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Source: APO – Report:

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) Premium Economy and Economy Class customers on long haul flights globally will be treated to a new range of complimentary amenity kits, onboard in December. The buttery-soft new pouches incorporate bio-based materials including cactus and form a collectible range designed in partnership with United for Wildlife (www.UnitedForWildlife.org), to highlight the most endangered species on the planet. For the first time, Premium Economy kits will contain skincare wellness products for customers from plant-powered brand, Aveda.

Emirates’ new reusable amenity kits celebrate the diverse wildlife of the world, in four natural environments: the sea, sky, forest and desert. Hand drawn designs adorn each bag, and each pouch contains a story card that gives some insight into the wildlife featured. The endangered species that Emirates and United for Wildlife are highlighting include African grey parrots, Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx, Asian black bears, Bengal tigers, Blue sharks, Bornean orangutans, Cape vultures, Chimpanzees, Fennec foxes, Geckos, Gibbons, Glass frogs, Green sea turtles, Manta rays, Painted bats, Pangolins, Peregrine falcons, Red sand boas, Small-clawed otters, Straw-headed bulbuls, Totoaba and Western gorillas.

Customers can learn more about HRH Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife by watching the series ‘Guardians’ on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, as it spotlights the unsung heroes and wildlife rangers who risk everything to protect the natural world.

Emirates new 2025/26 Premium Economy Class Amenity Kit Bags 

For the first time since its introduction in 2021, Emirates’ Premium Economy class will have its own unique amenity kit bag with a handy wrist strap and filled with travel wellness products. Generous in size, the travel and wellness essentials inside include soft socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a Colgate dental kit, and Aveda lip balm, hand relief moisturising cream, and hydrating face lotion. The socks and eyeshades are made from 100% recycled post- consumer polyester, while the story card and ear plugs packaging are made from paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Available on overnight flights of longer duration, each collectible kit bag highlights endangered species through hand drawn artwork, as well as on a card inside which tells the story of the creature highlighted – from Pangolins, Glass frogs, Chimpanzees, Bengal tigers, Asian black bears, Totoabas, Small-clawed otters, Manta rays, Green sea turtles, Geckos, Peregrine falcons, Red sand boas, Fennec foxes, African grey parrots, Painted bats, Straw-headed bulbul and Cape vultures.

Emirates new 2025/26 Economy Class Amenity Kit Bags 

Emirates new Economy Class kit bags are colourful keepsakes, filled with comfort items for travellers. These kits also contain soft socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a Colgate dental kit. The socks and eyeshades are made from 100% recycled post- consumer polyester, while the story card and ear plugs packaging are made from paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Available on overnight flights of longer duration, each collectible kit bag highlights endangered species through hand drawn artwork, as well as on a story card inside which tells the story of the creature highlighted – from Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx, Blue sharks, Western gorillas, Gibbons, Bornean orangutan, Bengal tigers, Asian black bears, Small-clawed otters, Manta rays, Green sea turtles, Peregrine falcons, Fennec foxes, African grey parrots, and Cape vultures.

Emirates Environmental Sustainability Framework

Emirates’ ongoing partnership with United for Wildlife reflects a deep commitment to the prevention of illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products – a core pillar of the Emirates Environmental Sustainability Framework (http://apo-opa.co/3XW3JC8). Emirates is actively involved in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and exploitation and is a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. Emirates has zero tolerance towards the illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products and its freight arm, Emirates SkyCargo, has implemented a complete ban on hunting trophies of elephants, rhinoceros, lions and tigers. In June 2023, Emirates reinforced its commitment to environmentally responsible practices by achieving IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Stage One and the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certifications.

About United for Wildlife 

Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2014, United for Wildlife aims to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance or profit from illegal wildlife products. By working collaboratively with the transport and finance sectors, building key partnerships with law enforcement and NGOs, and sharing information and best practices across the sectors, and across borders, United for Wildlife is disrupting this criminal network globally. www.UnitedForWildlife.org

Learn about the endangered animals on Emirates’ amenity kits

African grey parrots

African Grey parrots are widely trafficked for the pet trade, where they are highly sought after. Their heads and feathers are also increasingly valued in African traditional medicine. Renowned for their exceptional intelligence, these parrots can learn extensive vocabularies, mimic sounds, and use words contextually, demonstrating cognitive abilities comparable to those of a five-year-old child. They also form strong social bonds with humans, often developing affectionate relationships with their owners.

