FinBursa Launches The MENA Region’s First Neutral Mobile App For Direct-to-Source Private Market Investment Discovery

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The app serves as the first consumer-facing gateway to FinBursa’s AI-powered private markets ecosystem, already serving institutional clients across the MENA region and globally.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2026:

FinBursa has officially launched the first dedicated investor app in the MENA region, providing a neutral mobile gateway for private market investors to discover direct-to-source opportunities in startups, private companies, funds, and capital-seeking entities.

Direct Source Integrity: Engage with Capital Seekers at the Source

The platform is built on the principle of direct engagement, moving away from the noise of third-party data aggregators. Every opportunity is listed directly by the decision-makers, including Company Founders, Owners, authorized Fundraisers, and capital seekers across asset classes, with zero success fees, ensuring a completely unbiased connection between capital and opportunity.

Capital seekers and founders can list their fundraising rounds directly on FinBursa Access, gaining immediate visibility with qualified investors at zero cost.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/nigerias-heat-crisis-is-fueling-a-new-wave-of-startups/

Privacy-First Discovery and Operational Speed

Total Investor Anonymity: Designed for the high-end market, the app ensures complete privacy. No personal data is shared and no solicitation occurs until the investor chooses to initiate contact, placing the power of discovery entirely in the investor’s hands.

Simplified Due Diligence: The app digitizes the discovery process, allowing investors to triage opportunities, view video pitches, and access secure data rooms directly from their mobile devices, replacing slow, manual workflows.

“Real democratization means giving investors the tools to act, not just to explore through layers of brokers and fees. For the first time, investors can discover, evaluate, and connect directly with capital seekers, anonymously, at zero cost, and entirely on their own terms. We are not just modernising access to private markets; we are rebuilding it from the ground up.”

— Ismail Badereldine, Co-Founder and CEO, FinBursa

Download the FinBursa Investor App Today:

iPhone (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/app/finbursa

Android (Play Store): https://play.google.com/store/apps/finbursa

For Founders and Capital Seekers:

List your fundraising rounds directly, at no cost: www.finbursa.com/founders
Learn about FinBursa: Introducing FinBursa: The Future of Private Market Investing

About FinBursa

Headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), FinBursa is the world’s first AI-powered neutral private markets ecosystem. Built as a fully integrated AI suite spanning deal management, investment CRM, fundraising, and virtual data rooms (VDR), FinBursa is purpose-built for the private markets.

Nigeria’s Heat Crisis Is Fueling A New Wave Of Startups

10 ventures selected to scale solutions for extreme heat across food and agricultural systems, healthcare, climate intelligence, and clean energy

LAGOS, Nigeria, 29 April 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – As heat
intensifies across Nigeria, a new cohort of ventures is developing
solutions to protect crops, reduce food spoilage and livestock losses,
and equip hospitals and outdoor workers to anticipate and withstand
extreme conditions.

BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation, and the UK’s Foreign,
Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Nigeria have selected 10
early-stage ventures to join the inaugural cohort of the TECA Heat
Action Wave (THAW) program focused on accelerating solutions to extreme
heat.

The 10 selected ventures are:

  • Ofemini Global Limited provides a heat-resilient logistics platform
    that helps farmers transport perishable goods efficiently, reducing
    spoilage caused by extreme temperatures through optimized routing and
    heat monitoring.
  • Agiletech Operations Consulting Limited provides a hyperlocal
    early-warning system that delivers climate and heat alerts through
    accessible channels, enabling farmers and micro-entrepreneurs to
    anticipate risks and take preventive action.
  • Emplaris develops a predictive energy and heat-risk intelligence
    system for healthcare facilities, helping hospitals anticipate outages
    and manage equipment stress during extreme heat events.
  • Doorcas Africa delivers an AI-powered livestock health and
    co-ownership platform that enables early disease detection and
    prevention, helping farmers reduce heat-related livestock mortality and
    improve productivity.
  • Farmxic offers an AI-driven soil and crop diagnostics platform that
    helps farmers adapt to heat-induced soil degradation and crop stress
    through real-time insights and personalized recommendations.
  • Farm Fresh Grocery Ltd. builds a climate-resilient agricultural
    system combining heat-adaptive beekeeping, herb production, and consumer
    products to stabilize yields and supply under rising temperatures.
  • Farmslate Technologies Limited provides a climate intelligence
    platform that translates satellite and weather data into actionable
    insights, enabling farmers and financial institutions to manage
    heat-related risks and improve decision-making.
  • Let-It-Cold offers a solar-powered, portable cooling solution that
    helps small businesses and households preserve perishable goods during
    extreme heat and power outages.
  • Pod develops a climate-resilient sanitation system that prevents
    failure and contamination in heat- and flood-prone environments through
    on-site treatment and water reuse.
  • TheHyWing Ltd provides a climate-smart digital health platform that
    combines heat alerts, AI diagnostics, and telemedicine to prevent
    heat-related health risks among outdoor workers and vulnerable
    populations.

