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EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 Opens Applications for Cultural Relations Projects in Africa

Habeeb Ajala
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EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 Opens Applications for Cultural Relations Projects in Africa

The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) has opened applications for the EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 Programme, a funding initiative supporting collaborative cultural relations projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The programme forms part of the EU-funded Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture initiative. It aims to strengthen cooperation between African and European cultural organisations through projects that encourage dialogue, co-creation, and long-term partnerships.

Selected projects can receive funding of up to EUR 50,000 per project.

The application deadline is 21 June 2026.

What The EUNIC Spaces of Culture Programme Supports

The EUNIC Spaces of Culture programme supports innovative cultural projects that promote collaboration between Africa and Europe. Importantly, projects can take different formats depending on local needs and creative goals.

Eligible projects may focus on:

  • Arts and creative industries
  • Digitalisation and education
  • Gender and social inclusion
  • Heritage and tourism
  • Human rights and youth engagement
  • Sustainability and sports
  • Networking and knowledge-sharing activities
  • Festivals, exhibitions, and performances
  • Artist residencies and cultural infrastructure

In addition, organisers encourage projects that address urgent local issues while promoting mutual learning and equal partnerships.

Key Objectives Of The Programme

According to EUNIC, successful projects should:

  • Encourage dialogue and collaboration
  • Promote fair partnerships between African and European organisations
  • Support local ownership and relevance
  • Deliver social impact and long-term cooperation
  • Demonstrate innovation within local cultural contexts

Furthermore, all projects must be jointly developed and implemented by participating partners.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to projects taking place in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa.

To qualify, applicants must form a triangular partnership that includes:

  • At least three local cultural or civil society partners
  • At least three full EUNIC members, or two members where no EUNIC cluster exists
  • Participation from an EU Delegation

Additionally, all project proposals must be co-developed by every participating partner.

Funding And Co-Financing

Selected projects can receive up to EUR 50,000 in funding.

However, project partners must provide at least 5% co-funding toward the total project budget.

Project Timeline

Approved projects must run between:

  • 1 September 2026 and
  • 31 August 2027

Organisers also advised interested organisations to begin partnership discussions before 30 April 2026 to allow enough time for collaborative planning and proposal development.

Why The Programme Matters

The EUNIC Spaces of Culture programme continues to strengthen cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe. Moreover, it creates opportunities for artists, cultural institutions, and civil society groups to build sustainable international partnerships.

As Africa’s creative economy continues to grow, initiatives like this can help expand cultural exchange, strengthen local creative ecosystems, and support socially impactful projects across the continent.

Application Deadline

  • Application Deadline: 21 June 2026 (23:59 CAT)

For full application guidelines and eligibility details, visit the official EUNIC Spaces of Culture Programme website.

Misfluencers and False Information Online: Why Misinformation Spreads

Habeeb Ajala
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0
Misfluencers and False Information Online: Why Misinformation Spreads

What Are Misfluencers And Why Do They Matter?

False information online has become one of the biggest challenges of the digital age. However, the problem is no longer just about fake news or flawed algorithms. Increasingly, researchers are focusing on “misfluencers” — individuals who influence how people interpret, trust, and share information online.

Unlike traditional influencers, misfluencers do not always spread misinformation intentionally. Instead, they often shape opinions through emotion, relatability, and community trust. As a result, misleading information can appear believable and spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Researchers from the University of the Free State explained that understanding misfluencers is critical in an era where online trust increasingly shapes decisions around health, finance, politics, and technology.

How Misfluencers Differ From Traditional Influencers

Traditional influencers usually promote products, lifestyles, or brands for commercial purposes. In contrast, misfluencers influence how people understand and react to information.

Importantly, misfluencers often rely on perceived authenticity instead of professional expertise. Because they appear relatable, audiences may trust their opinions even when the information lacks evidence.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several social media personalities promoted unverified medical treatments despite lacking scientific training. Consequently, many users accepted the claims because the information felt personal and easy to understand.