Arabian gazelles

Arabian gazelles are primarily trafficked for sale in exotic animal collections and for illegal hunting. These animals are notable for their adaptations to harsh desert environments, distinctive reproductive behaviours, and their important role in both conservation efforts and local culture. Arabian gazelles possess specialized physiological traits that enable them to survive extreme heat and arid conditions. In addition to their biological adaptations, they are highly valued within human culture and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their native ecosystems.

Arabian oryx

Arabian oryx are trafficked mainly for the exotic animal trade and are also poached for their horns, meat, and hides. They exemplify a major conservation achievement, having been reintroduced into their native habitats after becoming extinct in the wild. Arabian oryx are well known for their remarkable adaptations to harsh desert environments and serve as important cultural symbols of resilience and national identity throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Asian black bears

Asian black bears are poached for their gall bladders, claws, and teeth, and are increasingly trafficked as exotic pets. Also known as Moon Bears, they are distinguished by their arboreal lifestyle and significant cultural importance. Adapted for climbing, they feature a characteristic crescent-shaped white patch on their chest and are regarded as sacred in many Asian cultures, frequently appearing in regional folklore and art.

Bengal tigers

Bengal tigers are poached and trafficked for their skin, claws, teeth, and bones, with their derivatives highly valued in Eastern medicine. Each Bengal tiger has a unique stripe pattern, much like a human fingerprint. Unlike most big cats, they are excellent swimmers and possess the longest canine teeth of any feline species, making them formidable predators. In India, Bengal tigers are also an important cultural symbol, embodying nobility and strength.

Blue sharks

Blue Sharks are trafficked for their fins, skin, livers, and meat. Shark liver oil is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Fins are highly valued for their use in soups served at significant banquets and celebrations, such as weddings, in Asia, with even smaller fins now being displayed as symbols of wealth. Shark skin is processed into leather products.

Bornean orangutans

Bornean orangutans are prized in the exotic pet trade. Orangutans stand out for their high intelligence and close genetic relationship to humans, sharing approximately 97% of our DNA. As “gardeners of the forest,” they play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds throughout their habitat. Orangutans are also distinguished by their specialized arboreal lifestyle, complex social behaviours, and long, powerful arms adapted for life in the trees.

Cape vultures

Cape vultures face significant threats from mass poisoning events aimed at other large animals and are also targeted for the traditional medicine trade in Africa. As essential scavengers, vultures play a critical role in their ecosystems by consuming carcasses, thereby preventing the spread of disease to other wildlife and humans. They can soar for hours at altitudes up to 10,000 feet without flapping their wings. In southern Africa, Cape vultures are the only species that nest in large colonies, typically roosting on layered rock ledges and cliffs.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are prized in the exotic pet trade and are also poached for their meat, hands and skulls. Chimpanzees are unique as our closest living relatives, sharing 98% of our DNA. They exhibit exceptional intelligence, complex social behaviours, and advanced problem-solving abilities. Notably, chimpanzees are among the few species that use and modify tools, display cultural traditions, and demonstrate self-awareness. Their intricate social structures, capacity for learning, and important ecological role in forest environments further highlight their significance.

Fennec foxes

Fennec foxes are trafficked for the pet trade and by private collectors. They are distinguished by their large ears, which aid in dissipating heat and detecting prey underground. Their feet are covered with fur to protect them from hot sand, and they can obtain all necessary water from their diet. Fennec foxes are highly social animals, typically living in family groups. Additional adaptations include a lowered heart rate and metabolism, effective camouflage, and specialized hunting techniques.