Together, the ventures address some of the most immediate and
under-addressed impacts of extreme heat across Nigeria, including food
spoilage and cold chain gaps, heat-induced soil degradation and crop
stress, livestock disease and productivity loss, health risks for
outdoor workers, and system failures in energy, healthcare, and
sanitation infrastructure. They range from early-stage concepts to
minimum viable products, reflecting both the urgency of the problem and
the early development of solutions in this emerging space.

The cohort reflects a growing innovation ecosystem across Nigeria, with
ventures operating in multiple regions. The companies are based in
Lagos, Kaduna, and Edo States. This geographic spread underscores the
breadth of climate innovation emerging across the country and reinforces
TECA’s commitment to supporting founders building locally relevant
solutions nationwide.

Selected from a competitive pool, the ventures will each receive $56,000
in funding along with hands-on venture-acceleration support, including
user validation, product development, business model design, and
investor readiness. Each team will work with embedded venture builders
and technical experts to accelerate their path to scale. Six of the ten
selected ventures have a female co-founder.

“Extreme heat is rapidly becoming one of the biggest operational risks
facing African economies, yet it remains dramatically underinvested,”
said Tyler Ferdinand, TECA Director at BFA Global. “Through TECA’s
Heat Action Wave, we’re backing entrepreneurs building the tools,
services, and financial products that will allow people, businesses, and
cities to function in a hotter world. Our goal is not only to support
these ventures but to prove that climate adaptation can become a
powerful new investment frontier.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/quest-merchant-bank-strengthens-governance-and-risk-leadership-with-appointment-of-ayo-lewis-as-executive-director-risk-management-eco/

Juliet Munro, Director, Early Stage Finance, at FSD Africa, said: “If
climate adaptation finance is going to scale in Africa, it has to be
grounded in real, investable solutions. This group of innovators
tackling extreme heat is important because it shows what those solutions
look like in practice, and that’s what gives markets the confidence to
follow. At FSD Africa, our role is to help turn early innovation like
this into something markets can actually back.”

“The cost of inaction on climate change is growing, as over 70% of
workers around the world are at risk from deadly extreme heat. At the
same time, momentum for adaptation is growing, as we see both more
funding and more innovation. These new business ventures are strong,
community-led solutions that can accelerate resilience in Nigeria and
more broadly in the West African region,” said Jessica Brown, Senior
Director of Adaptation and Resilience at ClimateWorks Foundation.

“Responding to climate change is central to Nigeria’s future growth
and resilience. The UK is excited to support this cohort of ambitious
Nigerian businesses developing transformative solutions to extreme heat.
TECA’s Heat Action Wave is part of a broader UK partnership with
Nigeria that backs private sector–led innovation, creates jobs, and
drives shared prosperity for both our countries as we transition to a
greener economy,” said Temi Akinrinade, Foreign, Commonwealth &
Development Office, Nigeria.

The program will run through 2026, culminating in demo days and investor
engagement opportunities, with follow-on support available for
top-performing ventures.

Direct Travel Introduces Avenir Across Global Specialty Markets

Modern Platform Enhances Business Travel Within Energy, Marine, Mining and Other Complex Sectors

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Direct Travel today announced the expansion of Avenir, its global travel platform, across its specialty market divisions, including Energy, Marine and Mining. Delivered through ATPI’s specialist businesses, Avenir provides a single global platform and unified service model for executive and project-based business travel, complementing the company’s established sector specific logistics and workforce mobility solutions.

