Articles Archives - MEA Markets

Understanding Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) Role in Accelerating Africa’s Healthcare Momentum

Posted on September 21, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

By Eyong Ebai, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa at GE HealthCare (www.GEHealthcare.in/)

In Africa, as in much of the world, artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest buzzword amongst healthcare professionals. Globally, we saw an explosion last year of various AI generative platforms, promising unparalleled potential to solve some of the continent’s biggest problems.

This has triggered a (sometimes breathless) dialogue regarding the potential for AI in the African context. Could it help the healthcare sector leapfrog to the latest technologies and overcome a host of complex challenges that have hampered healthcare for decades?

Answering that question is more complex than a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

While it is absolutely true that AI can play a role in Africa’s healthcare evolution, it cannot be our starting point. We must start with the “ABCs”, as it were. Then we can leverage AI in the service of these broader goals.

The ABCs of Healthcare

More than 10 years ago, Khalish Chand, who received an OBE for his service to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), outlined the ABCs of healthcare (Access, Behavior and Clinical governance) as a prescription to overhaul the NHS. His framework remains a powerful tool to help us think about Africa’s healthcare prioritization, sequencing and resource allocation.

In Africa, this means ensuring that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, and without enduring financial hardship. This requires investing in the infrastructure, logistics and health financing models that enable adequate access to care for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The behavior of Africa’s doctors, nurses, community health workers and all healthcare providers toward their patients must always be empathetic, understanding and respectful. We must work with African patients to shift them from passive recipients of care to proactive and empowered “own-health advocates.” At the same time, investing in Africa’s healthcare workforce is critical to ensuring the health sector can attract, train and retain the best people to serve our communities.

For health ministries and private providers, this requires a robust clinical governance framework that encompasses appropriate risk management, compliance and standards, and quality information and evidence-based approaches to managing healthcare systems. This means the right laws, regulations and policies must be put in place to ensure the best health outcomes.

Structural transformation

We can see a commitment to these ABCs in the New Public Health Order for Africa, launched by the African Union in 2021. This initiative addresses deep structural public health deficiencies at national, regional and global levels by focusing action in five areas: fortifying public health institutions; strengthening the public health workforce; expanding African manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics; increasing domestic resources for health security; and building respectful and action-oriented partnerships.

ABC to lead, AI to support

With this context, it is clear that AI and broader digitization can help fulfil the ABCs in an African context.

However, it is important to note that this is made possible, in part, because of Africa’s enormous success at leveraging digitization to innovate African solutions to African challenges. For example, mobile money was born in Kenya and revolutionized the financial, economic, and social landscape for millions of Africans. Africa enjoys high mobile phone penetration rates, and a growing youthful population is conversant and comfortable with an increasingly digitized lifestyle.

This infrastructure and outlook make it much easier for healthcare providers to deploy digital connectivity solutions such as telehealth consultations or remote health monitoring. One result is more people can access more primary and specialized care, even in remote locations.

Beyond consultations, this digitization includes devices such as handheld ultrasound machines that can extend the reach of this important diagnostic tool to rural and remote primary health centers.

Another example: in a region facing a shortage of nurses and hospital beds, technologies such as remote ECG (electrocardiogram) devices mean doctors can send patients home and still ensure they are being monitored safely and confidentially over the internet.

When it comes to behavior, smart wearables can help patients keep track of important health data, while AI-enabled medical imaging equipment can help technicians complete scans more accurately and more quickly, shortening scan times by 75% or more, and giving clinicians better information to enhance diagnostics and treatment. AI-enabled electronic medical record software can help clinicians spend more time with patients by reducing time spent on simple decisions and paperwork.

Both access and behavior can be addressed through a just-signed agreement whereby GE HealthCare will develop AI-assisted ultrasound imaging auto-assessment tools. Seeking to expand access in low-and-middle income countries across diverse points of care, the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation has provided a grant to support development of tools to aid healthcare professionals—even those without specialized training or experience with ultrasound—with clinical decision information in areas of obstetrics, maternal and neonatal lung ultrasound screening, and pediatric lung health.

For health ministries and hospital groups, connecting data from equipment and operations to AI-powered software in a secure cloud platform can generate clinical and productivity insights that can help doctors improve diagnoses and facilities optimize patient flow. That’s a clear win for clinical governance.

As I wrote earlier this year (https://apo-opa.info/45UZZ6p), this is an important and exciting time for African healthcare. The determination, the vision, and the funding are available to make major strides in country after country. We must continue this momentum by prioritizing development of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare infrastructure and other interventions that support the early detection and prevention of disease. We must promote skills development and job creation, and approach all these needs from a holistic perspective that is not siloed by technology, geography, disease, or organization.

To accelerate this momentum, all stakeholders must come together to pursue what patients and populations need now: increased healthcare access, expanded infrastructure, more healthcare workers with the training they need, and healthcare systems and care pathways that are holistic.

AI can play a valuable role. It is not, however, the answer. Making it so would be a distraction that could impact care to millions.

