Category: Africa

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Emirates wishes customers ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and honours the Holy Month

Source: APO

Reflecting the spirit of togetherness and generosity during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Emirates (www.Emirates.com) will share thousands of iftar boxes for fasting customers both onboard and at boarding gates, offer complimentary Emirates prayer mats, screen an array of religious content and popular TV shows on ice, and present traditional Ramadan dishes in the lounges.

Emirates Iftar boxes at Boarding Gates

For the comfort of all fasting customers, complimentary iftar boxes to help break the fast containing water, laban, a banana, and dates are distributed at select Emirates Boarding Gates during iftar time.

Emirates Ramadan meal boxes and prayer mats onboard

For the month of Ramadan, customers breaking their fast across all cabin classes to select destinations will be offered nutritionally balanced Ramadan meal boxes. Iftar meals are served in bespoke boxes designed by Emirates to represent the geometric design of traditional Islamic art. The meal boxes include traditional dates, light bites of hummus, moutabel or muhammara with Arabic bread, a hearty chicken mossakan sandwich or herbed chicken sandwich, sweet treats of chocolate almonds, baklawa pistachio mamoul or baklawa pine seed cashew, and laban. Emirates’ Ramadan boxes are served in addition to the regular hot meal service.

To ensure the highest levels of accuracy for fasting Muslim passengers, Emirates uses a unique tool to calculate the correct timings for imsak (the time to commence fasting) and iftar while inflight, based on the times of the sunrise and sunset of the location the flight is passing by using the aircraft’s longitude, latitude, and altitude. When the sun sets, passengers will be officially informed of the iftar time by the captain.

Emirates also has special keepsake prayer mats on all flights, which are available by request to Cabin Crew.

Ramadan refreshments in the lounges

Across the 7 Emirates Lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB), an array of Arabic sweets, dates and coffee will be offered during Ramadan. Traditional dishes available in First and Business Class lounges will include a selection of hot and cold Arabic mezze, lentil soup, Arabic mixed grill with tahina, lamb kabsa, chicken machboos with cucumber yoghurt sauce, lamb shanks ouzi with hashweh rice and dakous, followed by desserts of pistachio kunafa, kathayef cream, basbousa saffron, kitta cheesecake, cheese kunafa, walnut kathayef, homemade Arabic coffee and dates ice cream or baklawa ice cream, a host of traditional Arabic pastries, and classic drinks of jallab and laban. Emirates Lounges in Cairo and Jeddah will also serve an array of delicious Ramadan dishes.

Emirates Lounges have dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities to ensure a peaceful environment for worship. 

Ramadan content and popular series on ice

For the duration of the Holy Month, Emirates ice will feature special religious content including Kheir Qodwa, Qalb Al Mo’men, Wa Yatoub Allah Alaykom, Al Huqooq Al Sharaeya, and Nafhat in Arabic. In Urdu, ice will feature Ramadan Mah e Rehmat and Hoshyarian. The Holy Qur’an is also available on ice.

Popular series and dramas will be available such as Ma Taraho Laysa Kama Yabdo, Febrayer Al Aswad and Al Mtwassf as well as Hazza. Amongst more than 6500 channels of on demand entertainment on ice, there are up to 450 channels of movies and TV in the Arabic language, as well as 400 channels of Arabic music and podcasts.

Emirates’ new Bukhoor Scents for Ramadan

To enhance the Ramadan spirit at home and set the mood, Emirates has launched a new range of Bukhoor scents perfect for the season. The new home fragrances include the bestselling Oud Rose with notes of raspberry, rose, geranium, oud, patchouli and vanilla, as well as new additions Dreamy Nights featuring sweet green citrus, sweet balsam, jasmine, amber, cedar and spicy vanilla, and finally Sacred Ember with notes of saffron, lavender, bergamot, musk, tobacco and cedar. Ideal for Ramadan gifting, each 70g pot of Bukhoor is available for USD 52 in the Emirates Official Store (http://apo-opa.co/4aRQGsy), in an elegant white and gold design featuring Emirates’ signature Ghaf tree motif.

