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New Umbrella Company Nawiri Group Brings Together Some of the Safari Industry’s Pioneering Brands for Positive Impact at Scale

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3 years ago

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Nawiri Group

Nawiri Group share overlapping investors and support services but will continue to operate as distinct brands in their own target markets

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 26, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Today the strategic investors and partners behind pioneering brands in the safari industry announced the formation of a new umbrella company, called Nawiri Group (www.NawiriGroup.com). The group’s aim is to consolidate their investments in responsible travel and connected impact initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nawiri Group holds majority interests in Asilia Africa (https://bit.ly/3wvft12), Go2Africa (https://bit.ly/3CARkdl) and technology developer Bazaruto (https://bit.ly/3coxhUP). Jointly employing over 1,000 employees across 4 African countries, the travel organizations within Nawiri Group share overlapping investors and support services but will continue to operate as distinct brands in their own target markets. Nawiri Group works closely with a range of long-term focused non-profit partners and expert organizations in East Africa, including among others Ahueni (https://bit.ly/3AN8hzT), Basecamp Explorer Foundation (https://bit.ly/3RfjRcF), Carbon Tanzania (https://bit.ly/3KsxqDh), Honeyguide Foundation (https://bit.ly/3wrhueI), Kamitei Foundation (https://bit.ly/3wuX3xF), Kenya Wildlife Trust (https://bit.ly/3wvg56W), Maa Trust (https://bit.ly/3CvoFX0) and Six Rivers Africa.

The formation of Nawiri Group follows earlier steps by these investors and companies during the COVID crisis to take a more integrated, partnership-based approach towards business and creating positive impact. This includes itinerary booking technology and processes, service models and close coordination with expert partners on an integrated long-term, positive impact agenda. In essence, the group aims to bring together responsible tourism, local communities and conservation initiatives in a mutually supportive way.

Nawiri Group has an established presence and long-term commitments in some of Africa’s most vital natural ecosystems

Nawiri Group has an established presence and long-term commitments in some of Africa’s most vital natural ecosystems. This includes the Serengeti/Mara ecosystem and the greater Ruaha/Rungwa ecosystem, among others. These ecosystems hold some of the greatest biodiversity left on the planet, meaning they are globally valuable, but are also under serious threat. Our partner communities in these wilderness areas are directly dependent on these natural ecosystems for their livelihoods and are therefore especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Recognizing this urgency, the long-term goal of Nawiri Group, its investors and partners, is simple yet ambitious: to create a thriving and sustainable future for these vital ecosystems and the local communities who depend on them.

Jane Karuku, Chair of the Board of Nawiri Group comments: ‘’This is a historic moment for truly providing impact at scale. This combination of investment, vision and experience will guarantee genuine, sustainable impact’’.

Jane Karuku is joined by Helen Gichohi (PhD), as a non-executive director and Chair of the group’s impact and sustainability supervision committee. ‘’I joined Nawiri Group because this organization is committed to driving a holistic development model, understanding that nothing exists in isolation and that to succeed we need to invest in natural ecosystems, communities, and technology.‘’

Key long-term investors in Nawiri Group, in addition to the co-Founders, include the institutional investors Norfund and LGT, as well as private impact investors Christian Sinding (CEO of EQT) and Reynir Indahl (CEO of Summa Equity). Christian Sinding said: “We are proud and excited to be part of the formation of Nawiri Group. Together with our fellow impact investors, I have seen how important active collaboration is to address key challenges experienced in these natural wilderness areas. The opening of the Wildlife Tourism College (WTC) of Maasai Mara in the Pardamat Conservation Area this month is the latest example of how responsible tourism operators, local communities and NGOs successfully work together on a future in which natural ecosystems and the people living in these areas both thrive.”  

‘Nawiri’ is Kiswahili for ‘to flourish, thrive’.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nawiri Group.

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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” Strengthen Partnership 

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5 hours ago

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March 6, 2025

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Islamic Corporation

Asia Alliance Bank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2013 and has previously received three line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 30 million

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

  • The Fourth Line: ICD and Asia Alliance Bank announce a USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility to bolster Uzbekistan’s private sector development.
  • Empowering Entrepreneurs: The new facility is designed to accelerate SME growth and foster economic development in Uzbekistan.
  • Strengthened Collaboration: This initiative reaffirms the long-standing partnership between ICD and Asia Alliance Bank, aligning with ICD’s mission to support private sector growth.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” have taken a significant step to enhance Uzbekistan’s private sector development. A USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility has been signed, marking a milestone in their collaborative efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the broader economic landscape.