Gecko

Gecko are prized in the exotic pet trade and are highly sought after by reptile collectors. Geckos are remarkable for their extraordinary climbing abilities, enabled by microscopic hairs called setae on their feet that generate adhesive forces, allowing them to move effortlessly on walls and ceilings. They possess the unique ability to detach and regrow their tails as a defence mechanism. With over 1,500 species, geckos play a vital ecological role in controlling insect populations and are also known for producing distinctive vocalizations.

Gibbons

Gibbons are increasingly poached for the exotic pet trade. Gibbons are notable for their remarkable agility, speed, and distinctive social organization. They move swiftly through the forest canopy using brachiation—swinging from branch to branch with their long arms. Unlike many other primates, gibbons typically form long-term, monogamous pairs and live in close-knit social groups.

Glass frogs

Glass frogs are prized in the exotic pet trade. Glass frogs are remarkable for their translucent skin and muscles, which make them nearly invisible to predators. They enhance this camouflage by concealing most of their red blood cells in their liver while at rest, increasing their transparency. Additionally, in some species, males actively defend their eggs from predators such as wasps, displaying highly specialized protective behaviours.

Green sea turtles

Green sea turtles are trafficked for their shells and meat and are often taxidermized whole for decorative purposes. In some cultures, turtles are regarded as symbols of good luck. As adults, green turtles are the only large sea turtles that are strictly herbivorous, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems such as seagrass beds. They are also exceptional navigators, using the Earth’s magnetic field to return to their nesting beaches after extensive migrations. The temperature of the sand where their eggs are buried determines the sex of the hatchlings. Green turtles nest in 80 countries and inhabit the coastal waters of 140 countries.

Manta rays

Manta rays are trafficked for their gill plates, which are used in traditional medicines in Asia. They are notable for their intelligence, impressive size, and gentle disposition. As some of the largest fish in the ocean, manta rays have the highest brain-to-body size ratio among fish and display advanced social behaviours, such as visiting cleaning stations and possibly using echolocation.

Painted bats

Painted bats are poached mainly for the ornamental and taxidermy trade, valued for their vivid orange and black coloration. Online demand for decorative items far exceeds what could be met by naturally deceased bats, making all commercial trade unsustainable given their solitary habits and low reproductive rate—just one pup per year. Painted bats are notable for their unique flight, specialized roosting in dried banana leaves, and their role in insect control. Illegal trade and habitat loss have made them ‘Near Threatened’ status.

Pangolins

Pangolins remain under threat from poaching for their meat and scales. Pangolins are unique as the only mammals covered in large, protective keratin scales. These distinctive scales, combined with features such as exceptionally long tongues for consuming ants and termites and the ability to curl into a tight defensive ball, set them apart from all other species. Unfortunately, these very traits contribute to their status as the most trafficked mammals globally, as they are heavily hunted for their meat and scales, which are wrongly believed to possess medicinal value.

Peregrine falcons

Peregrine falcons are poached for the live bird trade. Renowned as the fastest animals on Earth, they can reach speeds exceeding 200 mph during their hunting dive, or stoop. Highly adaptable, peregrine falcons inhabit every continent except Antarctica and are celebrated as a symbol of successful endangered species recovery through conservation efforts. Their physical adaptations include bony tubercles in their nostrils that enable breathing at high speeds and a specialized tomial tooth on their beak for efficiently killing prey. Peregrine falcons also hold significant cultural importance throughout the Middle East.

Red sand boas

Red sand boas stand out for their vital role in controlling rodent populations, their specialized adaptations for life underground, and the cultural myths that fuel both high demand and illegal trade. These stout, reddish-brown, non-venomous snakes are prized in the exotic pet market for their calm temperament and ease of care, while in agricultural settings, they contribute significantly by preying on rodents and supporting farm pest management. They are sought after by many who believe they embody supernatural powers.

Small-clawed otters

Small-clawed otters are trafficked for the pet trade and for use in pet cafés, where customers pay to interact with them. They are notable for their intelligence, social nature, and distinctive physical traits, including partially webbed paws that enable them to handle objects and catch prey such as crabs and mollusks. As the smallest otter species, they live in social groups, communicate through a complex system of at least a dozen vocalizations, and are more terrestrial than other otter species.