Supporting Emirates customers on Umrah

For Umrah groups travelling to Jeddah and Medina during the Holy Month, Ramadan boxes will be served inflight. Customers are also entitled to check in one bottle of ‘ZAMZAM’ – Islamic holy water containing up to 5 litres per person at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and various airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ramadan Awareness Training for Emirates staff

Emirates provides Ramadan awareness training for its cabin crew and on ground teams in Dubai and across its network. Special training resources have been provided to ensure operational teams are aware of the Holy Month, understand the cultural significance and nuances of this time and recognise specific practices that Muslims engage in, so they are prepared to provide the highest levels of service to customers throughout their travel experience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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Concern over scholar transport incident on N4

Source: Government of South Africa

Concern over scholar transport incident on N4

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has expressed deep concern following a serious road crash involving a scholar transport vehicle, which occurred at approximately 7am this morning, on the N4 eastbound, near Atteridgeville, Tshwane.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” the MEC said on Monday.

According to reports, a nine-seater Toyota Condor – transporting 17 school children – collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.

It is believed that the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.

All 17 learners were transported to a hospital with varying degrees of injuries. No fatalities have been reported.

The MEC has reiterated her call for intensified law enforcement operations to root out illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles and to ensure full compliance with road safety regulations.

She further emphasised that the driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and enforcement to safeguard learners and restore discipline on the province’s roads. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Liquidation bid against Ithala may be withdrawn

Source: Government of South Africa

Liquidation bid against Ithala may be withdrawn

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the possible withdrawal by the Prudential Authority (PA) and the Repayment Administrator, Johan Kruger, of their court application seeking the liquidation of Ithala SOC Limited and Ithala Bank.

Ntuli described the development as a significant breakthrough following months of intensive engagements and negotiations led by the Provincial Government to safeguard the historic institution.

“This matter has never been merely about a financial entity; it has always been about protecting the economic aspirations of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the rural poor, small businesses and historically marginalised communities who rely on Ithala,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli has led engagements to resolve the impasse, working with Members of the Provincial Legislature, including Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi and Finance MEC Francois Rodgers.

The matter was elevated to the national leadership level, including discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as part of efforts to secure a sustainable and lawful resolution.

The Premier emphasised that while the possible withdrawal of the liquidation application is a positive and encouraging step, it does not mark the end of the journey.

“There is still a substantial amount of work that lies ahead. Our focus now shifts decisively to revitalising and stabilising Ithala so that it can stand firmly on its feet again and operate as a well-oiled, fully compliant, and sustainable financial institution,” he said.

The Premier acknowledged that the process has not been smooth sailing, describing it as a complex and, at times, difficult journey that required patience, discipline, and constructive engagement across different spheres of government and regulatory authorities.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Ithala emerges stronger, more resilient and properly structured to fulfil its developmental mandate. This institution has played a critical role in extending financial services to communities that were historically excluded from mainstream banking. That legacy must be preserved and strengthened,” he said.

The Provincial Government will continue working collaboratively with regulators, National Treasury, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks, while safeguarding the interests of depositors and the broader provincial economy.

Ntuli called on residents of KwaZulu-Natal to continue placing their trust in the Provincial Government as it steers Ithala through what he described as a critical phase.

“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty that this matter has caused. We assure the people of our province that their government remains fully seized with the task at hand. We ask for continued patience and confidence as we work diligently to secure Ithala’s long-term stability and growth,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Orange Summer Challenge 2025 : Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (MEA) récompense trois start-ups à impact

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À l’issue de la 3ᵉ cérémonie internationale de l’Orange Summer Challenge (OSC), organisée le 4 février 2026, Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) a récompensé trois start-ups innovantes développées par de jeunes entrepreneurs d’Afrique et du Moyen-Orient, au sein du réseau des Orange Digital Centers.

Programme emblématique des Orange Digital Centers, l’Orange Summer Challenge est une compétition internationale qui accompagne chaque année de jeunes talents dans la transformation de leurs idées en solutions technologiques à fort impact social et environnemental.

Pour l’édition 2025, 369 jeunes innovateurs issus de 14 pays ont été accompagnés pendant trois mois intensifs par les équipes d’Orange MEA et des Orange Digital Centers, à travers des formations, du mentorat, du coaching et un accès à l’expertise technologique. Avec le soutien de partenaires majeurs, Amazon Web Services, Meta, le PNUD, The Hashgraph Association et Dar Blockchain, 56 projets de start-up ont été développés autour de la thématique Startup4Good, dans des secteurs clés tels que l’environnement, la santé, l’éducation et l’agriculture.