GE HealthCare is committed to working with regional partners across Africa to create a world where healthcare has no limits. At this moment of unbounded potential, those of us working in African healthcare must remain focused on the ABCs of high-quality, patient-focused healthcare to all people and communities across the continent.

Kaspersky Examines How to Eliminate the Cybersecurity Risks When Buying a Business

Posted on September 6, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

With the global business landscape becoming increasingly interconnected, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been surging as companies look for growth, diversification, and strategic positioning. According to an E&Y report, in the Middle East region there was a 42% increase in the total value of merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in Q1 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Overall, the first quarter of the year saw 165 deals amounting to US$25.8b. This emphasizes the region’s prominence in global business. However, Kaspersky experts warn that such an upswing in M&A also underscores the need for vigilant cybersecurity practices.

Acquiring or merging with another business invariably means integrating digital systems, networks, and data. This integration process can expose both parties to cyber threats if not managed correctly.

Alexey Vovk, Head of Information Security Department at Kaspersky, cautions: “Acquiring an already established business can be an attractive option for example for entrepreneurs, given its potential for quick profitability, or similarly for large corporations that want to acquire innovative assets or intelligence that can expand their business. But over and above traditional legal, financial and governance due diligence during such a process, cybersecurity must be a focal point too.”

Some of the cybersecurity assessments that should be considered at a minimum, before buying a new business, include:

Existing cybersecurity measures: Investigate any past cybersecurity audits the company may have undertaken, even if they are self-conducted.
Valuable assets: Identify the most valuable digital assets of the business. For an e-commerce platform, this might be the website, so a thorough vulnerability check is essential.
Hosting and data management: Inquire about the company’s Web hosting provider and their reputation. Past security incidents might necessitate a change in hosting.
Security standards: Depending on the nature of the business, there might be specific cybersecurity standards to adhere to. Even businesses without critical assets should have baseline security to thwart common threats like ransomware.
Company reputation and data breaches: Research past data breaches and the subsequent remediation steps. Data leaks can tarnish a company’s reputation and invite legal repercussions.

However, Vovk goes on to caution that even beyond all the aforementioned sound advice, employee errors are also a concern and that can lead to significant data breaches. This is demonstrated in recent Kaspersky research carried out among employees in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa region. A test with a phishing simulator built into the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (KASAP) showed that 20% of employees would click on a malicious link, falling for scam emails with claimed corporate announcements.

“When buying a business, the acquiring organisation must consider any previous cybersecurity training conducted for staff as well as non-disclosure agreements when it comes to employees and third parties handling sensitive data. Fundamentally, proper access controls for company resources must be implemented within the new entity to ensure data access is limited and revoked appropriately when employees depart,” says Vovk.

Additionally, it is also crucial to be familiar with laws pertaining to data protection and cybersecurity. This includes understanding the regional regulations and laws that outline the prescribed conditions for responsibly processing personal data.

“It must be stressed that when acquiring a company, you assume responsibility for its risks as well. Attaining and maintaining optimal business cyber resilience is an ongoing process. But, protecting yourself from new tricks by threat actors requires additional investments in digital business solutions, tools and skills, setting the rules that comply with the law, and reviewing cybersecurity policies and new protections. Checking your cybersecurity level from the very beginning will help you reduce the likelihood of incidents, set a clear path for development, and achieve new goals,” concludes Vovk.

54% of Middle East Respondents Express Concerns About Meeting Medical Needs, Reveals Cigna Healthcare Survey

Posted on August 31, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

5% Pledge aims to tackle employee concerns and achieve overall individual and business well-being.

Global economic shifts driven by pandemics, food shortages, and inflation have led to unprecedented uncertainty for businesses and their employees. To gain a better understanding of the challenges confronting employers within this new landscape, Cigna Healthcare, the leading global health services company, conducted a comprehensive survey involving nearly 9,000 individuals worldwide, including 1,100 participants each from the UAE and KSA. The survey aimed to uncover their concerns, assess their current health status, and gain insights into the support needed to promote healthier lives in these challenging times.

Economic Challenges and a Looming Health Crisis

The survey revealed that rising inflation and the escalating cost of living stand as major concerns for individuals globally, with 25% of respondents in the Middle East identifying the inflation crisis as their primary concern. Rising bills and sluggish economies are leading to heightened uncertainty, causing stress levels to mount and mental and physical health to decline. Regionally, 72% of respondents felt that these rising costs were making it challenging to maintain good health, and 54% expressed uncertainty in their ability to meet their own or their family’s medical needs.

Workplace Well-being Requires More Attention

Dr. Dawn Soo, Cigna Healthcare’s Regional Medical Officer for the Middle East and Asia, stressed the need for employers to provide holistic healthcare benefits, initiatives, and a supportive culture where employees can openly discuss challenges. The survey further highlighted the critical connection between employee mental and physical health and productivity, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing employees’ health security as a core ESG imperative.

Recognizing that poor employee mental health isn’t just detrimental to individuals but also impacts organizations’ financial health, Cigna Healthcare introduced the 5% Pledge, urging business leaders to invest 5% of their work time to enhance employee mental health and well-being.

