Category: Business

Hyderabad, Feb 28: On 28th February, Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson – CSR, Apollo Hospitals, inaugurated the 1000th Apollo Pharmacy store in Telangana, marking a significant milestone in Apollo’s continued effort to expand access to quality healthcare. India’s largest and most trusted pharmacy network now operates across all 33 districts of Telangana and employs more than 10,000 people across its retail, digital and supply chain ecosystem.

The network provides access to over 50,000 genuine medicines and wellness essentials round the clock, with quick delivery facilities available across all districts, strengthening essential healthcare access across urban and semi-urban communities. Apollo currently services more than 1.65 lakh medicine orders daily and plans to add over 200 new pharmacy stores in Telangana over the next three years.

Expressing her thoughts on the milestone, Upasana Kamineni Konidela said, “This milestone is not only about expanding access to quality healthcare, but also about creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities especially for women across Telangana. As we grow, we are committed to building inclusive workplaces that empower women with stable careers, leadership opportunities, and financial independence, enabling them to uplift their families and communities.”

Through its omni-channel platform, Apollo 24/7, Apollo offers an integrated continuum of care including teleconsultations with Apollo doctors, diagnostic services, and customised insurance solutions all accessible from the comfort of home. 

New Delhi, Feb 28: North India’s jewellery trade received a significant early-season boost as the 2nd edition of DJGF Signature 2026 opened today at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Organised by Informa Markets in India, the three-day B2B exhibition (28 February – 2 March 2026) has established itself as the capital’s definitive sourcing platform for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers preparing for the crucial first-half buying cycle.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC (Chief Guest); Shri Ramavtar Verma, Chairman, TBJA; Shri Naveen Kumar Jindal, Senior Chairman, TBJA; and Shri Kamal Pawal, President, TBJA, alongside Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, and Mr. Pankaj Shende, Group Director, Informa Markets in India amidst an august industry presence.

Spanning over 70,000 square feet of exhibition space, DJGF Signature 2026 brings together 120+ exhibitors representing more than 400 leading jewellery brands. These include Vikash Chain, Beera Jewellers, Neeru Jewels, Riddhima Chain, Grover Jewels, ASV Polki, SRK Jewels, Unique Alankar, Shri Radhey Krishna Jewellers and Many more. The show is expected to attract over 7,000 trade visitors, including 400+ VIP and curated hosted buyers comprising senior retail decision-makers, trade bodies, and sourcing delegates.

Industry Context: Strong Structural Momentum

India’s gems and jewellery industry continues to demonstrate robust growth. Contributing nearly 7–8% to India’s GDP and accounting for 12–14% of merchandise exports, the sector supports over 5 million livelihoods. With India processing nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume and remaining one of the largest global consumers of gold, the country occupies a pivotal position in the global value chain.

The domestic jewellery market, currently valued at approximately USD 85–90 billion, is projected to expand to USD 130–150 billion by 2030, driven by wedding demand, premiumisation, organised retail expansion, and rising consumer confidence.

Comprehensive Showcase Aligned with Key Buying Cycles

 The exhibition presents a comprehensive showcase across Fine Jewellery, Gold Jewellery (plain, antique, and contemporary), Gold & Diamond Jewellery, Polki & Jadau, Silver Jewellery, Loose Gemstones, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Casting Jewellery, and Jewellery Technology & Packaging Solutions — offering the trade a decisive first-mover advantage ahead of Akshaya Tritiya and the upcoming wedding and festive seasons.

Shri Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, said, “It is truly heartening to witness the scale and energy of this exhibition today. The participation from exhibitors and buyers reflects not just strong business sentiment, but also the growing maturity of our gem and jewellery ecosystem. Platforms like DJGF Signature 2026 have evolved into structured marketplaces that enable systematic procurement, networking, and meaningful knowledge exchange. Today, the jewellery industry operates in a new normal: gold premiums hovering around 3% and silver nearly 5% have become standard, while tighter inventory cycles and frequent B2B exhibitions every 8–15 days allow us to manage procurement with lower risk and greater efficiency. However, alongside growth, we must prepare for critical regulatory shifts: BIS-led HUID transfers expected to streamline traceability, mandatory silver hallmarking, currently limited to 90 and 80 standards despite nearly 50 tonnes of silver trade, and PMLA compliance supported by AI-driven monitoring.”

Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said: “With the domestic jewellery market projected to expand to USD 130 billion by 2030, the sector is entering a phase of structured growth driven by festive demand, bridal purchasing, and increasing formalisation. As design innovation, supply agility, and trend forecasting become critical differentiators, DJGF Signature 2026 is strategically positioned to empower the trade with early-season insights, high-quality sourcing, largest display of light weight jewellery as per market demands, and curated business matchmaking — enabling jewellers to capitalise on emerging opportunities across segments.”

Shri Ram Avtar Verma, President, TBJA, said, “DJGF Signature 2026 truly reflects how far our industry has come. The sheer scale, participation, and energy at this edition are remarkable. Today, this event hosts over 400 respected brands, drawing an unmatched crowd and creating a business environment once seen only in Mumbai, now firmly established in Delhi. And, not just jewellery traders, but machinery, technology, and allied industries found a comprehensive marketplace here. For that, heartfelt thanks to the entire team.”

Shri Kamal Pawal, President, TBJA, said, “Today, DJGF Signature has established itself as a show of the scale and stature we once associated only with Mumbai. In North India, we had never witnessed such a grand and professionally organized platform before. We are fortunate to be part of this journey and confident that the future will bring even greater growth.”

Knowledge Agenda and Industry Recognition

Beyond sourcing, DJGF Signature 2026 features insightful sessions addressing export fundamentals, luxury retail transformation through AI, bullion price volatility, and evolving Gen-Z consumer behaviour. Structured B2B matchmaking sessions will facilitate high-value business conversations.

The show is supported by key associations such as The Bullion and Jewellers Association, Delhi, Delhi Jewellers Association, Gurugram Jewellers Association, Karol Baug Jewellers Association, Maliwara Jewellers Association, Dariba Jewellers Association, Lucknow Mahanagar Sarafa Jewellers Association and Ghaziabad Jewellers Association

 With its focused positioning, curated buyer programme, and forward-looking knowledge agenda, DJGF Signature 2026 continues to strengthen North India’s jewellery ecosystem — setting the tone for the larger DJGF 2026 exhibition and reinforcing India’s competitive edge in the national and global jewellery landscape.

Chandigarh, Feb 28: Turning the exhaust note into the beat of music, TVS Apache, today launched its first-ever official anthem — ‘The Apache DNA’, celebrating 20 years of the brand’s legacy. Bringing excitement to customers, especially the new generation in India and across the world, the anthem has been composed by one of India’s finest rapper and songwriter Brodha V. Launched in 6 languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu & Kannada, the anthem marks a landmark cultural moment for an iconic racing and performance motorcycling brand like TVS Apache.

Music is a powerful motivator for motorcyclists, and TVS Apache channels that same energy through its performance-driven style. Embodying a fearless spirit, and racing DNA, TVS Apache has become synonymous with performance, technology, and innovation for over 6.5 million riders across 60+ countries. The anthem further amplifies this spirit, positioning itself as a bold expression of confidence and unmatched energy on and off the racetrack.

Commenting on the first-ever TVS Apache anthem, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Business Head, Premium Segment, TVS Motor Company, said, “For 20 years, TVS Apache has been the living expression of our racing DNA, an attitude and legacy that has empowered 6.5 million riders globally. ‘The Apache DNA’ anthem is our tribute to every rider who embodies the philosophy of TVS Apache. As we continue to democratize racing-bred technology, we are also expanding TVS Apache’s presence into music and youth culture, creating deeper connections with the communities that live and breathe the brand every single day.”

