Bank of America Art Conservation Grants: Preserving Cultural Treasures Worldwide
Bank of America aids global art preservation with annual grants, ensuring cultural treasures endure for generations.
Sanlam’s Strategic Bet on India as South Africa Faces Economic Challenges
Sanlam, Africa’s leading insurer, is strategically focusing on India to counterbalance economic challenges in its home market. CEO Paul Hanratty highlights the short-term profit potential, aiming to triple the proportion derived from India within a decade. With India’s robust 6.4% economic growth forecast for 2024, Sanlam sees the expanding middle class as a lucrative market. Despite South Africa contributing 75% of its revenue, Sanlam acknowledges challenges like power shortages and port issues. The insurer envisions acquisitions for growth in East Africa, emphasizing its commitment to a globally diversified portfolio.
Navigating Cloud Security Challenges, South African Executives Seek Solutions
A recent survey among South African business leaders revealed that 89% are deeply concerned about cloud security, echoing global anxieties. The nation’s tech sector faces challenges stemming from a domestic skills crisis, with cybersecurity (37%) and a lack of technical skills (39%) cited as major barriers to cloud adoption. Interestingly, South Africa’s primary focus is on basic security risks, in contrast to more mature markets that grapple with advanced threats. The country’s cloud computing market is on the rise, with 35.8% of businesses hosting over 50% of their workload in the cloud. However, ensuring the right talent remains a challenge in this digital transformation journey.
Oman’s Export Landscape, Navigating Shifting Markets and Emerging Trends
Oman’s export sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with recent data shedding light on its shifting trends and challenges. Non-oil exports have experienced a notable decline of nearly 12% in the first five months of 2023, attributed largely to reduced shipments to the United States. On the other hand, re-exports have surged by 28.7%, fueled by growing economic activity and demand in the Gulf region. As Oman navigates these changes, focusing on diversification, regional relationships, and sectoral adaptability remains crucial to ensuring a resilient export economy.
Africa Emerging as Tech Hub with Focus on Developing ICT Sector
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is fast catching up in the African continent with countries in the region committing themselves to development of digital technology, especially in the post COVID-19 era.
The rise of Omicron as the most contagious variant
Cases of Omicron are spreading like wildfire over the globe. According to the World Health Organization, the omicron variant could become the dominant strain globally. However, those who have been immunized may still have a significant advantage in terms of risk, According to WHO guidelines, all nations should make greater efforts to boost COVID-19 immunization […]
Dubai leads major Gulf bourses higher as Omicron fears ease
Most stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Tuesday, on receding worries about the impact of the Omicron coronavirus variant, with the Dubai index outperforming the region.
Oil rebounds above $71 on Omicron hopes, Iran talks
Oil rose by more than $1 a barrel to above $71 on Monday as hopes that the Omicron coronavirus variant may cause mostly mild symptoms boosted riskier assets and as the prospect of an imminent rise in Iranian oil exports looked less likely.
Asian shares tick up but Omicron worries leave markets on edge
Asian shares edged higher in choppy trading on Thursday, helped by advances in Chinese real estate shares, though fears about the Omicron variant of the new coronavirus capped gains regionally.
Emirates warns Omicron could cause ‘significant traumas’ for aviation industry
A major hit to the peak December travel season because of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus would cause “significant traumas” in the global aviation business, Emirates airline President Tim Clark said on Tuesday.