Jerome Droesch, CEO of Domestic Health and Health Services, International Health, Cigna Healthcare, reflected on the survey’s findings: “The survey underscores the delicate balance individuals face in accessing essential healthcare. These figures underscore the critical need to address the affordability of medical services for our workforce.”

He added: “Recognizing the pivotal role of employee well-being in driving organizational success, Cigna Healthcare introduced the 5% Pledge. The Pledge is a commitment to empowering employees with the tools they need to navigate today’s challenges. By prioritizing mental well-being and creating a supportive workplace culture, we are fostering not only healthier employees but also a more resilient business.”

The Path Forward

As uncertainties continue to reshape the business landscape, the Cigna Healthcare 360 Global Well-being Survey highlights the urgency for companies to prioritize employee well-being. By dedicating resources to the health and mental well-being of their workforce, businesses can ensure their resilience and success in an ever-changing world.

UN and South Sudan Join Forces to Boost Rural Development Through Producers’ Organizations and Access to Finance

Posted on August 25, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

As South Sudan’s food security deteriorates due to localized conflict, displacement triggered by the Sudan crisis, and climate-related shocks like flooding, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN’s Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of South Sudan today signed a financial agreement for a seven-year, US$25.6 million project that aims to improve food security, increase income and generate resilience for rural households. The project is expected to reach 160,000 people, with a focus on women, youth, returnees and people with disability.

In collaboration with South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), the Rural Enterprises for Agriculture Development (READ) project will help develop 500 rural producers’ organizations, as well as policies and regulatory frameworks that promote good governance and accountability systems vis-à-vis their constituencies. READ will also facilitate overall access to rural finance.

“As the lead implementing agency, I’d like to express my profound commitment and capacity of the national Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to work hand-in-hand with IFAD and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and improve food and nutrition security for all people of South Sudan,” said Josephine Joseph Lagu, South Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

©️IFAD – Alberto Trillo Barca

“There’s a recognition that the potential for rural sector in South Sudan is massive. The READ Project will lift the majority of our people out of poverty and will foster an entrepreneurial culture which will not only expand employment opportunities but also support economic recovery after this long conflict,” said Dier Tong Ngor, South Sudan’s Minister for Finance and Economic Planning.

IFAD will fund almost 80 per cent of project costs through a US$20 million grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). Additional co-financing will be provided by the Cooperative Bank of South Sudan (US$1.8 million), UNDP (US$1.5 million), the Government of South Sudan (US$ 1.4 million), and project participants (US$ 0.75 million).

Food security as precondition to achieve peace

According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a record 9.4 million people — 76 per cent of the country’s population — are likely to require aid in 2023 as the country continues its march towards “freedom, equality, justice, peace, and prosperity,” as stated in the South Sudan Vision 2040.

“Providing viable livelihood opportunities to rural populations is an essential step toward peace and prosperity. This means supporting small-scale farmers and rural producers with access to loans, financial services and business skills, while at the same time ensuring they have the capacity to cope with ever-increasing climate shocks,” said Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD.

“As an implementing partner and the development agency for the READ Project, the UNDP is committed to the collaboration between the private sector, rural producers’ organizations, and rural financial institutions to facilitate access to financial services, to technology, and to markets. By strengthening the country’s economic recovery and diversification through agricultural value chain development, the READ project contributes to South Sudan’s peace, recovery and stabilization agenda by reinforcing the social fabric within communities and creating livelihood opportunities for the rural population, including returnees and internally displaced people,” said Dr. Samuel Doe, Resident Representative, UNDP South Sudan.

The project will be implemented between 2023 and 2029 in six states (Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Yambio) in South Sudan with a “conflict-sensitive approach.”

IFAD has been engaged in South Sudan since its independence in 2011. Its investments boost food production and rural employment, increase resilience, help farmers adapt to climate change and strengthen human and institutional capacities. Working closely with the Government, IFAD has channelled US$77.26 million in investments to three rural development projects, reaching 76,800 rural households. South Sudan has recently doubled its pledge to replenish IFAD’s resources for the next three years, sending a strong message of support to IFAD and the donor community.

From City to Seasine: Saudi Arabia’s Top Travel Destinations

Posted on August 23, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

IHG Hotels & Resorts reveals a line-up of must-visit spots throughout the Kingdom, with strategically located properties available to travellers at each destination

In a remarkable fusion of luxury and leisure, Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as one of the most captivating regional travel destinations. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, the Kingdom boasts a range of enchanting experiences that cater to immersive weekend getaways, adventurous escapes, and relaxing retreats.

From the vibrant streets of Jeddah to the bustling ports of Yanbu, this curated selection of must-see destinations across Saudi Arabia promises to bring the best of the Kingdom’s nature, architecture, and gastronomy to the fore, with thoughtfully designed IHG Hotels & Resorts properties available for guests’ convenience across each of the signature spots.

Travel to Saudi Arabia is especially accessible through the end of August, as SAUDIA – its flagship carrier – has announced 50 percent off economy and business class tickets for flights between the Kingdom and the airline’s international destinations.