This new financing facility, channeled through Asia Alliance Bank, is dedicated to empowering private sector projects in Uzbekistan. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with vital financial resources to launch and expand their ventures, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and contributing to the nation’s economic resilience.

Asia Alliance Bank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2013 and has previously received three line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 30 million. The newly proposed facility highlights the strength of their enduring partnership and underscores a shared commitment to fostering private sector development in Uzbekistan.

This initiative is closely aligned with ICD’s Private Sector Development Strategy, which focuses on enabling economic dynamism and resilience by empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

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Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech Announces Three Finalists Competing for US $1 Million Grand Prize

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5 hours ago

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March 6, 2025

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Milken-Motsepe Prize

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, supports the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase access to capital and financial services for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide

By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation are pleased to announce the three teams advancing to the final round of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/). These innovators are competing for the prestigious US$1 million Grand Prize. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech aims to recognise groundbreaking solutions for expanding financial inclusion for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, supports the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase access to capital and financial services for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide. The three finalist teams were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and will now have the opportunity to attend the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles, California, in May, where the Grand Prize winner will be announced.

Finalist Teams: 

  • Chumz, Kenya (https://apo-opa.co/3DmBdD4)
    Chumz is a gamified savings product that leverages behavioural psychology to help individuals save money in an engaging and cost-effective manner.
  • Oze, Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/3XvWFMF)
    Oze is a digital lending platform bridging Africa’s credit gap by providing banks with an SME-focused app that digitises financial data, enabling better risk assessment and improved lending opportunities for small businesses.
  • Verto, United Kingdom (https://apo-opa.co/4ilCutv)
    Verto is a business-to-business cross-border payments platform designed for businesses in emerging markets. Its unified network eliminates intermediary fees, supports 49 currencies, and facilitates faster transaction settlements.

Emily Musil, Managing Director at the Milken Institute, emphasised the significance of the competition in fostering financial inclusion, saying: “By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech highlights the power of innovation to address financial challenges in emerging markets, and we are excited to see these finalists bring their groundbreaking solutions to life.”

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech launched in May 2024 at the Milken Institute Global Conference to award innovative companies that best demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. The Grand Prize winner will be selected based on the impact, scalability, and sustainability of their solutions.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers $2 million in total prizes, including the $1 million Grand Prize. Beyond the financial award, finalist teams benefit from invaluable networking and pitching opportunities, helping them accelerate the implementation of their solutions in high-impact markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.

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iSON Xperiences and Aistra Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Customer Experience (CX) Transformation

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7 hours ago

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March 6, 2025

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iSON Xperiences

The global collaboration aims to revolutionize customer experience through AI-led automation, predictive analytics, and next-generation digital solutions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —iSON Xperiences (www.iSONXperiences.com), a global leader in AI- driven customer experience (CX) solutions with a presence in 22 countries, has announced a strategic partnership with Aistra, an AI Adoption company, focusing on automation and transformation solutions built around its proprietary AI Agents, MicroApps, and Process Acceleration technologies.

This collaboration will enable iSON Xperiences to leverage Aistra’s advanced AI capabilities to accelerate digital transformation initiatives for their clients worldwide. The partnership spans multiple industries, including Telecom, BFSI, Fintech, Retail, E-commerce, Travel, Consumer Services, and Energy, among others.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership: 

Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency

  • AI-driven automation to enhance customer interactions and engagement
  • Advanced predictive analytics for data-driven decision-making
  • Seamless AI integration across industry-specific solutions

“At iSON Xperiences, we are committed to redefining customer experience through innovation,” said Vitul Kwatra, CEO, iSON Xperiences. “Partnering with Aistra allows us to accelerate AI adoption and unlock new value for businesses by enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency.” 

With its deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital intelligence, Aistra will collaborate with iSON Xperiences to develop AI-driven solutions that elevate customer engagement, reduce service friction, drive business growth, and enhance digital maturity to ensure long-term competitiveness.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in AI-led CX transformation,” said Eric Selvadurai, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Aistra. “By combining our AI capabilities with iSON’s extensive client base and industry expertise, we are setting new benchmarks for AI-led and data-driven customer experiences.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSON Xperiences.

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