Category: South Africa

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Standard Bank enabled UnionPay contactless payments across South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA) and UnionPay International (UPI) jointly announced that Standard Bank point-of-sale devices have been enabled for UnionPay contactless payment.

The cooperation is a strategic move from UPI that follows the surging trend of the global contactless payment industry and accelerates the development of international mobile payment services.

According to a survey conducted by RTI[1], around 30% of the respondents have started to use contactless payments since the pandemic began. And 70% of those users are likely to continue using contactless payments post-COVID-19. Contactless payments have emerged as an essential solution for all the businesses as it enables them to drive their business forward along with ensuring safety to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

“At Standard Bank, we continue to be at the forefront of providing our clients with a variety of innovative digital and contactless payment solutions,” says Nelisa Zulu, Head of Card and Payments at Standard Bank South Africa.

“We have seen contactless payment spend grow by 272% year-on-year, as we see our clients’ preferences shift towards digital alternatives for payment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our relationships with UnionPay, we continue to offer easy and convenient payment solutions for our clients, including simply tapping their cards,” comments Zulu.

“We are grateful to further extend our cooperation with Standard Bank”, said Luping Zhang, General Manager at UnionPay International Africa. “We encourage UnionPay cardholders to use contactless payments to minimise the impact of the pandemic on their daily life”.

Standard Bank is the largest banking group on the African continent by assets offering universal financial services across sub-Saharan Africa. With a deep understanding of emerging markets and evolving consumer demands, Standard Bank is working to support and grow the number of transactions through partnerships.

At present, UnionPay cards are widely accepted in South Africa in all sectors, effectively meeting the diverse purchasing needs of UnionPay cardholders living and visiting South Africa. UnionPay’s acceptance network has expanded to 180 countries and regions in recent years, with cards issued in 70 countries and regions, including over 10 African countries. The Nilson Report (Issue 1154) shows that UnionPay ranks first among all card schemes in terms of cards issuance and transaction volume worldwide.  UnionPay has launched various innovative payment products in Africa in response to the worldwide digital transformation and financial inclusion.

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OANDA partners with CONVRS to revolutionise account opening process

LONDON, Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A global leader in online multi-asset trading services, currency data and analytics, OANDA has partnered with personalised customer engagement platform, CONVRS to enhance the account opening process and better engage with clients.

Under the partnership, prospective traders in the emerging markets can now open a demo account direct from a wide range of messaging apps, making the process simpler than ever. The new integration also enables OANDA to converse with prospects and clients through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram and SMS in 53 languages.

Kurt vom Scheidt, Chief Operating Officer with OANDA, remarked, “In today’s world, people are increasingly using instant messaging apps in every aspect of their daily lives. As such, we wanted to upgrade our onboarding protocols to better reflect this, extending our channels of communication to include the world’s most popular social media and mobile messaging apps, ushering our client engagement activities into the 21st century in the process.”

“Combining deep-seated expertise in the retail trading industry with a comprehensive plug-and-play solution, CONVRS was a natural choice. It’s exciting for OANDA to be able to increase engagement with our clients in a way that’s easiest for them by using their choice of tools and methods rather than those that might otherwise be imposed upon them. We look forward to introducing our new messaging capabilities to other jurisdictions around the world in the coming months,” he continued.

Further commenting, Enis Mehmet, Cofounder at CONVRS, said, “A FinTech firm at heart, OANDA has earned a reputation for using cutting-edge technology to connect with their clients’ ever-changing needs. Given the 85% open rate for messaging apps, OANDA is now meeting its clients where they are. Being able to support them in a variety of available channels, we look forward to working with how they engage clients in the other stages of the customer journey.”

About OANDA

Founded in 1996, OANDA was the first company to share exchange rate data free of charge on the Internet, launching an FX trading platform that helped pioneer the development of web-based currency trading five years later. Today, the group provides online multi-asset trading, currency data and analytics to retail and corporate clients, demonstrating an unrivalled expertise in foreign exchange. With regulated entities in nine of the world’s most active financial markets, OANDA remains dedicated to transforming the business of foreign exchange. For more information, please visit oanda.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube.

About CONVRS

CONVRS (conv.rs) was established in 2018 and is presently used by over 25 financial intermediaries including leading FX/CFD brokers and digital banking solutions. The technology integrates messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, LINE together with SMS and website chat in an API-driven omnichannel platform, streamlining the company and customer conversations. Founded by two financial markets industry veterans, CONVRS is now the leading partner for financial intermediaries looking to engage their clients in conversational experiences, from opening demo accounts, chatting with business agents or receiving personalised curated content.

