Markets mea MEA Markets- Q3 2025
News Focusing on innovation throughout this issue, we celebrate trading and investment mobile apps, early years education, retirement fun consultancy, and more. Speaking of inspiration, our winners continue to set the bar high for their industries and, in turn, their region so that everyone looking for excellence can find it from now well into the future. We hope you enjoy this quarter’s issue. We also invite you to join us again in Q4 when we deliver more motivational, inspirational, and interesting developments in addition to celebrating the winners of our prestigious awards. For now, we hope the next few months are both productive and fruitful. Welcome to the Q3 2025 issue of MEA Markets magazine. As always, we are dedicated to providing our readers with all the latest news and features from across the Middle East and Africa. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
News Contents 4. News 6. Azbuka Nursery ECC: Most Innovative Early Years Education Centre 2025 – Dubai 8. Boursa AI: Most Innovative Trading & Investing Mobile App 2025 – North Africa 9. Independent Trustee Services: Best Retirement Fund Consultancy Firm 2025 – Gauteng 10. Natural Gas and Africa’s Energy Future: Balancing Growth and Sustainability 7. 8.
News CJ 4DPLEX and Nu Metro Cinemas Strengthen Partnership with FirstEver SCREENX in South Africa CJ 4DPLEX, a worldwide leading producer of premium film formats and cinema technologies, and Nu Metro Cinemas, South Africa’s first cinema exhibitor, announced they have broadened their partnership to bring the first-ever SCREENX auditorium to South Africa. SCREENX is the world’s first multi-projection cinema technology. The revolutionary premium format seamlessly extends the screen onto the auditorium’s surrounding walls on the left and right sides. Delivering this premium 270-degree panoramic display enhances key scenes with exclusive visual elements and fully immerses audiences in a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure. Nu Metro Cinemas, the second-largest exhibitor in the region, operates 19 theater locations and 132 screens across South Africa, with additional reach into Zambia and Mozambique. Through the new agreement with CJ 4DPLEX, Nu Metro Cinemas will open the first SCREENX in South Africa – and the second on the African continent – marking the company’s milestone debut of the 270-degree panoramic format. Nu Metro Cinemas was the first to introduce CJ 4DPLEX’s multisensory 4DX theater in Africa, and today they operate six 4DX auditoriums across the region as a result of the ongoing partnership. The inaugural theater is located at the Gateway shopping mall in Durban, a prominent retail destination, The theater is set to open in September 2025. The new SCREENX will feature a 50-foot-wide screen providing a premium theatrical experience that lets moviegoers enjoy films like never before. “Nu Metro is elated to add SCREENX to its stable as a first in South Africa and we are optimistic that our consumers will embrace the new entry into the world of cinema,” said Denver Chetty, CEO of Nu Metro Cinemas. Jamil Valiyev, Managing Director, Global Partnerships & Operations at CJ 4DPLEX said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Nu Metro Cinemas to unveil their very first SCREENX auditorium in South Africa. Together, this new development represents a significant step in CJ 4DPLEX’s global expansion and our commitment to delivering immersive cinematic experiences to new markets.” “We are overjoyed to build on our partnership with CJ 4DPLEX to introduce South Africa’s first premium SCREENX experience,” said Reuben Pillay, Executive of Nu Metro Cinemas. “At Nu Metro Cinemas, we are dedicated to bringing the latest cinema innovations to our audiences. The launch of this new site in Durban is a big milestone that will showcase a new level of cinematic excellence to the region.” Durban, Nu Metro’s New Location in South Africa, Will Feature the 270-Degree Panoramic SCREENX Auditorium
News Azentio expands regional leadership team to drive growth in MEA Azentio Software, a leading B2B technology provider specializing in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, announced two strategic appointments to its regional leadership team in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). These new hires reflect the company’s continued investment in strengthening client partnerships and accelerating market expansion in the region. Joining Azentio’s Dubai office are: Bashir Khouri, Head of New Business Sales – MEA Bashir joins Azentio from SAP Fioneer where he led the regional go-to-market strategy and is an accomplished sales leader with over 15 years of experience delivering growth and building strong client relationships across the region. In his new role, he will spearhead Azentio’s go-to-market efforts across MEA, with a focus on driving customer acquisition and expanding into new verticals and territories. Bashir brings deep domain expertise in digital and core banking, cloud computing, enterprise performance management, governance and compliance, and business intelligence, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, as well as executive education credentials from Harvard Business School Online and eCornell University. His previous roles at SAP and MDSAP saw him successfully drive aggressive growth strategies, optimize sales operations, and engage C-level stakeholders. “I’m proud to be joining Azentio at such a dynamic time,” said Bashir. “The company’s vision, product strength, and