Author: Neel Achary

Africa, Venezuela Advance Practical Trade and Investment Cooperation

Venezuela Advance Practical Trade and Investment CooperationThe African Energy Chamber’s delegation to Caracas advanced cooperation with Venezuelan authorities on expanding trade beyond energy, addressing regulatory bottlenecks and promoting reciprocal investment across the Global South

CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb 26:A high-level working visit to Caracas by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) this February marked a significant step in strengthening Africa–Venezuela cooperation, moving engagement beyond hydrocarbons toward broader South–South trade and investment opportunities. The discussions focused on removing longstanding transactional bottlenecks and boosting bilateral trade in goods, services and industrial collaboration.

Leading discussions with Coromoto Godoy Calderón, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the AEC delegation explored strategies to expand African markets for Venezuelan goods while facilitating reciprocal African investment in Venezuela. The visit emphasized creating a comprehensive framework for trade that extends beyond oil and gas, promoting manufactured goods, services and skills exchange.

“Together with the Minister, we discussed opening up African markets on a Global South–South strategy,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “A priority is working on Venezuelan goods in Africa – not just energy. We are committed to removing bottlenecks, improving regulations and building a framework that accelerates trade and development between our regions.”

The visit also addressed potential alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area, signaling new pathways for Venezuelan products to access African markets under continental trade frameworks. This reflects a growing interest in integrated commercial engagement that leverages shared resources and strengthens economic ties between African nations and Venezuela.

Institutional cooperation was another key focus. The AEC and Venezuelan authorities agreed on the importance of sharing best practices to position Venezuela as an attractive partner for African investors. Programs are being developed to promote Venezuelan products in African markets while encouraging investment in Venezuela’s broader non-oil economy.

Financial collaboration is central to this strategy. The delegation met with the Venezuelan Export–Import Bank to explore partnerships with African regional development banks and export finance institutions. These initiatives aim to facilitate trade finance, streamline payments and reduce transaction risks, providing a clearer, bankable framework for industrial and commercial projects.

Both sides pledged to showcase Venezuela in key African trade platforms, including the Intra-African Trade Fair organized by Afreximbank, and African Energy Week 2026, where Venezuelan products and expertise can be highlighted. Capacity-building workshops are planned to strengthen skills and technical exchange, reinforcing long-term trade and industrial collaboration.

The working visit marks a shift from energy-centered engagement to a broader, market-oriented partnership. By addressing regulatory challenges, expanding institutional cooperation and promoting trade-enabling frameworks, Africa and Venezuela are laying the foundations for reciprocal investment, industrial growth and deeper integration across the Global South.

“Our focus is on enabling trade that drives development. By working together to break down bottlenecks and expand commercial exchange, we are helping to shape a future in which African and Venezuelan economies grow stronger through partnership – not just in energy, but across the full spectrum of goods, services and investment,” Ayuk added.

KEZAD Group Signs 50-Year Land Lease with Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment Division to Establish AED 75 Million Facility

The 150,000 sqm facility will establish operations for storage and distribution of heavy machinery and industrial equipment in KEZAD – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Feb 26: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region and Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment Division have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah).

Galadari is investing AED 75 million in the proposed 150,000 sqm facility that will establish operations for storage and distribution of heavy machinery and industrial equipment in the region. The group’s Heavy Equipment Division is a leading dealer and distributor of commercial vehicles and specialised construction machinery from international brands in the UAE. Headquartered in Dubai, Galadari Brothers is a diversified conglomerate with a legacy spanning more than 60 years and a presence across multiple sectors and international markets.

Since its inception more than four decades ago, the Heavy Equipment Division of Galadari has grown from being a single-product distributor to steadily build an expansive product portfolio constituting a wide range of construction equipment. The move to KEZAD comes as part of Galadari’s strategic plans to expand its business in the region, and its commitment to delivering excellence in services by joining a thriving economic zone with dedicated industrial clusters and practices.

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “We welcome Galadari Brothers to KEZAD, and look forward to a fruitful partnership, as we support them in expanding their foothold in the region with our tailored services. By being in KEZAD, Galadari organically becomes an integral part of a cohesive industrial structure, designed for innovation, collaboration and delivery of outstanding services.

“As we continue on our growth path, we are hopeful that this association will be mutually beneficial for business – contributing to the growth of Galadari as well as the economic development of Abu Dhabi.”

Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers said: “The establishment of this facility marks a significant step in advancing Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment capabilities and scaling our operational infrastructure in the UAE. Located within KEZAD’s integrated industrial ecosystem, the facility enhances our ability to support large-scale projects while strengthening the logistics and supply chain networks that underpin regional growth. This investment reflects our long-term confidence in the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and industrial advancement while reinforcing our commitment to delivering the capacity, reliability, and expertise required to serve a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.”

Keturah Ardh sells out first phase for AED1 billion

All 558 townhouse plots snapped up in six months, underscoring strong demand for luxury residential land in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, Feb 26: The first phase of Keturah Ardh, Dubai’s first heritage-wellness integrated luxury community, has sold out, with all 558 luxury townhouse plots acquired in just six months for AED1 billion. 

fäm Properties, the exclusive master agency for master developer MAG Group, today confirmed the milestone, which reflects solid demand for premium residential land in Dubai, particularly freehold townhouse plots, one of the most limited and sought-after asset classes in the city’s luxury market. 

“The sellout speaks for itself,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “Residential plots with approvals for luxury townhouses are among the scarcest product types in Dubai, and buyers and investors responded accordingly.” 

“True heritage-wellness communities are rare, and over the past four years, this segment has consistently led the market in both performance and investor interest.” 

Located in the Al Rowaiyah First District, Keturah Ardh brings together traditional Arabic architectural principles with a fully integrated modern wellness approach. The 558 luxury townhouse plots are spread across 93 meticulously planned clusters, and phase one was brought to market with attractive payment plans. 

