Markets mea Q4 2025 Featuring: Fresh-X Pty Ltd:Fruit Exporter of the Year 2025 - Western Cape ExFin Consult Ltd: Accounting Firm of the Year 2025 – Mauritius
News From luxury jewellery to innovative cancer treatments, financial centres to fruit exporters, and so much more, this issue is packed with information, news, and award-winning excellence which we are incredibly proud of. If you’re looking for the latest motivational stories, informative features, and insights from across the vibrant region, we invite you to peruse our Q4 issue. We wish you a prosperous end to the year, and we look forward to Q1 of 2026 where we will be bringing you our next issue. Welcome to the Q4 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 - Austen & Blake Celebrate Dubai Expansion With Showroom Opening - UN Global Compact, African Union and Partners Convene 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum to Advance Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business in Africa 6. NCCN Celebrates Expanding Access to Cancer Treatment in Africa at 2025 AORTIC Meeting with New NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa 7. Dubai advances position as Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading global financial centre 8. Fresh-X Pty Ltd: Fruit Exporter of the Year 2025 - Western Cape 9. ExFin Consult Ltd: Accounting Firm of the Year 2025 – Mauritius 10. Is a Market Correction on the Horizon for South Africa? Investors Weigh Up Recent Gains 11. 1886: A Fresh Perspective on Saudi Fashion 6. 11.
News Austen & Blake Celebrate Dubai Expansion With Showroom Opening Located in Gold Tower, of Jumeirah Lake Towers, the showroom will bring the brand’s unique concept of custom-made designs to shoppers, allowing them to create the jewellery of their dreams. The Gold Tower location is a fitting start for consumer jewellery journeys. Inspired by precious metals, the tower’s gold-tinted glass floods our space with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The location offers plenty of parking and easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, with Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai just minutes away too. It’s also in close proximity to both the metro and public transport. The store is Austen & Blake’s 44th global location, signifying the brand’s popularity overseas and commitment to a growing customer base. Doors are now open to the fresh showroom, where experts are on hand in a no-pressure environment, offering customisable designs and personalised service, allowing you to find or create the design of your dreams. The made-to-order service allows customers to work with Austen & Blake’s Jewellery Experts to choose from a range of options, such as precious metals to diamond carat, clarity and colour, to suit preference, style and spend. Products on offer include engagement rings and wedding bands, alongside earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Both natural and lab created diamonds are available, as well as a range of coloured gemstones. Graham Broomfield COO for Neve Jewels Group comments: “This exciting new store opening marks an important milestone for us as a brand, as expanding into a major global hub and connecting with a new market brings many new opportunities. “We are thrilled to bring our vision of timeless elegance to Dubai—a city that celebrates beauty, luxury, and innovation. We look forward to understanding our customers’ needs and wants, so that we can further evolve our services and offerings to make every jewellery journey truly exceptional. This particular showroom is set to be a jewellery destination – where craftsmanship meets artistry.” Luxury diamond jeweller Austen & Blake is pleased to announce the opening of a new store location in Dubai.
News UN Global Compact, African Union and Partners Convene 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum to Advance Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business in Africa The 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum (ABRH) concluded today in Lusaka, Zambia, bringing together more than 600 participants, including business leaders, governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, national human rights institutions and international partners, to advance the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) across Africa. The Forum, held from 7 to 9 October under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa,” was co-organized by several partners, including the African Union, the UN Global Compact, UNDP, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and UNICEF. This year’s Forum aligned with the African Union theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Participants focused on concrete steps to strengthen remedy and reparations frameworks and to promote responsible business conduct in the context of Africa’s evolving economic and regulatory landscape. The Forum has become a critical platform for moving from policy to practice, accelerating implementation, and highlighting regional solutions to ensure that businesses in Africa uphold human rights while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. Over three days, the Forum featured high-level panels, roundtables and clinics, alongside a dedicated UN Global Compact Networking Event. These sessions provided space for governments, businesses and rights holders to exchange experiences, showcase innovations and build partnerships to translate high-level commitments into tangible action. Discussions centred on four priority areas: • Strengthening access to remedy for victims of businessrelated human rights and environmental harms through improved policy frameworks, stronger judicial capacity and more effective grievance mechanisms; • Advancing reparations by emphasizing the shared responsibility of states and businesses to address historical and ongoing injustices; • Promoting responsible business conduct by embedding human rights due diligence across operations and aligning with regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the draft AU Business and Human Rights Policy; and • Enhancing transparency and accountability through digital tools, improved reporting and collective monitoring of commitments. Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Hervé Lado, Africa Head of the UN Global Compact, underscored the urgent need for businesses to embed human rights into their operations and lead by example. “The theme of this year is a call to action for effective remedy, an invitation to go beyond protect and respect. As we develop our new global strategy 20262030, we want to equip more businesses in Africa by 2030 with knowledge, expertise and more ambition in upholding the Ten Principles and implementing adequate and effective remedies where their activities have caused adverse impacts. How companies respect human rights and implement remedies is central to building resilient and inclusive economies,” Lado said. Issaka Garba Abdou, Head of Division for Governance and Human Rights, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Commission, speaking at the Forum, emphasized the importance of Africa-driven approaches to business and human rights. “Our human rights approach derives from the AU Charter of 1981, and we promote a business and human rights approach that is rooted in African cultures and realities, with homegrown solutions. An African Guidance on Business and Human Rights has been drafted by the AU Commission and is currently under review,” Abdou said. The Lusaka Forum builds on earlier editions hosted in Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya, and included a one year review on progress of the Nairobi Declaration 2024, which laid the foundation for advancing business and human rights across the continent. Responsible business conduct in Africa continues to gain momentum, anchored in global and regional frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights(UNGPs), the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act, Agenda 2063, the AU Strategic Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa, the draft AU BHR Policy and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution on Business and Human Rights in Africa.
Feature Updated cancer treatment guidelines reflect significant progress in cancer care delivery through ongoing collaborative efforts to strengthen oncology resources across the region. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)-- an alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States-- collaborated with the African Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society to describe how cancer treatment guidelines have evolved across Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, during the biannual African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) gathering in Hammamet, Tunisia. As part of the event, the African Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society, and NCCN are showcasing the transition from harmonized clinical practice guidelines to the new International Adaptations of NCCN Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa, representing how much progress has been made in cancer care access across the region. The NCCN Global Program has been working with the American Cancer Society, the African Cancer Coalition, and other groups since 2017. That year, the organizations jointly announced the launch of NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for Sub-Saharan Africa driven by the leadership of the African Cancer Coalition. Those resources--based on the trusted NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) that cancer care providers worldwide rely on--used color-coding to represent both the optimal care that low- and mid-resource countries aspire to provide and pragmatic approaches for effective treatment options for resource-constrained settings. By 2019, NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for Sub-Saharan Africa included evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for prevention, detection, treatment, and supportive care for nearly every cancer type in the region. As cancer care in the region has progressed, these resources have transitioned into NCCN International Adaptations--the same regionally-tailored reference tools used by other regions around the world. There are currently 57 NCCN Guidelines for SubSaharan Africa in total. “Health ministries and care providers across Sub-Saharan Africa have worked tirelessly to expand access, build capacity, and implement evidence-based care,” said Katy WinckworthPrejsnar, MPH, Global Program Director, NCCN. “This transition to NCCN Adaptations reflects the progress and affirms the many ways this region is advancing toward higher quality cancer care for all.” Winckworth-Prejsnar presented an abstract on behalf of the coalition at AORTIC showcasing that progress. From 20172024, the amount of inaccessible treatment options decreased from 82% to 54%. This indicated significant expansion in NCCN Celebrates Expanding Access to Cancer Treatment in Africa at 2025 AORTIC Meeting with New NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa access to imaging techniques, biomarker testing, radiation, and systemic therapy for people in the region. “Many therapies and technologies that were once out of reach are now becoming standard options--thanks to the ongoing dedication of local clinicians, governments, and global partners committed to improving cancer outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa,” Winckworth-Prejsnar noted. “Still, more work is needed; the NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa represent a foundation to continue to expand access to essential treatments throughout the region.” The NCCN Adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa are available for free at NCCN.org/adaptations or via the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines® App. For more information plus access to other region-specific resources for providers, patients, and caregivers in various languages, visit NCCN.org/global.