Straw-headed bulbuls

Straw-headed bulbuls are heavily targeted by poachers for the lucrative Asian songbird trade, prized for their striking appearance and exceptionally melodious songs. As the largest bulbul species in Southeast Asia, their distinctive calls make them especially sought after by collectors and hobbyists. This intense demand has led to widespread trapping, which, together with ongoing habitat loss, has caused dramatic population declines and pushed the species to the brink of extinction, now classified as critically endangered.

Totoaba

Totoaba are a large fish that lives off the coast of Mexico. Totoaba are notable for their highly prized swim bladders, which command significant value on the illegal market. This demand has driven extensive poaching, pushing the species to the brink of extinction and severely threatening the vaquita porpoise through bycatch. In traditional Chinese medicine and luxury cuisine, totoaba swim bladders are especially sought after and are sometimes traded as investment items.

Western gorillas

Western gorillas are targeted by poachers and traffickers for both the exotic pet and bushmeat trades. Notable for their remarkable intelligence and strength, gorillas live in complex social groups led by a dominant silverback male and maintain strong family bonds. Sharing approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, they exhibit human-like emotions such as laughter and sadness. As the largest primates on Earth, gorillas are primarily herbivorous and possess the ability to use and create tools, such as using sticks to measure water depth.

– on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Source: APO – Report:

Côte d’Ivoire has taken an additional important step toward guaranteeing access to clean water with the inauguration of the urban water supply system for the Sub-Prefecture of Galébré. This is one of the first systems completed under the country’s national Water for All (Eau Pour Tous) program. Designed to improve the lives of 35,000 inhabitants in the long term, this modern infrastructure, delivered by Mitrelli (https://Mitrelli.com), reinforces the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to ensure that clean water becomes a fundamental right for everyone.

This inauguration marks a flagship achievement within the Government’s broader Water for All program, to modernize water infrastructure nationwide and close long-standing gaps in access for underserved communities. It will ultimately provide more than 1.5 million people across 200 sub-prefectures with sustainable access to potable water.

The inauguration, held on December 12, was led by H.E. Bouaké Fofana, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, reaffirming the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s determination to expand equitable access to clean water across rural and semi-urban regions. Distinguished attendees included H.E. Moussa Sanogo, Minister of Heritage, State Portfolio, and Public Enterprises, H.E. Belmonde Dogo, Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, H.E. Anne-Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Modernization, as well as regional authorities: the General Director of ONEP Ibrahiman Berté, traditional leaders, and community representatives. Mitrelli was represented by the country leadership team and the project team.

The newly inaugurated urban water supply system in Galébré will serve 35,000 inhabitants in the long term, providing a reliable and sustainable supply of clean water. The infrastructure includes a complete urban water supply system designed to improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and support socio-economic development across the region.

As of December 2025, significant progress has been achieved by the Government with the support of Mitrelli across the Water for All national programs. Works are currently underway in 25 villages. An additional six sites are scheduled to begin in December, while three more villages are expected to be completed before year-end. Provisional receptions for several sites are planned for January 2026.

These advancements reflect a coordinated national effort to strengthen water security, upgrade essential services, and improve resilience across Côte d’Ivoire.

Abdoul Hien, Country General Manager, Mitrelli Côte d’Ivoire, stated: “It is an honor to work with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in advancing this historic initiative. The Water for All program is transforming daily life for communities across the country. Galébré is a first step; more will come. By delivering sustainable access to clean, safe water, we are enabling better health, stronger educational outcomes, and new economic opportunities. Mitrelli is committed to working alongside national and local partners to ensure long-term, impactful results for the country.”

This inauguration demonstrates how strategic water infrastructure can directly improve public health, strengthen community development, and unlock economic potential. Reliable access to potable water reduces diseases, frees time for education – not only but especially for women and girls – and supports agricultural, commercial, health-related and social activities. Côte d’Ivoire’s progress through the Water for All program signals a nationwide shift toward sustainable and inclusive development.

– on behalf of Mitrelli Group.