commitment to client success are truly compelling. I look forward to helping expand our footprint and create meaningful value for customers across the region.” Sam Henderson, Head of Existing Business Sales – MEA Sam is a seasoned sales leader with a strong track record in building high-performing teams, developing strategic partner ecosystems, and driving growth across enterprise applications, cloud, and cybersecurity. He joins Azentio from Trellix, where he led Channel and OEM Sales across Asia Pacific and Japan during a transformative period following the acquisition of McAfee and FireEye. His earlier roles include leadership positions at AWS, focused on enterprise application partner sales and SAP alliances, and SAP, where he spent six years overseeing general business and channel sales in the region. Sam also played a key role in launching a joint Microsoft-NetApp cloud solution in 2019, helping customers solve complex infrastructure challenges in the cloud. “I’m excited to join Azentio at such a pivotal time for the business,” said Sam. “I look forward to leading the account management organisation across MEA and working closely with our customers to deliver an industry-leading experience that supports their growth and digital transformation.” These appointments follow Azentio’s recent expansion in the region, including the opening of its new offices in Dubai and Cairo, which serve as strategic hubs for its operations across the Middle East and Africa. Rahul Arora, Chief Sales Officer at Azentio, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Bashir and Sam to Azentio. Their leadership, experience, and understanding of the MEA market will be instrumental in driving our ambitious growth agenda. As we continue to scale our business in the region, our priority remains delivering transformative technology solutions and exceptional service to our clients.”
MEA | Q3 2025 Most Innovative Early Years Education Centre 2025 – Dubai Azbuka Nursery ECC is a recently established education centre for children, situated in the tranquil Jumeirah area of Dubai. Serving children from 18 months through to six years old, this private nursery has everything its pupils need for the best possible experience during the early years of schooling – from a hot meal four times a day to a sizeable outdoor area and nap time. With staff that speak English and Russian working in-house, parents can rest easy that this is the perfect location for their children to receive warmth and high-quality care as they prepare for the transition into school. “A time of happy childhood.” Every parent hopes their child will be happy at nursery or school, and for those families that have moved to Dubai from another country, this is especially important. Because settling in and making new friends can be difficult for anyone – especially children – Azbuka Nursery uses a mixture of modern and timeless methods to help its attendees to interact with each other and surround themselves with those that have similar interests, creating friendships that can prove crucial for healthy development in these first stages of education. With this commitment at its core, Azbuka Nursery knows that the first step towards fostering a happy childhood is providing a safe place where children can thrive. From its video-surveillance system to the languagespecific programmes that generate daily reports on a child’s behaviour, mood, and general wellbeing, Azbuka Nursery does exactly this, affording parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is in safe, capable hands. This foundation is essential in the centre delivering the innovative education it is renowned for. Before exploring its specific programmes and initiatives, it pays to get to know the location itself. Azbuka Nursery is based in a two-storey villa with a total area of 1,400 sq. m., not to mention the extra 700 sq. m. of outdoor space which is made up of numerous species of plants and boasts an abundance of wildlife. Here, surrounded by nature’s beauty, children can begin to appreciate the delicate nature of our world and learn how to take care of it, as well as enjoy the outdoor time that is so essential in promoting improved wellbeing. Moving inside the building itself, the villa has everything an early-years education centre could possibly need and then some, from a home cinema and its own kitchen and bedroom areas through to a recreation area for the parents. An expansive educational programme is delivered in this holistic setting, with emphasis placed on a child’s individual development, discovering their unique talents, and beginning to foster a sense of true inner freedom. Teaching then takes place in small groups, with Azbuka Nursery comprising five different categories of around ten students each. This personal approach sees every pupil given the space and support they need to flourish, all whilst having an expert on hand to both guide and challenge them as they develop. It goes without saying that these groups are sorted based on age, ensuring that each child feels comfortable interacting with their peers. Behind this comprehensive curriculum there is a group of professional teachers and assistants, many of which have British or American accents and can speak either English, Russian, or both. All of the classes are carried out in a comfortable setting with the optimal climate, achieved as a result of the warm, clean air blowing throughout the villa by a state-ofthe-art air conditioner. As touched on above, a lot of this teaching is also done outside in the form of outdoor activities, allowing children to get the exercise and fresh air they need. Sitting alongside a more traditional curriculum are sessions focused on everything from building patience – which Azbuka Nursery recognises is a learnt skill as opposed to an innate gift – to teaching politeness and basic household responsibilities. This demonstrates Azbuka Nursery’s willingness to go one step further, providing an education that transcends school subjects and instead helps children