Feature Dubai continues to advance its position as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) leading global financial centre. The announcement coincides with DIFC surpassing 8,000 active registered companies, including over 1,000 entities being regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Centre’s independent regulator. Additionally, the DIFC Courts has processed over AED 17.5bn in total case values so far this year. Dubai continues to advance through the Global Financial Centre Index where it has been announced that the city has progressed to 11th place globally, cementing its leading position as the region’s most credible centre for the industry, and the top four global FinTech hub. H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented: “As part of DIFC’s significant contribution to Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), we continue to empower the financial services industry, attract global talent and support sustainable economic growth. DIFC’s success as the benchmark for emerging financial centres is a result of creating a business environment where companies not only gain a licence to operate, but a platform to lead and grow. Our framework is built not just for today, but for the future – one that embraces innovation, upholds the highest standards and remains anchored in integrity.” Dubai as the region’s global financial powerhouse Since its inception in 2004, through its three independent bodies – DIFC Authority, DFSA and DIFC Courts – DIFC has turned Dubai into a magnet for global financial powerhouses, innovators and professional services leaders, providing an ecosystem that blends legal and regulatory certainty with business agility, becoming the benchmark for emerging financial centres worldwide. Its proven model combines the DIFC Authority’s leadership in strategy, infrastructure and innovation, supported by the DFSA’s globally aligned regulatory oversight, and the DIFC Courts’ expertise in dispute resolution, together delivering transparency, stability and certainty for businesses. Benefitting from global connectivity and access to more than 77 countries across MEASA, DIFC has grown into the region’s largest and most diversified financial hub. Dubai advances position as Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading global financial centre
MEA | Q4 2025 8 Fruit Exporter of the Year 2025 - Western Cape Established in 2022, Fresh-X Pty Ltd (Fresh-X) is a South Africa-based fresh produce supplier that procures, packs, and exports the finest fruit and vegetables to more than 20 countries. It works with a range of importers across the globe, supplying them with fresh produce and shipping weekly to several international destinations. The company prioritises quality, integrity, and sustainability for a product and service offering that is nothing short of exceptional. Following Fresh-X’s success within the African Excellence Awards 2025, we speak to Founder and Managing Director, Dewald Brand to learn more. resh-X may be a young company, but it has proven itself mighty. It is a fast-growing fresh produce exporter with deep commitment to ensuring excellence in everything it does. The company maintains strict quality control from farm to container, from working closely with trusted growers to conducting regular inspections to ensuring its produce meets both local and international standards before being shipped off. As such, it values honest and transparent relationships, whether with its farmers, logistics partners, or global clients; thus, timely communication, clear documentation, and fair dealings are essential within everyday business. Of course, this leads to its commitment to sustainability, with supporting environmentally responsible farming and actively working to reduce waste and improve cold chain efficiency being high on the priority list. This ensures long-term viability for both the business and the communities it operates in. These values of quality, integrity, and sustainability are reflected in FreshX’s hands-on approach, where the management team, including Dewald himself, remains actively involved in sourcing, packing, and export logistics to ensure the highest of standards at every stage of the process. Dewald tells us, “Our mission is to connect Africa’s premium fresh produce with global markets through integrity, consistency, and sustainable partnerships – creating value for farmers buyers, and communities alike.” The current economic climate in Africa – where challenges include rising input costs, unemployment, and the need for export growth – means that Fresh-X’s mission remains especially relevant. It empowers local farmers by providing access to international markets, giving them the means to grow their businesses while creating local employment. This is while helping to build the reputation of Africa as a credible source of world-class fresh produce through dedication to quality and reliability, attracting long-term global trade relationships. Additionally, by operating with lean, efficient supply chains, this enables cost effective operations and waste reduction, making Fresh-X’s offerings competitive despite economic pressures. Lastly, the company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices supports broader regional goals around environmental responsibility and inclusive economic development. “Our mission is not just aspirational – it’s operational,” states Dewald. “It guides our decisions daily and ensures our growth contributes meaningfully to the broader African economic narrative.” Making it all happen is a dedicated team grounded in a positive culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Dewald tells us that “As a growing export business, we believe that building a solid company culture from the ground up is essential to long-term success”. The company invests in ongoing training and development of the team, whether it’s understanding international compliance requirements or mastering