The broader master plan blends Arabic heritage with advanced wellness concepts to create a self-contained lifestyle community. The name ‘Ardh,’ meaning ‘earth’ or ‘land’ in Arabic, reflects its ties to culture and nature. 

The project reflects MAG Group’s 45-year dedication to quality and innovation, with amenities including spa and sauna facilities, yoga and pilates areas, running and cycling tracks, and extensive green spaces. Mature landscaping includes trees sourced from Italy, Spain, Thailand, and Africa. 

Infrastructure is being delivered in Q1 2026, with construction starting in Q4 2026, and full completion expected by 2030. 

Keturah Ardh is the fourth major project in the Keturah luxury portfolio, following Keturah Reserve, Keturah Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Al Jaddaf, and Keturah Bahar.

India Inc Embraces Smarter Benefits and Preventive Healthcare Amid Talent Race

MUMBAI, Feb 26: With health cost trends in India projected to reach 9.9% in 2026, organisations are overhauling benefits strategies, prioritising preventive healthcare, flexible benefits and digital enablement to attract and retain talent, according to the findings from Mercer Marsh Benefits’ Future of Benefits 2026 and Beyond report.

The study draws on perspectives from over 700 organizations, representing more than 3.5 million employees and 8.5 million insured lives across 14 industries. In parallel, the voices of over 82,000 employees were captured across career stages, generations, function and geographies providing a 360-degree understanding of benefit priorities, emerging trade-offs, and the strategic levers organizations must now deploy.

Sanjay Kedia, CEO and President Marsh India said,

“India is at a structural inflection point where regulatory reform, demographic shifts and rising healthcare costs are converging to reshape the employer–employee compact. Benefits are no longer a peripheral HR lever; they are becoming the foundation of workforce resilience, trust and productivity. The message from our data is clear, employers want to care for their people in ways that are compassionate yet financially sustainable, while employees are ready to share responsibility when benefits deliver real value.”

As a result, employers are moving away from fully employer-funded models towards shared funding, smarter plan design and flexible benefits to balance cost pressures with employee value. This shift is already visible: Co-sponsorship of parental insurance premiums has climbed to 29%, from just 4% three years ago, underscoring a growing focus on shared accountability.

The report also reveals organisations are prioritising preventive healthcare to support workforce longevity, with 62% operating a defined wellbeing framework and greater emphasis on early intervention, Outpatient Department (OPD) care and structured wellbeing frameworks. 43% of employers now offer OPD coverage, three-quarters of which are fully sponsored.

42% of organisations now offer health cover between INR 6 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs, while 41% have increased sum insured levels in the past year. At the same time, flexibility and digital enablement are accelerating this shift. One in three organisations has rolled out flexible benefits programmes, while 55% use benefits platforms and 25% are deploying AI-led solutions to manage compensation and benefits.

Commenting on the findings, Prawal Kalita, Managing Director, Mercer Marsh Benefits, India Leader, said,

“The future of employee benefits is increasingly being shaped by digital experience. Employees expect seamless, on-demand access to their benefits, clear navigation during moments of need and personalized guidance across health and wellbeing journeys. What we are seeing is a shift from fragmented platforms to integrated, technology-led ecosystems where data, automation and human support come together to make benefits simpler, more relevant and more impactful.”

The report also highlights the growing influence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which are raising benchmarks across the market. One in two GCCs now offers OPD insurance, and one in three has embedded mature flexible benefits models, intensifying competition for skilled talent.

From the employee perspective, expectation is to receive meaningful benefits. While one in three employees still reports limited flexibility, 85% are willing to spend out of pocket for benefits they value, reinforcing demand for more personalised, value-driven designs.

As India’s services economy continues to expand, the Future of Benefits 2026 and Beyond report calls on organisations to reimagine how they support their people, aligning preventive health, flexibility and digital enablement with long-term business resilience.

Solar Service Searches Rise 43% Across India: Justdial Data Reveals

Bengaluru, Feb 26: Justdial Limited has reported a significant year-on-year increase in searches for solar-related and electrician services across India, based on an analysis comparing search volumes between February 2024 – January 2025 and February 2025 – January 2026. The data reflects rising consumer interest in energy upgrades, infrastructure readiness and long-term power solutions across both metropolitan and emerging cities.

At a national level, Solar-related Services recorded a robust 43% growth, indicating heightened adoption of solar installations and allied solutions. Electrician Services followed with a 9% increase, suggesting parallel demand for technical expertise to support installations, upgrades and maintenance requirements.

City-wise data reveals sharp momentum in select markets within the Solar-related Services category. Patna registered a remarkable 206% increase, more than tripling year-on-year search interest. Delhi followed with a 153% surge, while Bangalore recorded an 81% rise. Hyderabad saw a 53% increase, and Chennai posted a 35% growth. Pune (+21%), Surat (+17%), Lucknow (+14%), Mumbai (+13%) and Nagpur (+32%) also reported steady upward trends, signalling widespread traction across regions.

Within Electrician Services, Ahmedabad led with a 14% increase in searches. Chennai, Pune and Surat each recorded a 12% rise, while Delhi, Mumbai and Indore posted 11% growth respectively. The data indicates consistent demand for skilled electrical services across urban centres.

The parallel growth in solar and electrician-related searches points to a broader shift towards energy-conscious investments and infrastructure preparedness. Rising electricity costs, increased awareness of renewable energy benefits and a growing focus on long-term operational efficiency may be contributing factors. The trend may also reflect commercial and industrial expansion alongside sustained residential demand.

The findings underscore evolving consumer behaviour, with users actively exploring structured energy solutions and professional services to support power transitions across India.