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G&W Electric Announces All New Teros™ Recloser for High Speed Fault Isolation

The all-new smart solution improves grid reliability, resiliency, mitigates outage risks and easily integrates into existing electrical grids

BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — G&W Electric, a global supplier of electric power equipment since 1905, today announced the launch of its Teros™ Recloser which is available for markets outside the U.S. and Canada. Capable of working with a variety of configurations in any application, the new Teros recloser is designed to improve system reliability and grid resiliency. This new recloser provides overcurrent protection for temporary faults on overhead distribution lines and reduces long-term system outages.

“Grid reliability affects everyone—all around the globe—from the average household to entire factories and telecom systems. The results are not just inconvenient, but economic,” said John Mueller, chairman and owner of G&W Electric. “To better mitigate disruption and to manage reliable electrical service, improvements made in recloser technology are imperative to ensuring a reduction in widespread power outages. Today, reclosers are the critical must-have in a utility’s grid reliability.”

The new Teros recloser offers a wide range of benefits and fits most configurations, despite a wide variance of requirements from country to country. Requiring no oil or SF6, the Teros Recloser eliminates the need for routine maintenance and improves personnel safety. Solid dielectric and electronically controlled, Teros has been field-tested for reliable load switching and overcurrent protection. Whether looking to improve or expand grid systems and capabilities, the Teros offers utilities site-ready designs for new and existing electrical systems.

“With growing populations and a greater demand for reliable power, paired with new construction, a reliance on technology and the effects of climate change, utilities are working hard to save customers the expenses and inconveniences of frequent outages,” added Mueller. “Reclosers have become the global market solution to the expansion and modernization of distribution networks for enhanced reliable power.”

The Teros system is designed to reduce the amount, frequency, and duration of outages on overhead systems, including main distribution lines, distribution branch circuits and substations. Lightweight and compact, the Teros site-ready designs provide all the necessary brackets, arresters and voltage transformers providing ease of installation. In addition, this new recloser is power grid automation ready, simplifying the need for future automation requirements.

To learn more about the grid resiliency challenges faced around the globe, download G&W Electric’s latest white paper titled, “Reclosers: Safeguarding Electrical Grid Reliability, reducing system outages and increasing reliability by providing quality overcurrent protection on overhead lines.”

To learn more about Teros System Recloser visit www.gwelectric.com/teros.

About G&W Electric

Since 1905, G&W Electric has helped power the world with innovative power grid solutions and products. With the introduction of the first disconnectable cable terminating device in the early 1900s, G&W Electric began to build a reputation for innovative engineered solutions to meet the needs of systems designers. With an ever-present commitment to customer satisfaction, G&W Electric enjoys a worldwide reputation for quality products and superior service. For more information on G&W Electric visit their new website at www.gwelectric.com. Follow G&W Electric on Twitter @GW_Electric and on LinkedIn.

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MADISON REALTY CAPITAL AND NEWBOND HOLDINGS LAUNCH HOSPITALITY LENDING PLATFORM WITH INVESTING CAPACITY OF $500M

Strategic Partnership to Originate and Purchase Hospitality Loans Across All Major US Markets as Madison Newbond

NEW YORK, Nov. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Realty Capital, a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm focused on debt and equity investment strategies, and Newbond Holdings (Newbond), a vertically integrated real estate investment and operating platform founded by Neil Luthra and Vann Avedisian, today announced the launch of Madison Newbond, an institutional lending platform that will provide first mortgages, mezzanine loans and preferred equity to hotel owners and developers nationwide.  The partnership launched with approximately $500 million of initial lending capacity and will add scale in line with the opportunity.

Madison Newbond will build on Madison Realty Capital’s institutional lending platform and deep relationships as well as Newbond’s hospitality industry expertise and strong operational knowledge. The partnership will offer unique financing programs to new and existing borrowers across the hospitality spectrum from limited-service hotels to ultra-luxury resorts and will target opportunities including transitional lending and ground up developments across major metropolitan markets.

“The hospitality industry has experienced significant disruption throughout the pandemic and there is a clear need for creative and flexible lending solutions for hotel owners as they continue to recover from the changes to their business plans,” said Josh Zegen, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Madison Realty Capital. “We are enthusiastic about joining forces with Newbond to expand our product offering tailored to meet the evolving needs of hospitality real estate owners and operators.”