Why Misfluencers Are So Effective

Misfluencers succeed because they simplify complicated topics into emotional and relatable narratives. In many cases, people respond to stories that “feel right” before checking whether they are accurate.

Additionally, social media algorithms reward engaging content. As a result, emotionally charged or controversial posts often spread faster than carefully verified information.

Researchers also noted that online communities strengthen this effect. When information comes from familiar social networks, users are more likely to believe and share it.

Do Misfluencers Spread False Information Intentionally?

Not always. Some individuals deliberately spread misleading claims for attention, influence, or financial gain. However, many others share inaccurate information unintentionally.

Researchers compared the process to a “broken telephone” effect. Over time, people repeat and reshape information while leaving out important context. Consequently, the original message becomes distorted.

At the same time, platform algorithms amplify highly engaging content regardless of its accuracy. Therefore, ordinary users can quickly become influential voices online without fully understanding the consequences.

How Society Can Reduce Online Misinformation

Experts believe solutions must go beyond deleting harmful posts. Instead, they recommend creating healthier information environments that encourage critical thinking and transparency.

Improve Digital Literacy

Researchers argue that digital literacy should focus on interpretive awareness, not only fact-checking. People need stronger skills to question and evaluate information before sharing it online.

Increase Transparency On Platforms

Governments and technology companies can improve transparency by labeling manipulated content, adding context to sensitive claims, and supporting independent fact-checking initiatives.

Develop Better Monitoring Tools

Experts also proposed systems such as “Social Stress Indicators,” which could help identify online conversations likely to trigger harmful misinformation or social conflict.

Encourage Collaboration

Finally, researchers believe stronger cooperation between governments, universities, technology companies, and public health organisations will help detect harmful narratives earlier.

Why Misfluencers Will Remain A Major Digital Challenge

The rise of misfluencers highlights a major shift in the digital world. Today, influence often matters more than expertise. As online voices continue shaping public opinion, society faces growing pressure to balance free expression with accountability.

Researchers stressed that the goal should not be to silence people. Instead, efforts should focus on creating digital spaces where trustworthy information, context, and critical thinking can compete effectively against misinformation.

Moniepoint Strengthens UK Payment Security Through tell.money Partnership

Habeeb Ajala
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0
Moniepoint Strengthens UK Payment Security Through tell.money Partnership

Moniepoint Expands UK Remittance Infrastructure

Moniepoint has partnered with tell.money to strengthen payment security in the United Kingdom as the fintech company expands its international remittance operations.

The partnership will enable Moniepoint to deploy a Confirmation of Payee system through its UK remittance subsidiary, Monieworld.

The move reflects a broader strategy by African fintech firms to align with European open banking standards while improving transaction security for diaspora users sending money across borders.

Moniepoint Introduces Confirmation of Payee Verification

New Security System Targets Fraud and Payment Errors

According to the companies, the Confirmation of Payee service verifies recipient account details before payments are processed.

The technology helps reduce the risk of:

  • Misdirected payments
  • Fraudulent transfers
  • Account impersonation scams
  • Cross-border transaction errors

Tell.money will provide the underlying verification infrastructure, while Monieworld integrates the service into its payment platform.

The rollout aims to improve trust and reliability for users making international money transfers between the UK and African countries.

UK-to-Africa Remittance Market Continues Growing

African Fintech Firms Face Strong Competition

Moniepoint is entering a highly competitive UK-to-Africa remittance market that already includes global players such as Wise, WorldRemit, and Remitly.

The company will also compete with African fintech platforms including Flutterwave through its Send App product.

Industry analysts say digital-first remittance providers are increasingly differentiating themselves through faster settlement systems, lower fees, stronger compliance tools, and improved customer security.

Open Banking Expands Across Global Payments

Fintech Companies Increasingly Adopt Verification Systems

The Moniepoint partnership highlights growing adoption of open banking infrastructure within the financial services industry.

According to the companies, tell.money handles compliance and accreditation requirements, allowing Monieworld to focus on customer experience and operational growth.