The lyrics of ‘The Apache DNA’ reflect the core ethos of TVS Apache: speed, precision, and control. With the launch of the anthem, TVS Apache takes its racing DNA beyond motorcycles, strengthening its emotional connect with riders and expanding its presence across music genres and the community. As the brand continues to push the boundaries of performance motorcycling, it resonates a powerful expression of TVS Apache’s commitment to confidence, authenticity, and an unstoppable riding ethos that resonates with the next generation of riders

Feb 27: New estimates of Real GDP at INR 322.58 lakh crore in the FY 2025-26, against the First Revised Estimate (FRE) of GDP for the year 2024-25 of INR 299.89 lakh crore pegs GDP growth rate at 7.6% as compared to 7.1 % in FRE 2024-25. Further, nominal GDP is estimated at ₹345.47 lakh crore in the year 2025-26, against ₹318.07 lakh crore in 2024-25, showing a growth rate of 8.6% said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Real GVA at INR 294.40 lakh crore in the year 2025-26, against ₹273.36 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, registers a growth rate of 7.7% as compared to 7.3% in 2024-25, he added.

As India moves towards deeper integration in the global value chains, base year updates at regular intervals, current after every five years, reflects government’s commitment to data-driven policy intervention to shocks in the global economy, he said.

The revised GDP framework will enhance the credibility and analytical usefulness of India’s national accounts statistics. The updated methodology is expected to provide policymakers, businesses, and investors with a more accurate picture of economic activity across sectors, he added.

New series integrates multiple data sources such as GST statistics, financial results of listed companies, transport indicators, and digital administrative sources. This broader data coverage is expected to strengthen measurement of economic output, consumption, investment, and sectoral contributions, and prepare India for the next phase of growth trajectory, he said.

Given the revised statistical framework and the evolving economic landscape, PHDCCI suggests the following policy priorities to sustain high growth momentum in the coming years:

1. Accelerate implementation of industrial policies and PLI incentive initiatives to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in high-value and growth sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, chemicals, and renewable energy equipment.
2. Facilitate faster project clearances, enhance access to long-term finance, and further improve ease of doing business.
3. Further, expanding infrastructure investments in transport, energy, and logistics networks to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
4. Expand credit access, technology adoption programs, and export facilitation measures to enable MSMEs to integrate into global value chains.

Improved statistical measurement will support data-driven and evidence-based policymaking and facilitate better economic planning. Foreign investors, both institutional and non-institutional, that are keen to invest in India’s growth story, will see this as reliable and internationally comparable data, which augurs well for increasing India’s private capex-driven growth momentum said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & SG, PHDCCI.

Mumbai, Feb 27: Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited (JFPSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), today announced the launch of the all-new JioFinance app, a hyper-personal, AI-driven digital marketplace designed to make finance more accessible, contextual, and intelligent for every Indian. The launch is accompanied by ‘Finsider’, an exclusive early access campaign inviting users to experience the app first, share feedback, and earn JioPoints redeemable against a wide catalogue of rewards.

Transforming Financial Experiences in Bharat
The new JioFinance app moves beyond conventional product listings to deliver an intelligent, personalised, and seamless financial journey. Leveraging Agentic AI and Neural Networks, the platform provides tailored recommendations based on each user’s life context, financial intent, and eligibility, enabling users to make confident, informed decisions about their financial future.

Key Features of the JioFinance App:

• Marketplace for Intelligent Finance: A comprehensive digital storefront offering products across loans, credit cards, insurance, investments, digital gold, tax filing, savings accounts, and more, from JFSL and trusted partner brands.

• Tailored Recommendations: Driven by 15 AI agents and ~70 decision-making engines, the app delivers personalised product suggestions based on real-time financial context.

• Dynamic Personalisation: Every user sees a unique home screen reflective of their financial profile and needs.

• Natural Language Interface: Users can explore products by typing their financial needs in a chat bar, eliminating the need for multiple app screens.

• JioPoints Rewards Program: Users earn JioPoints for every transaction, redeemable against a wide catalogue of personalised rewards.

Upcoming Features Include:

• Financial Fitness Score: A comprehensive index to assess a user’s financial health across spending, borrowing, insurance, investments, and tax compliance.

• Personal CFO for Bharat: Actionable guidance through a conversational journey to help users improve their financial wellbeing.

• Autonomous Execution: Automate recurring payments and investments in just a few clicks.

• Exclusive Membership Program: Earn assured value-back on products and services availed through the app.