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Madison Realty Capital, a firm with a world-class lending platform, and a team that we are deeply familiar with, to provide a wide range of lending options to the hospitality market,” said Neil Luthra, Founding Partner at Newbond. “Madison’s substantial resources coupled with Newbond’s extensive hotel underwriting capabilities will best position the platform to identify and capitalize on exciting opportunities in the hospitality space.”

Madison Realty Capital and the principals of Newbond have significant experience lending and investing in the hospitality sector.  The principals of Newbond have completed over $15 billion of debt and equity investments.  Notable recent Madison Realty Capital transactions include a $105 million loan to Fort Partners for the acquisition and modernization of the Four Seasons Hotel Miami and a $210 million loan to Fort Partners for the construction of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale.

For any financing inquiries or to request additional information about the Madison Newbond platform, please contact Andrew Fichte, a partner at Newbond, at afichte@newbond.com and Josh Zegen, at josh@madisonrealtycapital.com.

About Madison Realty Capital 

Madison Realty Capital is a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm that manages approximately $6.7 billion in total assets on behalf of an institutional global investor base. Since 2004, Madison Realty Capital has completed more than $16 billion in transactions in the U.S. providing reputable borrowers with flexible and highly customized financing solutions, strong underwriting capabilities, and certainty of execution. Headquartered in New York City, with an office in Los Angeles, the firm has over 60 employees across all real estate investment, development, and property management disciplines. Madison Realty Capital has been frequently named to the Commercial Observer’s prestigious “Power 100” list of New York City real estate players and is consistently cited as a top construction lender, among other industry recognitions. To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.madisonrealtycapital.com.

About Newbond Holdings 

Newbond Holdings, founded by Neil Luthra and Vann Avedisian in 2021, is a real estate investment and operating platform focused on debt and equity investments across multiple real estate product types with a hospitality focus as well as investments in related operating businesses and technology platforms.  The partners at Newbond have completed over $15 billion of debt and equity transactions.  As a vertically integrated operating and investment platform, Newbond is uniquely positioned to create significant value beyond the typical investment process through creative structuring, operations and the development of single and multiple asset brands.

Attachments

For Madison Realty Capital: Nathaniel Garnick/Grace Cartwright
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170
madisonrealty@gasthalter.com

For Newbond: Eric Waters
Great Ink Communications, Ltd.
212-741-2977
Eric.Waters@greatink.com

Tom Nolan
Great Ink Communications, Ltd.
212-741-2977
Tom@greatink.com
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At 2021 Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Announces Initiatives to Support Cutting-Edge Science in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and Help End the COVID Crisis

The foundation commits initial $50 million towards a new 10-year program and awards science leadership fellowships to 14 African scientists

SEATTLE, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today at the 17th Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced an initial commitment of $50 million to support science and innovation in low- and middle-income countries. The Grand Challenges Global Call to Action is a 10-year initiative that will prioritize grants to scientists from low- and middle-income countries and support a balanced representation of women principal investigators.

This long-term initiative is designed to ensure scientists and institutions in low- and middle-income countries play a central role in shaping the global R&D agenda and developing solutions that can better meet the needs of their communities. Initial focus areas will include data science, such as mathematical modeling to inform national malaria control programs; digital health services for pregnant women; and innovations to close gaps identified by current programs for eliminating neglected tropical diseases.

“We need the ideas and leadership of the people who are closest to the global health challenges we’re working to address,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The Grand Challenges Global Call to Action represents our commitment to advance innovation and equity while strengthening local partners in a sustainable way.”

At the annual meeting, which takes place November 8-11, the foundation will also launch the Global Immunology and Immune Sequencing for Epidemic Response (GIISER) program, which works to ensure scientists have the capacity to rapidly detect if new SARS-CoV-2 variants in their communities show signs of evading immune response. This will allow national and regional stakeholders to respond appropriately and develop products that meet the specific needs of their geographies. GIISER will operate as a decentralized network of autonomous and geographically distinct hubs that are able to connect local pathogen sequencing data and clinical epidemiology with local immunological understanding and tools. As part of this program, the foundation will provide $7 million over two years to investigative teams in eight countries (South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Brazil, and India) to expand their existing immunological capacity.