Jeddah

Nestled on the Red Sea’s shoreline, Jeddah serves as a hub of history and heritage. The timeless charm of the Al-Balad district and its souks meets the cutting-edge marvels of the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, creating a cultural journey that transcends time. The city’s iconic Corniche, fringed by blue waters and promenades, inspires further wonder of the surrounding attractions. As a crossroad of culture, commerce, and creativity, Jeddah stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s future, while honouring its storied past.

IHG Hotels & Resorts owns four properties in Jeddah, each with a distinct flair and line-up of amenities: InterContinental Hotels Jeddah, Crowne Plaza Jeddah, Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway, and Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam.

Riyadh

As the dynamic capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh blends tradition and modernity for a uniquely Arabian experience. Featuring golden desert sands, buzzing city souks, and contemporary museums, Riyadh offers a cultural tapestry of attractions that immerses visitors in the city’s local rhythm. It is the beating heart of the Kingdom with lots to offer for both leisure and business travellers.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has 12 properties throughout Riyadh, uniquely designed to cater for guest preferences around affordability, location, luxury, and amenities. InterContinental Riyadh, voco Riyadh, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, and Holiday Inn Riyadh – The Business District are some of the city’s most popular stay options.

Taif

Located in the heights of the Sarawat Mountains, Taif is a hidden gem in the Kingdom’s touristic landscape. Known as the “City of Roses”, it’s characterised by its cool weather and fragrant gardens, offering visitors a tranquil setting in the rural fields of Saudi Arabia. Taif’s farms produce citrus fruits such as grapes, berries, and figs, and the city centre features a host of historical monuments and local markets.

The InterContinental Taif, located between the city centre and Taif Airport, blends luxury hospitality with the historic charm of the mountain destination for a uniquely immersive stay experience.

Yanbu

Saudi Arabia’s capital of diving, Yanbu, is one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable maritime cities on the West Coast. Divided into Yanbu Al Bahr, Yanbu Al Nakhal, and Yanbu Industrial, the underrated coastal oasis boasts a diverse range of treasures for travellers to discover. The city blends its seafaring heritage with historical architecture, artisan shops, local cuisine, and watersport activities for an outdoor vacation underpinned by rich Arabian tradition.

Holiday Inn Yanbu is located close to both the Red Sea and the Yanbu Prince Abdul Mohsen Airport, promising both convenience and proximity to the atmospheric port of Yanbu Old Town.

As a leading global hospitality group, IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to be set apart as a brand of choice across popular tourist destinations. With a diverse line-up of properties throughout the Kingdom, IHG guarantees a stay experience suited to visitors’ individual preferences and maintains delivery of high-quality hospitality experiences.

Africa Can Become New Global Supply Chain Force: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Posted on August 16, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

African economies should seize the opportunity to better integrate into technology-intensive global supply chains and boost prosperity, but this depends on their ability to harness key market and investment trends, the UN’s trade and development body UNCTAD said on Wednesday.

In a new report, UNCTAD shows that Africa can become a major exporter of higher value-added goods, creating growth and jobs, and fuelling a rise in productivity and wages.

Launching the report in Nairobi, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan insisted it would offer a better future for the continent’s economies.

Diversifying trade “builds resilience and enhances innovation”, Ms. Grynspan said, adding that diversifaction was “key” for private sector development and employment opportunities for Africa’s growing population.

Africa’s competitive advantage

Ms. Grynspan highlighted three factors driving the “huge” opportunity for the continent. From a geopolitical point of view, countries and businesses are seeking to diversify their suppliers and thus reduce risk. Africa is well placed to tap into this trend, Ms. Grynspan said, which together with the African Continental Free Trade Area offers “great synergies” for participating in global supply chains.

Africa also has a unique advantage amid the rise of the renewable energy market, as it is a vital source of raw materials for technology-intensive industries – for instance lithium, essential to the production of electric car batteries. It has the possibility to become a destination for manufacturing and should seek to export more complex finished goods rather than just commodities, Ms. Grynspan said.

As for demographics, Africa boasts not only a dynamic, young workforce, but also a “burgeoning” middle class offering local consumer markets for hi-tech goods.

‘Untapped potential’

The report analyses “untapped potential” for African countries to strengthen their position in the automobile, solar energy and pharmaceutical industries.

Encouragingly, Ms. Grynspan noted that Africa’s tech ecosystem growth has already proven impressive, as “hubs in artificial intelligence, 3D printing, blockchain, fintech [financial technology] and e-commerce are thriving” in countries such as Kenya, fostering innovation and strengthening Africa’s chance to capture technology-intensive global supply chains.

Higher wages and resilience

Creating an environment conducive to technology-intensive industries will raise wages, the UNCTAD chief said, underscoring that the average wage on the continent is $220 per month while in the Americas, in comparison, it is nearly $670.

According to UNCTAD, deeper integration into global supply chains would also diversify African economies, boosting their resilience to future shocks.