Hitesh Sethia, Managing Director and CEO, Jio Financial Services Limited, said:

“We believe intelligent finance should be a basic right of all citizens. With the paradigm shift in finance, we are putting Bharat at the heart of everything we build. The new JioFinance app is a hyper-personal, intelligent marketplace that removes noise and friction from financial decisions, empowering every Indian with actionable intelligence, transparency, and trust.”

Through Finsider, users will get early access to explore the app, provide feedback, and help shape the evolution of JioFinance while earning rewards for their participation.

The launch of the JioFinance app underscores JFSL’s commitment to democratizing finance and delivering a next-generation, intelligent financial experience tailored to the needs of India’s diverse population.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb 27: Metal Park, the world’s first integrated downstream metals ecosystem based in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Germany-based Frindt Consulting GmbH to introduce advanced digital laser cutting services in the UAE and modernise sheet metal procurement.

The collaboration integrates MP Nexus, Metal Park’s proprietary digital industrial portal, with Frindt’s European digital laser cutting system, enabling customers to upload sheet metal drawings, receive instant quotations, place orders, and track production seamlessly online. This initiative positions Metal Park as a leading provider of sheet metal laser cutting and digital metal fabrication services across Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Key Services Offered:

• Laser cutting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper UAE-wide

• On-demand sheet metal cutting, bending, and fabrication services for industrial and construction projects

• Digital metal procurement through MP Nexus for faster, transparent, and cost-efficient operations

Customer Benefits via MP Nexus:

• Direct upload of technical drawings

• Automated laser cutting quotations

• Secure digital order confirmation and payment

• Real-time tracking and communication

Applications include: HVAC ducting, structural steel fittings, architectural façades, and industrial components.

Executive Commentary:
Vahid Fouladkar, CEO, Metal Park, said,

“By integrating advanced metal sheet working technology into MP Nexus, we are shortening procurement cycles, improving cost and estimation visibility, and enabling real-time manufacturing access. This is part of the structural modernisation of downstream steel processing in the UAE.”

Bastian Rudolf Scholz, CEO, Frindt Metal Parts LLC, added,

“This partnership introduces a fully digital procurement and manufacturing model for sheet metal processing in the UAE. By combining German engineering with KEZAD’s industrial infrastructure, we are setting new benchmarks for transparency, speed, and scalability in steel processing.”

Located in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi, Metal Park continues to strengthen its position as a hub for digital metal fabrication and downstream steel processing in the Middle East. The first integrated service is scheduled for completion by the end of March, coinciding with the full launch of the MP Nexus portal.

New Delhi, Feb 27: Apis India, a leading FMCG brand incorporated in 1983, has announced the launch of Sliced Dates, a thoughtfully prepared, ready-to-eat, guilt-free superfood that blends natural sweetness and convenience. 

Eating dates can sometimes feel like more effort than it should be – checking for seeds, cleaning them, or cutting them before use. Recognising this everyday inconvenience, Apis India has introduced Sliced Dates to make healthy snacking simpler and more accessible. Ready to eat and conveniently packed, the product preserves the natural taste and nutrition of dates while offering everyday affordability.

With the launch of Sliced Dates, Apis India Ltd strengthens its clean nutrition portfolio under health & wellness while expanding its value-added offerings for modern consumers. This move furthers the brand’s effort to make healthy snacking both effortless and accessible. Crafted for everyone across age groups and lifestyles, Sliced Dates caters both to premium, variety-seeking, health-conscious consumers and to value-driven families looking for reliable and convenient packaged dates. The deseeded and sliced dates reduce preparation time, making it an easy addition to breakfast bowls, with milk, sweets preparation, snack breaks, or quick energy boosts during the day, while maintaining the natural taste and goodness of the superfood.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Amit Anand, Managing Director, Apis India Limited, said,

 “Consumers today are looking for snacks that deliver on taste, nutrition, and convenience simultaneously. Sliced Dates is one of the choices to the growing demand for clean, convenient, guilt-free snacking.”

He further added,

 “Dates are packed with nutrients, and are a great alternative for snacking. However, the deseeding and cleaning process makes consumers vary. The Sliced Dates addresses these concerns, without compromising on the quality.”

The newly launched product will be available PAN India across local stores and leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, JioMart, Blinkit, BigBasket & DMart. 