Ravi Jakhodia, Chief Executive Officer of Monieworld, said the company’s goal is to build financial services tailored for Africans living abroad.

He explained that the partnership helps simplify compliance while improving transaction protection for customers.

Digital Remittances Continue Expanding Worldwide

Diaspora Payment Platforms Evolve Beyond Transfers

Data from the World Bank’s KNOMAD programme estimates that remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries now exceed $620 billion annually.

Analysts believe digital remittance platforms are capturing a growing share of that market through:

  • Open banking integrations
  • Automated compliance systems
  • Faster transaction processing
  • Multi-currency payment tools
  • Mobile-first financial services

Industry observers also expect diaspora-focused fintech platforms to expand into broader financial products, including digital banking, credit services, savings, and investment solutions.

Why the Moniepoint Partnership UK Matters

African Fintech Expansion Continues Beyond the Continent

The partnership signals how African fintech companies are increasingly expanding into developed markets while adapting to international regulatory and security standards.

As cross-border digital payments continue growing, payment verification systems such as Confirmation of Payee are becoming increasingly important in reducing fraud and improving customer confidence.

For Moniepoint, the integration could strengthen Monieworld’s position in the competitive UK remittance market while supporting the company’s wider international growth ambitions.

Diamond Trust Bank Launches Wearable Contactless Payments in Kenya

Lindsay Eke
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Diamond Trust Bank Launches Wearable Contactless Payments in Kenya

Diamond Trust Bank has become the first tier-one bank in Kenya to introduce contactless payments through wearable devices after partnering with Mastercard and Tappy Pay.

The new service, called DTB Wearables, allows customers to make payments using NFC-enabled wristbands and rings linked directly to their existing DTB debit cards.

The partnership was announced during the GITEX Kenya 2026 conference in Nairobi, where both companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to support the rollout of the service.

The agreement was signed by Victor Ndlovu, Mastercard’s Vice President and Head of Business Development for East Africa, and George Otiende, Director of Retail Banking at Diamond Trust Bank.

The wearable devices use near field communication, commonly known as NFC, a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange information when placed close together. Customers can simply tap the wearable on any contactless-enabled payment terminal to complete a transaction.

According to DTB, the solution removes the need for customers to carry cash, bank cards, or even mobile phones while making everyday payments.

Murali Natarajan, Managing Director and CEO of DTB Kenya, said the launch reflects the bank’s focus on using technology to make banking easier and safer for customers.

“DTB Wearables represent a significant step forward in the evolution of digital payments in Kenya,” Natarajan said. “The solution moves beyond traditional cards and devices to deliver secure payment experiences that fit naturally into daily life.”

The bank said customers will be able to choose between silicone wristbands designed with the Kenyan flag and ceramic or ceroxy payment rings.

The wearables will work with all contactless-enabled merchant terminals across Kenya, allowing customers to make quick payments in shops, restaurants, and other retail locations.

Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, said the partnership would help expand digital payment adoption in Kenya.

“By driving the adoption of wearable technology, we are enabling faster and safer transactions while supporting the growth of a cashless economy,” he said.

Kenya has become one of Africa’s leading digital payments markets, driven by strong mobile money usage and growing demand for cashless financial services. The launch of wearable payment technology adds another layer to the country’s fast-changing financial technology sector.

Diamond Trust Bank operates across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. The bank is affiliated with the Aga Khan Development Network and is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

GoTyme Launches Employee Ownership Plan as Competition for Fintech Talent Grows in South Africa

Lindsay Eke
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GoTyme Launches Employee Ownership Plan as Competition for Fintech Talent Grows in South Africa

GoTyme Bank has introduced a long-term employee ownership programme as the digital bank steps up efforts to attract and keep skilled workers in South Africa’s growing fintech industry.

The bank, which is backed by South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, said employees will now be able to benefit directly from the company’s long-term growth through a Long-Term Incentive Programme (LTIP).