Cette dynamique illustre l’ambition d’Orange de faire des Orange Digital Centers des plateformes d’innovation ouvertes et inclusives. Comme le souligne Ben Cheick Haidara, Directeur Général Adjoint et Directeur des Opérations d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient : « Depuis plus de 16 ans, l’Orange Summer Challenge est un véritable catalyseur de talents et d’innovation. Bien plus qu’une compétition, ce programme permet aux jeunes entrepreneurs de développer des solutions technologiques, notamment basées sur l’intelligence artificielle, pour répondre concrètement aux défis sociétaux et environnementaux. À travers les Orange Digital Centers, Orange s’engage durablement aux côtés de la jeunesse pour faire émerger une innovation à fort impact en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient. »

Le premier prix a été attribué à SafeGuard (Jordanie) pour son dispositif intelligent de prévention des accidents du travail basé sur la détection des risques.

Le deuxième prix est revenu à GasNika (Madagascar) pour sa solution de production de biogaz à partir de déchets, avec valorisation en engrais biologique.

Le troisième prix a été décerné à DripIn (Tunisie) pour sa solution connectée basée sur l’intelligence artificielle dédiée à la détection des fuites d’eau et à l’optimisation de la consommation.

Les start-ups primées bénéficieront d’un accompagnement financier, technique et commercial assuré par les Orange Digital Centers et Orange MEA, incluant une dotation globale de 50 000 euros pour accélérer leur développement.

À travers les Orange Digital Centers, Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient confirme son engagement en faveur de l’entrepreneuriat technologique, de l’employabilité des jeunes et de l’innovation à impact, au service du développement durable et de l’inclusion numérique dans la région.

Distribué par APO Group pour Orange Middle East and Africa.

Contact Presse :
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com

Anita Oyono
anita.oyono@orange.com

A propos d’Orange Afrique et Moyen Orient (OMEA) :
Orange est présent dans 18 pays en Afrique et au Moyen Orient et compte plus de 160 millions de clients au 31 décembre 2024. Avec 7,7 milliards d’euros de chiffre d’affaires en 2024, Orange MEA est la première zone de croissance du groupe Orange. Orange Money, son offre de transfert d’argent et de services financiers, est disponible dans 17 pays et compte plus de 90 millions de clients. Orange, opérateur multi-services, partenaire de référence de la transformation digitale apporte son expertise pour accompagner le développement de nouveaux services digitaux en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient.

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Orange Summer Challenge 2025: Orange Middle East and Africa (MEA) awards three impact-driven start-ups

Source: APO

Following the 3rd International Orange Summer Challenge (OSC) Award Ceremony, held on February 4, 2026, Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) awarded three innovative start-ups developed by young entrepreneurs from Africa and the Middle East, within the Orange Digital Center network.

As a flagship program of the Orange Digital Centers network, Orange Summer Challenge is an international competition that supports young talents each year in turning their ideas into technology-based solutions with strong social and environmental impact.

For the 2025 edition, 369 young innovators from 14 countries benefited from three months of intensive support provided by Orange MEA teams and Orange Digital Centers, through training, mentoring, coaching and access to technological expertise. With the support of key partners, Amazon Web Services, Meta, UNDP, The Hashgraph Association and Dar Blockchain, 56 start-up projects were developed under the Startup4Good theme, addressing key sectors such as environment, health, education and agriculture.

This momentum reflects Orange’s ambition to position the Orange Digital Centers as open and inclusive innovation platforms. As stated by Ben Cheick Haidara, Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer of Orange Middle East and Africa: “For more than 16 years, Orange Summer Challenge has been a true catalyst for talent and innovation. More than competition, this program enables young entrepreneurs to develop technology-based solutions, notably leveraging artificial intelligence, to address societal and environmental challenges in a very concrete way. Through the Orange Digital Centers, Orange is firmly committed to supporting youth and fostering high-impact innovation across Africa and the Middle East.

The first prize was awarded to SafeGuard (Jordan) for its smart device designed to prevent workplace accidents through intelligent risk detection.

The second prize went to GasNika (Madagascar) for its biogas production solution from waste, with organic fertilizer valorization.

The third prize was awarded to DripIn (Tunisia) for its AI-powered connected solution to detect water leaks and optimize consumption.

The winning start-ups will benefit from financial, technical and business support provided by the Orange Digital Centers and Orange MEA, including a total grant of €50,000 to accelerate their development.

