Author: The Exchange

• South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool turned a humiliating diplomatic snub into a defiant triumph, greeted by roaring crowds in Cape Town.
• Why did the U.S. declare him persona non grata? The explosive clash over Israel, Iran, and accusations of ‘race-baiting’ that shattered U.S.-South Africa relations.
• Rasool’s dramatic return exposes the deepening rift between a defiant South Africa and a confrontational Trump administration.

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s former ambassador to the U.S., returned home to Cape Town on Sunday to a hero’s welcome after being expelled by the Donald Trump administration in a dramatic diplomatic row. The scene at Cape Town International Airport was one of jubilation and defiance, as crowds surrounded Rasool and his wife, Rosieda, chanting slogans of support and waving South African flags.

The couple needed a police escort to navigate through the throngs of well-wishers, a stark contrast to the cold reception he received in Washington …

• At AIM Congress 2025, PAL-V will be showcasing the PAL-V Liberty, the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle.
• This vehicle combines the convenience of traditional driving with the freedom of flying, presenting a practical vision for the future of mobility.
• “We are bringing the future of mobility to reality—creating seamless, efficient, and flexible transportation,” said Robert Dingemanse, Founder and CEO of PAL-V.

AIM Congress 2025, in its 14th edition, will highlight the latest global innovations in the mobility sector under the Future Cities Portfolio, bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore the future of advanced transportation.

Among this year’s most prominent participants is PAL-V, showcasing the PAL-V Liberty, the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle. This revolutionary vehicle combines the convenience of traditional driving with the freedom of flying, presenting a practical vision for the future of mobility.

As transportation systems face increasing challenges, such as traffic congestion and intercity travel …

• Julphar will be the “Lead Partner” for the Global Manufacturing Portfolio supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).
• The 14^th AIM Congress 2025 edition aims to unify global efforts, enhance strategic cooperation, and highlight the role of investment in driving innovation.
• UAE is strategically establishing itself as a global hub for trade, manufacturing, and healthcare innovations.

AIM Congress has officially announced its partnership with Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) as the “Lead Partner” for the Global Manufacturing Portfolio supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) at the 14th Edition of AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

AIM Congress, supported by over 400 local, regional, and international partners, serves as a premier platform for fostering collaboration and advancing economic development through investment.

The Congress aims to unify global efforts, enhance strategic cooperation, and highlight the pivotal role of investment in driving innovation, economic growth, and the sustainability of …

• For Uganda, upcycling waste textiles could create green jobs, with novice tailors earning US$4.6 per day and professionals making up to US$17.9 per day.
• However, to fully realize this opportunity, policy support, and investment in recycling infrastructure is vital.
• Equally, stakeholder collaboration will be crucial for transitioning Uganda towards a circular textile economy.

In the heart of Kampala, Owino Market thrives as Uganda’s largest second-hand clothing hub, welcoming thousands of traders and customers daily. While this trade powers the local economy, it also generates significant textile waste, contributing up to 48 tonnes of waste daily.

With most discarded textiles ending up in landfills, burned, or informally repurposed, a growing movement is seeking solutions—one that could turn waste into wealth. Can this initiative in Uganda be mapped onto other economies across the East African Community (EAC) where the trade in second-hand clothing is a booming business?

A recent study by WasteAid, …

• AIM Congress will conduct meetings delving into pressing economic issues, investment opportunities, and sustainable growth.
• Delegates to learn from dedicated investment forums for India, Japan, China, and Russia.
• Japan Investment Forum poised to celebrate the country’s leadership in advanced technology and sustainability.

AIM Congress 2025 is set to welcome decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world from April 7 to 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The global investment platform will host forums and conferences that delve into pressing economic issues, explore investment opportunities, and encourage collaboration to promote sustainable growth.

