SkyPower Global, a global leader in large-scale solar energy solutions, and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), has announced the signing of a landmark 1000 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This major agreement is a pivotal component of Zambia’s Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, designed to significantly enhance the nation’s renewable energy capacity to support sustainable growth.His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative: “The Green Giant Zambia project is a crucial component of our Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, especially in the context of our current drought owing to climate change. This initiative aims to substantially increase our renewable capacity to address both current and future energy needs as Zambia aims to increase industrial productivity and fulfill our aspiration to attain over 3 million metric tonnes of annual Copper production.”The ceremony featured key insights from Michael Prest, Country Manager and Special Advisor to SkyPower, and Engineer Victor Benjamin Mapani, Managing Director of ZESCO, who shared their perspectives on this groundbreaking partnership.Michael Prest commented, “The Green Giant Zambia initiative is a monumental step towards a sustainable future. By leveraging cutting-edge solar technology and our collective expertise, we are set to dramatically transform Zambia’s energy landscape, making it a model for renewable energy development worldwide.”Engineer Victor Benjamin Mapani, Managing Director of ZESCO, said, “This agreement with SkyPower Global is a testament to ZESCO’s commitment to transforming Zambia into a hub for renewable energy in Africa. The Green Giant Zambia project will not only secure energy for millions but also bolster our national grid with sustainable, clean power.”Kerry Adler, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of SkyPower Global Group of Companies, remarked, “With Green Giant Zambia, we are not just producing renewable energy; in line with H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision and goals for Zambia. Together, we are also cultivating jobs, and sustainable infrastructure that will benefit generations. Green Giant Zambia is a beacon of progress, symbolizing our joint commitment to the environment and fostering economic growth.”SkyPower’s extensive portfolio, featuring over 10 GW of projects at various stages of development worldwide, and its majority ownership by the CIM Group—a leading real estate and infrastructure investor—illustrate its continued profound commitment to impactful renewable energy projects.The Green Giant Zambia project is set to supply electricity to approximately 4 million homes and stimulate considerable job creation and infrastructure development, aligning with Zambia’s adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and establishing Zambia as a regional leader in renewable energy

: e& life, the business pillar of e& that brings the next-generation digital world to the consumer’s fingertips, has joined theDubai FinTech Summit (DFS), organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global Financial Centre in the MEASA region. As a Powered By sponsor, e& life is dedicated to supporting innovative and future-thinking businesses on a global scale.

e& life leverages cutting-edge technologies to offer fintech, entertainment, retail, and mobility services through its smart platforms and apps.  Their fintech arm, e& money, has become a regional powerhouse, known for its user-friendly mobile financial services and its position as the UAE’s fastest-growing issuer of Mastercard debit cards.

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer at DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “The path to true innovation lies in collaboration and the Dubai FinTech Summit strives to bring together global leaders, innovators and disruptive start-ups to shape the future of finance. The alliance between the summit and e& life demonstrates our mutual commitment to fostering a dynamic FinTech ecosystem to strengthen Dubai’s existing reputation as a leading business destination. Transforming challenges into opportunities, our goal is to create the most advanced, inclusive and technologically empowered financial community.”

Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer at e& life, said, “The Middle East is at the forefront of a major transformation in financial services delivery, driven by technology shifting from traditional to innovative solutions. As a pioneer in the region’s flourishing FinTech sector, e& is driven by a bold vision to lead this change.

“Through strategic partnerships, we aim to fast-track progress and take the region’s FinTech potential to new heights. This partnership represents a valuable opportunity for both e& and its FinTech portfolio under the business pillar e& life to collectively imagine new possibilities, inspire breakthrough ideas, and catalyse impactful innovations. By bringing together the talent and resources within our ecosystems, we can accelerate the journey toward a future where financial services truly empower people across societies. We look forward to contributing our expertise to shaping discussions that will steer the direction of the industry and play a role in realising the UAE’s aspiration to become a global hub for financial innovation.”

In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position Dubai as the top four global financial hub by 2033, the 2^nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation, pivotal to transforming the global FinTech sector. It presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging FinTech trends and their potential to drive financial progress in the MEASA region.

The Dubai FinTech Summit, scheduled for May 6-7, 2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, will see an unprecedented gathering of over 8,000 decision-makers, over 300 thought leaders and over 200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

The UAE government has announced the official holidays for private sector employees across the country on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

The break will begin on Monday, April 8 and last till 3 Shawwal (or what is equivalent to it in the Gregorian date). As per the Islamic calendar, Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on when the Moon is sighted. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first of Shawwal.