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Emirates Rawabi, ReFarm Global partner to drive sustainable agriculture, greening in UAE

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In a major step toward transforming the United Arab Emirates’ agricultural and food production landscape, Emirates Rawabi PSC, one of the country’s leading integrated agribusiness groups, has entered into a strategic partnership with ReFarm Global Investments LLC, a pioneer in regenerative and circular sustainability technologies.

The collaboration aims to revolutionize both food production and landscaping across the UAE, introducing new standards for sustainable urban development and eco-friendly agriculture.

Together, the two companies will advance a circular agribusiness model that emphasizes cost efficiency, carbon reduction, and regenerative farming. Their goal is to strengthen food security, restore soil health, and drastically reduce water consumption across the country’s agricultural and landscaping sectors.

The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s national vision to make Dubai one of the world’s most beautiful and liveable cities, contributing to urban greening, smarter irrigation systems, and reduced urban heat. It is expected to reshape the landscaping industry by promoting eco-efficient design, lower water use, and resilient green spaces that support long-term environmental goals.

Read Also: Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

A Partnership for the Future of Food

The collaboration merges Emirates Rawabi’s expertise in dairy, poultry, animal feed, and food production with ReFarm’s innovative technologies in regenerative soil systems and waste-to-value solutions.

The partnership’s shared mission is to create a regenerative food ecosystem—one that enhances soil vitality, optimizes natural resources, and ensures both economic and environmental efficiency.

“Our mission is to restore balance between nature, technology, and progress,” said Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm Global Investments. “Through this partnership, we aim to empower farmers, developers, and food producers with innovative systems that strengthen food security while conserving air, soil, and water resources.”

He added, “We share a common vision to position the UAE as a global leader in regenerative agriculture. Our technologies help farmers grow healthier crops using less water while maintaining soil quality and productivity.”

Sustainable Farming: From Soil to Plate

Mazen Al Refae, Group CEO of Emirates Rawabi PSC, said the partnership represents a major milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.

“At Emirates Rawabi, sustainability lies at the heart of our operations. Through Emirates Rawabi Sustainable Solutions (ERSS), we already integrate biogas, solar power, and advanced water treatment to create circular, efficient, and responsible systems,” he said.

“Together with ReFarm, we’re introducing scalable solutions that redefine sustainable farming—from soil to plate—raising the bar for circularity and measurable environmental impact.”

Advancing the UAE’s Sustainability Goals

Under the agreement, Emirates Rawabi and ReFarm Global will roll out pilot projects across the UAE to demonstrate circular agriculture in action—from waste valorization and regenerative soil management to innovative water systems.

The initiative supports the UAE’s national goals on food security, climate action, and sustainable development, positioning the country as a global example of how technology and innovation can drive a low-carbon, sustainable agricultural future.

South Africans to travel more in 2026, Marriott report reveals

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South Africans are planning to travel more than ever in 2026, with nearly seven in ten (69%) saying they will take the same or more holidays compared to this year — and almost half (49%) expecting to travel more frequently.

This is according to Marriott Bonvoy’s “Ticket to Travel” research, which surveyed over 22,000 adults across 11 major travel markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), including more than 2,000 South Africans. The study reveals that South Africans are planning an average of six holidays in 2026, consisting of two domestic trips, two short-haul getaways, and two long-haul adventures.

Top travel destinations include South Africa (25%), England (10%), Mauritius (10%), USA (9%), Mozambique (9%), France (7%), Botswana (7%), Zanzibar (7%), and Italy (6%).

AI Becomes South Africa’s New Travel Companion

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a go-to planning tool for South African travellers. Nearly half (49%) have used AI to research or plan a trip, while 15% rely on it all the time. Adoption is highest among Gen Z (66%) and Millennials (53%), compared to Gen X (27%) and Baby Boomers (22%).

Confidence in AI-assisted bookings is also growing — 59% say they feel comfortable booking accommodation through AI platforms such as ChatGPT, a figure that rises to 67% among Gen Z.

‘Lux-Scaping’ Takes Over 2026 Travel Trends

A new luxury trend dubbed ‘Lux-Scaping’ — adding a touch of luxury such as a spa stay or five-star hotel experience at the start or end of a holiday — is becoming a defining feature of South African travel plans.

Two-thirds (64%) of South Africans say they’ve indulged in lux-scaping, outpacing the EMEA average of 59%. The trend is especially popular among Gen Z (74%) and Millennials (67%).