Mumbai, Feb 27 : Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited  participated in the CNG Drive organized by Adani Total Gas Limited (ATGL), in collaboration with Hyundai Motor India Limited, in Ahmedabad to promote cleaner fuel adoption and sustainable mobility.

 The drive was flagged off by Mr. Suresh P. Manglani, ED & CEO, ATGL, along with Mr. Sunil Mulchandani, National Head – Sales, Hyundai India. A fleet of 20 CNG vehicles traversed the city, reinforcing awareness around responsible and efficient mobility choices.

During the event, Mr. Manglani presented the Zaggle CNG Benefit Card to Mr. Mulchandani and two new car owners. The card offers CNG refueling benefits of up to ₹15,000 over one year, enabling customers to realize meaningful savings while transitioning to eco-friendly fuels. Integrated with seamless digital payments and real-time spend controls, the card supports both individual users and fleet operators in adopting structured, cost-efficient mobility solutions.

The event also marked the successful go-live of Zaggle’s closed-loop CNG fleet card program for ATGL, a technology-led platform designed to enhance compliance, governance and transaction efficiency across the CNG ecosystem.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle, said,

 “Our collaboration with ATGL reflects Zaggle’s evolution into a technology-led ecosystem enabler. By integrating compliance architecture, real-time validation and structured incentive management within a closed-loop framework, we are not only digitizing fuel payments but also building a scalable platform that supports India’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient mobility. At Zaggle, we remain committed to empowering customers with smart financial solutions that complement sustainable lifestyle choices.”

The program integrates real-time vehicle validation via the Parivahan database, OCR-based authentication of vehicle and CNG transaction details and split-payment functionality for seamless incentive utilisation. It further incorporates fleet-level virtual accounts for structured funding and real-time limit management, alongside a dedicated OEM and retrofitter dashboard to accelerate fleet onboarding and ecosystem visibility.

Built on a full-stack SaaS and closed-loop payment infrastructure, the solution features Super Admin and Fleet dashboards with real-time analytics, Tap & Pay prepaid cards and Android mPOS deployment across ATGL outlets. Automated onboarding, instant transaction alerts, structured reporting and controlled in-ecosystem incentive redemption collectively drive repeat CNG spends and strengthen program stickiness.

The ATGL partnership reinforces Zaggle’s expansion into high-frequency fuel transactions, enhancing recurring ecosystem-driven volumes while demonstrating its ability to deploy regulated, compliance-led SaaS payment infrastructure at scale. The initiative underscores a strong industry collaboration aimed at accelerating CNG adoption and advancing India’s clean mobility transition through integrated financial and sustainable mobility solutions.

New Delhi, Feb 27: OPPO India has unveiled special Holi offers designed to make festive upgrades more joyful and accessible. Customers can avail Zero Down Payment and interest-free EMIs for up to 24 months on select OPPO smartphones, along with attractive cashback benefits on UPI and bank transactions.

Guided by its philosophy of “Make Your Moment,” OPPO continues to deliver technology that enhances celebrations and everyday experiences. With advanced camera systems tuned for India’s visual landscape and signature portrait expertise, OPPO devices empower users to capture every vibrant splash of Holi with clarity and creativity.

Commenting on the announcement, Goldee Patnaik, Head – Communications, OPPO India, said:

“Holi is a celebration of colour, joy and the moments we share with the people who matter. At OPPO, we want to be part of these festive memories, enabling users to capture every vibrant splash and heartfelt smile. Our recent launches, including the Find X9 and the Reno series, have received an incredible response from customers who value their Made-for-India camera system and portrait excellence. This Holi, our aim is to make these devices even more accessible through attractive purchase benefits.”

Festive Holi Offers at a Glance

Zero Down Payment & Interest-Free EMI

• OPPO Reno15 Pro Mini (512GB / 256GB) – Up to 24 months EMI

• OPPO Reno15 (12GB+512GB / 12GB+256GB / 8GB+512GB) – Up to 15 months EMI

• OPPO Find X9 (12GB+256GB / 16GB+512GB) – Up to 18 months EMI

• OPPO A6 Pro (8GB+128GB / 8GB+256GB) – Up to 8 months EMI

• OPPO A6 (6GB+256GB / 6GB+128GB / 4GB+128GB) – Up to 6 months EMI

*24|0 EMI scheme available with Kotak Bank and ICICI Bank under Paper Finance option on consumer loans.

