(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changan Automobile unveiled the new DEEPAL S05 REEV and UNI-S HEV at the 2026 WesBank Festival of Motoring in Kyalami, alongside the return of its commercial vehicle range. The launch marks another step forward in Changan’s regional footprint within South Africa’s growing new energy vehicle market. Designed in Italy and engineered in the UK, the DEEPAL S05 REEV is a premium mid-size SUV built on a range-extended electric vehicle platform, offering an EV driving experience without range anxiety. A single electric motor produces 160kW and 320Nm, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine (72kW/125Nm) functions solely as a generator, topping up the 27kWh battery on the move. Changan claims a combined driving range of more than 1,000km, including up to 200km of pure electric range, as well as a 20-minute fast-charging capability when connected to an EV charger. The S05 is further equipped with a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display and Level 2 ADAS. Joining the lineup is the new UNI-S HEV, which expands the UNI-S family with hybrid technology. The vehicle combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW and 220Nm with an electric motor for a total system output of 166kW and 290Nm, paired with an electronic CVT transmission driving the front wheels. Changan claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.0L/100km. The UNI-S HEV also features Level 2 ADAS, a 540-degree HD camera system, wireless smartphone connectivity and a technology-focused cabin designed for modern mobility needs. Expanding Changan’s electrified product portfolio on display was the Changan Hunter, the world’s first super range-extended off-road pickup. Equipped with an electric-drive two-speed transfer case and e-4WD system, the Hunter delivers exceptional all-terrain capability while combining the efficiency and driving characteristics of electrified powertrains. Designed for both work and adventure, it integrates rugged off-road …
Gulf Hotels Group Expands Its Management Portfolio in East Africa With Landmark Hospitality Agreement in Kenya
Strategic partnership with Silva Gigiri Ltd to develop mixed-use hotel and branded residences in Nairobi’s premier diplomatic district Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), Bahrain’s leading hospitality company, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Silva Gigiri Ltd to develop the Silva Gigiri Hotel & Residence in Nairobi, Kenya. The agreement represents a pivotal milestone in Gulf Hotels Group’s long-term international expansion strategy, marking the company’s second hotel management contract in East Africa, following the success of Ocean Paradise Resort, GHG’s first property in Zanzibar. Located on United Nations Crescent in Gigiri, Nairobi’s premier diplomatic area,the USD 30M project will feature an upper-upscale hotel integrated with high-end branded residences, a world-class fine-dining concept, and luxury spa facilities by a renowned international operator. Situated adjacent to the UN Office at Nairobi,as well as numerous embassies and global organizations, the development is designed to cater directly to diplomats,expatriates,corporate executives,and affluent global travellers requiring premium accommodation and lifestyle-oriented living. Following the formalization of the MOU, both organizations are now progressing to the next phase of the project,securing affiliation with a globally recognized hospitality brand and finalizing the definitive hotel management and franchise agreements. Ahmed Janahi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, commented:“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in Gulf Hotels Group’s strategy to expand our footprint across Africa. Kenya stands out as one of the region’s most promising hospitality markets, underpinned by robust economic fundamentals, expanding international connectivity, and rising demand for new, high-quality hospitality assets. Through this collaboration, we look forward to working closely with Silva Gigiri Ltd to bring to life a hotel …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Changan Automobile Showcases New Energy Lineup at FILDA 2026, Deepening Strategic Layout in Africa
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From July 21 to 26, the 41st Luanda International Fair (FILDA 2026) was successfully held in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Far more than an auto show, FILDA, the nation's largest and most important international business event, offered Changan Automobile an important platform to reaffirm its enduring commitment to the Angolan market. Together with local dealers and partners, the company presented its latest product line-up on a significantly larger exhibition area than in previous participations, outlining a comprehensive blueprint for its globalization strategy in Angola and the broader African markets. At the stand, Changan showcased a line-up of star models that drew sustained attention: the DEEPAL S05, DEEPAL G318, CHANGAN CS75 PLUS, and the New CHANGAN UNI-S. These vehicles embodied Changan’s brand positioning of intelligence, dynamism and advanced technology, sparking great interest among visitors and potential partners eager to experience the brand’s cutting-edge vehicles and technologies