Travellers say lux-scaping helps them relax before or after a trip (49%), return home refreshed (46%), and enjoy a bit of indulgence without overspending (33%).

When it comes to five-star experiences, South Africans favour adventure excursions, wine tastings, private chef experiences (41%), exclusive beach or pool access (36%), and all-inclusive stays (34%).

Passion-Driven Travel on the Rise

Read Also: FULL LIST: UK advises citizens against travel to 21 Nigerian States amid rising insecurity

The study also highlights the growing popularity of ‘passion pursuits’ — travel centred on personal interests such as music, sports, or adventure.

Over 73% of South Africans have taken a passion-driven holiday, exceeding the EMEA average of 68%, while one in five (19%) say they do so several times a year. The trend is strongest among Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (76%), who are seeking deeper connections with their hobbies and passions.

The top passion-led trips include music or cultural events (58%), sports experiences (56%), and adventure holidays such as safaris or treks (39%).

Togetherness and Smart Spending Define 2026 Travel Priorities

For South Africans, travel is still all about togetherness. The majority prefer to travel with family or children (44%), followed by partners (35%) and friends (12%). Only 7% prefer solo travel.

Their top priorities remain spending time with loved ones (53%), enjoying good food and drinks (48%), treating themselves (40%), and connecting with nature (40%).

Travellers also remain price-conscious and loyalty-savvy. Over half (51%) say they’re motivated to book when special deals are available — the highest in EMEA. Meanwhile, 42% consider hotel loyalty programmes a key factor in choosing where to stay, and 27% say loyalty points directly influence their booking decisions.

Sustainability Stays in Focus

Environmental consciousness continues to influence South Africans’ travel choices. Three-quarters (76%) of travellers have checked the environmental impact of their holidays, and 59% have verified a hotel’s sustainability credentials before booking — the highest percentage across EMEA.

“South African travellers are entering a new era of exploration — planning their holidays with sustainability in mind, while being more selective about how they spend and who they travel with,” said Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Director, Commercial – Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International.

“Younger generations are especially enthusiastic, taking more trips and embracing new ways of planning — from using AI tools to building multi-country itineraries. At the same time, holidays are increasingly about what matters most — spending time with family and friends, pursuing passions, and adding a touch of luxury to the experience.”

AEC embarks on strategic visit to Senegal to boost regional energy investment

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The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the leading voice of Africa’s energy industry, has announced a working visit to Senegal from November 12 to 14, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships, attract fresh investments, and accelerate growth across the MSGBC energy region.

Led by its Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, the AEC delegation is expected to meet with top government officials, energy regulators, and private sector stakeholders. The visit will focus on exploring new areas of collaboration and highlighting emerging investment opportunities in Senegal’s expanding oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.

This mission comes ahead of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference, scheduled to take place in Dakar from December 8 to 10 under the patronage of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The annual event brings together global investors, regional governments, and energy innovators to foster capital inflow, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth across the region.

According to the AEC, the MSGBC region – which includes Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry – is entering a transformative phase, driven by major offshore discoveries and new exploration opportunities.

Senegal, in particular, continues to lead the charge with the Sangomar oilfield, which began production in 2024, and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, expected to come online in 2025. The government is now moving toward GTA’s second phase and seeking partners for the Yakaar-Teranga gas project.

To attract further investment, Senegal is currently reviewing its oil and gas regulatory codes, focusing on transparency, local participation, and ensuring that energy revenues deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

“Senegal represents one of Africa’s most promising energy success stories,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “From world-class gas projects to progressive energy transition policies, the country is setting a benchmark for how to attract investment and foster inclusive growth. Our visit aims to deepen collaboration with Senegalese partners and ensure the MSGBC region remains at the forefront of Africa’s energy future.”

Read Also: AEC’s Ayuk to shape energy future at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 in Dakar

Beyond Senegal, neighboring countries are also stepping up efforts to attract energy investment. Mauritania is advancing its BirAllah gas project, estimated to hold 80 trillion cubic feet of reserves, while also investing in green hydrogen initiatives such as the 30 GW AMAN and 10 GW Project Nour. By 2040, the country targets producing up to 10 million tons of green hydrogen annually.

In Guinea-Bissau, energy giant Chevron recently secured operatorship of two offshore exploration blocks (5B and 6B), marking a new phase in the nation’s exploration drive. Meanwhile, Guinea-Conakry is preparing for a 22-block licensing round to attract investors to its frontier oil and gas basins, supported by a new seismic data visualization center established in partnership with SLB and TGS.