Avenir Tech HotList

With this expansion, organizations operating in complex and logistically demanding environments will benefit from a more consistent and scalable approach to business travel, bringing modern infrastructure to corporate travel while continuing to rely on proven specialist solutions for crew and workforce logistics.

A Comprehensive Approach to Specialty Travel
Industries such as energy, marine and mining manage multiple types of travel simultaneously, from large scale workforce and crew movements to executive, commercial and project travel. These needs are fundamentally different and require distinct solutions.

Avenir is designed to support traditional business travel within these sectors, bringing structure and consistency to:

  • Executive leadership travel
  • Commercial and client facing teams
  • Project based and technical specialists

This sits alongside ATPI’s established specialist services, which continue to manage:

  • Crew and workforce mobility
  • Offshore and rotational travel
  • Highly customized logistics to remote and complex destinations

Together, this creates a more coordinated and complete travel framework.

Strengthening Sector Expertise with a Modern Business Travel Platform
Avenir enhances ATPI’s specialist offerings by introducing a consistent global foundation for business travel, while preserving the depth and specialization of existing solutions.

“Our long-standing leadership in specialty travel is built on deep sector expertise and a strong focus on our customers, and we remain committed to strengthening how we serve these markets,” said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. “As travel becomes more complex, that foundation becomes even more important. Avenir is an important step forward, giving our customers a more consistent approach to global business travel, combined with the specialized solutions they rely on to support their operations.”

Energy
With decades of experience supporting global energy organizations, ATPI delivers specialized travel solutions across offshore, project and executive travel. From complex international operations to high risk environments, the focus is on operational continuity, cost control and the safety and wellbeing of traveling personnel.

Marine
With a long history in maritime travel, ATPI supports global shipping and offshore organizations with highly coordinated travel services. Expertise in crew movements, vessel rotations and global logistics ensures reliable, efficient operations across ports and regions worldwide.

Mining and Other Specialty Markets
In mining and similarly complex sectors, ATPI provides tailored travel management solutions designed for remote operations and workforce mobility. This includes managing fly in fly out schedules, navigating challenging destinations and supporting safe, efficient travel for workers and project teams globally.

Specialist Technology and Capabilities
These sector specific services are supported by ATPI’s specialist technology and service capabilities, including Crewhub and Crewlink, which are designed to manage workforce mobility and crew travel at scale.

Improving Visibility and Consistency for Business Travel
While workforce and crew travel remain highly specialized, business travel within these sectors is often managed across fragmented regional systems.

Avenir brings greater consistency by enabling:

  • One global platform for business travel across regions
  • Centralized visibility and governance for travel and finance teams
  • Standardized policies with controlled local flexibility
  • A consistent traveler experience for employees worldwide

The result is better oversight, improved efficiency and a more streamlined experience for business travelers operating within complex global organizations.
Hashtag: #atpi #directravel #avenir #globaltravelplatform


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Direct Travel, Inc

Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, innovative solutions to every client and traveler. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service and expert insight to drive tangible value and meaningful savings across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, Meetings & Events and specialty travel businesses.

Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travelers and simplifies program management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology, delivered by an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.

For more information about Direct Travel, visit

For more information about Energy, Marine, and Mining specialty travel, visit: , and

Direct Travel Introduces Avenir Across Global Specialty Markets

Modern Platform Enhances Business Travel Within Energy, Marine, Mining and Other Complex Sectors

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Direct Travel today announced the expansion of Avenir, its global travel platform, across its specialty market divisions, including Energy, Marine and Mining. Delivered through ATPI’s specialist businesses, Avenir provides a single global platform and unified service model for executive and project-based business travel, complementing the company’s established sector specific logistics and workforce mobility solutions.

Avenir Tech HotList

With this expansion, organizations operating in complex and logistically demanding environments will benefit from a more consistent and scalable approach to business travel, bringing modern infrastructure to corporate travel while continuing to rely on proven specialist solutions for crew and workforce logistics.

A Comprehensive Approach to Specialty Travel
Industries such as energy, marine and mining manage multiple types of travel simultaneously, from large scale workforce and crew movements to executive, commercial and project travel. These needs are fundamentally different and require distinct solutions.