Speaking to TechCabal, GoTyme Bank CEO Cheslyn Jacobs said the programme was created to ensure workers share in the value they help build over time.

“The programme gives qualifying employees the opportunity to participate in the value created over time and reflects our belief that the people building the business should share in its success,” Jacobs said.

The move reflects a wider trend across South Africa’s fintech sector, where companies are increasingly using employee ownership schemes to compete for skilled talent. Instead of relying only on high salaries or workplace perks, many firms are now offering staff a financial stake in the business.

South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition says employee share ownership plans have benefited more than 211,000 workers since 2019, with around R3.3 billion, or about $201 million, paid out in dividends during that period.

Major companies including Vodacom and Old Mutual have already introduced similar programmes, while more businesses continue to explore employee equity plans.

GoTyme said its programme is designed to encourage long-term thinking, strengthen staff loyalty, and build a stronger ownership culture across the organisation.

The bank confirmed that employees who have worked at the company for more than six months will be eligible to participate in the scheme.

Some workers say the programme has already changed how they see their role within the company.

“Being shareholders has given us a whole new perspective on the business,” said Lindelani Nxumalo, a customer service representative at the bank.

“We’re no longer simply contributing to GoTyme Bank’s growth. We’re sharing in it.”

Senior staff members also described the programme as a sign that the company values employees as part of its long-term future.

“It’s incredibly motivating to work at a company such as GoTyme Bank that sees employees as part of its long-term future,” said Lee-Anne Kalam.

GoTyme did not reveal how much ownership has been allocated to employees, but Jacobs said the programme is aimed at supporting retention and long-term alignment between staff, customers, and shareholders.

The bank’s decision comes as competition for digital and fintech talent continues to increase across Africa. Fast-growing startups and financial technology firms are under pressure not only to expand quickly, but also to hold on to experienced workers as they prepare for larger growth stages and possible stock market listings.

Companies such as Lesaka, Absa Bank, and Capitec have also experimented with share-linked reward systems, though many of these programmes have mainly focused on senior executives.

GoTyme currently serves more than 21 million customers across South Africa and the Philippines. While the Philippines remains its largest growth market, the bank said South Africa continues to perform strongly despite tough competition in the country’s banking industry.

Although Jacobs did not directly connect the employee ownership programme to future IPO plans, he admitted the company is entering a more mature stage of growth.

“The timing reflects the maturity and momentum of the business more than any single future event,” he said. “We are building for the long term.”

Visa Says Stablecoins Could Play Major Role in Africa’s Payments Future

Lindsay Eke
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Visa Says Stablecoins Could Play Major Role in Africa’s Payments Future

Global payments giant Visa says stablecoins could become an important part of Africa’s financial system as digital payments continue to grow rapidly across the continent.

Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on May 15, Visa’s Head of South and East Africa, Michael Berner, said Africa’s payments market is evolving faster than almost anywhere else in the world.

“The speed and pace at which digital payments are growing in Africa is unprecedented,” Berner said. “In two or three years, we would not recognise some of the realities we face now.”

His comments come as mobile money usage across Africa continues to expand. According to the GSMA State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2026, mobile money transactions globally reached $2 trillion in 2025. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for $1.4 trillion of that figure, representing about 66% of global transaction value.

Visa is currently four years into its $1 billion investment commitment to Africa, a strategy focused on expanding financial inclusion, improving payments infrastructure, and supporting fintech innovation across the continent.

One of the company’s biggest investments so far has been the opening of its first African data centre in Johannesburg in July 2025. According to Berner, the facility represents Visa’s long-term commitment to the continent and its growing digital economy.

The rise of stablecoins and blockchain-based payments is now becoming an important part of that strategy.

Berner said stablecoins, which are digital currencies tied to traditional assets like the US dollar, could become “pretty big” for Africa’s payments ecosystem. He revealed that Visa is preparing pilot programmes involving crypto-based settlements between banks and Visa.