Through the Orange Digital Centers, Orange Middle East and Africa reaffirm its commitment to technological entrepreneurship, youth employability and impact-driven innovation, contributing to sustainable development and digital inclusion across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

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SANDF deployment to fight illegal mining a ‘critical’ intervention

Source: Government of South Africa

SANDF deployment to fight illegal mining a ‘critical’ intervention

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to support police in the fight against illegal mining.

The deployment was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town last week.

“This firm intervention…underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent necessity for a coordinated, robust response to dismantle highly organised criminal syndicates that have terrorised communities and undermined the rule of law,” the committee said in a statement.

The committee noted that it has consistently “raised concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining” in the province.

“During a recent unannounced oversight visit to the Bekkersdal Police Station, the committee received deeply disturbing reports of zama zamas [illegal miners] intimidating residents, perpetrating violent crimes and holding entire communities hostage through fear and lawlessness.

“Equally alarming are reports that more than 600 families were allegedly forced to flee their homes in Randfontein as a result of escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities, with displaced residents compelled to seek refuge in community halls.

“The committee reiterates that illegal mining is not a minor or isolated offence. It is an entrenched, organised criminal enterprise that endangers lives, destroys infrastructure, destabilises communities and erodes public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” the statement said.

The committee said a “more aggressive, integrated, multi-agency approach is required to decisively confront and eradicate this criminal menace”.

“In this regard, the deployment of the SANDF represents a critical and long-overdue intervention – one that the committee has repeatedly recommended. 

“The committee is confident that this decisive action will significantly strengthen law-enforcement operations, restore safety and stability in affected areas as well as send a clear and unequivocal message that criminality will not be tolerated in Gauteng.

“The [committee] will closely monitor the implementation and impact of the SANDF deployment and remains committed to working with all spheres of government to ensure that Gauteng is decisively reclaimed from illegal mining and that communities are able to live free from fear, violence and intimidation,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Weather outlook: 16 February – 22 February

Source: Government of South Africa

Weather outlook: 16 February – 22 February

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that on Monday the country will experience partly cloudy, warm-to-hot conditions over the western interior, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible from the afternoon.

“There is a yellow level 2 warning of severe thunderstorms over the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape for today, expected to result in a high likelihood of minor impacts of damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours that may lead to localised floods, with the likelihood expected to decrease to medium by Tuesday afternoon,” SAWS Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela said.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

  • Monday: low chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and western parts).
  • Tuesday: low to medium chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and southern parts).
  • Wednesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (western parts), Eastern Cape (eastern half), and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Thursday: Low chance (40%) – KwaZulu-Natal and Highveld of Mpumalanga.
  • Friday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape.
  • Saturday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%): Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and the southern parts of North West.
  • Sunday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State.

Possible severe thunderstorms:

  • Monday: low chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and western parts).
  • Tuesday: low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (central and southern parts).
  • Wednesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (western parts), Eastern Cape (eastern half), and the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Thursday: Low chance (40%) – KwaZulu-Natal and the Highveld of Mpumalanga.
  • Friday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape.
  • Saturday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and the southern parts of North West.
  • Sunday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State.

Winds (not associated with thunderstorms):

  • Monday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east and south coast of South Africa.
  • Tuesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east coast of South Africa.
  • Wednesday: Low chance (40%) – south-west coast and east coast in the evening.
  • Thursday: Low chance (40%) – West Coast of South Africa and southern parts of the Northern Cape.
  • Friday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%)- south coast of South Africa.
  • Saturday: Low chance – south coast of South Africa.
  • Sunday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east coast of South Africa and the interior of the Eastern Cape province.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. 

“The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain from distributing such information further,” Thobela said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

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Hawks launch manhunt for suspects involved in shooting of a police Sergeant

Source: Government of South Africa

Hawks launch manhunt for suspects involved in shooting of a police Sergeant

The East London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit have launched an intensive, coordinated manhunt for suspects involved in the fatal shooting of serving police sergeant, Ndodomzi Dion Tengile (42), at Zizamele Township, in Butterworth. 

The member was attached to Visible Policing at Port St Johns South African Police Service (SAPS) and was off duty at the time of the incident. The Hawks have been seeking public assistance in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

The attack allegedly occurred during the early hours of 2 February 2024, at approximately 02:05 at the said place. 