Avenir is designed to support traditional business travel within these sectors, bringing structure and consistency to:

  • Executive leadership travel
  • Commercial and client facing teams
  • Project based and technical specialists

This sits alongside ATPI’s established specialist services, which continue to manage:

  • Crew and workforce mobility
  • Offshore and rotational travel
  • Highly customized logistics to remote and complex destinations

Together, this creates a more coordinated and complete travel framework.

Strengthening Sector Expertise with a Modern Business Travel Platform
Avenir enhances ATPI’s specialist offerings by introducing a consistent global foundation for business travel, while preserving the depth and specialization of existing solutions.

“Our long-standing leadership in specialty travel is built on deep sector expertise and a strong focus on our customers, and we remain committed to strengthening how we serve these markets,” said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. “As travel becomes more complex, that foundation becomes even more important. Avenir is an important step forward, giving our customers a more consistent approach to global business travel, combined with the specialized solutions they rely on to support their operations.”

Energy
With decades of experience supporting global energy organizations, ATPI delivers specialized travel solutions across offshore, project and executive travel. From complex international operations to high risk environments, the focus is on operational continuity, cost control and the safety and wellbeing of traveling personnel.

Marine
With a long history in maritime travel, ATPI supports global shipping and offshore organizations with highly coordinated travel services. Expertise in crew movements, vessel rotations and global logistics ensures reliable, efficient operations across ports and regions worldwide.

Mining and Other Specialty Markets
In mining and similarly complex sectors, ATPI provides tailored travel management solutions designed for remote operations and workforce mobility. This includes managing fly in fly out schedules, navigating challenging destinations and supporting safe, efficient travel for workers and project teams globally.

Specialist Technology and Capabilities
These sector specific services are supported by ATPI’s specialist technology and service capabilities, including Crewhub and Crewlink, which are designed to manage workforce mobility and crew travel at scale.

Improving Visibility and Consistency for Business Travel
While workforce and crew travel remain highly specialized, business travel within these sectors is often managed across fragmented regional systems.

Avenir brings greater consistency by enabling:

  • One global platform for business travel across regions
  • Centralized visibility and governance for travel and finance teams
  • Standardized policies with controlled local flexibility
  • A consistent traveler experience for employees worldwide

The result is better oversight, improved efficiency and a more streamlined experience for business travelers operating within complex global organizations.
Hashtag: #atpi #directravel #avenir #globaltravelplatform


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Direct Travel, Inc

Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, innovative solutions to every client and traveler. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service and expert insight to drive tangible value and meaningful savings across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, Meetings & Events and specialty travel businesses.

Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travelers and simplifies program management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology, delivered by an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.

For more information about Direct Travel, visit

For more information about Energy, Marine, and Mining specialty travel, visit: , and

KfW Development Bank Becomes An ATIDI Shareholder, Enhances German Investment Opportunities In Africa

Nairobi, Kenya, 29 April 2026 – The German development bank KfW acting
on behalf of and for the account of the Federal Republic of Germany has
become the latest shareholder in the African Trade & Investment
Development Insurance (ATIDI). KfW becomes the 13th Institutional
shareholder in Africa’s premier development insurer, further
strengthening the organization’s capital base and its capacity to
support trade and investment across the continent.

The official signing of the subscription agreement between the two
organizations is being marked on the occasion of a meeting held today in
Nairobi between ATIDI’s CEO and the German Federal Minister for
Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan. The new
shareholding underscores Germany’s commitment to strengthening its
economic partnership with Africa and to supporting African institutions
that facilitate trade and investment across the continent.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said, “This
milestone is iconic in many ways. First, it elevates our already dynamic
bond with KfW and creates more opportunities for German investors
looking to engage in Africa. It is also a recognition of ATIDI’s
earned status as Africa’s top development insurer and the
acknowledgement of the soundness of our business. Last, it underscores
the power of partnerships in a global context increasingly marked by
volatility and uncertainty. ATIDI will spare no effort to make this
partnership a successful one.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/south-africa-launches-first-real-time-national-diabetes-monitoring-dashboard-to-strengthen-healthcare-response/

KfW invested USD 32 million to become a D2-class shareholder of ATIDI, a
status dedicated to Export Credit Agencies and Non-African Public
Entities. Of this amount, USD 18.4 million are funded from BMZ budget
resources, with the remaining USD 13.6 million coming from KfW’s own
resources. As such, it will assume the obligations and benefits related
to its new shareholding status, including representation in ATIDI
Governance and decision-making structures and equally participating
towards improving German trade and investments in Africa in alignment
with the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA 2.0).