To further support scientists who are developing the innovations needed to end the pandemic and address urgent global health priorities, the foundation will announce the first cohort of the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship program on the second day of the meeting (November 9). Named after the late Calestous Juma, one of the world’s foremost visionaries in African-led science, the fellowship was launched at last year’s annual meeting to support the next generation of scientific leaders in Africa. The inaugural cohort includes 14 fellows from eight African countries—eight women and six men—who are leading projects that range from computational drug discovery to molecular epidemiology. Each fellow will receive up to $1 million over five years.

The Grand Challenges Annual Meeting is a global forum for researchers around the world to share their work, learn about cutting-edge advances in the field, and collaborate with other investigators and organizations. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive inequity across the globe, this year’s meeting will focus on strengthening scientific collaborations to end the pandemic everywhere and promoting an inclusive recovery.

The 2021 fully virtual meeting is hosted by Global Grand Challenges partners and co-sponsored by Grand Challenges Canada, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Wellcome, the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Speakers at this year’s meeting include:

  • Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  • Jason S. McLellan, Professor and Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
  • Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa, World Health Organization
  • John Nkengasong, Director, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Melanie Saville, Director of Vaccine Research and Development, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

The event will feature dozens of leaders from across the global health innovation landscape, as well as Gates Foundation leadership, including Bill Gates (Co-Chair & Trustee); Melinda French Gates (Co-Chair & Trustee); Mark Suzman (Chief Executive Officer); and Trevor Mundel (President, Global Health Division). The sessions will be posted shortly after the meeting at grandchallenges.org/annual-meeting.

About Grand Challenges

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recognizes that solving the most pressing challenges in global health and development requires more of the world’s brightest minds working on them. The Grand Challenges family of initiatives seeks to engage innovators from around the world to solve these challenges. Grand Challenges initiatives are united by their focus on fostering innovation, directing research to where it will have the most impact, and serving those most in need. To learn more, please visit grandchallenges.org.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.

Media contact: media@gatesfoundation.org

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À l’occasion de la réunion annuelle 2021 Grand Challenges, la Fondation Bill et Melinda Gates annonce des initiatives visant à soutenir la science de pointe dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire et à contribuer à mettre fin à la crise du COVID

La fondation engage un montant initial de 50 millions de dollars dans un nouveau programme décennal et attribue des bourses de leadership scientifique à 14 scientifiques africains

SEATTLE, 8 novembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aujourd’hui, lors de la 17e réunion annuelle de Grand Challenges, la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates a annoncé un engagement initial de 50 millions de dollars pour soutenir la science et l’innovation dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire. L’appel à action international Grand Challenges est une initiative de 10 ans qui donnera la priorité aux subventions accordées aux scientifiques des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire et soutiendra une représentation équilibrée de femmes chercheurs principaux.

Cette initiative à long terme est conçue pour que les scientifiques et les institutions des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire jouent un rôle central dans l’élaboration de l’agenda mondial de la R&D et dans le développement de solutions susceptibles de mieux répondre aux besoins de leurs communautés. Les domaines d’intérêt initiaux comprendront la science des données, comme la modélisation mathématique pour informer les programmes nationaux de lutte contre le paludisme, les services de santé numériques pour les femmes enceintes et les innovations pour combler les lacunes identifiées par les programmes actuels d’élimination des maladies tropicales négligées.

« Nous avons besoin des idées et du leadership des personnes qui sont les plus proches des défis de santé mondiaux que nous nous efforçons de relever », a déclaré Mark Suzman, PDG de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates. « L’appel à action international Grand Challenges représente notre engagement à faire progresser l’innovation et l’équité tout en renforçant les partenaires locaux de manière durable. »

Lors de la réunion annuelle, qui se déroulera du 8 au 11 novembre, la fondation lancera également le programme Global Immunology and Immune Sequencing for Epidemic Response (GIISER), qui vise à garantir que les scientifiques aient la capacité de détecter rapidement si les nouvelles variantes du SRAS-CoV-2 dans leurs communautés montrent des signes d’échapper à la réponse immunitaire. Cela permettra aux intervenants nationaux et régionaux de réagir de manière appropriée et de développer des produits qui répondent aux besoins spécifiques de leurs géographies. GIISER fonctionnera comme un réseau décentralisé de centres autonomes et géographiquement distincts, capables de relier les données de séquençage des agents pathogènes locaux et l’épidémiologie clinique aux connaissances et outils immunologiques locaux. Dans le cadre de ce programme, la fondation fournira 7 millions de dollars sur deux ans à des équipes de recherche dans huit pays (Afrique du Sud, Sénégal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ouganda, Brésil et Inde) afin de développer leurs capacités immunologiques existantes.