“There is also big interest in crypto-based settlements between banks and Visa, or between banks directly,” he said. “Some pilots will be coming up very, very soon.”

The comments reflect a wider shift already taking place across Africa’s fintech sector.

In October 2025, Nigerian fintech unicorn Flutterwave partnered with Polygon to support stablecoin-powered cross-border payments. More recently, Tether announced an investment in Nigerian-founded remittance startup LemFi.

Africa’s growing interest in stablecoins is largely tied to the continent’s payment challenges. Businesses and consumers still face high transaction costs, slow cross-border transfers, currency volatility, and limited access to traditional banking infrastructure in many markets.

Stablecoins are increasingly being explored as a way to move money faster and more cheaply across borders while reducing dependence on fragmented banking systems.

At the same time, African governments and central banks are pushing to build domestic payment infrastructure and sovereign payment systems. Some regulators are also becoming more cautious about the rapid growth of crypto-related services.

Berner said Visa supports governments’ efforts to strengthen payment sovereignty and remains open to working with regulators and local financial institutions.

“We highly respect the decisions made by governments and central banks,” he said. “We are always happy to partner and provide our technology to meet government needs.”

Beyond crypto, Visa says it is also focusing on supporting small businesses, banks, and fintech startups by helping them expand digital payment access and financial services.

Berner noted that younger consumers across Africa increasingly expect payments to happen instantly and digitally, without relying on cash or physical banking infrastructure.

“The new generation doesn’t expect to go and find an ATM,” he said. “They expect payments to happen seamlessly.”

Visa believes Africa’s combination of rapid smartphone adoption, growing mobile money usage, and a young digital-first population could make the continent one of the world’s fastest-growing digital payments markets over the next decade.

Tetracore Signs UK Technology Deal for 5,000-Barrel Gas-to-Liquids Plant in Nigeria

Lindsay Eke
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0
Tetracore Signs UK Technology Deal for 5,000-Barrel Gas-to-Liquids Plant in Nigeria

Nigerian energy company Tetracore GTL has signed a technology agreement with UK-based Velocys Technologies to support the development of a 5,000 barrels-per-day gas-to-liquids plant in Ogun State, Nigeria.

The agreement marks an important step for Tetracore Energy Group’s plan to expand gas industrialisation and cleaner fuel production in Nigeria using the country’s large natural gas reserves.

Tetracore GTL, a subsidiary of Tetracore Energy Group, signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Velocys to support the planned modular gas-to-liquids facility located in Atakabo, Ogun State.

Under the agreement, Velocys will provide its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, engineering support, catalyst systems, process design services, and technical advisory support for the project.

The plant is expected to convert natural gas into synthetic diesel, naphtha, and other refined liquid fuel products for industrial and commercial use.

Velocys is known globally for its microchannel Fischer-Tropsch technology, which is designed for modular deployment and cleaner fuel production. The proposed Atakabo project could become one of the first uses of Velocys’ microFTL technology in Africa.

Tetracore said the project forms part of its broader strategy to improve domestic gas utilisation, reduce gas flaring, and expand value-added energy infrastructure across Nigeria and West Africa.

Speaking on the agreement, Tetracore Energy Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Olakunle Williams, described the partnership as a major milestone for the company’s long-term industrial energy plans.

“This marks a major strategic step forward in Tetracore’s long-term industrial energy vision,” Williams said. “Securing a globally recognised technology partner such as Velocys significantly strengthens the technical foundation of the Atakabo GTL project.”

He added that Africa’s future industrial growth will depend not only on extracting natural gas resources, but also on how effectively countries process and monetise those resources locally.

According to Williams, gas-to-liquids technology could help Nigeria produce cleaner transportation fuels, create jobs, support infrastructure development, and strengthen regional energy security.

Tetracore GTL will oversee project development activities including feedstock supply, permitting, financing coordination, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development.

The agreement also reflects increasing international interest in Nigeria’s gas industrialisation sector as the Federal Government continues pushing policies aimed at building a gas-driven economy.