“Preliminary findings indicated that Tengile was travelling with his spouse from Port St Johns to Msobomvu,” the Hawks said in a statement.

It is alleged that after withdrawing business-related funds from First National Bank (FNB) in Butterworth, the couple returned to their residence at Zizamele Township.

Shortly thereafter, while Tengile remained seated inside his motor vehicle, two unidentified armed suspects reportedly approached him. Gunshots were ostensibly fired, fatally wounding the officer. 

“The suspects allegedly robbed the spouse of cash and personal belongings before fleeing with the Toyota Fortuner of the deceased. A murder case docket was opened, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for intensive investigation. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned not far from the crime scene,” the Hawks said.

A multidisciplinary team was activated comprising seasoned detectives, forensic experts, and crime intelligence operatives to ensure that the perpetrators were traced and apprehended without delay. 

However, no arrest has been effected at the moment, hence the police are seeking public assistance. 

The Hawks are appealing to any person, who may have witnessed suspicious movements at Zizamele Township during the specific date, to come forward. 

Information may be shared anonymously to the investigating officers, Colonel Raymond Buys on 082 301 1135 and Warrant Officer Sandisile Zenzile on 082 772 3664, or via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. 

All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous. The investigation continues with priority status. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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V appoints Reach Africa as advertising partner to expand Smart TV advertising across Africa

Source: APO

Reach Africa (www.ReachAfrica.com) has announced a key new partnership with V, the company formerly known as VIDAA – the fastest-growing Smart TV platform embedded at device level across a rapidly expanding base of African households. This appointment strengthens Reach Africa’s operating system layer, alongside its existing partnerships across multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), platforms, free streaming channel environments, and broadcasters.

This partnership addresses a longstanding market challenge around fragmentation and scale by giving advertisers expanded access to premium audiences via the device OS layer, enabling consistent reach, brand-safe environments and high-impact placements that complement existing app and publisher environments across the continent.  VIDAA today already powers millions of Smart TVs across the African continent, working with renowned OEMs such as Hisense, Toshiba, and over 400 other brands.

Ryan Silberman, founder at Reach Africa, says this is a significant win for the African Connected TV (CTV) market, as advertisers now have access to premium, full screen and highly viewable placements directly on the TV Home screen, native discovery formats and contextual video environments.

“We’re effectively enabling brands to add new moments earlier in the viewing journey, alongside in-content and app-based environments, with measurable delivery and frequency control. Combined with Reach Africa’s aggregation and reporting layer, advertisers can expect improved targeting, transparent measurement and the ability to plan CTV campaigns with the same confidence and scale as traditional television, alongside the precision of digital.”

Silberman says that as Smart TV adoption has ramped up across the continent, the African CTV landscape has remained fragmented, with advertisers often required to plan and buy inventory app by app. “By integrating with VIDAA at the OS layer, we can simplify access to premium CTV environments, enabling more streamlined planning as the market continues to mature. This also allows us to expand our role while continuing to work closely with publishers, platforms and the broader ecosystem,” says Silberman.

Guy Edri, CEO of V, says: “Africa represents one of the most exciting growth frontiers for Smart TV advertising. Partnering with Reach Africa enables V to scale premium inventory across Sub-Saharan Africa while ensuring brands connect with audiences in ways that are locally relevant, measurable, and impactful.”    

Silberman says the partnership will prioritise ongoing innovation, including richer data signals, improved local content discovery, the growth of streaming channels and monetisation opportunities beyond global platforms alongside local and regional services.

“By opening up OS level inventory, we’re also creating new revenue opportunities for regional publishers, broadcasters and content owners, helping local platforms sit alongside international services to create a more balanced and inclusive ecosystem,” adds Silberman.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Reach Africa.

For media queries, please contact:
Roxanne Manning
+27 76 826 8333
oxanne@rvmcommunications.co.za

ABOUT REACH AFRICA:
Reach Africa is a leading Connected TV (CTV) specialist simplifying access to premium CTV audiences across Africa. Operating across Smart TV OEMs, streaming platforms and broadcaster environments, Reach Africa enables scaled, brand-safe Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD) and Free Ad Supported TV (FAST) campaigns through a single buying layer. By reducing fragmentation across the ecosystem, Reach Africa helps advertisers plan, buy and measure CTV more effectively, while supporting sustainable revenue growth for platform and content partners.          

