South Africa Approves 4 Percent Wage Increase For Public Servants Amid Economic Pressure

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South Africa Approves 4 Percent Wage Increase For Public Servants Amid Economic Pressure

South Africa has approved a 4 percent wage increase for public servants effective from 1 April 2026, in a policy move aimed at cushioning government workers against inflation and rising living costs, even as global economic uncertainty continues to weigh on public finances.

The adjustment covers employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and occupation specific dispensations (OSDs), and is anchored in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2025, which set out a structured multi-year wage framework for the country’s public service.

Brandspur Labour and Economic Policy Desk reports that the increment is part of a “floor mechanism” designed to ensure public servants receive a minimum guaranteed wage adjustment above inflation expectations, which are projected at 3.4 percent for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) explained that the decision reflects efforts to maintain labour stability and protect workers’ purchasing power, with additional adjustments also covering interns, pay progression cycles, and casual and sessional workers across key public service departments.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/stellar-development-foundations-cv-labs-emea-accelerator-debut-as-institutional-participation-accelerates-across-its-network-globally/

While South Africa moves ahead with structured wage increases despite tight fiscal conditions, the development draws a sharp comparison with Nigeria, where public sector wage negotiations have remained more volatile amid inflationary pressure, currency depreciation, and ongoing debates around minimum wage implementation and cost-of-living adjustments.

In Nigeria, rising living costs and foreign exchange instability have continued to erode real incomes, prompting repeated calls from labour unions for stronger wage reviews and broader economic relief measures for workers in both federal and state public services.

Analysts note that South Africa’s ability to implement a predictable wage framework highlights a more stabilised collective bargaining system, while Nigeria continues to grapple with balancing fiscal constraints, inflation management, and labour demands in a more volatile macroeconomic environment.

The contrast underscores wider economic realities across Africa, where governments are increasingly forced to balance public wage obligations with revenue pressures, debt servicing costs, and inflation-driven social demands.

Stellar Development Foundation’s CV Labs’ EMEA Accelerator Debut, As Institutional Participation Accelerates Across Its Network & Globally

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Stellar Development Foundation’s CV Labs’ EMEA Accelerator Debut, As Institutional Participation Accelerates Across Its Network & Globally

Initial $150,000 in XLM funding per startup, on-site component in SA.

San Francisco, California & Zug, Switzerland, April 2026. The Stellar
Development Foundation (SDF), the nonprofit behind Stellar, the
high-performance network for near-instant, low-cost cross-border
payments and asset tokenisation, which consistently holds a top-30
position by market capitalization, has announced the Stellar x CV Labs
Accelerator [1].

The Stellar x CV Labs Accelerator comes as the Stellar network is seeing
measurable growth across both usage and institutional adoption. In 2025,
real-world assets on Stellar grew by 158%, while total value locked
increased by 127%. More than 800 active projects are now building across
payments, savings, lending, and liquidity use cases, and the network has
surpassed 10 million active accounts and more than 21.5 billion total
operations.

Global financial institutions use the Stellar network as essential
infrastructure. Franklin Templeton expanded its tokenized U.S. Treasury
fund, now holding more than $625 million in assets, to European
institutional investors on Stellar last year. PayPal launched its PYUSD
stablecoin on the network, while MoneyGram rolled out a
stablecoin-powered financial app built on Stellar. Companies including
Visa, Mastercard, Wirex, and U.S. Bank have also integrated the Stellar
network into production or pilot systems focused on payments and
settlement.

The Stellar x CV Labs Accelerator program will focus on startups
building across payments infrastructure, tokenized real-world assets,
and decentralized finance applications: areas where institutional
adoption is moving into production deployment. The 12-week program will
support and scale ten early-stage startups building in, or targeting,
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). With a population of more
than 2 billion people and one of the fastest-growing digital regions
globally, EMEA is increasingly viewed by frontier technology drivers as
a strategic growth market. Stellar has strong foundations in the EMEA
region, with partnerships including MoneyGram, integrations with
Yellowcard and Flutterwave, and investments in companies such as
Invoicemate, ChipperCash, Kredete, OkHi and Cedar.

Startups selected for the accelerator will receive hands-on technical
support, tokenomics guidance, go-to-market development, and access to
structured funding pathways. Each team can secure up to $150,000 in XLM
in initial development funding from Stellar Development Foundation.