Attract investment

However, for this to happen, more investment will be needed, Ms. Grynspan said. The report highlights the fact that currently, only about two per cent of global investments in renewable energy go to Africa.

Paul Akiwumi, Director of UNCTAD’s Division on Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes, said that in order to drive more large-scale private investment, regulatory barriers will have to be removed and regional industrial development plans put in place.

Mr. Akiwumi cited the example of a regional agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, allowing for the creation of an industrial zone for the production of electric car batteries. He also highlighted the importance of product registration and intellectual property in order to attract investors.

Urgent debt relief needed

Ms. Grynspan stressed that in order for Africa to be able to seize its competitive advantage, the continent’s economies need debt relief to create fiscal space so that countries can invest in strengthening supply chains and in education for their workforce.

She recalled that African countries pay four times more for borrowing than the United States and eight times more than European nations, as shown in UNCTAD’s recent “World of Debt” report.

‘Change the rules’

“This must change if Africa is to achieve its full economic potential and be a major actor in global supply chains,” the UNCTAD chief insisted, pledging the UN’s unwavering support to nations across the continent.

Ms. Grynspan highlighted UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ advocacy to “change the rules that reproduce these asymmetries” and fix the “distorted” perception of risk which international investors hold in relation to developing economies.

Professional worker control and checks stock inventory with digital tablet with containers in harbor warehouse global network

FuturMaster Empowers Digital Transformation in the Middle East and North Africa Region’s Supply Chain with DFYA, Accelerating the Realization of Vision 2030

Posted on August 16, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

FuturMaster, a market leader in Supply Chain Planning and Trade Promotion Management & Optimization (TPx) solutions, has entered into a strategic Value-Added Reseller (VAR) agreement with DFYA, an innovative player in supply chain management. This partnership aims to amplify digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with DFYA selling and implementing FuturMaster’s advanced solutions.

This strategic agreement unites FuturMaster’s state-of-the-art solutions and industry expertise with DFYA’s advanced exobrain technology, enabling rapid reach in an essential and expanding marketplace. The partnership seeks to enhance supply chain decision-making capabilities and operational efficiency across the region, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It aims to facilitate their journey through expansive digital transformation.

Working in alignment with Vision 2030 – Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for digital and economic diversification – the FuturMaster and DFYA partnership will work to transform the region. The partnership aims to enhance the non-oil sectors of the economy while supporting the region’s adaptation into a global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through the provision of innovative solutions.

“FuturMaster has always been at the forefront of turning the complexity of supply chains into competitive advantages,” said Yacine Zeroual, EMEA General Manager at FuturMaster. “Our VAR agreement with DFYA solidifies our commitment to this mission, driving growth in the MENA region and equipping businesses with the advanced tools they need to excel within the framework of Vision 2030.”

Amine Benmesbah, Founding Partner at DFYA, shared the enthusiasm about this partnership. “Representing FuturMaster in the MENA region is a significant step towards a technologically advanced supply chain in this area. Together, we are bringing FuturMaster’s next-generation, AI-driven solutions to the market, catalyzing the ongoing digital transformation. We’re confident that this partnership will support the region in achieving the ambitious objectives outlined in Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of this transformative future.”

Small tree that grows on a pile of money. Financial investment ideas

Africa Climate Summit 2023: Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World

Posted on August 10, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

Registration is now open for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and the annual Africa Climate Week 2023, landmark events co-hosted by the Republic of Kenya, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) respectively.

Scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th September in Nairobi, the ACS will convene Heads of State and Government, policymakers, civil society organizations, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and youth representatives from across Africa and beyond to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and foster collaboration for a sustainable future. Guided by the theme, ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,’ Africa will, through ACS, seek to consolidate global climate action around climate financing and climate positive development, solidify her standpoint on climate change going forward, and use the Summit to showcase her immense climate action potential and attract new partnerships in green growth, especially in niche sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and critical minerals among others.

“We are deeply honored as Kenya to have been picked by the African Union and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to host both the first-ever Africa Climate Summit and the 2023 annual Africa Climate Week. We acknowledge the huge task entrusted to us and assure our co-hosts, the African Union Commission and UNFCCC, and the entire world of a successful twin event from September 4th to 8th here in Nairobi. As Kenya, we have a strong legacy of catalyzing global climate action and are glad that we are shepherded through the organization of the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week by our President, H.E Dr William Ruto, who is also the current Chairperson of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC),” said Hon Soipan Tuya, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

She added: “The Africa Climate Summit provides a platform for the African continent to consolidate its climate action potential and standpoint, take lessons from the rest of the world and collectively shape climate finance solutions that empower the continent and inspire the world. Kenya will play its part in ensuring that the objectives of the Africa Climate Summit as established by the African Union are met.”

“The summit will provide a platform for policymakers and private sector players to discuss and develop climate finance solutions for African economies,” said Mr Joseph Ng’ang’a, Africa Climate Summit CEO. “As LMIC countries, we are committed to pursuing a holistic approach that intertwines economic growth, climate action, global cooperation, and inclusive development. We embrace a Green Growth Agenda, taking a global cost curve view, securing advance purchase commitments, accelerating investment for resilience, and ensuring just transitions. We are playing our part to solve the global crisis and forge a sustainable future for all,” Mr Ng’ang’a added.

