Author: James Wambua

• Four innovators from Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda, selected from a shortlist of 16, vie for the £50,000 (over $62,000) Africa Prize.
• Their innovations encompass recycling in construction, AI tools for healthcare and farming, and reengineered waste collection, addressing crucial societal needs.
• The three runners-up will each receive £15,000 (over $18,000), while a £5,000 (over $6,000) prize titled ‘One to Watch’ will be awarded to the most promising business among the shortlist.
• Since 2014, the Africa Prize has empowered nearly 150 entrepreneurs across 23 African countries, creating over 28,000 jobs and positively impacting more than 10 million people with their innovative products and services.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is set to host the final showdown of the 10th Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, the continent’s premier engineering accolade, on June 13, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. Out of an initial pool of 16 visionary innovators crafting sustainable, scalable engineering solutions …

• Over 68% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas in 2050 up from the current 55%.
• However, poor living conditions are worsening with about 1.1 billion people worldwide residing in informal settlements or slums.
• Furthermore, another 318 million people are either homeless or at risk of homelessness globally.

As the world grapples with the unprecedented pace of urbanization, the role of city planning has never been more critical. As populations surge, housing shortages bite harder, and the impacts of climate change manifest in increasingly severe ways, the traditional paradigms of city planning are being challenged like never before.

As projections indicate that over 68 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas by 2050, the imperative need for visionary city planning has never been clearer, Dr. Erfan Ali, Chief of Staff at UN-Habitat, Nairobi, told delegates at a forum on Future Cities at …

• Inaugural event promises to be a cornerstone in the region’s wood and woodworking machinery industry
• As construction projects continue to increase, the demand for woodworking machinery is expected to escalate
• Saudi WoodShow is showcasing an impressive line-up of exhibitors, including renowned companies such as Al Arak Wooden Manufacturing Company

 Thousands of delegates are converging in city of Riyadh for the Saudi International Wood and Woodworking Machinery Exhibition (Saudi WoodShow) is all set to close tomorrow, May 14. Organized under the banner of WoodShow Global, this inaugural event promises to be a cornerstone in the region’s wood and woodworking machinery industry.

Globally, woodworking machinery market is projected to experience a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5 percent between 2023 and 2032, fueled by the robust expansion of the construction sector worldwide.

With the industry witnessing significant growth momentum, the woodworking machinery market, valued at $4.9 billion in 2022, is …

• Russian Investment Forum at AIM Congress 2024 highlighted Russia’s robust economic standing.
• Various Russian regions showcased unique investment opportunities, from the Far East’s oil and gas sector to Tatarstan’s diverse industries.
• Discussions also revolved around innovation and technology, with an emphasis on Abu Dhabi’s potential as a global technology hub.

Amidst the grandeur of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Russian Investment Forum emerged as a unique centre of opportunities during the 2024 AIM Congress.

Under the International Partners’ Track, this forum brought together luminaries from Russia’s business landscape to showcase the nation’s unique investment propositions and affirm Abu Dhabi’s suitability as a global technology hub.

Spearheading the discussions was Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. Katyrin painted a picture of Russia’s robust economic stature, ranking first in Europe and fifth globally in terms of GDP.

He cited Russia’s …

• At AIM Congress 2024, ministers worldwide share insights and strategies for unlocking global investment potential and navigating the prevailing economic challenges.
• Ministers highlight diverse approaches to investment attraction, ranging from leveraging emerging markets and fostering SMEs to offering incentives like tax exemptions and creating investment-friendly regulations.
• The global forum showcases a collaborative effort to drive economic growth, regional collaboration, and private sector involvement.

In a bustling convergence of minds at the ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from May 7th to 9th, the 2024 AIM Congress unveiled a remarkable event that captured the attention of global leaders—the Ministerial Roundtable on Investment.

This exclusive gathering under the Roundtables’ Track brought together a cadre of distinguished ministers worldwide to share insights and strategies in navigating the complexities of economic volatility, geopolitics, and the looming global economic slowdown.