KfW’s subscription in ATIDI is the culmination of a dynamic
partnership between the two organizations. On behalf of the German
Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), KfW has
supported several countries’ membership in ATIDI with over USD100
million financing, thus strengthening the organization’s capital base
and expanding its ability to mitigate risk and mobilize private
investment across African markets. The new equity participation adds a
direct shareholding to this long‑standing cooperation.

“Today we reconfirm our long-standing strategic partnership with
ATIDI. Together, we intend to further enhance business opportunities for
European and German investors in Africa to create prosperity and
development for mutual benefit. Our membership is executed on behalf of
the Federal Republic of Germany. It is only the latest culmination of a
successful cooperation that has enabled the ATIDI membership of several
African states and has created innovative insurance solutions to attract
foreign investment on the continent.” Said Christiane Laibach, Member
of the Executive Board, KfW.

Established in 1948, KfW is Germany’s state-owned promotional and
development bank and a key implementing partner of BMZ in international
financial cooperation. It provides financing for projects in critical
sectors including sustainability, infrastructure, renewable energy and
small business growth in developing countries. Its shareholding in ATIDI
is expected to stimulate up to $500 million in trade and investment
between German companies and African markets.

Over the past 25 years, ATIDI has grown to become Africa’s premier
provider of development insurance and one of its highest rated financial
organizations. It leverages its partnerships with leading multilaterals
and regional bodies – including the African Union, the World Bank Group,
COMESA, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Norwegian Agency for
Development Cooperation (NORAD) – to offer innovative credit and
investment insurance products that foster sustainable and
transformational growth across the continent.

Beyond capital, this partnership represents a powerful bridge between
European financial expertise and Africa’s rapidly expanding investment
landscape. By combining KfW’s global development finance experience
with ATIDI’s deep regional risk intelligence and market presence, the
collaboration will help unlock new pathways for investment in strategic
sectors thus supporting sustainable growth, strengthening trade
corridors and enabling investors to participate more confidently in
Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

KfW Development Bank Becomes An ATIDI Shareholder, Enhances German Investment Opportunities In Africa

South Africa Launches First Real-Time National Diabetes Monitoring Dashboard To Strengthen Healthcare Response

South Africa has introduced its first real-time national diabetes monitoring system, marking a major advancement in the country’s fight against non-communicable diseases. The newly launched HbA1c dashboard is designed to provide continuous insights into diabetes control across public healthcare facilities nationwide.

Developed by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub, and other national health programmes, the platform integrates laboratory data to support faster clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

Brandspur Healthcare News Desk reports that the system draws from the NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse and delivers updated national diabetes data within 48 hours, offering health authorities and clinicians near real-time visibility into patient conditions across provinces.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/4-kenyan-startups-selected-for-milestone-10th-google-for-startups-accelerator-africa-cohort/

NHLS leadership explained that the dashboard replaces earlier manual reporting systems that relied on monthly Excel-based data aggregation, which often delayed intervention and limited timely response. The new digital platform enables healthcare professionals to identify high-risk patients earlier and respond more efficiently to emerging health concerns.

According to NHLS Chief Executive Officer Professor Koleka Mlisana, the innovation represents a shift from retrospective reporting to real-time health system action, improving both accountability and responsiveness within the public healthcare sector.

The dashboard also supports South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022–2027), which aims to ensure improved diabetes control rates among patients receiving treatment in the public health system.

Health authorities say the platform will enhance national disease surveillance by providing a consolidated, data-driven view of diabetes management trends, allowing for more targeted interventions across high-risk regions.

The initiative is being hailed as a significant step in digital health transformation, positioning laboratory data as a key tool in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving long-term outcomes for patients living with diabetes in South Africa.