in person. Changan’s presence at FILDA 2026 underscores the acceleration of its global strategy. Since launching the Vast Ocean Plan in 2023, the company has embraced the principles of long-term development, localization and systematization, transitioning from product exports to comprehensive industrial globalization, strengthening cooperation with upstream and downstream partners across the global supply chain. Today, Changan operates across 118 countries and regions, supported by a global network of 22 manufacturing bases and a worldwide sales and service footprint, along with a 24,000-strong R&D team spanning six countries and ten locations in a 24/7 collaborative workflow to deliver competitive, locally adapted products. Within this framework, the Middle East and Africa region stands as one of Changan's five core regional pillars, alongside Europe, Eurasia, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Across Africa, Changan is building a complete …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
CSL Marks the Completion of the First Vessel in World-Leading Transhipment Fleet for Simandou Project
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CSL Group (“CSL”), a global leader in responsible marine transportation services, announces the delivery of MV Wontanara, the first of five state-of-the-art transhipment shuttle vessels (TSVs) commissioned to service the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, one of the world's largest mining and infrastructure developments. Designed by CSL and built at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, this groundbreaking fleet of TSVs combines a 41,800-tonne deadweight capacity with a dual-boom self-unloading system that can transfer up to 12,000 tonnes of iron ore per hour, making it the fastest and most efficient TSV fleet in the world. Purpose-built to move large volumes of iron ore efficiently between river terminals and offshore bulk carriers, the TSV design features a shallow-draft hull optimized for river navigation, five azimuth thrusters that deliver exceptional manoeuvrability and precision, and bi-directional navigation capability that enhances both safety and operational efficiency. "The advanced design and cargo-handling capabilities of this fleet reflect CSL’s expertise in transforming complex logistics challenges into practical, high-performance maritime solutions," said Louis Martel, CSL President and CEO. "Working closely with our customer, we designed an integrated transhipment system that enables safe, efficient and continuous high-volume exports in shallow-water environments." CSL led the development of this transhipment solution from concept design through to engineering, construction and delivery. Leveraging its strong track record in self-unloading vessel design and transhipment operations, CSL established the fleet's technical requirements, led the engineering and design phases, and provided oversight throughout construction. MV Wontanara is the first of five TSVs that will enter service in support of the Simandou project, with the balance of the fleet scheduled for delivery over the coming months. The CSL Group is a world class …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Changan Automobile Inaugurates First Showroom in Ethiopia, Deepening Middle East and Africa Market Presence
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changan Automobile officially opened its first showroom in Ethiopia at 2Q28+8M9, Gabon St, Addis Ababa, marking a key milestone in the brand's strategic expansion across the Middle East and Africa. The opening ceremony was graced by Minister Counselor Liu Xiaoguang of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia; Mr. Yalew Getachew of the Ethiopian Investment Commission; Dr. Hadegu Hailekiros of the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry; as well as representatives from Changan Automobile and GT Motors, Changan's local strategic partner. As Africa's second-most populous nation with a fast-growing middle class, with the Ethiopian government actively promoting electric vehicle adoption, the market presents substantial growth opportunities for Changan's global layout. Through the new showroom, Changan will provide local consumers with one-stop automotive services covering vehicle sales, after-sales maintenance, spare parts supply and customer service, strengthening its connection with Ethiopian users while supporting the country's green mobility transition. The showroom opening marks a step forward in Changan's Vast Ocean Plan 2.0, built on four pillars: long-term commitment, deep localization, systematic development, and ESG integration. Through this framework, Changan is evolving from a market entrant to a local operator, it is a sustained commitment to embedding Changan into Ethiopia's automotive industry and contributing to its long-term growth. "Ethiopia is a market full of energy and promise, and we are deeply optimistic about its long-term vitality," said the sales director of Changan Automobile. "Working hand-in-hand with GT Motors, we will bring intelligent, reliable, and cost-effective mobility solutions within reach of Ethiopian families, paired with after-sales excellence that sets a new benchmark for the industry." GT Motors brings strong on-the-ground capabilities, with dedicated teams in sales, after-sales, technical support and cross-border …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Bitget Wallet Hits 100M Users — And Payments Just Overtook Trading