H. E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, set the tone …

• UN Tourism calls for funding for women-led startups within the Middle East’s burgeoning tourism sector.
• UAE is increasingly becoming a regional leader in FDI inflows, underscoring Ab Dhabi’s emergence as a prime investment hub.
• Speakers at AIM Congress push for halal tourism, as well as initiatives to harness technology to elevate visitor experiences.

In the heart of Abu Dhabi, the AIM Congress 2024 witnessed a stirring convergence of global leaders, international organizations, and entrepreneurs, catalyzing discussions on pivotal issues shaping the tourism landscape.

Amidst the bustling ambiance of ADNEC from May 7th to May 9th, UN Tourism left an indelible mark with two insightful side events, spotlighting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and navigating the intricate terrain of tourism investments in the Middle East.

On May 8th, UN Tourism orchestrated a dynamic session titled “Investing in Innovation and Enabling Women Entrepreneurs,” led by Ms. Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director of the …

• “Africa is like China 20 years ago, you see where China is now, so Africa is moving there,” Nael Hailemariam, Founder/CEO Chapa tells global leaders, and investors at AIM Congress 2024.
• Africa’s startup evolution is on, fueled by innovation and a youthful demographic dividend.
• This comparison of Africa to China’s meteoric rise serves as a compelling narrative for investors seeking untapped markets brimming with promise.

A panel discussion titled “The New Geographical Focus of Startups: Spreading Digital Innovation to Africa and Other Places” at the ongoing AIM Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi has shed light on the startup evolution unfolding across Africa.

Expert speakers lifted the lid on the continent’s burgeoning potential, citing untapped opportunities that are ripe for investment. Nael Hailemariam, CEO/Cofounder of online payment gateway Chapa, captured Africa’s momentum, likening it to China’s trajectory two decades ago. “Africa is like China 20 years ago, you see where …

• Industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries are meeting in Abu Dhabi for the 13^th edition of AIM Congress 2024.
• Key discussions on the second day focused on advancing global health security and promoting sustainable local production.
• H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, underscores the significance of equitable pathways and innovative strategies for a healthier future.

The 2024 AIM Congress, currently underway at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) up to May 9th, has become a hub for industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries. This gathering is witnessing unprecedented convergence aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovative solutions to global challenges.

Under the theme “Investing in an Innovative Ecosystem: Navigating Growth Through Strategic Partnerships,” the Universal Track has been a platform for engaging talks and keynote addresses.

For instance, the China Investment Track, a highlight of this segment, was moderated by Duan …

• The Joint Venture will serve to boost global investment and economic development by synergistically combining both parties’ key capacities in the market.
• Both entities aim to leverage their respective strengths to advance LB Investment’s initiatives.
• Established in 1996, LB Investment has consistently been recognized as one of Korea’s premier fund managers.

AIM Global Foundation, an independent international organization dedicated to empowering investments across the world, and Korea-based LB Investment, which has $1 billion Assets Under Management (AUM), have announced the set-up of a Joint Venture, along with a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ongoing AIM Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi.

The Joint Venture will serve to boost global investment and economic development by synergistically combining both parties’ key capacities in the market.

The MOU marks a critical moment in global investment cooperation. Both entities aim to leverage their respective strengths to advance LB Investment’s initiatives through the platform …

• Madagascar’s first gold refinery following a strategic partnership and support from the United Arab Emirates.
• Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, terms the move “a major step in the development” of the country’s mining sector.
• At the AIM Congress 2024, Madagascar is marketing its rich potential as an emerging market and its pivotal role in regional trade dynamics.

Madagascar’s first gold refinery

Madagascar is set to join the elite club of countries with gold refinery plants in the world following strategic partnerships and support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 13th edition of the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, outlined his nation’s strategic vision for sustainable economic growth and development.

While highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and investment, President Rajoelina noted Madagascar’s rich potential as an emerging market and its pivotal role in regional …