Afin de soutenir davantage les scientifiques qui développent les innovations nécessaires pour mettre fin à la pandémie et répondre aux priorités urgentes en matière de santé mondiale, la fondation annoncera la première cohorte du programme Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship le deuxième jour de la réunion (9 novembre). Nommé en l’honneur de Calestous Juma, l’un des plus grands visionnaires de la science conduite par l’Afrique, ce programme a été lancé lors de la réunion annuelle de l’année dernière pour soutenir la prochaine génération de leaders scientifiques en Afrique. La cohorte inaugurale comprend 14 boursiers de huit pays africains, huit femmes et six hommes, qui mènent des projets allant de la découverte informatique de médicaments à l’épidémiologie moléculaire. Chaque boursier recevra jusqu’à un million de dollars sur cinq ans.

La réunion annuelle Grand Challenges est un forum mondial permettant aux chercheurs du monde entier de partager leurs travaux, de s’informer des avancées les plus récentes dans le domaine et de collaborer avec d’autres chercheurs et organisations. Alors que la pandémie de COVID-19 continue d’engendrer des inégalités à travers le monde, la réunion de cette année se concentrera sur le renforcement des collaborations scientifiques pour mettre fin à la pandémie partout et promouvoir une reprise inclusive.

La réunion entièrement virtuelle de 2021 est organisée par les partenaires de Global Grand Challenges et coparrainée par Grand Challenges Canada, l’Agence des États-Unis pour le développement international (USAID), Wellcome, l’Institut de recherche médicale Bill & Melinda Gates (Gates MRI) et la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates. Parmi les conférenciers de la réunion de cette année, citons :

  • Anthony Fauci, directeur, Institut national des allergies et des maladies infectieuses
  • Jason S. McLellan, professeur et titulaire de la chaire Robert A. Welch en chimie, Université du Texas à Austin
  • Matshidiso Moeti, directrice régionale pour l’Afrique, Organisation mondiale de la santé
  • John Nkengasong, directeur, Centres africains pour le contrôle et la prévention des maladies
  • Melanie Saville, directrice de la recherche et du développement des vaccins, Coalition pour les innovations en matière de préparation aux épidémies

L’événement réunira des dizaines de leaders du paysage mondial de l’innovation en matière de santé, ainsi que les dirigeants de la Fondation Gates, notamment Bill Gates (coprésident et administrateur), Melinda French Gates (coprésidente et administrateur), Mark Suzman (directeur général) et Trevor Mundel (président de la division Santé mondiale). Les sessions seront publiées peu après la réunion sur le site grandchallenges.org/annual-meeting.

À propos de Grand Challenges

La Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates reconnaît que la résolution des défis les plus urgents en matière de santé et de développement mondiaux exige qu’un plus grand nombre des esprits les plus brillants du monde y travaillent. La famille d’initiatives Grand Challengescherche à engager les innovateurs du monde entier à résoudre ces défis. Les initiatives Grand Challenges sont unies par leur volonté d’encourager l’innovation, de diriger la recherche là où elle aura le plus d’impact et de servir ceux qui en ont le plus besoin. Pour en savoir plus, veuillez consulter grandchallenges.org.

À propos de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates

Guidée par la conviction que chaque vie a une valeur égale, la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates s’efforce d’aider tous les individus à mener une vie saine et productive. Dans les pays en développement, elle vise à améliorer la santé des populations et à leur donner la possibilité de se sortir de la faim et de l’extrême pauvreté. Aux États-Unis, elle cherche à faire en sorte que tous les individus, en particulier ceux qui ont le moins de ressources, aient accès aux opportunités dont ils ont besoin pour réussir à l’école et dans la vie. Basée à Seattle, dans l’État de Washington, la Fondation est dirigée par le PDG Mark Suzman, sous la direction de Bill Gates et de Melinda French Gates.