4 Kenyan Startups Selected For Milestone 10th Google For Startups Accelerator Africa Cohort

Four Kenyan technology startups have secured places in the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, chosen from a highly competitive pool of nearly 2,600 applications. Comana, Duck, ReportsAI, and VunaPay are among the final pan-African group of 15 companies, achieving an acceptance rate of less than 1% that underscores the depth of technical talent emerging from Kenya’s digital ecosystem.

The selected Kenyan startups are each leveraging artificial intelligence to address critical local and regional challenges. Comana builds technology that helps governments and market associations digitize informal food markets. Duck provides a real-time data intelligence platform giving consumer brands instant shop floor visibility to prevent stockouts. ReportsAI enables impact organizations to transform raw data into institutional knowledge and compliance-ready reporting through an AI-first platform. VunaPay develops fintech and data infrastructure for cooperatives, enabling instant payments and financial services for smallholder farmers.

Brandspur Brand News Desk reports that Hafsah Jumare, CEO of Kenyan-based Comana, noted that most food trade across Africa happens in traditional markets, which remain largely invisible and unsupported. “With MarketView, we’re building infrastructure to make them visible, using AI to interpret real-time data so businesses and governments can actually see what’s happening and act on it,” Jumare said. “Even in the first week, the technical mentorship and network provided have already been valuable in sharpening how we approach this.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/demand-for-used-goods-surges-70-as-kenyan-buyers-shift-to-pre-owned-market-jiji-data-reveals/

Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem for Google Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the incoming founders. “African startups are driving essential economic growth and social development,” Aiyegbusi said. “Our role is to serve as a supportive partner, providing these developers and founders with the technical infrastructure, mentorship, and global network they need to scale their solutions and amplify their real-world impact.”

The hybrid program runs from April 13 to June 19, 2026, offering the 15 startups dedicated guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts alongside hands-on technical workshops focused on AI and machine learning. Since launching in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries, empowering them to collectively raise over $263 million and create more than 2,800 jobs.

Demand For Used Goods Surges 70% As Kenyan Buyers Shift To Pre-Owned Market – Jiji Data Reveals

New data from Jiji, a leading online classifieds platform, has revealed a dramatic surge in demand for pre-owned goods across Kenya, with search volumes for used items jumping 70% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The figure represents over 14.7 million unique searches in Q1 alone, signaling a structural change in consumer behaviour as buyers increasingly prioritise affordability, functionality, and value over brand-new purchases.

The growth outpaces interest in new items across categories such as electronics, vehicles, and home essentials, reflecting a sustained shift toward circular commerce. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, inflation has remained between 3% and 5% through 2025 and into early 2026, with food, transport, and housing driving household expenditure growth. The World Bank has also noted that rising living costs across emerging markets are accelerating demand for lower-cost alternatives.

Brandspur Brand News Desk reports that Maxim Makarchuk, Chief Operating Officer of Jiji Africa, described Kenya as a historically second-hand driven market, with pre-owned goods forming a critical layer of everyday trade. “What’s emerging now is accelerated growth within this segment, underpinned by a more discerning and economically aware consumer base,” Makarchuk said. “At Jiji, we’re making this ecosystem more efficient and accessible. We’re connecting buyers and sellers more seamlessly and helping unlock more value from goods already in circulation across the country.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/consumer-behaviour-in-2026-shifts-as-identity-ai-and-attention-economy-redefine-brand-engagement/

Buyer testimonials underscore the drivers of this trend. In the cars category, David, a buyer on Jiji Kenya, cited affordability and the ability to physically inspect vehicles before purchase as key confidence builders. “I saw the car online, then went to inspect it in person before buying,” he said. “This allowed me to confirm its condition myself and gave me confidence that I was truly getting value for my money.” In electronics, another buyer, Kimani, noted: “I found a laptop at almost half the retail price. It was in good condition, and I was able to get better specifications than I could afford if it was new.”

Increased digital adoption and improved mobile internet access are supporting this shift. Kenya continues to rank as one of Africa’s most advanced digital economies, with the Communications Authority of Kenya confirming that growth in connectivity has significantly expanded access to e-commerce platforms. As economic pressures persist, demand for pre-loved goods is expected to remain strong through 2026, with Jiji focusing on improving trust, user experience, and access across the continent’s growing circular economy.