The proposed facility aligns with Nigeria’s wider efforts to commercialise natural gas resources, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and support cleaner industrial energy alternatives.

Tetracore said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding represents an early-stage framework that could lead to final project agreements and future development phases.

NEC XON Expands Africa Wireless Connectivity Push Through Mimosa Networks Partnership

Lindsay Eke
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NEC XON Expands Africa Wireless Connectivity Push Through Mimosa Networks Partnership

NEC XON has strengthened its wireless connectivity business in Africa through a new distribution partnership with Mimosa Networks, a company known for carrier-grade wireless broadband technology.

The agreement will allow NEC XON to deliver fixed wireless access and backhaul solutions to telecom operators, internet service providers, and businesses across Africa, especially in areas where fibre infrastructure is difficult or too expensive to deploy.

Under the partnership, NEC XON will distribute Mimosa’s wireless technology across the continent and support customers with deployment, integration, and technical services.

Wally Beelders, Executive for Communication Solutions at NEC XON, said the partnership strengthens the company’s long-term wireless strategy as demand for broadband connectivity continues to rise across Africa.

“Mimosa has become a key part of our wireless strategy,” he said. “We now have the technology, the commercial model and the technical capability to deliver high-speed connectivity using unlicensed spectrum, both for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications across the continent.”

The partnership comes as operators across Africa face increasing pressure to expand internet coverage quickly while keeping infrastructure costs under control. In many parts of the continent, laying fibre remains expensive, time-consuming, or difficult because of geography and infrastructure limitations.

Mimosa’s technology is designed to offer fibre-like internet performance using wireless infrastructure operating on unlicensed 5GHz and 6GHz spectrum bands. The company’s systems use technologies such as TDMA scheduling, MU-MIMO, and beamforming to improve network speed, stability, and efficiency.

Because the systems can be deployed within days rather than months, the technology is expected to help operators extend broadband access more rapidly to underserved communities, apartment complexes, enterprise environments, and rural locations.

Jim Nevelle, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Mimosa Networks, said the partnership reflects growing demand for scalable wireless infrastructure across emerging markets.

“Across the Middle East and Africa, operators are under pressure to expand broadband access efficiently,” he said. “Our technology enables partners like NEC XON to deliver reliable, high-capacity wireless networks that scale rapidly while maintaining strong price-to-performance advantages.”

NEC XON said it has already started deploying Mimosa solutions in several African markets. Active customer projects are underway in South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi, while proof-of-concept deployments are ongoing in Ethiopia and Lesotho.

The company expects between 2,000 and 5,000 wireless devices to be deployed over the next 12 months as demand for flexible connectivity infrastructure continues to grow.

Beyond enterprise connectivity, the partnership is also expected to support broader digital inclusion efforts, including rural broadband expansion and network restoration in regions affected by environmental or logistical disruptions.

Industry players increasingly view wireless broadband not simply as a temporary alternative to fibre, but as a long-term access technology capable of supporting large-scale internet expansion across Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.

APRI Opens Applications for Fully Remote Research Fellow Role on Africa’s Green Technology Transition

Lindsay Eke
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0
APRI Opens Applications for Fully Remote Research Fellow Role on Africa’s Green Technology Transition

The Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) is accepting applications for a fully remote 12-month Research Fellow position under its Just Green Technology Transition Programme, with the opportunity open to candidates based in Kenya and South Africa.

The programme is focused on African green industrialisation, energy transition, and international cooperation. APRI said the role is designed for experienced researchers and policy professionals interested in helping shape Africa-focused approaches to sustainable industrial development and energy systems transformation.

According to the organisation, the selected fellow will lead research projects, stakeholder engagement activities, and policy discussions involving institutions and experts across Africa and Europe.

The role will examine how green technology partnerships, international financing systems, and industrial cooperation programmes support African economic priorities and industrial growth goals.

APRI said the fellowship combines policy research with practical engagement aimed at influencing governments, institutions, and development organisations working on Africa’s energy transition and industrial policy landscape.