Contact pour les médias : media@gatesfoundation.org

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Boyden Sees Strong Growth in East Africa, focused on social impact, healthcare, education, private equity and high growth start-ups

Boyden hires new Partner Farah Esmail in East Africa, as client needs drive growth in leadership for multinationals, social impact, family and private equity-backed businesses

Farah Esmail

Partner, Boyden East Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries, welcomes new partner Farah Esmail as Boyden East Africa continues to provide exceptional leadership solutions and client service to social impact enterprises, family firms and hyper-growth, private equity-backed businesses.

“Boyden East Africa is culturally astute and demonstrates a deeply held commitment to the region’s social and economic progress,” commented Trina D. Gordon, President & CEO of Boyden. “We are delighted that Farah Esmail is joining the team as Boyden thrives on its work with trailblazing organisations in the region. She has magnetic energy in collaborative success, an impressive track record aligned with client needs and valuable experience in corporate governance”.

Boyden East Africa provides leadership solutions to multinationals, family businesses, social impact organisations and start-ups building innovative new models leveraging digital payment capabilities distinctive to the region. The team is uniquely connected to the Kenyan diaspora through its deep roots in East Africa and international engagement across Boyden’s global footprint.

Clients recognise the gold standard of Boyden East Africa. The team have a significant record of delivering results, for example for CDC Group, the UK’s development finance institution, enabling it to acquire a global expert in investment, deal execution and portfolio management. “I am delighted to see Boyden welcome Farah Esmail to its team. Farah Samanani’s keen sense for identifying excellent talent has supported CDC in shaping our dynamic East Africa team. Farah Esmail’s insight will enhance Boyden’s ability to match skilled and passionate leaders with businesses that play a key role in driving growth and impact throughout the region,” said Tenbite Ermias, Managing Director, Africa, CDC Group.

Farah Samanani

Managing Partner, Boyden East Africa

Boyden’s CEO track record includes a search for Copia Global, a leading retail goods and services m-commerce platform, built to serve 750 million middle- to low-income African consumers, even those who are remote, unbanked and unconnected. Through a network of 25,000 Copia Agents (local shops where orders can be made and delivered), Copia is able to serve over 1 million customers in Kenya and Uganda today and meet them where they are, online via a smartphone app or offline in person, whichever interface they prefer. “Boyden understood our leadership needs both as a start-up and as an organisation with a compelling future in m-commerce,” commented Tracey Turner, Founder & Chairman, Copia Global. “Farah Samanani enabled us to attract and acquire a global CEO with exceptional customer, retail and logistics experience. Tim Steel is focused on the low- to middle income customer and providing them with their everyday shopping needs. He has built a brand synonymous with quality and best in class customer service. He has also championed a life changing ecosystem between agents, customers and transport suppliers. We are delighted to have expanded into Uganda during the pandemic and look forward to further, customer-led growth.”

Farah Samanani, Managing Partner of Boyden East Africa said, “Boyden East Africa is in a sweet spot, with our skills and capabilities perfectly matched to the needs of clients in a fascinating business environment. Farah Esmail is an exceptional addition to our team, with strong consulting, corporate and board experience. Her personal drive and ethos have enabled her to achieve impressive social impact goals, including an innovative educational model in Kenya. Boyden East Africa will continue to support clients transforming people’s lives, as well as global investors seeking talent experts who understand these dynamic, complex markets.”

Farah Esmail will leverage her extensive experience with multinationals, most recently as Head of Kenya at Sirdar Group, as well as her affiliation with the Ibuka1 Program, a premier incubation and acceleration program run by the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Affiliation involved helping organisations in the Program to structure their businesses, enhance visibility and gain exposure to local and international investors.

During the very challenging business environment brought about by COVID-19, Boyden East Africa has continued to deliver the right leadership for clients, sourcing exceptional talent globally and recruiting them to the region. In the last two years, Boyden has placed exceptional professionals from Spain, Germany, USA and the Middle East, helping them relocate their families and take C-Suite leadership positions in highly innovative companies, focused on implementing uniquely African solutions using global best practice.

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes’ Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2021. For further information, visit www.boyden.com.
______________________
1 ‘Ibuka’ is Swahili for ‘emerge’.

Contacts:

Chris Swee, Boyden
Global Head of Marketing
T: +1 914 747 0172
E: cswee@boyden.com		 Farah Samanani, Boyden
Managing Partner, East Africa
T: +254 791 242 192
E: fsamanani@boyden.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67d9a8f5-ecb6-44e8-8147-b6eb8b7a2718
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e7f1f88-30e2-438e-bab1-318ba10bad17