Consumer Behaviour In 2026 Shifts As Identity, AI And Attention Economy Redefine Brand Engagement

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A new global consumer study has identified three major behavioural shifts shaping how consumers will make decisions in 2026, highlighting growing tensions between technology adoption, identity expression, and competition for attention in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The research shows that while a majority of consumers report general happiness, trust in institutions remains significantly lower, creating a mixed outlook on the future. Attitudes towards technology and artificial intelligence are also divided, with many consumers recognising its benefits in simplifying daily life, while simultaneously expressing concern about reduced human interaction and broader societal impacts.

Brandspur Consumer Insights Desk reports that these evolving dynamics are driving what researchers describe as a “recalibration of identity,” where consumers are redefining authenticity, belonging, and self-expression in more personalised ways across global markets.

One of the key trends identified is the growing demand for “human-centred branding,” where consumers increasingly value creativity, imperfection, and emotional authenticity over fully automated experiences. While artificial intelligence continues to enhance efficiency in content creation and service delivery, consumers are showing stronger preference for brands that retain human authorship and emotional depth in their storytelling and engagement.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/gen-z-and-millennials-redefine-telecom-buying-as-social-media-becomes-core-decision-channel/

The study also highlights a rising tension between cultural uniformity and individuality, with more than half of global consumers noting that products, fashion, and digital content are beginning to feel increasingly similar. This has triggered a counter-movement where consumers actively seek uniqueness, subtle differentiation, and personalised identity expression within mainstream trends.

Design trends such as neutral aesthetics and minimalism reflect this shift, as brands attempt to balance familiarity with individuality. The report suggests that successful brands are those that combine recognisable structures with personalised elements that allow consumers to feel seen and distinct.

A third major trend identified is the intensifying competition for attention, described as the “attention economy,” where visibility alone is no longer sufficient for brand success. Consumers are increasingly exposed to high-volume content, forcing brands, creators, and marketers to adopt more bold, distinctive, and emotionally resonant communication strategies to stand out.

However, the research cautions that attention-grabbing strategies must be grounded in authenticity and purpose, as consumers are becoming more selective about engagement. Campaigns that balance creativity with credibility are more likely to achieve lasting impact compared to purely sensational messaging.

Overall, the findings suggest that 2026 will be defined by a complex interplay between technology, identity, and attention, requiring brands to carefully balance automation with human connection while delivering meaningful and differentiated consumer experiences.

Gen Z And Millennials Redefine Telecom Buying As Social Media Becomes Core Decision Channel

A new industry study has revealed a major shift in how younger consumers approach telecom services, showing that Gen Z and Millennials now rely heavily on social media not only for awareness but also for research, validation, and final purchase decisions.

The findings indicate that traditional telecom decision-making, once driven mainly by price and network coverage, is increasingly influenced by social platforms where consumers actively compare options, seek recommendations, and evaluate providers in real time.

Brandspur Technology News Desk reports that social media has become deeply embedded in the telecom customer journey, with a significant share of young users using platforms to research providers and plan options before making switching decisions.

According to the research, a large proportion of Gen Z users take ownership of their telecom choices, with most reporting active involvement in selecting or switching service providers. Many respondents also confirmed that they have changed telecom companies since first signing up, highlighting a high level of churn within the demographic.

The study further shows that social platforms are no longer limited to discovery stages, as consumers now move seamlessly between content, reviews, and advertising while forming purchase decisions. Friends, family, and peer recommendations remain highly influential, often amplified through social channels rather than replaced by them.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/fg-introduces-jet-fuel-price-cap-and-30-day-credit-support-to-ease-airline-operating-costs-in-nigeria/

Creators and influencers are also playing a growing role in shaping telecom choices. Exposure to creator content has been linked to increased likelihood of subscription or switching decisions, particularly when complex telecom offerings are simplified through relatable explanations.

Life events such as graduating, starting new jobs, or relocating were identified as key triggers for reassessing telecom plans, as younger consumers often adjust providers based on changing financial or lifestyle needs.

The report also highlights the direct impact of social media advertising, with many respondents indicating that exposure to telecom ads on platforms has led to actual subscription or switching behaviour.

Overall, the findings point to a structural shift in the telecom industry, where social media is no longer just a marketing channel but a central part of how younger consumers evaluate, choose, and commit to service providers.