Mitrelli media contact:
Emmanuelle Bendenoun
Global Communications Manager
Emmanuelle.b@mitrelli.com

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About Mitrelli:
Mitrelli (https://Mitrelli.com), a Swiss-based international company with over a decade of profound impact in Africa, has been collaborating closely with African leadership, governments, businesses, and communities, investing in and implementing innovative, holistic, and sustainable national-scale solutions. To date, the company has over 100 national-scale projects implemented across the continent, spanning housing, water, food, and energy, as well as key societal accelerators such as education, healthcare, and technology.

To learn more, visit us at https://Mitrelli.com.

Source: APO

• The complex will host a full suite of modern trade-supporting facilities, including a trade information centre, a world-class library and knowledge hub, an innovation and SME incubation centre, a business centre, a 110-room apartment hotel, a 750-seater modern conference centre and a corporate museum, among other facilities.
• Scope covers construction, finishing, MEP works, hard and soft landscaping, and FF&E.
• Green, sustainable development designed to meet the highest standards of environmental performance.

Hassan Allam Construction, a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding, has been awarded a landmark USD 250 million contract for the construction of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) African Trade Centre, which will also host its new headquarters building, to be located in the New Capital of Egypt.

Among the top dignitaries who attended the stone-laying ceremony for the construction of AATC in the New Capital was  H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Eng. Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding and Eng. Mohamed El Dahshoury, CEO of Hassan Allam Construction.

The project encompasses the full construction and finishing of a comprehensive development that will serve as Afreximbank’s global headquarters. The scope covers the main Afreximbank Headquarters Building, a 110-room hotel, and six fully serviced residential villas. The complex will host a full suite of other modern trade-supporting facilities, including a trade information centre, a world-class library and knowledge hub, an Afreximbank corporate museum, an innovation and SME incubation centre to support entrepreneurship, a business centre, a corporate museum, a 750-seater modern conference centre, an exhibition centre, retail and dinning outlets, shops, extensive back-of-house and support facilities and a 1,200-bay parking structure.

In addition to full civil works, the contract covers Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems, hard and soft landscaping, as well as the complete supply and installation of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E). The development is also being designed as a green, sustainable project, reflecting Afreximbank’s and Hassan Allam Holding’s commitment to modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible built environments. Together, these elements will form a modern African Trade Centre designed to facilitate trade, policy dialogue, and collaboration across the continent.

Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, said: “Our collaboration with Afreximbank reflects a shared belief in the power of infrastructure to unlock Africa’s economic potential. For more than nine decades, Hassan Allam Holding has been committed to delivering projects that strengthen communities, enable growth, and support long-term development. We are proud to bring this experience to a project of such continental significance, one that will serve as a catalyst for trade collaboration, and opportunity across Africa.”

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said: “The African Trade Centres are a concrete solution to a unique challenge of the lack of knowledge about our African market, a major obstacle to promoting trade. The AATC is meant not simply to accommodate the expansion of the Bank, but also to address the lack of trade and investment information among African businesses; a challenge that has confounded the growth of intra-African trade and investment for nearly seven decades. We envision that the project will be completed within 36 months and will create approximately 8,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and approximately 1,000 jobs during the operational phase.”

This collaboration goes further than conventional financing arrangements, anchored instead in a shared vision for infrastructure development, sustainability, and Africa’s economic transformation. Through successive financing rounds, structured guarantees, and joint investment in high-impact projects, both institutions have repeatedly demonstrated their unwavering commitment to advancing transformational initiatives across the continent.

Eng Hassan Allam was among the top dignitaries who attended the stone laying ceremony for the construction of AATC in the New Capital. Others included H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Amr Allam, CO-CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, Mohamed El Dahshoury, CEO of Hassan Allam Construction, and the executive leadership of Afreximbank.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About Hassan Allam Holding:
Established in 1936, Hassan Allam Holding is one of the largest companies in Egypt and the MENA region, with over 90 years of experience operating across 10 countries. The group undertakes complex, large-scale projects in diverse sectors across engineering, construction, and infrastructure, including energy, water, industry, logistics, and petrochemicals. As the oldest construction franchise in the MENA region, the group boasts a solid reputation, superior technical capabilities, and a diversified portfolio. With a legacy of identifying and investing in attractive infrastructure projects, the globally expanded group has a current backlog exceeding US$6 billion and is ranked 45th on Engineering News-Record’s list of the top 250 international contractors.

