boarding, and meeting the crew. We consider it a very significant step forward. The boys and girls came back very happy and after a week they are still remembering and talking about the visit. The feedback from families has also been very positive.” Representative from the Fundación Aucavi, Madrid. “Thank you can feel so light at times like these. To think of our children with autism was such an honor for families. You unpacked travel aspirations they have, their desired destinations. One parent said they never ever asked their son where he would like to visit thinking he knows no destinations.” Representative from the Regional Development Office for Autism, South Africa “Thank you, Emirates. It helped us a lot that we could go through the check-in process all the way to boarding the plane (the problem for us was/is the transportation on the passenger bridge, but now we know that it’ll be fine for our child too). Special thanks for your hospitality, and for the patience of Emirates staff. Our little boy had a great desire to board a plane, we returned home enriched with positive experiences. He also went to school today in the hat he received.” Parent from Hungary “I haven’t travelled in ten years out of fear for my child. After this experience, I feel more confident and hope to plan a trip with him.” Parent from Angola “A million thanks for organizing, your team was incredibly professional and kind. My gratitude to the crew member who showed Nore around, it made his day! He was also over the moon with the goodie bag he received, his smile got bigger and bigger as we reached home. You really did an amazing job when he finished his day by raising his arms and shouted: “I love being an autist”!” Parent of Nore from Oslo. “It was more than an airport experience. It was a gesture of respect, care, and recognition of everyone’s right to belonging, to travel, and to live fully. Each smile, each achievement, and each emotional glance from our little ones and their families revealed the true meaning of inclusion: creating safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for everyone.” Doctor from Kuzola Mona Children Development Centre, Angola. “Wow what an experience you provided our students on Friday. As a teacher of students with specialist needs for over 20 years this was one of the best things I have attended. Everyone commented on the care and attention from the whole Emirates team and the ground crew at Christchurch airport. We now have families who feel confident to give travel a go! Emirates aircraft model now has a new home, at the school reception.” Teacher from Pītau-Allenvale School, Christchurch. Emirates’ continuous support for neurodiverse customers Emirates will continue to arrange Travel Rehearsals across its global network throughout 2026, inviting more schools and centres to participate. Emirates’ range of sensory products and fidget toys (http://apo-opa.co/3QmXkiT) for customers of all ages continue to be available onboard in all cabin classes, for passengers who are neurodiverse, anyone who is struggling onboard or is a nervous traveller. Emirates Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub (http://apo-opa.co/3QmXs1R) on Emirates.com has been designed to contain all the information needed for accessible and inclusive travel, featuring accessibility-friendly navigation that allows customers to find information easily and explore the many ways that Emirates can provide travel assistance and support. Aiming to reduce anxiety before travelling, customers can choose to view and explore sections by disability, including Hidden Disabilities. If preferred, customers can search by looking at specific parts of the journey, which have been clearly arranged – Before your flight, Departure from Dubai, Onboard your flight, Connecting in Dubai and Arriving in Dubai. A third option allows customers to browse by specific needs, including Prepare for travel with the autism-friendly guide and Explore Dubai Airport (DXB) Map and Sensory guides.

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The blueprint, presented by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), also proposes construction of a new runway by 2029 and expansion of airfield capacity to handle up to 63 aircraft movements per hour, up from the current 14. Officials say passenger numbers have been rising by roughly one million annually, meaning existing facilities could become insufficient within the next three years if upgrades are not undertaken. Beyond terminal development, the Master Plan outlines phased infrastructure investments, including landside upgrades to improve access, circulation and operational efficiency. The expansion will be carried out in stages to minimize disruption, with existing terminals rehabilitated and optimized during the transition. Authorities argue the modernization is critical to maintaining JKIA’s position as a regional aviation hub, boosting cargo and passenger traffic, and supporting airport-linked businesses. However, financing, execution timelines and coordination with stakeholders will be key to delivering the project without operational setbacks.

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M-Pesa now Working with China’s WeChat

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