Participants will also gain exposure to investors and financial
institutions already active within the Stellar ecosystem. The program is
scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will run primarily remotely, with
an on-site component in Cape Town, South Africa. It will conclude with
an in-person Demo Day at the Stellar Meridian conference, taking place
October 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/hyundai-unveils-2027-ioniq-9-awd-performance-calligraphy-black-ink-model/

“_When it comes to using blockchain in real-world financial
applications, the EMEA region is one of the most dynamic globally,_”
said José Fernández da Ponte, President and Chief Growth Officer at
the Stellar Development Foundation. _“Through this accelerator with CV
Labs, we want to support founders in the region building scalable
financial infrastructure that can operate across borders while advancing
our broader mission of improving access to the global financial
system.”_

The accelerator will be run by CV Labs, the ecosystem arm of blockchain
venture capital firm CV VC, which operates innovation hubs across
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, and the
UAE.

“_Our experience is built on a long track record of accelerating
blockchain startups, many of which are now part of our venture portfolio
through CV VC. Our acceleration-as-a-service model has already helped
other leading blockchain ecosystems. With Stellar, we are now bringing
that track record to one of the fastest-growing digital regions in the
world,”_ said Olaf Hannemann, Co-Founder at CV VC.

More broadly, the launch highlights a shift in strategy across major
blockchain networks. Rather than focusing solely on developer adoption
in traditional markets, networks are increasingly investing in regions
where digital payments, tokenization, and cross-border financial
services are already seeing strong real-world demand.

Applications for the program are now open here [2]

Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model

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Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model
  • New Calligraphy Black Ink model: A singularly sleek, sophisticated expression of electric luxury
  • Award-winning three-row EV gains unique Gloss Black and Black Chrome styling touches, plus exclusive black 21-inch wheels
  • Black Ink interior colorway and cabin trim
  • 2027 IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink three-row electric SUV to be assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga., April, 2026 – Hyundai today unveiled the 2027 IONIQ 9
AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink model, a sophisticated new
expression of the brand’s flagship three-row electric SUV during a media
event near Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America [2] in Savannah, GA.

Designed for customers seeking maximum luxury, exclusive design, and
top‑tier performance, Calligraphy Black Ink elevates the
award‑winning IONIQ 9 SUV with a sleek and sophisticated new look.
This new trim delivers an even more premium and dramatic look for
Hyundai’s flagship EV. Assembled in Bryan County, Georgia, the new IONIQ
9 Calligraphy Black Ink will be available at dealers this summer.

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

A New Flagship for a New Era
“The 2027 IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink stands as Hyundai’s most
luxurious electric SUV to date, delivering class‑leading performance,
show‑stopping design, and the highest expression of the brand’s design
and technological capability,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice
president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North
America.

About the Meaning of “Calligraphy”
The Calligraphy name reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of crafting vehicles
with the same care, precision, and artistry found in traditional
calligraphic work. Just as calligraphy elevates written characters into
expressive, intentional forms of art, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink
embodies a meticulous approach to design, one where every surface,
stitch, and detail is shaped with purpose. This model’s “Black Ink”
designation further reinforces this idea, symbolizing clarity, strength,
and confidence. Together, the name represents Hyundai’s commitment to
transforming everyday family transportation into something refined,
elegant, and deeply considered.

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

Exclusive Calligraphy Black Ink Design Enhancements
IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink represents Hyundai’s
strongest push yet into the premium electric SUV segment. Available in
Abyss Black Pearl, the 2027 IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink
features a curated suite of bespoke blacked-out exterior elements that
combine to impart a sleeker, more refined aesthetic.

Exterior Features

* Black chrome front skid plate and rear garnish
* Gloss black roof rails
* Black window moldings, inner door handles, and black front Hyundai
emblem
* Black 21-inch Turbine Design alloy wheels (exclusive to Black Ink)

The result is a commanding presence that deepens the IONIQ 9’s already
striking silhouette, giving the model a stealthier, more sophisticated
aura.

Interior Features
IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink edition comes outfitted with a black
interior colorway and seating upholstery pattern.