For more information about Hassan Allam Holding, please visit: www.HassanAllam.com

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO – Report:

• As digital retail in South Africa accelerates, Fynd brings a unified platform to help retailers modernise operations and deliver personalised, omnichannel experiences at scale
• Surtee Group’s adoption of Fynd’s unified commerce stack is a validation of the platform’s flexibility, scalability, and proven success with global fashion brands
• The move indicates a significant shift in African retail, as established brands embrace unified commerce and AI-powered operations

Fynd (www.Fynd.com), an AI-native retail technology platform backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, today announced its official expansion into South Africa, onboarding Surtee Group – one of the region’s most established luxury and fashion retailers – as its first strategic customer in the market. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for African retail, as legacy brands begin embracing digital transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Fynd’s entry into Africa reflects its commitment to enabling digital transformation in high-growth retail markets worldwide. The move also comes at a turning point when South Africa’s e-commerce sector is projected to exceed R130 billion ($7.48 billion) in 2025, capturing nearly 10% of total retail sales – a fourfold increase since 2020.

According to Statista, South Africa is expected to have 11.7 million e-commerce users in 2025, with projections reaching 21.5 million by 2029. This growth is being driven by rising internet penetration, mobile-first shopping behaviour, and increasing trust in digital platforms. To meet rising consumer expectations, businesses are investing in AI and unified commerce platforms. Fynd’s scalable, AI-native stack is built to support this shift, enabling agility, personalisation, and operational efficiency.

“South Africa’s retail landscape is evolving fast,” said Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer – Global at Fynd. “Consumers expect seamless, personalised experiences across every channel, and retailers need agile, intelligent infrastructure to keep up. Our platform is built to unify disconnected systems, speed up fulfilment, and elevate customer engagement; all without adding operational complexity.”

“South Africa is an exciting addition to our global footprint. The market is digitally ambitious, brand-forward, and ready for intelligent commerce infrastructure. Our goal is to help local retailers unify siloed systems, personalise engagement, and accelerate fulfilment without adding complexity.”

Surtee Group operates 94 boutiques and 2 e-commerce sites, comprising the multi-branded stores Levisons and the mono-brand boutiques, namely, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, VERSACE, TOD’S, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace Jeans Couture, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Luminance, Paul Smith, Coach, and Armani Exchange. They will implement Fynd’s unified commerce stack, including Storefronts, Order Management System (OMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Clienteling tools to connect in-store and online operations, streamline inventory visibility, and launch brand-specific ecommerce storefronts across its brand portfolio.

While online retail continues to surge, offline sales still represent the vast majority of revenue for retailers in the country. Fynd will enable Surtee Group to unify its offline inventory online, power ship-from-store capabilities, and improve both margins and sell-throughs. Additionally, products like Clienteling will empower in-store teams to engage customers better and drive incremental sales through personalised recommendations and seamless omnichannel experiences.

Fynd’s entry into the market is designed to meet this demand. Its AI-native platform enables real-time stock visibility, ship-from-store capabilities, dark store orchestration, and intelligent customer engagement all within a single scalable solution.

As part of its digital transformation roadmap, Surtee Group aims to consolidate its leadership in luxury and fashion retail while expanding into e-commerce and improving omnichannel agility.

“We were looking for a partner who understood both the technical and strategic dimensions of unified commerce,” said a Surtee Group spokesperson. “Fynd stood out for their proven scalability, consultative approach, and deep experience with global fashion brands, many of which align with our portfolio. Their unified stack enables us to modernise operations while building a connected, brand-first customer experience.”

Fynd has already scaled across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, and now adds Africa to its regional presence. With Surtee Group leading the transformation, Fynd is positioned to play a key role in powering unified commerce adoption across South Africa’s growing digital economy.

– on behalf of GoFynd.