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. According to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius since 1900. The consequences of inaction are dire, with devastating impacts on ecosystems, public health, and economies worldwide.

Acknowledging the vital role of youth in shaping our collective future, the Africa Climate Summit 2023 places a strong focus on amplifying youth voices. The United Nations Population Fund estimates that approximately 63% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, presenting a valuable opportunity to harness their passion, innovation, and determination for sustainable progress. The Summit, therefore, aims at empowering the youth as key stakeholders in climate action, providing a platform for them to showcase their perspectives and contribute to shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.

To achieve transformational change, it is crucial to adopt a new narrative that transcends traditional boundaries and fosters collaboration. The Africa Climate Summit seeks to challenge the outdated North versus South debate by emphasizing the interconnectedness of global challenges and the importance of shared responsibility. This new narrative not only promotes dialogue among stakeholders but also highlights the potential for collaborative solutions that leverage the strengths and resources of all regions.

The Africa Climate Summit’s agenda will include key topics such as “Redesigning Climate Finance, Trade, and Investment for the Global South,” “The Investment Opportunity for Food Sovereignty in Africa,” and “Accelerating Climate Resilient Water Investments in Africa.” Participants can expect dynamic discussions, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to showcase climate action initiatives and best practices.

By signing up for the Africa Climate Summit, individuals and organizations will be able to contribute to a new narrative of collaboration, resource pooling, and transformative change that will shape the continent’s collective future in climate action. Register now for the Africa Climate Summit and/or the Africa Climate Week at africaclimatesummit.org to be part of the movement to confront climate change head-on and build a sustainable future together.

people sitting and listening in a conference

RAKEZ Hosts Insightful Session for its Business Community on Exploring the Digital Landscape

Posted on August 10, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) successfully concluded its latest B2B community event, ‘Navigating Digital Landscape’ aimed at equipping SMEs and startups with an understanding of the basic principles of online marketing. The event drew an audience of close to 100 entrepreneurs operating across varied sectors.

The session offered an informative and interactive platform for attendees to discuss balancing inbound and outbound marketing initiatives and how to prevent marketing budget wastage. Experts from different areas of the digital spectrum, including branding, website, and digital transformation, imparted valuable insights and tips for saving time, effort, and money when planning digital campaigns and maximising market awareness for new businesses.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “For new entrepreneurs who are just venturing out, the task of getting noticed, identifying target clients, and establishing successful access to them, may come with a matrix of challenges. These could span from budgetary concerns to the scarcity of databases and other valuable resources like content producers, designers and marketing wizards. Our role as a nurturing hub for SMEs is to bridge that gap, enabling them to effectively tap into the right tools and navigate the digital world successfully. The objective of our latest session was to provide our community members with a better understanding of the digital landscape through open conversations with seasoned experts.”

The attendees also discussed when to start focusing on digital, what the next big digital trend could be, what makes a good digital campaign, and the biggest mistakes businesses make with their digital strategy. The specialists addressed questions related to the optimum time for a business to start optimising its digital presence and resources to bolster its online standing.

Some entrepreneurs regularly attend the RAKEZ community events to learn from experts and implement key takeaways into their businesses. Founder and Managing Director of Adventurous Camel Tamar Smulowicz, said “We have been to several of these events since the past year and found them to be really helpful for our new business. As a company targeting markets outside the UAE, we are struggling with reaching audiences, reeling them in and converting them into buyers. I am happy the panel highlighted the importance of having a strong foundation based on content and the integration of artificial intelligence. Now I’ll start focusing on all social media platforms equally and not wait to launch our website until it’s 100% perfect as long as it’s SEO-friendly.”

Similarly, CEO of Craftspot Designs Shijin Abdul Latheef also shared his concerns and plan of action, “As a B2B company and we are finding it tough to generate business-appropriate content strategy for social media platforms. The panel covered useful areas such as UX, digital marketing and AI, but my main learning from this session is to adopt a customer-first approach before delivering the products, services, content, etc.”

Meanwhile, Director of Human Resources at Valsense Tina Chaaba, shared that she found potential connections at the event to give a facelift to her company website. “Talking from a recruitment perspective, it is highly important to have a website that truly showcases your company’s values and all that it stands for to attract good talent. The discussion with experts has made me more open to embracing the latest technologies such as AI to strengthen our output.”

The community events reaffirm RAKEZ’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a robust and supportive ecosystem for companies, armed with the essential tools and know-how to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. The economic zone will continue hosting an array of similar enriching events, boosting the development of a thriving and well-informed business community headed into an exciting digital future.

Green glass globe, earth ball with green leaves and morning sunlight - sustainable environment and ecology

SANY: Demonstrating Their Commitment to Sustainability in Africa

Posted on August 3, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

The third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was held in Changsha from June 29th to July 2nd, where 53 African countries, 12 international organizations, and over 1500 exhibitors gathered, driving Sino-Africa economic and trade cooperation development. SANY Group exhibited 14 flagship products, including those from concrete, road, and port machinery categories at the Expo.