7 Most Innovative Early Years Education Centre 2025 – Dubai in other areas of their life as they grow. More information about these sessions can be found on the blog on the school website. When they’re not learning, pupils benefit from the aforementioned on-site kitchen and inhouse cook, which sees them provided with set breakfasts, lunches, and healthy afternoon snacks over the course of the day. Beyond this, a quiet hour sees children offered time to nap in the comfort and safety of their own cots or beds, as well as to arrange their own personal space as they see fit. Taking this time out is important, as it not only helps children to relax and unwind, but it also emphasises the importance of routines in daily life. All of this adds up to an education centre that is quite unlike any other in Dubai – one where expert teaching and an emphasis on development meet outdoor learning and skills for life. On the back of this distinction, it is our pleasure to recognise Azbuka Nursery ECC as the Most Innovative Early Years Education Centre 2025 – Dubai. This award is a testament to the inherent quality of the school, which has set the standard for other nurseries and centres to aspire towards since it first opened its doors a little over three years ago. Company: Azbuka Nursery ECC Web Address: https://www.azbuka.ae/
MEA | Q3 2025 8 Most Innovative Trading & Investing Mobile App 2025 – North Africa From market unpredictability to overwhelming strategy overload, entering the world of financial trading can be a daunting task characterised by a steep learning curve. But it needn’t be. At Boursa, expertise meets innovation, and trading is truly taken to the next level through a mobile app and AI-driven investment platform powered by an educational community for Arabic-speaking audiences. Offering user-friendly trading and investment solutions, Boursa has been recognised for its brilliance in the African Excellence Awards 2025. We heard more from Co-Founder and CTO Anas Elhasairi, below. ased in Tripoli, Boursa is a Libyan-founded financial technology company specialising in the development of intelligent solutions for trading and investment, powered by artificial intelligence. The first platform of its kind in Libya, Boursa is focused on providing access to global markets, something that has historically been out of reach for most Libyan citizens. Boursa was founded in 2020 in London, by a team of Libyan experts in trading and programming. The team aimed to harness the latest technologies in order to simplify access to financial markets for Libyans, empowering the nation to make smart investment decisions with complete confidence. “Our mission is to break the barrier and simplify investing through both technology and Arabic language education,” said Anas. “All of our technology is built fully-in house by our Libyan team. We are the only company in Libya offering such services, giving us a distinct advantage and positioning us as a pioneer in the market.” In February 2025, Boursa released its proprietary mobile application on both the Apple and Android app stores, providing Libyan users with access to both global finance markets and the Libyan stock market. The user-friendly app empowers trade and investment with AI and Robo-investments; allows users to follow top traders and learn from their community; provides access to educational materials, trading strategies, news, analysis, and market signals; looks to offer Shariacompliant investment opportunities complying with Islamic principles; and fully supports with Arabic and English. Across its operations, Boursa strives to uphold the highest standards to ensure that each client is safe and protected throughout the service. Through a platform designed to meet various regulatory standards, the company implements rigorous data protection policies, solid cybersecurity protocols, and operates in a secure virtual environment without handling client funds or executing trades. These endeavours ensure that clients can place ultimate trust in Boursa to deliver nothing short of excellence. At its core, Boursa is driven by the core values of dedication, integrity, teamwork, innovation, and excellence. These values make the company take pride in what it does, motivating the team to work hard and give their all. Across its operations, Boursa remains open and transparent, prioritising honesty and the needs of the business and its colleagues above all else. From its innovative platform to its progressive employee development processes, Boursa is a company that is continually looking to the future. Since its inception, the company has remained committed to widening access to global markets and trading education for Libyan citizens, dedicated to enhancing the nation’s economic landscape. The company is currently working on releasing a comprehensive Education Course for Libyans, in Arabic, by the end of 2025. This course will involve in-depth interviews with investment experts from Libya – including well-known Libyan figures endorsing Boursa and its course. As the company has worked closely with the Libyan Stock Market, it is set to bring innovation even further to the forefront in its education course. In the wake of Boursa’s recognition as North Africa’s Most Innovative Trading and Investing Mobile App 2025, Anas shared: “This is just the start for Boursa. We are ambitious, and we plan to grow and expand our services; there will be exciting developments over the coming years.” Visit the website and blog for more information. Contact: Anas Elhasairi Company: Boursa AI Web Address: https://boursa.io/en B