Bitget Wallet, a self-custodial crypto wallet for everyday finance, announced it has surpassed 100 million users globally, and that for the first time in the platform's history, daily payment users now outnumber traders. More than half of those users are based in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where people are increasingly using crypto wallets as global stablecoin accounts to save, get paid, and spend locally, rather than to trade. That shift shows up in the data. Bitget Wallet Cards issued have surpassed 150,000 worldwide, available across 50+ markets and spendable at 150M+ merchants. Global card spending reached $31M in the first half of 2026, a 191% increase from H2 2025. In emerging markets specifically, card spend grew by 416% in the same period, showing that financial habits are forming faster in these regions than the global average. Globally, card users averaged 10 payments per month at an average transaction size of $28, consistent with everyday purchases at a frequency that reflects payment as routine. Active cardholders in the US, Europe, and Asia average between 10 and 14 swipes a month — on par with how often consumers use a debit card — while emerging markets like LatAm are catching up fast from a lower base. The conditions driving it are structural, and specific. In Nigeria, the official naira lost over 40% of its value against the dollar in 2024; in Argentina, the peso lost a comparable share. Conventional remittance corridors into these markets still charge 5–8% per transfer on average. At the same time, both countries are among Bitget Wallet's fastest-growing markets — a direct connection between local currency instability and demand for a stable, low-cost, borderless account. In Southeast Asia and South Asia, the platform's two largest user regions, mobile-first payment infrastructure already exists; Bitget Wallet's QR payments and bank transfer rails plug into habits that are already formed. "The next wave of …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Changan Welcomes South African Media and Dealers to China for an Immersive R&D and Manufacturing Tour
Changan Automobile recently hosted its Africa Media China Tour, welcoming 10 key South African media representatives and dealers to its global R&D and intelligent manufacturing facilities in China. The program provided an in-depth look at Changan's capabilities in innovation, intelligent manufacturing, vehicle safety and new energy technologies, further strengthening international understanding of the brand's technological strength and long-term development vision. Welcoming the delegation, MR.Yang Mingjie emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East and Africa region in Changan's global development roadmap. "South Africa is one of Changan's key strategic markets in Africa, and we are committed to building long-term partnerships with local customers, media and dealer partners. Through this visit, we hope our guests can experience firsthand Changan's technological capabilities, intelligent manufacturing strength and unwavering commitment to quality and safety." ~ Yang Mingjie, Deputy General Manager, Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa Business Unit He added that Changan is accelerating its localized development across the Middle East and Africa by introducing a broader portfolio of intelligent and new energy vehicles while continuously strengthening localized products, services and customer experience. The delegation began its visit at Changan's No.2 Manufacturing Plant, touring the stamping, welding and final assembly workshops. Witnessing highly automated and digitalized production processes firsthand, guests gained a comprehensive understanding of Changan's intelligent manufacturing capabilities, operational efficiency and globally integrated quality management system. The group then visited Changan's Technology Park, including the SDA Intelligent Laboratory, Global R&D Center and Crash Test Laboratory, where they observed a full vehicle crash test. The rigorous testing procedures highlighted Changan's long-standing …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Burjeel Holdings Prices First MENA Healthcare Sukuk Since 2018, 3.2x Oversubscribed
Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare group in the GCC listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, priced its inaugural USD 500 million Regulation S 5-year senior unsecured Sukuk offering due 2031 under its newly established USD 1.5 billion Senior Unsecured Sukuk Programme. The offering attracted significant demand from high-quality international and regional investors, with the orderbook peaking at USD 1.6 billion, representing 3.2x oversubscription. The strength of the orderbook enabled Burjeel to tighten pricing from initial price thoughts in the mid-7% area, with the Sukuk priced at a 7.000% profit rate and a yield of 7.125%, representing the lowest 5-year yield by a GCC-based private non-investment grade corporate issuer since 2020. International investors accounted for 61% of the final allocation, led by the UK (34%) and US Offshore investors (24%), alongside strong GCC participation of 39%, highlighting global confidence in Burjeel and the UAE's capital markets. Rated BB+ by S&P Global Ratings and Ba2 by Moody's Ratings, the transaction marks the first Sukuk offering from a MENA healthcare provider since 2018 and the first UAE corporate offering since recent regional developments. Net proceeds will be used in line with the offering documents, including refinancing existing debt and supporting the Group's strategic priorities, strengthening Burjeel's financial flexibility and long-term capital structure. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO, said: “The strong demand for our inaugural Sukuk reflects investor recognition of Burjeel’s strategy, credit fundamentals, and ability to deliver sustainable growth. With strong international participation, this transaction broadens our access to global capital markets and provides greater financial flexibility to advance our strategic priorities, including investments in advanced clinical care, research, medical education, and AI-enabled healthcare innovation, as we work to power …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Mastercard Launches Priceless Africa on priceless.com, Unlocking a Curated Travel Experience Across Nine Iconic Destinations
Cardholders worldwide gain access to a curated collection of Priceless experiences and exclusive cardholder offers across nine African markets: South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Mauritius, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Expansion of Priceless.com advances Mastercard’s commitment to Africa’s digital travel economy, boosting engagement and preference across key markets. Mastercard has expanded its global lifestyle platform, Priceless.com, to Africa, unlocking a new way for Mastercard cardholders around the world to explore the continent’s most iconic destinations. The platform brings together culturally rich journeys across nine African markets, including South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Mauritius, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, offering travellers access to Africa through a premium, curated lens. From wildlife encounters beneath African skies to hidden galleries and exotic coastal festivals, Priceless Africa ignites travel as a powerful passion point. Cardholders can now discover a one-of-a-kind Africa shaped by creativity, heritage and deep community connection. Each experience is curated across Mastercard’s leading passion categories: culture and creativity, culinary, nature and wildlife, and adventure, enabling travellers to securely and seamlessly explore what they love most. Mastercard offers a range of travel benefits, including hotel and flight savings, airport lounge access, and seamless booking across leading travel platforms, car rentals, and e-hailing services. The result is a seamless, secure, and truly rewarding journey at every touchpoint. The launch comes as Africa’s travel sector continues to expand, making it one of the fastest-growing tourism regions globally. The region welcomed 81 million international tourists in 2025, marking an 8% year-on-year increase, according to UN Tourism. As more travellers seek authentic, purpose-driven experiences, Mastercard and its partners are supporting this growth through …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Organises 1,460 B2B Meetings During Trade Missions to Africa
Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully concluded a series of trade missions to Africa, organising a total of 1,460 bilateral business meetings in Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The missions brought together companies from Dubai with potential partners across the continent, with the participation of 45 Dubai-based companies operating across diverse sectors. The meetings were designed to support the international growth of companies operating in Dubai, unlock new business opportunities, and strengthen trade and investment partnerships with African business communities. The chamber organised 276 bilateral business meetings in Ghana, 510 meetings in Ethiopia, and 674 meetings in South Africa. As part of the missions, Dubai Chamber of Commerce also hosted business forums in each market, attracting a total of 1,721 participants including senior officials, business leaders, and representatives of local companies. H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “Africa represents one of the most dynamic regions in the global economy and offers significant opportunities for trade, investment, and private sector partnerships. Through these missions, we are creating direct connections between companies in Dubai and their counterparts across African markets, enabling businesses to explore new opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to mutual economic growth.” The trade missions were organised as part of Dubai’s drive to further strengthen trade and investment ties with Africa. Non-oil trade between Dubai and Africa exceeded US$ 145.9 billion in 2025, achieving 51% year-on-year growth. During the 10 years from 2016 to 2025, Dubai’s non-oil trade with Africa amounted to around US$ 657 billion, increasing by around 325% over the decade. This growing momentum is also reflected in Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s membership, with the …