Cashback Benefits

• Up to 10% cashback on select bank cards (EMI and non-EMI transactions)

• Participating banks include SBI Cards, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Federal Bank, DBS, IDFC First Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank

• 10% cashback on UPI transactions

The festive offers are valid from March 1 to March 8, 2026, for a limited period.

Reno15 Series: Designed to Capture Every Colour

This Holi, the spotlight shines on the Reno15 Pro Mini and Reno15, combining fashion-forward design with a powerful camera experience.

The Reno15 Pro Mini features a 200MP main camera, while the Reno15 comes equipped with a 50MP main camera. Both smartphones support 3.5x telephoto zoom, PureTone Technology, 4K HDR video recording, and OPPO’s creative Pop-Out feature—perfect for capturing lively Holi moments with clarity and dynamic depth.

Find X9: Flagship Imaging Meets Festive Celebrations

The device features a Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system led by a 50MP Sony LYT808 sensor with OIS, alongside a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP Sony LYT600 3X periscope telephoto lens. Powered by OPPO’s proprietary LUMO Image Engine and True Colour Camera technology, it delivers natural skin tones, accurate colours and cinematic depth across scenarios.

The Find X9 sports a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, and runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. It houses a 7025mAh silicon carbon battery with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, along with intelligent AI features such as AI MindSpace, AI Editor and O+ Connect to elevate photography and connectivity experiences.

With attractive financing options and advanced camera technology designed for India’s vibrant celebrations, OPPO India invites customers to upgrade effortlessly and make every Holi moment brighter, more colourful and unforgettable.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Feb 27 — African policymakers, business leaders, and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free travel across the continent, describing the free movement of people as essential to unlocking Africa’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The call was reinforced at a High-Level Symposium on Advancing a Visa-Free Africa for Economic Prosperity, co-convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.

Participants framed mobility as the missing link in Africa’s integration agenda, arguing that while tariffs are falling under AfCFTA, restrictive visa regimes continue to limit trade in services, investment flows, tourism, and labour mobility.

Alex Mubiru, Director General for Eastern Africa at the African Development Bank Group, said that visa-free travel, interoperable digital systems, and integrated markets are practical enablers of enterprise, innovation, and regional value chains to translate policy ambitions into economic activity.

“The evidence is clear. The economics support openness. The human story demands it,” he told participants, urging countries to move from incremental reforms to “transformative change.”

Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission, called for faster implementation of existing continental frameworks, describing visa openness as a strategic lever for deepening regional markets and enhancing collective responses to economic and humanitarian crises.

Former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma reiterated that free movement is central to the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063. “If we accept that we are Africans, then we must be able to move freely across our continent,” she said, urging member states to operationalise initiatives such as the African Passport and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol.

Ghana’s Trade and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, shared her country’s experience as an early adopter of open visa policies for African travellers, citing increased business travel, tourism, and investor interest as early dividends of greater openness.

The Symposium also reviewed findings from the latest Africa Visa Openness Index, which shows that more than half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure – seen by participants as a significant drag on intra-continental commerce.

Mesfin Bekele, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, called for full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying aviation connectivity and visa liberalisation must advance together to enable seamless travel.

Regional representatives, including Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community, emphasised the importance of building trust through border management and digital information-sharing systems.

Gabby Otchere Darko, Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, urged governments to support the “Make Africa Borderless Now” campaign, while tourism campaigner Ras Mubarak called for more ratifications of the AU Free Movement of Persons protocol.

Participants concluded that achieving a visa-free Africa will require aligning migration policies, digital identity systems, and border infrastructure, alongside sustained political commitment.

In a symbolic gesture, attendees signed a “passport wall,” signalling support for accelerated reforms to make movement across African borders easier for citizens.

The African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission said they will continue working with member states and regional bodies to advance coordinated approaches to mobility – seen as a cornerstone of Africa’s integration, competitiveness, and long-term growth.