Similarly, The Gambia is developing a new petroleum exploration and production bill to improve transparency and draw foreign participation.

The AEC’s visit is expected to strengthen investor confidence across the region and set the stage for major announcements during the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference.

Shakara Festival set to redefine ‘Detty December’ with groundbreaking four-day music, culture experience in Lagos

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Lagos is set to host its first-of-a-kind outdoor multi-day music festival, Shakara Festival, from Thursday, December 18th to Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The groundbreaking event will take place at Nautica Beach Resort, Lekki, Lagos, offering a four-day immersive celebration of music, culture, and lifestyle designed to take African music to the world.

Shakara Festival is poised to become the ultimate destination for the annual ‘Detty December’ pilgrimage, expecting to host 20,000 attendees daily, from diasporans returning home to music lovers across the African continent. The festival promises a quintessential contemporary African experience, showcasing the vibrant style, sounds, and tastes of Nigeria.

During the day, attendees will engage with thought-provoking panel discussions featuring industry leaders on the music business, the creative economy, and more. The Shakara festival grounds will be a dynamic marketplace, called Shakara Junction, with a curated selection of vendors and artisans offering unique food, fashion, and crafts. The afternoons will pulsate with live performances from a diverse lineup of established and rising stars across genres including Afrobeats, Alternative, Soul, Gospel, Alté, and Afro-Fusion.

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

As the sun sets, the energy will transition to Shakara Afterdark, a series of exclusive parties that will keep the celebration going into the early hours of the morning, with collaborations from some of Lagos’ most loved raves and parties.

“We wanted to build something that was truly groundbreaking for the Nigerian music scene,” stated Godson Oriaku, CEO & Founder of Shakara Festival. “Shakara is about authentic expression and creating a space where different sounds and people can connect. From soul and gospel to the grittiest Alté, we are unifying Africa’s diverse musical landscape in one massive celebration.”

An impressive array of established and up and coming musical talents set to perform at the groundbreaking Shakara Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Shakara Festival is more than just a music event; it’s a pioneering movement,” said Abiola Francesca Dacosta-Ajayi, Founding Partner of Shakara Festival. “We are creating a world-class platform to celebrate the richness of our culture and the incredible talent that Africa possesses. This festival is our gift to Lagos and a bold statement to the world about the power and influence of our creative spirit.”

Tickets and festival information will be available on the official Shakara Festival website https://shakarafestival.com/ and social media channels IG: @theshakarafestival TikTok and X

United Nigeria begins daily direct flights to Accra

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The Ghana Airports Company Ltd. has promised to collaborate with United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to maintain high on-time performance.

The Managing Director of the company, Mrs Yvonne Opare, made the promise at a ceremony to welcome UNA’s  daily direct flights from Lagos and Abuja to Accra, on Monday.

She said that the commencement of UNA’s operations on the route was a  demonstration of growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry.

“I am informed that United Nigeria Airlines will operate daily flights between Abuja and Accra and  four times a week between Lagos and Accra.

“Competition breeds efficiency; so, we welcome this competition and we promise to uphold and welcome all the other airlines that are in the pipeline to come to Accra.

“As the operators and managers of Ghana Airports Company Ltd., we remain firmly committed to supporting all our partner airlines to ensure operational excellence.

Read Also: Emirates marks 30 years of operations in Nairobi, strengthening Kenya–UAE ties

“We will work closely with United Nigeria Airlines to help to maintain high on-time performance in smooth ground operations,” she said.

The managing director said that the company would expect United Nigeria Airlines to deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring that every passenger would enjoy a seamless, safe and pleasant travel experience.

According to her, the entrance of UNA, reinforces Ghana’s efforts to position itself  as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Deputy Director-General (Technology), Ghana Civil Aviation, Mr Theophilus Ago, said at the event  that Nigeria and Ghana formed a formidable bond.

He said the milestone would help to tackle the challenges faced by West Africans  in travelling within their countries and between West Africa and Europe.

He urged the airline to be excellent in its operations.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Capt. Dayo Adeoye, said that  commencement of UNA’s  direct daily flights from Abuja to Accra was  a symbol a new bridge of connectivity.

The Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, promised to collaborate with the Ghana Airports Company and other organisations to serve passengers well.

