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Marriott International Expands Branded Residences Portfolio in the Middle East & Africa Region

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Marriott International

Underscoring the company’s global leadership in branded residences and luxury development, Marriott International announces a strong residential pipeline in the MEA region

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) (NASDAQ: MAR, “Marriott”) announces its accelerated growth in its branded residential portfolio in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, with 41 projects in the portfolio, including 29 projects in its signed pipeline and 12 open properties.     

In the past two years, the global hospitality leader has signed 19 agreements in the Middle East and Africa to bring branded residences to iconic destinations in the region, more than double the amount from the preceding two years. With locations ranging from luxurious addresses, such as the highly anticipated project, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, to premier urban destinations like the W Residences at Dubai Harbour, there is something for every type of home buyer in the company’s pipeline.  

“As Marriott continues to meet the increasing global demand for branded residences and world-class luxury experiences, the MEA region, home to some of the world’s most coveted and iconic destinations, has been a key driver of our accelerated growth,” said Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, Global Mixed-Use Development. “Through providing extraordinary benefits for both developers and Residence Owners, we continue to strengthen our industry-leading position in the segment, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work the company is doing to bring such extraordinary residential projects to life.” 

With 16 luxury and premium brand offerings, 11 of which have an open or signed residential property in the EMEA region, Marriott Branded Residences offer development licensees the opportunity to leverage strong brand recognition and lead generation platforms, which have the potential to result in higher sales velocity and increased sales value for developers. Along with the world-renowned service that guests expect from Marriott brands, Residence Owners also have the opportunity to receive enhanced benefits from the recently announced owner recognition platform, ONVIA, which provides exclusive offerings within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio.  

Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success

“Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success,” said Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA. “Through the combination of best-in-class developers, renowned design experts, iconic destinations, and people-first service, Marriott’s industry-leading value proposition is well-positioned to continue bringing premier and luxury lifestyle offerings to Residence Owners.”  

From breathtaking views to luxury urban residences, recent projects for which the company has signed agreements and/or launched include:  

  • The JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi First marks the first branded residences under JW Marriott in Africa.  The 277-residences project is part of the Al Jazi Egypt destination located in the heart of New Cairo 
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Cairo, Palm Hills will feature 150 exclusive residences, each meticulously designed to offer an exceptional living experience amidst lush greenery, harmoniously blending nature and urban life. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Palm Hills Golf Course. 
  • W Residences Cairo marks the first W Hotels branded residence in Africa and will be situated One Ninety, which is set to become a premier lifestyle destination in Cairo. 
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, which just began construction, will offer 200 residences across 7 seven buildings and 12 mansions, each featuring exclusive yacht berthing for residents.  
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, which recently launched sales, feature designs inspired by the rich Najdi heritage, with exquisitely designed villas, apartments and duplexes that capture the essence of elegance and tradition. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial standalone 106 villas also located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah in the North District of the Kingdom, which sold out within a year of launch.   
  • The St. Regis Residences, Financial Center Road, Dubai, which sold 70% of its units in the first hour of sales launch, which demonstrates the potential sales velocity that developers may experience when working with Marriott brands.   
  • Other launches in the UAE include Marriott Residences Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai; W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island; W Residences Dubai – Jumeirah Lakes Towers; JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. 

By the end of 2024, Marriott expects to celebrate the opening of highly anticipated projects across the region, including:   

  • Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, which marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the EMEA region, will offer Residence Owners a rare and immersive escape to discover Saudi Arabian culture and the untapped wonders of the Red Sea.  
  • Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighborhoods, The Residences at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort offer an exquisite gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman.  
  • Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai offers premium living with modern design and services reflective of the Marriott brand. Spread across three towers, each of the residences offer sophisticated spaces and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. 

For more information on Marriott Branded Residences, visit https://MarriottResidences.com/.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Business

Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Coca-Cola

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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Afreximbank

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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