At the Expo, Xiang Wenbo, the rotating Chairman of SANY, delivered a speech as the sole Chinese business representative. He highlighted the long-standing history of Sino-Africa friendship and the highly complementary economic patterns of the two regions, bringing enormous cooperation potential.

Sino-Africa relations are currently at their strongest in history as the all-around and multilevel cooperation framework has gradually taken shape. According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. In 2021, Sino-Africa trade reached a record high of USD 254.289 billion, up 35.3% year on year. The infrastructure collaboration between the two sides continues to be strong, with Chinese enterprises having invested in the construction of thousands of bridges and hundreds of ports across the continent.

In cooperation with China, Africa has extended its backbone network to 150,000 kilometers and its network service to nearly 700 million users, accelerating its industrialization and modernization. In terms of social development, China has trained more than 160,000 African professionals in various fields by inviting African students to study in China. Besides, China has also shared its agricultural solutions with Africa, promoting the overall sustainable rural transformation of African countries.

At the same time, Africa’s huge economic potential offers a vast market for China. In 2002, SANY exported its graders to Morocco as the first group of construction machinery manufacturers entering the African market. Since then, SANY’s products have covered over 50 countries and regions across Africa, and participated in many major construction projects, including Adama’s Wind Power Project. In recent times, 102 of SANY’s wind turbines have become part of the Ethiopian landscape, continuously transmitting clean energy to Addis Ababa, the country’s capital.

The wind power industry plays a crucial role in promoting energy transformation and ensuring energy security under China’s “dual carbon” goal. SANY is dedicated to becoming a global leader in providing clean energy equipment and services, and is committed to developing wider and deeper cooperation with African countries to create a green and sustainable society.

Saudi Arabia Strongly Positioned to Become a Global Biotech Hub Following $3.9bln R&D Funding

Posted on July 27, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

Saudi Arabia has invested USD3.9 billion in research and development since 2021 and established state-of-the-art biotech clusters

The Kingdom’s biotech industry can contribute to economic diversification and support many critical ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030
Globally, the biotech industry continues to grow rapidly, touching areas as varied as human health, agriculture, resource recovery, and recycling

Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a world-leading hub for biotech research, development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing driving economic diversity and addressing national healthcare and food security issues, according to the latest report by Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, titled “Accelerating Saudi Arabia’s Biotechnology Sector.”

The analysis comes amid reports that merger and acquisition activity in pharmaceutical and life sciences in the United States could reach USD225 billion to USD275 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia has already seen USD3.9 billion in total research and development (R&D) since 2021, with significant investments in flagship biotech R&D institutions and targeted regulatory frameworks. With state-of-the-art labs and innovation initiatives like the Saudi Human Genome Program and the Saudi Network for Clinical Trials, the country is already well-placed to develop a leading biotech cluster over the coming decade.

“The health, social and economic benefits of a thriving biotech sector in Saudi Arabia are significant. Biotechnologies, with their ability to develop groundbreaking technologies and medical products, can revolutionize not just the national non-oil economy, but everything from the chemicals industry to agriculture, food security, and human health,” said Dr. Walid Tohme, Partner with Strategy& Middle East.

The scale of investment and regulatory development already implemented in Saudi Arabia are already helping to streamline the country’s capacity for trials, testing, and bioethics – and the nation’s educational ecosystem is ahead of the curve.

However, to sustain growth in biotechnology, policymakers and the private sector can use four enablers to gain momentum and elevate Saudi Arabia on the global biotechnology stage.

“Saudi Arabia has laid a solid foundation for biotech through a series of national investment strategies and a streamlined regulatory framework. However, the next step involves establishing a more nuanced, targeted approach that brings government and private sector stakeholders together with shared objectives and strong investment incentives,” said Claudia Palme, Senior Executive Advisor with Strategy& Middle East.

The four enablers set out in the new Strategy& report are:

1. Invest more public and private funding in commercialization: Innovation in the biotech sector requires substantial investment in patient capital, particularly within the medical sub-sector which demands that drugs and medical devices undergo trials and tests for up to seven years. Even though Saudi Arabia has invested USD 3.9 billion since 2021, a majority has been invested in basic research rather than training and commercialization of marketable products. To overcome these challenges, Saudi Arabia requires more private venture funding to help a vibrant biotech ecosystem take hold.

2. Expand human capital and the talent pipeline: Analysis shows that nearly half (47 percent) of entry-level jobs in the biosciences field require advanced degrees, compared with 27 percent in other industries. Furthermore, there is a limited focus on the skill sets required to sustain a substantial biotech hub. To supply this eventual need, Saudi Arabia needs to channel significant investments into promoting world-class education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

3. Develop state-of-the-art infrastructure: To sustain growth, the sector also needs an enhanced digital infrastructure, including internal networks, cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced AI, analytics, and robotics. Centralized bodies, such as the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority and the Saudi National Institute of Health can leverage infrastructure investments at institutes like King Abdullah Economic City and KSU to form a collaborative network and maximize utilization.