He said that the airline  had done much  to unite people in its  over four years of existence,

NAN reports that a water cannon was done to welcome the flight at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

There were dignitaries from Nigeria and Ghana at the ceremony.

(NAN) 

Luxembourg, AfDB strengthen partnership to boost Africa’s sustainable growth

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Luxembourg have pledged to deepen cooperation in support of Africa’s sustainable and inclusive growth, ahead of the seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17).

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah and Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings. It was the first official meeting between the two leaders since Dr. Ould Tah assumed office in September.

The discussions reaffirmed Luxembourg’s longstanding partnership with the AfDB and highlighted its continued support for Africa’s most vulnerable economies. Luxembourg remains one of the world’s top contributors of development assistance, consistently allocating 1% of its GNI to development projects—well above the UN-recommended 0.7%. Under the previous funding cycle, ADF-16, Luxembourg contributed €12.7 million, a 10% increase from prior cycles, with a focus on climate action, governance, gender equality, and private sector development.

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

“Africa’s development needs remain considerable, particularly in areas such as education, energy, technology, infrastructure and the fight against climate change,” said Minister Roth. “Luxembourg’s financial centre, with its expertise in sustainable finance and impact investing, is well placed to channel private capital toward these priorities. We will continue working alongside the African Development Bank to strengthen Africa’s investment environment and build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.”

Dr. Ould Tah described Luxembourg as “a steadfast partner” of the AfDB, emphasizing its leadership in sustainable finance and multilateral cooperation. He noted Luxembourg’s partnership will be crucial for mobilizing resources during the ADF-17 pledging session in December, supporting transformative investments across the continent.

Beyond concessional financing, Luxembourg contributes to initiatives like the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility, aimed at promoting financial innovation, broadening market access, and strengthening Africa’s private investment ecosystem.

Since its creation in 1972, the African Development Fund has financed nearly 3,000 projects worth over $45 billion, improving access to clean energy, food, education, and healthcare across 37 African countries, nearly half of which are fragile or conflict-affected. The ADF-17 cycle seeks to mobilize additional resources to create jobs, strengthen resilience, and unlock Africa’s economic potential, contributing to global stability and shared prosperity.

Angola awards Haim Taib with Peace and Development Medal

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As Angola marks 50 years of independence, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has awarded Haim Taib, Founder and President of the Menomadin and Mitrelli Group, the Peace and Development Medal (Classe Paz e Desenvolvimento) in recognition of his long-standing partnership and contributions to Angola’s economic and social development.

Haim Taib, a businessman, investor, and philanthropist, has spent over 35 years in Africa leading more than 100 national-scale projects that have mobilized investments, created jobs, and improved lives across the continent.

Arriving in Angola in 1991 during the civil war, Taib saw the country’s potential and worked to transform peace into progress. One of his early initiatives, Aldeia Nova, focused on self-sustaining communities and food production, becoming a symbol of hope and post-war recovery.

Over the years, Taib expanded his impact through his ecosystem of companies, including Mitrelli, Luminar, Menomadin, and JETA, implementing projects in water, food security, energy, housing, education, healthcare, and technology. Notable initiatives include water provision programs, advanced hospitals, vocational and entrepreneur centers, telecommunication infrastructure, and science and innovation hubs — all aimed at inclusive growth and human development.

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In 2025, Taib co-founded the Lobito Corridor Impact Development (LCID) Platform alongside Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. This USD 1 billion private-sector-led initiative, with USD 100 million already committed, supports infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and education across Angola, the DRC, and Zambia.

Taib’s social impact vision also extends through the Fundação Arte e Cultura, empowering young Angolans through art, education, and culture. His initiatives have brought electricity, water, homes, hospitals, and employment to millions, leaving a lasting legacy in the country.

“This recognition belongs as much to the people of Angola as it does to me,” said Taib. “It is a tribute to our shared belief that when people can dream, they can create. They can change. They can build their future with their own hands.”

The Classe Paz e Desenvolvimento medal underscores Angola’s acknowledgment of Haim Taib’s three decades of partnership and enduring contributions to the nation’s peace and development.

Rack Centre partners EdgeNext to launch CDN, Cloud hosting services in Nigeria

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Rack Centre, West Africa’s leading Tier III carrier- and cloud-neutral data center, has partnered with EdgeNext to launch Content Delivery Network (CDN) and cloud hosting services in Nigeria. The services will be hosted at Rack Centre’s state-of-the-art LGS2 facility in Lagos.

