Author: James Wambua

• 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 …

• The Strategic Partner for the event is Saud Bahwan Group.
• Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency and Jordan’s Ministry of Investment are the Gold Partners.
• Silver Sponsors for the event are the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Invest in Sharjah.

Key partners of the AIM Congress 2024 have backed the vision of the event as an exceptional platform for exploring new ways to enhance global economic and investment cooperation.

The 13th edition of the 2024 AIM Congress is supported by over 330+ international and global partners, who have affirmed that the summit has evolved into a global gathering of elite decision-makers, business leaders, investors, and government officials from across the world.

They come together to exchange expertise and ideas, stimulate global economic growth, and present the best investment opportunities to the global business community. Additionally, they recognize its role in enriching the economic landscape of Abu Dhabi and …

• AIM Congress 2024 attendees were treated to a plethora of insights and strategies aimed at enhancing investment attraction and bolstering economic growth.
• One of the standout sessions was “Digital Marketing Solutions: by WAVETEQ,” focusing on cost-effective digital marketing strategies.
• The innovation and technology track showcased cutting-edge solutions to revolutionise urban planning, smart city development, and digitalization in various sectors.

Strategic collaborations and insightful discussions on global business are set to peak as AIM Congress 2024 begins Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. On the eve of the international forum, the premier global investment platform has concluded its series of pre-event workshops held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. These workshops have primed the attendees, setting the stage for strategic insights and collaborations.

Investment Track Highlights at AIM Congress 2024

In the investment track, attendees were treated to a plethora of insights and strategies to enhance investment attraction and bolster economic growth. One of …

• Kenya and Tanzania, already reeling from nature’s fury, now confront the looming threat of Cyclone Hidaya.
• Cyclone Hidaya’s trajectory places the eastern coast of Tanzania squarely in its crosshairs as neighbouring Kenya braces for floods.
• The relentless deluge gripping East Africa originates in the El Nino weather pattern.

Millions of people in Tanzania and Kenya are on edge as Cyclone Hidaya, a formidable tempest, barrels toward the region, exacerbating the havoc wrought by ongoing heavy downpours and catastrophic floods that have claimed hundreds of lives across East Africa.

Kenya and Tanzania, already reeling from nature’s fury, now confront the looming threat of a cyclone poised to unleash further devastation, with forecasts predicting a grim landfall later on Friday, May 3rd.

Cyclone Hidaya’s trajectory currently places the eastern coast of Tanzania squarely in its crosshairs, with fears mounting over its potential impact on neighbouring Kenya. As meteorological projections paint a …

• US Congress members ask Speaker Mike Johnson to invite President Ruto to address the assembly.
• President Ruto will be visiting the US on May 23 to mark 60 years of US-Kenya diplomatic ties.
• If invited, President Ruto would become the first Kenyan Head of State to address a joint session of US Congress.

In a historic plan highlighting the deepening ties between the United States and Kenya, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul (Republican – Texas) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (Democrat – New York) have jointly sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (Republican – Los Angeles, asking him to extend a formal invitation to President William Ruto of Kenya to address a joint session of Congress during his upcoming visit to the US, slated later in May.

“This year, we are celebrating the historic 60-year anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relationship. Such an invitation …

• 19 African Heads of State seek to triple IDA’s financing capacity to $279 billion by 2030.
• IDA remains [Africa’s] most dependable source of capital, with every dollar of donor financing enabling an additional $3.5 in capital market leverage to amplify development impacts: President Ruto
• We are united by a shared vision for the future of Africa—a continent rich in diversity, culture, and potential, thanks to its young people and natural resources: The World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

In a historic gathering of 19 African Heads of State and government in Nairobi, Kenya’s President William Ruto has ramped up calls for increased concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

The rallying call, which was made during the International Development Association (IDA21) for Africa Heads of State Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, reverberated with urgency and determination.

President Ruto’s plea sought …