4. Create a strong framework of regulation and incentives: Regulatory bodies should adopt proactive, innovation-led regulation that supports inward investment, protects patients, attracts investors, and protects intellectual property. To get there, Saudi Arabia requires a set of incentives comparable to other global biotechnology hubs – such as expedited import permits, single-window business establishment procedures, streamlined hiring, and tax privileges. Recognizing the global competition for talent and investment, many of these incentives are under development.

“By deploying these four enablers, Saudi Arabia can cultivate a robust and truly world-leading biotech industry. Furthermore, a nationwide ecosystem of biotech infrastructures from NEOM to KAUST and clusters in Riyadh, will yield a successful sector that creates economic diversification, skilled jobs and a plethora of health, social and economic benefits,” concluded Irfan Merali, Principal with Strategy& Middle East.

Digital DEWA, the Digital Arm of DEWA, Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Huawei During China Visit

Posted on July 13, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

HE Saeed Al Tayer held a meeting with Guo Ping, Chairman of Huawei Supervisory Board

A delegation led by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) visited China. Al Tayer was accompanied by Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Digital DEWA; and Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA. During his visit to the headquarters of Huawei, a leading global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, in Shenzhen, Guangdong, Al Tayer met with senior officials from Huawei. He was briefed on the company’s latest technologies, products and facilities. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA, and Huawei.

Meetings

HE Saeed Al Tayer held a meeting with Guo Ping, Chairman of Huawei Supervisory Board. The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences and best practices, particularly in energy storage, smart grids, digital transformation, cloud computing, and electric vehicle charging stations. The meeting also highlighted the successful launch of the first phase of the world’s largest green data centre, recognised by the Guinness World Records. The data centre, implemented by Moro Data Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, in collaboration with Huawei, is located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.

Al Tayer also met Charles Yang, President, Global Marketing and Sales Services, Huawei Digital Power. The meeting focused on digital transformation in the utility sector and Huawei’s experience in this area. Furthermore, Al Tayer had a meeting with Sun Fuyou, CEO of Huawei Electric Power Digitalisation Business Unit. Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s smart grid strategy, and the two sides discussed the latest developments in digital transformation in power networks.

Visits

Al Tayer and the accompanying delegation visited the Edison Exhibition Hall, where they were briefed on Huawei Digital Power’s latest products. They also visited Huawei Enterprise Digital Transformation Exhibition Hall; Huawei Digital Power Antuoshan Base; and Huawei Flagship Store in Shenzhen, Bantian, where they were briefed on smart vehicle auto driving.

MoU

In the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Digital DEWA signed an MoU with Huawei to enhance their strategic partnership and mutual work. The MoU focuses on accelerating digital transformation, decarbonisation, and developing a future-oriented power communication network. This supports DEWA’s efforts in energy transformation, sustainability, and achieving Net-Zero. The MoU was signed by Marwan Bin Haidar and Jerry Liu, General Manager of Huawei Technologies UAE L.L.C.

Visits

“We are happy to enhance our fruitful strategic collaboration with Huawei. This is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to benefit from digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence to improve performance and enhance people’s lives. Our collaboration supports the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to develop an integrated system that employs AI in key areas in the UAE; and the UAE Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub towards achieving a competitive national economy that is based on knowledge, innovation and future technological applications. We work with Huawei to exchange best practices and experiences and develop new technologies and solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the electricity and water sectors and reduce the carbon emissions from the electricity production process. We aim to achieve the UAE’s environmental goals, especially as the country is upscaling the climate ambition and gearing up to host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in Expo City Dubai in November. COP28 marks the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of the progress made in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“We are keen to enhance the strategic relationship between DEWA and Huawei. The partnership has resulted in significant achievements over the past years in digital transformation, exchanging the best international solutions, experiences and practices, especially in innovation, disruptive technologies, smart grids, digital transformation, automation, cloud platforms, Artificial Intelligence, data security, and big data management, among others. We harness the latest solutions and innovative technologies to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. Our goal is to disrupt the business model of public utilities and become the world’s first digital utility to use autonomous systems for renewable-energy and storage; and expanding the use of digital services,” added Al Tayer.

“We are glad to further consolidate our cooperation with DEWA. As a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei is committed to bringing the world’s leading digital power solutions that will enhance the lives of Dubai residents and offer a model for the future of power transmission in the region. In a joint effort with DEWA, we will continuously try to act as a solid foundation for the digitalization of the UAE,” said Jerry Liu, General Manager of Huawei Technologies UAE L.L.C.

The MoU enhances the collaboration of the two parties in the energy sector communication network, transmission communication network (multi planes network), distribution communication network (FLISR), electric power digital transformation service, Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform for electric power, overhead lines and substation inspection, Internet of Things (IoT) and maintenance, distributed energy resources integration and management, digital capacity enhancement to achieve carbon neutrality, data centres, charging network, and smart photovoltaic energy and energy storage system.