cold chain logistics, to ensure that everyone, no matter their role, understands the importance of their contribution toward the client experience. This comes alongside maintaining a flat structure with open lines of communication, encouraging everyone to share their ideas, flag issues, and take ownership, a culture of openness that helps with the proactive solving of problems and keeps service responsive. “Internally, we foster a mindset where “quality in, quality out” is more than a slogan – it’s a daily standard,” says Dewald. “Every action, whether in sourcing, packing, or logistics, is guided by the question: “How does this impact the end client?”” As Fresh-X continues to grow, its values will be preserved in a number of ways, notably by hiring people who align with its ethos of reliability and integrity; regularly reinforcing its mission and values in team meetings; and creating systems and SOPs that reflect its culture and make it scalable. Dewald states, “At its heart, our culture is not just about internal harmony – it’s about delivering consistent excellence to our clients by building a team that is skilled, motivated, and aligned with our vision.” Ultimately, it is easy to see what makes Fresh-X an award-winning firm, between its direct, personal involvement as an owner-managed business; dedication to quality without compromise; agility in an ever-changing market; and outstanding client-centric service. It has well and truly solidified its position as a leader within the industry – and we are excited to find out what’s next for the firm. Company name: Fresh-X Pty Ltd Contact name: Dewald Brand Email: [email protected] Website: www.fresh-x.co.za F
MEA | Q4 2025 9 As financial operations grow increasingly complex, businesses are seeking partners who understand both the numbers and the nuances. ExFin Consult delivers that balance, offering tailored accounting and advisory services that support growth, strategy, and day-to-day decision-making. As ExFin Consult is named in the African Excellence Awards 2025, we took a closer look at its outstanding offerings. Based in Moka, Mauritius, ExFin Consult is a leading provider of tailored financial and accounting services for businesses. As a registered member firm of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA), the company combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of each client’s operations to deliver practical, growthfocused solutions across accounting, finance, management, and technology. ExFin Consult offers a broad range of services personalised to the financial and operational needs of businesses across sectors. Its accounting and related services include bookkeeping, financial reporting, and statutory compliance, all delivered with unparalleled precision and transparency. The firm also provides taxation support, helping clients navigate local and international tax frameworks with ease. Beyond core financial services, ExFin Consult assists businesses in strategic planning and forecasting. Its team works closely with clients to develop business plans, financial models, and risk assessments that support long-term growth. Payroll management and internal audit services are also available, ensuring that companies maintain operational integrity and meet regulatory standards. Clients benefit from ExFin Consult’s consulting and advisory expertise, which spans corporate secretarial services, governance support, and auxiliary functions tailored to each organisation’s structure. For external audit requirements, the firm partners with MSK & Associates, offering clients a complete solution under one roof. Every service is delivered with a commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and a deep understanding of the client’s unique business environment. Across its services, ExFin Consult’s team works tirelessly to identify and address all the clients’ present and future needs. The team demonstrates a continual commitment to taking initiative, anticipating potential issues, devising solutions, and maintaining regular communication with clients. When working with ExFin Consult, clients can rest assured that a team of seasoned professionals will accompany them on their journey and lead them to success. At the heart of ExFin Consult’s operations is a clear mission: to deliver efficient, comprehensive financial solutions that allow clients to focus on their core business activities. By applying the most appropriate and up-to-date techniques, the firm ensures peace of mind in financial management, enabling organisations to pursue their goals with confidence. ExFin Consult’s client relationships are built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to progress. The firm takes pride in being more than a service provider, acting as a strategic partner to its clients by offering guidance through every stage of their business’s journey. This collaborative approach allows the firm to adapt alongside its clients, offering support that evolves with each new challenge and opportunity. With a focus on long-term partnerships and practical results, ExFin Consult continues to support businesses in navigating complexity and pursuing growth. Its commitment to tailored services, professional integrity, and strategic insight makes it a trusted ally to every client it serves and wholly deserving of its recognition as Mauritius’s Accounting Firm of the Year 2025. Contact: Madeven Sooben Company: ExFin Consult Ltd Web Address: www.exfinconsult.com Accounting Firm of the Year 2025 – Mauritius