* Black interior aluminum trim
* Black steering wheel

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/ftc-urges-car-dealers-to-rat-out-rivals-consumer-tips-to-avoid-overpaying/

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

Comfort & Materials

* Standard six-passenger layout with first- and second-row Relaxation
Seats, featuring power recline, and ventilation
* Eco‑suede headliner made from corn-derived sustainable fibers
* Unique aluminum trim with organic, handcrafted patterns
* Heated third row seats

High‑Output Electric Performance
The IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink edition utilizes
Hyundai’s most powerful IONIQ 9 configuration:

* 422-hp (314.6-kW) dual‑motor AWD
* 516 lb.-ft. of torque

Paired with a generous 110.3‑kWh battery, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy
Black Ink’s 800-volt architecture supports 350‑kW ultra‑fast DC
charging, enabling drivers to replenish the pack from 10% to 80% in
about 24 minutes under optimal conditions. A native NACS port ensures
compatible access to the rapidly expanding charging network.

Advanced Technology
Inside, the cabin also emphasizes premium craftsmanship, serene comfort,
and cutting-edge technology:

Technology & Convenience

* 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD)
* 14-speaker Bose premium audio system
* Full Display Rearview Mirror (digital)
* Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
* Panoramic roof
* Integrated front and rear dash cam
* Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) functionality
* Multiple 100-watt-capable USB‑C ports throughout all three rows

These features position the Calligraphy Black Ink model as one of the
most technologically advanced and comfortable electric SUVs in the
segment.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of
cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor
Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant
operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in
California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the
all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D
facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are
part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing [3] $26 billion in the
U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com
[4].

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter [5] | YouTube [6] | Facebook [7] |
Instagram [8] | LinkedIn [9] | TikTok [10]

Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink ModelHyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink ModelHyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model

FTC Urges Car Dealers To Rat Out Rivals – Consumer Tips To Avoid Overpaying

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FTC Urges Car Dealers To Rat Out Rivals – Consumer Tips To Avoid Overpaying

When shopping for a car, the price you see in advertisements may be far
from the price you’ll pay at the dealership. In a new federal action
push, the Federal Trade Commission is now urging car dealers to report
competitors who use misleading pricing tactics, including hidden fees,
mandatory add-ons, and bait-and-switch advertising. The agency has
already sent warning letters to nearly 100 dealer groups, signaling just
how widespread the issue has become.

For everyday car buyers, this confirms a frustrating reality. The price
advertised online is often not the price you get when you walk into the
showroom. By the time paperwork is presented, costs can climb thousands
of dollars higher due to fees that were never clearly disclosed upfront.
For consumers, the takeaway is simple and urgent. The burden is still on
you to protect yourself. Automotive retail analysts Zach Shefska and Ray
Shefska are available to discuss hot consumers can navigate this
industry-wide scourge, including (but not limited to) topics like

  • How to demand a true out-the-door price upfront before ever stepping into a dealership
  • What to say when a dealer refuses to provide full pricing digitally
  • How to identify hidden fees and mandatory add-ons buried in fine print
  • The most common bait-and-switch tactics and how to spot them early
  • Why you should always get pricing in writing and what qualifies as “real” documentation
  • How to walk away strategically without losing leverage or momentum
  • What fees are legitimate vs negotiable or removable
  • How to use competing dealer quotes to force pricing transparency
  • What to do if the final paperwork doesn’t match the advertised price
  • How to escalate issues or report deceptive practices to regulators if needed
  • Why timing matters and how to avoid pressure tactics once you are physically at the dealership
  • How to avoid emotional decision-making that leads to overpaying
  • The role of AI and pricing tools in verifying whether a deal is fair
  • How to protect yourself from post-negotiation add-ons in the finance
    office

The FTC is now emphasizing that dealers must present true all-in
pricing, including document fees and required charges. But there is a
critical concern. If deceptive pricing is as common as regulators
suggest, asking dealers to police each other may not be enough to fix
the problem.

“Hidden fees, inflated add-ons, and last-minute price changes remain
some of the most common and costly pitfalls in car buying,” notes Ray
Shefska. “Many buyers do not realize they are overpaying until it is
too late. Others feel pressured to move forward after investing time at
the dealership, even when the final price does not match what they
expected.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/orun-and-1xbet-partner-to-support-a-dynamic-creative-africa/

New data reinforces just how significant these gaps can be. “Research
demonstrably shows that pricing for the exact same vehicle can vary by
thousands of dollars depending on the dealership, driven not by the car
itself but by dealer behavior,” adds Zach Shefska. “In many cases,
more than a third of quotes include add-ons that were never requested,
while a large percentage of dealers refuse to provide transparent
pricing digitally at all.”