The diverse lineup of events will cover a wide range of topics, including local production, trade technology, health equity, and regional investment prospects. Among the standout forums are  the TradeTech Forum with the World Economic Forum, and dedicated investment forums for India, Japan, China, and Russia.

Regional focus forums will also address opportunities across Africa, …

• The Board has proposed a final dividend of $0.012 per share, bringing the total payout for the year to $0.023 per share—amounting to $74 million.
• Lender’s balance sheet closed the year at $15.13 billion (KSh1.96 trillion), powered by a strong deposit growth and stable loan portfolio.
• Operating costs grew by 11.8% to $717 million (KSh92.9 billion), driven by staff costs, and tech investments.

KCB Group profit after tax for the full year 2024 grew by 64.8 per cent to $477 million (KSh61.8 billion), attributable to strong expansion across all its businesses subsidiaries in the East African market.

This performance was an increase from the $289.5 million (KSh37.5 billion) which the bank that has presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan reported during a similar period in 2023.

“The strong performance illustrates our resolve over the past 3 years to build an …

• Global leaders, government officials, policymakers, top investors, business executives set to meet in Abu Dhabi April 7 to 9 for AIM Congress 2025.
• Key forums will be: Ministerial Roundtable on Investment, Ministerial Roundtable on Investment in Tourism, Heads of Stock Exchange Markets’ Roundtable, Heads of Central Banks’ Roundtable, and Chambers’ Talks.
• Congress will also host the “Global Women’s Leadership Roundtable: Global Women’s Leadership in the Modern World”.

 The 14th edition of AIM Congress, set to take place from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will feature high-level roundtable discussions tackling the most pressing global investment challenges.

AIM Congress 2025 held under the theme “Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure”, these discussions aim to generate strategic recommendations that will reshape the global investment landscape.

AIM Congress 2025 will provide an …

• African countries undermine their economic growth by prioritising trade with Europe and the United States over regional markets.
• How do we ensure that African countries trade among themselves? asks Dr. Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations.
• “We [Botswana] have high-quality beef in Botswana and the North West province, we export it to the European Union, yet Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo buy their beef from Brazil. Does that make sense? It doesn’t,” says Dr. Butale.

Despite its vast resources and production capacity, regional trade in Africa remains low with many economies relying heavily on overseas markets. This state of affairs has prompted Botswana to raise the alarm about low levels of intra-African trade.

“It’s disheartening that Africa is still unable to realise trade among its countries,” said Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, delivering a lecture in honour of the late South African Deputy …

• Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components and Semi-Finished Products Show (DIFAC) returns for its 7th edition alongside the WoodShow.
• Currently the showcase space is fully booked, reflecting strong industry demand.
• Delegates to explore the latest woodworking machinery, finishing tools, wood products, and advanced automation and robotics technologies that enhance efficiency and quality in the industry.

The 21st edition of WoodShow Global in Dubai is poised to offer players in the industry across the Middle East and North Africa’s a feel of the future, with exhibitors, top-tier companies and industry professionals readying displays of the latest offers in the wood and woodworking machinery industry.

This year, the 21st edition of the event will take place from April 14 to 16, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, welcoming over 15,000 visitors from around the world. This premier exhibition serves as a vital hub for knowledge exchange, showcasing the latest innovations, trends, …

• IPS 2025 will showcase the latest technologies and smart solutions, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to building sustainable cities.
• Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, developers, investors, and financial institutions, the event serves as a catalyst for real estate growth, facilitating high-value deals, strategic partnerships, and business expansion.
• Event also facilitates the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and insights on smart building technology and sustainable designs.

The Dubai Land Department has officially announced the 21st edition of the International Property Show (IPS) 2025, set to take place from April 14-16, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As the world’s premier real estate platform, IPS 2025 aims at reaffirming Dubai’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and investor-friendly property market.

Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, developers, investors, and financial institutions, the event serves as a catalyst for real estate growth, facilitating high-value deals, strategic partnerships, and business expansion. With a strong focus on investment opportunities, …