About Fynd: 
Fynd is an AI-native retail technology company headquartered in Mumbai, India. It serves over 20,000+ stores and 300+ enterprise retailers and offers a modular commerce stack that unifies in-store, online, and logistics operations. Backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, Fynd is expanding across the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia to power next-generation retail experiences. For more information, visit www.Fynd.com

About Surtee Group:
Surtee Group is one of South Africa’s most distinguished luxury fashion retailers. Guided by more than 29 years of family expertise in the retail industry, the Group operates 94 boutiques and two e-commerce platforms, featuring prestigious brands such as Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Versace, etc. Strategically located in South Africa’s premier shopping destinations—including Sandton City, Hyde Park Corner, Mall of Africa, Menlyn Mall, V&A Waterfront, and OR Tambo International Airport Duty Free—the boutiques cater to both affluent local clientele and a growing base of international visitors.

United by a vision to elevate fashion retail, The Surtee Group continues to craft exceptional experiences rooted in refinement, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. For more information, visit: https://www.SurteeGroup.com

Source: APO – Report:

The NFL (www.NFL.com) has announced its International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2026, featuring 13 athletes representing 10 nations around the world.

Established in 2017, the IPP program identifies elite global talent with the aim of providing selected athletes with the opportunity to improve and develop their skills and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL  roster. Historically, it has welcomed athletes from a range of sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, Gaelic football, track & field and more.

The International Player Pathway Program Class of 2026 includes: 

PLAYER	COUNTRY
Kaia Clarkin	Australia, New Zealand
Kaylan Faumui	Australia, Samoa
Jarrod Gray	Australia, New Zealand
Felix Lepper	Germany
Kansei Matsuzawa	Japan
Joshua Weru	Kenya
Laekin Vakalahi	Australia, New Zealand
Collins Arogunjo	Nigeria
Uar Bernard	Nigeria
Michael Daramola	Nigeria
Chibuike Madu	Nigeria
Anjola Oketola	Nigeria
Seydou Traore	Algeria, Ivory Coast, United Kingdom

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of talented international athletes to the 2026 IPP program,” said NFL Director of International Football Development Patrick Long. “The IPP program is a key component of the growth of our game globally, providing a pathway for these elite athletes, a number of whom have gone on to achieve tremendous success in the NFL and beyond. We wish the Class of 2026 the very best of luck as they get to work next month and look forward to following their progress in the new year.”

Starting in January 2026, athletes in the program are invited to train in American football — both on the field and in the classroom for 10 weeks at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida, before showcasing their skills in front of NFL club scouts.

The IPP program is part of a long-term commitment by the NFL and its 32 clubs to accelerate global football development efforts and establish a pathway for international talent to play the game at the  highest level. 

Players can be signed as free agents or, if eligible, selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club’s offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players. At that time, qualifying international players are eligible to be signed to a 17th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams.

Following its inception, 70 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as free agents), with 22 IPP athletes currently on NFL rosters. Since 2017, eleven of these players have been elevated to active rosters including: Jordan Mailata (Australia), Jakob Johnson (Germany), Efe Obada (United Kingdom), Sammis Reyes (Chile), Thomas Odukoya (Netherlands), David Bada (Germany), Charlie Smyth (Ireland), TJ Maguranyanga (Zimbabwe), Mapalo “Maz” Mwansa (UK / Zambia), CJ Okoye (Nigeria), Haggai Ndubuisi (Nigeria).

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– on behalf of National Football League (NFL).

International Player Pathway Program Appendix: 
International Player Definition: A qualifying International Player (IP) is defined as a player whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who has a  maximum of two years of United States high school experience. In addition, an IP must: (i) satisfy all NFL player eligibility rules; and (ii) have been eligible for a prior NFL Draft. An IP can also play any position, including kicker or punter.

Relevant IPP Program Rules: Each of the 32 NFL clubs can fill a 17th roster spot on the practice squad with a qualifying international player. A player may be an International Practice Player for a maximum of three (3) seasons, with a season defined as being on the Practice Squad or Active/Inactive List for at least six games (a bye week counts as a game). After an IP’s third season as an International Practice Player, the player remains eligible to be signed to a club’s Active/Inactive List or Practice Squad subject to standard roster rules (i.e., Standard, Exception, Veteran player).