This is where free online consumer empowerment tools like the Car Dealer
Transparency Index [1] are gaining traction. The platform ranks
thousands of dealerships based on real pricing behavior using verified
out-the-door quotes, giving consumers a clearer picture of which dealers
consistently provide honest, upfront pricing and which do not.

As regulators increase scrutiny, the car buying experience is at a
turning point. But meaningful change may take time. In the meantime,
consumers should approach every advertised price with caution, ask for
full out-the-door pricing before visiting a dealership, and be prepared
to walk away if numbers change.

The bottom line is this. The FTC’s warning is not just for dealers. It
is a wake-up call for car buyers. This is a consumer story about
flailing pricing transparency, uncontrolled costs, and a deeper look at
how one of the largest household purchases is still largely unregulated
at the transaction level.

See a full report on a concerning car dealer pricing test here:
www.caredge.com/experiments/rav4-hybrid-2026

ORUN And 1xBET Partner To Support A Dynamic Creative Africa

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ORUN And 1xBET Partner To Support A Dynamic Creative Africa

During the MASA 2026 edition, held from April 11 to 18, 2026, ORUN and 1xBET implemented the We Champion Talent program, an initiative aimed at promoting African talent and advancing the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April, 2026/ — As part of the Innovation
Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan
from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa [7]) announces the
rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that
is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the
continent.

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and
knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography
crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on
creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios,
and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform
is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The
initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an
economic driver for the continent.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/dubais-medcare-hospital-becomes-the-worlds-first-to-treat-an-adult-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma-patient-outside-the-us/

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By
partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that
it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative
ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said
Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure,
and internationalize African creative industries through events,
content, and strategic partnerships.

ABOUT ORUN:
Led by the Africa Currency Network (ACN) and a member of the Kigali
International Financial Centre, ORUN is a pan-African organization
dedicated to structuring Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) as
drivers of sustainable development, cultural sovereignty, and soft power
across the continent. As a strategic lever, ORUN works to transform
local economies by promoting African talent and expertise. At the
intersection of creation, design, craftsmanship, and knowledge
transmission, ORUN converts skills, narratives, and talent into
sustainable cultural, economic, and symbolic assets capable of
generating local value while engaging key stakeholders and international
platforms.

Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

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Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April, 2026

Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital (MRSH) in Dubai has become the world’s first hospital outside the USA, to offer a newly licensed intrathecal gene therapy – Itvisma, to adult patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This one-time treatment was recently administered to a 22-year-old Egyptian patient, who was diagnosed at 18 months and confined to a wheelchair for most of his life.

Last year, Medcare also became the first healthcare provider globally to administer the newly licensed Itvisma to a four-year-old international SMA patient.

SMA is a rare neuromuscular disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness and loss of mobility, impacting movement, breathing, and swallowing. Until now, advancements in gene therapy for SMA were primarily restricted to children under the age of two. Medcare is now offering treatments for patients older than two years with the newly approved gene therapy.

Commenting on the advanced treatment, Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres, said, “We believe expanding SMA treatment for adults can transform thousands of lives across the Middle East and beyond. The introduction of Itvisma at Medcare builds on our pioneering role in treating older SMA patients, as recognised by Novartis. Globally, SMA affects 1 in 10,000 live births, while DMD impacts 300,000 boys worldwide. To date, Medcare has treated over 190 SMA and 20 DMD patients from the MEA, Asia, and Europe.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/finbursa-launches-the-mena-regions-first-neutral-mobile-app-for-direct-to-source-private-market-investment-discovery/

A multidisciplinary team at Medcare delivered the therapy, led by its Gene Therapy Unit clinical lead, Dr. Vivek Mundada, adult neurologist Dr. Sagar Kawale, anaesthesia specialists Dr. Neha Shahane and Dr. Ardalan Papari.

Dr. Vivek Mundada said, “For years, curative treatment options were not available for adult SMA patients. The one-time gene therapy, Itvisma, works by delivering a functional copy of the missing SMN1 gene directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, addressing the root cause. This opens new possibilities for many patients who were previously left without hope. Our patient travelled from Egypt to Dubai specifically for this treatment.”

After undergoing the treatment, the patient remarked, “The experience of taking the treatment was very positive and comfortable, with no pain felt around the injection area. I am glad that I don’t have to take multiple injections like I used to before.”

Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

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

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

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

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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

Media Outreach
-
0
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

Media Outreach
-
0
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

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