MEA | Q4 2025 10 Jul23190 Is a Market Correction on the Horizon for South Africa? Investors Weigh Up Recent Gains So far, 2025 has served as a reminder that markets can perform well even when economic conditions appear uncertain Entering the final quarter of 2025, South African investors have enjoyed strong returns, with local equities up nearly 30% and bonds delivering double-digit gains. Despite global uncertainty driven by shifting tariffs and uneven growth, PPS Investments’ diversified, cautiously optimistic strategy has supported inflation-beating performance and positioned its Solutions competitively across all investment horizons. The turmoil with regard to changes in global tariffs has meant that uncertainty prevailed in global markets and the MSCI ACWI delivered a roughly 8% return in rands, while the FTSE World Government Bond Index was negative in rand terms. PPS Solutions has maintained an overweight position in local equities since the 2024 elections, resulting in not only strong shortterm performance but also inflation-beating returns over respective investment horizons and the longer term. The lingering question now though, is whether local markets are due for a correction. Local earnings growth has remained above 20% over the past year, resulting in valuations staying below long-term average levels even after the sharp price increase. This does not answer the short-term correction concern, but is a good indication of a favourable starting point for long-term equity returns. Maintaining a cautiously optimistic asset allocation — reflected in the overweight equity exposure and sizable cash holdings across the PPS Solutions range — has kept the range competitive relative to peers across all periods. In the lower-risk Solution, where risk mitigation is prioritised, short-term performance marginally lagged peers given its lower allocation to risky assets to outperform the inflation target. Markets remain steady Looking forward, markets will be buoyed by the IMF upgrades to its growth forecasts, after a period of US recessionary concerns. Locally a modest improvement to growth appears likely which could curtail some concerns, but still points to a somewhat lukewarm outlook. Central bank policies across the world will remain important, as the US reignited its cutting cycle at the most recent Federal Reserve meeting, with the prospect of more cuts to follow. After five interest-rate cuts in South Africa, the Monetary Policy Committee paused the cutting cycle at its last meeting, although forecasts suggest that cuts may resume, especially as inflation remains relatively low. Asset-allocation changes are therefore unlikely during the fourth quarter if the current economic conditions persist. The differential between the potential yield in cash and bonds may allow an opportunity to increase bond exposures, but this is likely to be at the margin if at all. Even though local property has had periods of strong performance more recently, there is very little difference between property and equity returns over three and five years and the relative stability of equities is preferred. Globally, equities remain expensive, although certain regions show better valuations while bonds offer a reasonable yield but remain susceptible to tariff uncertainty. So far, 2025 has served as a reminder that markets can perform well even when economic conditions appear uncertain. This year has also shown investors that local markets can experience periods of significant outperformance relative to global markets, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio. As multi-managers, PPS Investments embeds diversification across its Solutions, enabling it to take advantage of areas of the market that are often overlooked.
Jul23121 MEA | Q4 2025 11 1886: A Fresh Perspective on Saudi Fashion n a country undergoing rapid transformation, a new generation is using fashion not just to dress, but to define. Saudi Arabia’s creative youth are carving out space for bold expression, individuality, and cultural dialogue — and at the forefront of this movement is 1886. The label, begun by two friends who were studying abroad, is one of the most talked-about fashion voices in the area. Filling a void by prizing fresh silhouettes, unexpected textures, and a sly nod to local identity and global pop culture, their collections continuously reinterpret without ever falling to the wayside of trend. 1886 offers something special for young Saudis who long to express themselves beyond the confines of tradition: clothing that feels modern, individual and proudly regional. It’s not just about style — it’s about confidence, experimentation, turning up as you are. In a country that’s changing quickly, that message resonates deeply, especially within the evolving fashion and lifestyle conversations in the Kingdom. A Novel Form of Luxuriance in Riyadh A new chapter for 1886 has begun with their recent opening at The Solitaire, the most upscale shopping destination in Riyadh. Their place stands out among boutiques. It offers something unique rather than attempting to imitate Western luxury. The store perfectly embodies the brand’s essence: stylish, well-curated, and forward-thinking. Moving to The Solitaire is more than just a significant business decision. It demonstrates the progress made by the Saudi fashion industry. -Young designers are taking their place and creating brands that appeal to both local culture and aspirations for global success. 1886 accomplishes this with ease by having faith in their own creative process rather than following trends. Their collections seem alive because they’re made for people who want fashion to reflect who they are right now, not six months ago. Fashion That Moves with the Culture One of the best things about 1886 is that it knows its audience. Their aesthetic isn’t meant to be hoarded, but instead worn, mashed up, styled and shared — not stashed in the corner of a closet. The connecting element, however, is authenticity, whether it’s a drop referencing youth culture, an industrial design-inspired look or a capsule that screams digital nostalgia. In a country where transformation is happening fast 1886 has found its rhythm. It goes beyond simply creating clothing. It’s starting a dialogue with a generation that is establishing the appearance and feel of the new Saudi Arabia. And it’s only the beginning. I
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