MEA | Q3 2025 9 Managing retirement funds represents a complex fiduciary responsibility, demanding careful navigation of regulatory requirements, investment strategies, and member outcomes. For HR executives and CFOs seeking independent fund consulting, Independent Trustee Services offers clarity, compliance, and confidence – unlike bundled providers, the firm’s loyalty is to its client’s fund, not to a service partner. Join us below as we speak with Dr. Henry Dul, Managing Director of Independent Trustee Services, as the firm is named in the African Excellence Awards 2025. Independent Trustee Services is an authorised financial service provider renowned for its expertise in retirement fund investments, consulting, pension law, and pre-retirement and post-retirement fund counselling. A leader in its field, the firm focuses specifically on providing benefit consulting services to funds, individual clients, employers, management committees, trustees, principal officers, members of funds, and participating employers of retirement funds. Independent Trustee Services provides endto-end expertise in governance, legal, fiduciary, and compliance services under one roof, delivering seamless support for complex needs. Independent Trustee Services adheres to a code of conduct that ensures independence, quality service, responsibility, and continuous education. The Independent Trustee Services -service offering includes independent trustee services, benefit counselling and consulting, training services, secretarial services, independent principal officer services, communication services, independent financial advisory, and legal services. Independent Trustee Services’s values are grounded in simplicity, independence, and practical expertise, and form the very foundation of the trust it builds and the quality it delivers. These values guide how the firm serves its clients, makes decisions, and upholds its role as a steward of retirement fund governance. Independent Trustee Services values its independence, without obligation to external parties or stakeholders, enabling it to provide unbiased advice built around what is best for our clients. “What sets our company apart from others, is our true independence,” Henry explained. “As we have no ties to insurers, administrators, or asset managers; we are always objective. We offer a vast range of governance, across the retirement funding spectrum, not piecemeal support. We deliver clear, confident advice that makes sense and drives action, to ensure smooth operation and not crisis management.” This approach has enabled Independent Trustee Services to build a stellar reputation in the industry for its independence and expertise. This is reflected in the skillset and reliability of our employees, who regularly participate in industry events and hold memberships with organisations such as Batseta (a non-profit organisation focused on the interested of principal officers, trustees, and fund fiduciaries within the retirement industry and managed by its own appointed Board of Directors). Independent Trustee Services’s internal environment prioritises open communication, teamwork, and cross-functional team culture. Each member of the team undergoes continuous business development, regularly attending conferences and webinars to ensure that they remain up to date with regulation changes. These initiatives equip the team with the relevant information to maintain the firm’s renowned end-to-end service offerings. As Independent Trustee Services grows, it maintains this powerful sense of inclusive company culture ensures that each member of the team works in alignment with one shared vision. “Our mission is to build trust through three key pillars: clarity, expertise, and independence.” Henry shared. “We aim to be the leading voice in retirement fund advice, converting credibility into sustainable growth. We believe that our mission is aligned with the current economic climate in Africa, and we strive to move forward with honesty and transparency.” At present, Independent Trustee Services has several Trustee appointments, made in terms of Section 26(2) of the Pension Fund Act 24 of 1956, for retirement funds that were previously mismanaged. Some of this work has been undertaken on a pro-bono basis as the funds’ assets were misappropriated by former administrators. The ultimate goal is to help affected members recover their lost retirement savings by taking action against the responsible administrators and service providers, and by pursuing claims with insurers. Looking to the future, Independent Trustee Services has prosperous plans to expand its services. The firm has begun work on a survey for umbrella funds in conjunction with a distinguished actuarial firm. This is an exciting endeavour that will further cement Independent Trustee Services’s position at the forefront of the industry, demonstrating precisely why Independent Trustee Services has been named Gauteng’s Best Retirement Fund Consultancy Firm 2025. Contact: Henry Dul Company: Independent Trustee Services Web Address: www.independenttrusteeservices.co.za Best Retirement Fund Consultancy Firm 2025 – Gauteng