For more information, please visit www.ReachAfrica.com

ABOUT V:
Formerly known as VIDAA, V is a global, open platform for the connected home. Powering tens of millions of Smart TVs worldwide, V brings together entertainment, services, commerce, payments, smart home control, and advertising into a unified, content-first experience – designed to make modern living simpler, more intuitive, and more connected.

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Binance and Franklin Templeton Advance Strategic Collaboration with Institutional Collateral Program

Source: APO

Franklin Templeton, a global investment leader and Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, announced a new institutional off-exchange collateral program, making digital markets more secure and capital-efficient. Now live, eligible clients can use tokenized money market fund shares issued through Franklin Templeton’s Benji Technology Platform as off-exchange collateral when trading on Binance.

The program alleviates a long-standing pain point for institutional traders by allowing them to use traditional regulated, yield-bearing money market fund assets in digital markets without parking those assets on an exchange. Instead, the value of Benji-issued fund shares is mirrored within Binance’s trading environment, while the tokenized assets themselves remain securely held off-exchange in regulated custody. This reduces counterparty risk, letting institutional participants earn yield and support their trading activity without hedging on custody, liquidity, or regulatory protections.

“Since partnering in 2025, our work with Binance has focused on making digital finance actually work for institutions,” said Roger Bayston, Head of Digital Assets at Franklin Templeton. “Our off-exchange collateral program is just that: letting clients easily put their assets to work in regulated custody while safely earning yield in new ways. That’s the future Benji was designed for, and working with partners like Binance allows us to deliver it at scale.”

“Partnering with Franklin Templeton to offer tokenized real-world assets for off-exchange collateral settlement is a natural next step in our mission to bring digital assets and traditional finance closer together,” said Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance. “Innovating ways to use traditional financial instruments on-chain opens up new opportunities for investors and shows just how blockchain technology can make markets more efficient.”

Assets participating in the program remain held off-exchange in a regulated custody environment, with tokenized money market fund shares pledged as collateral for trading on Binance. Custody and settlement infrastructure is supported by Ceffu, Binance’s institutional crypto-native custody partner.

“Institutions increasingly require trading models that prioritize risk management without sacrificing capital efficiency,” said Ian Loh, CEO of Ceffu. “This program demonstrates how off-exchange collateral can support institutional participation in digital markets while maintaining strong custody and control.”

Launching the institutional off-exchange collateral program expands on both Franklin Templeton’s and Binance’s growing networks of off-exchange program partners and represents another effort since announcing Franklin Templeton and Binance’s strategic collaboration in September 2025.

By using Benji to bridge tokenized money market funds, Franklin Templeton is taking trusted investment products and making them work in modern markets—allowing institutions to trade, manage risk, and move capital more efficiently as digital finance becomes an everyday part of the financial system.

Offering more tokenized real-world assets on Binance meets the increasing institutional demand for stable, yield-bearing collateral that can settle 24/7. This gives investors greater choice and enhances their trading experience on the world’s largest regulated digital asset exchange.

Franklin Templeton is a pioneer in digital asset investing and blockchain innovation, combining tokenomics research, data science, and technical expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions since 2018. Learn more at Franklin Templeton Digital Assets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

About Binance:
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means.

For more information, visit: www.Binance.com

About Ceffu:
Ceffu is an institutional-grade custody platform offering custody and liquidity solutions that are ISO 27001 & 27701 certified and SOC2 Type 2 attested. Our multi-party computation (MPC) technology, combined with a customizable multi-approval scheme, provides bespoke solutions allowing institutional clients to safely store and manage their virtual assets.

For the purposes of this program, custody services for Benji-issued tokenized money market fund shares are provided by Ceffu Custody FZE, a virtual asset custodian licensed and supervised in Dubai.

About Franklin Templeton:
Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnerships, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovations – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity.

With more than $1.7 trillion in assets under management as of January 31, 2026, Franklin Templeton operates globally in more than 35 countries.

To learn more, visit www.FranklinTempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN]

All investments, including money funds, involve risk, including loss of principal. There are risks associated with the issuance, redemption, transfer, custody, and record keeping of shares maintained and recorded primarily on a blockchain. For example, shares that are issued using blockchain technology would be subject to risks, including the following: blockchain is a rapidly-evolving regulatory landscape, which might result in security, privacy or other regulatory concerns that could require changes to the way transactions in the shares are recorded.

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