Research Focus and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct research on industrial and energy transition strategies across selected African economies. This includes analysing financing systems, industrial policies, and international cooperation frameworks connected to green industrial development.

The fellow will also help develop analytical frameworks linking government policy ambitions with on-the-ground implementation and business realities.

Another major part of the role involves creating case studies on African companies, startups, manufacturers, and businesses working within green technology and productive-use energy sectors.

APRI said these case studies are intended to strengthen policy recommendations with practical examples from businesses operating across the continent.

The position also includes organising and leading workshops, policy roundtables, and stakeholder dialogues involving participants from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

In addition, the selected fellow will prepare policy briefs, reports, research publications, and recommendations aimed at policymakers and industry stakeholders.

The role also involves coordinating with research partners, supporting project monitoring activities, maintaining professional networks, and contributing to donor reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants are expected to hold either a Master’s degree or PhD in areas such as economics, political economy, industrial policy, or energy policy.

APRI said candidates should have between four and six years of relevant experience in policy research, think tanks, international organisations, or related sectors connected to African development and sustainability policy.

The organisation is particularly seeking candidates with strong knowledge of African industrialisation, energy transition, green technology, and African-European policy relations.

Applicants should also have experience conducting qualitative research, policy analysis, interviews, and case study development.

Strong writing and communication skills are considered essential, especially the ability to produce policy-focused reports and publications for decision-makers.

APRI added that experience working with think tanks, government agencies, or international organisations may provide an advantage during the selection process.

Professional networks within government ministries, industry groups, or business sectors in East or Southern Africa are also viewed as beneficial.

Focus on Africa-Centred Policy Development

The institute said the programme places strong emphasis on ensuring African priorities and perspectives remain central in global discussions around industrial policy, energy transition, trade, and sustainable development.

The selected fellow will work with cross-regional research teams while contributing to long-term policy dialogue and cooperation initiatives beyond the duration of the project.

Contract Details and Application Process

The position is fully remote, full-time, and runs for 12 months. APRI said the role includes travel opportunities, competitive remuneration, and up to 30 vacation days during the contract period.

Interested applicants are required to complete the official application form and submit all required documents in a single PDF file.

Applications can be submitted through the official Google Form.

Egyptian Prop-Tech Startup Byit Expands Into UAE With New AI Real Estate Tools

Lindsay Eke
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Egyptian Prop-Tech Startup Byit Expands Into UAE With New AI Real Estate Tools

Byit has expanded into the United Arab Emirates as the company pushes deeper into the Gulf real estate market and launches a new set of artificial intelligence-powered property solutions.

Founded in 2022 by Antoine Azer, the Egyptian startup uses artificial intelligence to simplify the real estate broking process. The platform helps brokers match buyers with suitable properties using data analysis, personalised recommendations, and digital property tools.

Byit operates what it describes as an agent-first brokerage model, allowing freelance brokers to earn up to 90 per cent of developers’ commissions. The company says it has built a network of more than 40,000 freelance brokers, partnered with over 450 property developers, and mapped more than 1,000 real estate projects.

As part of its regional expansion, Byit has launched a new division called Byit Ventures in the UAE. The unit is designed to connect property developments in Egypt with investors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The expansion follows a $1.1 million funding round secured by the startup late last year. Byit believes the move into the UAE will create new income opportunities for brokers while also helping attract more foreign investment into Egypt’s real estate sector.

The company also announced a new suite of AI-powered products aimed at improving cross-border property transactions and helping brokers manage international clients more efficiently.

Azer said the UAE expansion marks an important step in the company’s regional growth plans.

He said Byit is focused on building tools that allow brokers to work more efficiently across borders while improving transparency and access to international property demand.

The startup has also identified Saudi Arabia as its next target market as it continues expanding across the Gulf region.

The move reflects growing interest among African technology startups in the Gulf market, particularly in sectors such as fintech, property technology, and digital commerce, where demand for AI-driven services continues to rise.

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