MEA | Q3 2025 By Adrian Strydom, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Oil and Gas Alliance frica is at a turning point in its energy journey. As cities expand and industries grow, the demand for electricity is rising fast. By 2040, Africa will need nearly 1,200 gigawatts of power, yet 600 million people still lack electricity, holding back development, healthcare, and education. This creates a major challenge: How can Africa expand energy access without locking itself into high-emission fuels? The solution must balance affordability, sustainability, and reliability. While solar and wind power are critical, most countries lack the infrastructure to rely on them alone. Grids must remain stable, industries need steady energy, and cross-border trade requires a consistent supply. Natural gas plays a vital role in this—acting as a bridge to cleaner energy while meeting urgent electricity needs. Natural Gas and Africa’s Energy Future: Balancing Growth and Sustainability A Africa houses about 7% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves, and production has increased by over 70% since 2000, with forecasts predicting 520 billion cubic meters by 2050. Several African countries are already benefiting from utilising natural gas reserves. Nigeria, Africa’s largest gas producer, has over 200 tcf of reserves, supporting millions of jobs across extraction, processing, and transportation. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in Senegal and Mauritania is attracting billions in investment, strengthening energy security. South Africa, facing a “gas cliff” due to declining imports, is exploring its local reserves to protect industrial growth. Mozambique’s Coral Sul floating LNG platform has already started production, with revenue projections reaching around $70 million annually between 2025 and 2027. Meanwhile, the Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG projects hold immense potential, boasting over 100 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, though they remain in early development stages. Many African countries produce only a small fraction of global emissions, yet they withstand the worst of climate change, facing extreme droughts, floods, and food insecurity. Expecting them to abandon fossil fuels without practical alternatives could slow economic development and widen inequalities. A fair energy transition must acknowledge that countries have different economic conditions and needs than major polluters. The shift to cleaner energy must be structured in a way that allows Africa to grow sustainably without compromising its ability to provide reliable power, create jobs, and strengthen its industries. Currently, many African countries don’t have the infrastructure to rely on renewables alone. Power grids are weak, underfunded, and often unreliable. The main challenge with solar and wind energy is that they depend on the weather. If the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, power generation drops, causing disruptions. Batteries can store excess energy for later use, but large-scale storage technology is still too expensive and not widely available. This is where natural gas plays a crucial role. Natural gas and renewables complement each other to form a balanced and resilient energy mix. Gas provides the flexibility to fill in the gaps when renewable output is low, ensuring a constant and stable electricity supply. Additionally, gas-fired plants can ramp up quickly to meet demand and are more responsive than coal, making them ideal partners for intermittent energy sources. It is noteworthy that the infrastructure built for natural gas today, such as pipelines and generation facilities, can even be repurposed to carry cleaner fuels like green hydrogen. This synergy allows African countries to continue scaling up renewables with confidence, knowing that natural gas is there to provide reliability, bridge energy gaps, and support the transition toward a low-carbon future. Natural gas has been a key transitional energy source worldwide. In Africa, its role is even more critical. The continent has vast gas reserves, yet much of its potential remains untapped due to limited infrastructure investment and regulatory uncertainty. If developed strategically, natural gas can drive industrial growth, strengthen energy security, and create the capacity needed for long-term investment in renewable energy. However, unlocking this potential requires coordinated action. Expanding gas infrastructure requires long-term investment in pipelines, processing plants, and export terminals, which take years to build. Investors need policy clarity and predictable returns, so governments must offer stable tax structures, licensing agreements, and local value retention policies to keep revenues in African economies. Africa’s energy future must grow in a way that works for its people. Electricity must remain accessible for homes, businesses, and industries while innovative technologies develop. This is not a choice between gas and renewables – it is about using the right tools at the right time. Natural gas is a cornerstone of an orderly and just transition. With careful planning, natural gas can support Africa’s economy today while building the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future.
11 Natural Gas and Africa’s Energy Future: Balancing Growth and Sustainability
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