With over 200 million people and one of Africa’s youngest populations, Nigeria’s digital economy is growing rapidly. The surge in demand for internet services, mobile applications, gaming, e-commerce, and social media platforms has created a pressing need for high-performance infrastructure capable of delivering seamless digital experiences.

EdgeNext’s expansion into Nigeria aims to address this demand by improving content delivery efficiency, ensuring fast and stable application performance, and enabling businesses to scale effectively across the region. Its global acceleration network provides smoother, low-latency experiences for video streaming, e-commerce, and social media platforms, while flexible cloud hosting resources help developers and SMEs deploy services quickly, reduce IT costs, and accelerate digital transformation.

Read Also: MoniePoint, trade ministry, CAC partner to strengthen SME businesses

EdgeNext is also developing gaming cloud solutions to support Nigeria’s thriving gaming community, offering low-latency, high-concurrency acceleration for mobile, PC, and cloud gaming, ensuring immersive user experiences.

“Launching our CDN and cloud hosting services in Nigeria marks a key milestone for EdgeNext,” said Terence Wang, CEO of EdgeNext. “By partnering with Rack Centre, we are delivering secure, reliable, and low-latency services for enterprises, developers, and end users, ushering in a new era of cloud and edge computing in Nigeria.”

Lars Johannisson, CEO of Rack Centre, added: “EdgeNext’s arrival at Rack Centre demonstrates the strength of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. Our LGS2 facility provides the capacity, connectivity, and sustainability that global providers need to serve this market effectively.”

Rack Centre’s 13.5MW campus hosts over 73 carriers, ISPs, and network operators. The LGS2 facility achieves a design PUE of 1.35 using sustainable energy sources and offers direct connectivity to every subsea cable landing on Africa’s Atlantic coast, including Equiano and the forthcoming 2Africa cable.

This collaboration underscores the growing demand for edge services across Africa and reinforces Rack Centre’s position as a key gateway for international technology providers seeking to expand into the continent.

South Africa, UN FAO partner on STI roadmap to transform agrifood systems

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The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Roadmap for Agriculture — a key initiative aimed at strengthening South Africa’s agrifood systems through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

The roadmap seeks to enhance institutional coordination, promote technological advancement, and accelerate the transformation of agriculture into a more resilient and equitable sector aligned with South Africa’s national development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While agriculture remains one of the country’s most resilient sectors, it continues to face challenges such as climate change, high input costs, energy instability, market barriers, and rural poverty. The new roadmap will tackle these issues by driving innovation in high-value crops, livestock, and agro-processing, as well as creating opportunities for women and youth, strengthening value chains, and improving food and nutrition security through sustainable technologies.

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Anchored in South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan (2022–2032) and FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031, the initiative advances the “Four Betters” — better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life — while contributing directly to SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action).

The roadmap will also complement existing national strategies such as the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, the Forestry Sector Master Plan, and the Aquaculture Research and Technology Development Strategy, ensuring synergy across government, academia, and industry.

To guide implementation, a steering committee comprising directors-general from key departments will be established, supported by an advisory group representing academia, industry, and implementing agencies. The project, which formally began with an inception meeting in September 2025, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Through this collaboration, South Africa and FAO reaffirm their shared commitment to using science, technology, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems — ensuring that no one is left behind.

AIMEC hosts strategic workshop to advance inclusive economic growth in Africa

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The African Inclusive Markets Excellence Centre (AIMEC) has held its inaugural Strategic Planning Workshop in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 28 to 30, 2025, establishing a solid operational framework and roadmap to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.

An initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC) hosted by Tunisia, AIMEC aims to help AU member states design policies that expand equitable market access, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups, in line with Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The workshop, opened by Ambassador Dr. Youssef ElKordofani, AIMEC Executive Director, and H.E. Mr. Samir Abid, Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, brought together key stakeholders, including AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining, H.E. Ms. Francisca Belobe, African Business Council President Dr. Amany Omar Asfour, and representatives from GIZ, regional bodies, and the private sector.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of AIMEC’s 2025–2027 Strategic Framework, built on four pillars — Knowledge Leadership, Policy Innovation, Capacity Building, and Scaling Solutions. Participants also agreed on concrete next steps for staffing and implementation to fast-track the Centre’s operations.

The event received wide national media attention, highlighting Tunisia’s growing role as a regional hub for African cooperation and inclusive development.