Mastercard joins Buna, the Arab regional payment system. Source: Shutterstock.comBusinesses and consumers paying into and out of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will benefit from faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments through a public-private collaboration between Mastercard and the Arab Regional Payment System, Buna. Buna participants will be able to leverage their existing Buna infrastructure to connect to Mastercard Move to make fast, secure and efficient payments to regions and corridors outside MENA, leveraging Mastercard’s extensive network. Alan Marquard, Head of Transfer Solutions, Mastercard, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in unlocking fast, transparent and cost-efficient cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. It also underscores Mastercard commitment to improving cross-border payments by connecting existing systems and boosting their reach and efficiency.”Mehdi Manaa, Chief Executive Officer, Buna, commented: “Buna was founded with the mission to make cross-border payments more accessible and easier for people and businesses in the Arab countries.

The price of the flagship cryptocurrency touched a record $75,000 on the nose, according to Coin Metrics. It was last higher by 7% at $74,392.00. It first hit its previous record of $73,797.68 on March 14 and has traded in a narrow range below $70,000 for most of the year since then. Bitcoin’s overnight gains increased as Trump took an early lead in the Electoral College. NBC News has projected that Trump has won 230 electoral college votes, including the battleground state of North Carolina.

The collaboration combines Mastercard Move’s money transfer capabilities and extensive network with Buna’s cross-border payment system to facilitate seamless cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. The collaboration will see Mastercard join Buna’s cross-border payment systems as a direct participant. Key benefits of the partnership include:• Enables financial institutions around the globe to send fast, transparent and cost-efficient payments to Buna participants via a single connection to Mastercard Move. Alan Marquard, Head of Transfer Solutions, Mastercard, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in unlocking fast, transparent and cost-efficient cross-border payments into and out of the MENA region. Mastercard Move provides banks, non-bank financial institutions, direct disbursers, and their customers with a fast, secure money transfer solution, both domestically and internationally.

Polls have closed in Minnesota, and vote counting has already started in the Midwestern U.S. state where 10 electoral votes there will determine who will succeed President Joe Biden between his vice president and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. VOA’s Abdushakur Aboud has updates from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The URL has been copied to your clipboardThe code has been copied to your clipboard. It’s election day in America, and voters are voting to select their choice for president, and in down-ballot races that will determine control of Congress. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Wisconsin.

Most Swing State Polls CloseNevada was the last swing state to close its polls at 10 p.m. EST Tuesday, but results in all seven battlegrounds were still pending. Trump has taken a narrow lead in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with 54% and 48% of votes counted, while Harris slightly leads in Michigan and Arizona (20% and 48% counted, respectively). Trump also leads in North Carolina and Georgia, which have counted most of their ballots but are still too close to call. Meanwhile, Some polls in Arizona were extended to 11 p.m. EST after printer and voting machine malfunctions, and voters remain in line in parts of Nevada. Trump Wins 18th StateTrump now has a 188-99 lead in the electoral college, as The Associated Press called Missouri for Trump just before 10 p.m. EST—but all seven crucial battlegrounds are too close to call.

The financial burden of addressing climate change, coupled with limited fiscal space, creates a precarious situation for many African countries. African countries must use COP29 to tackle systemic biases that inflate risk perceptions, minimise African achievements and inflate its problems. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change says developed countries are responsible for financing climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. It is meant to channel money to countries worst affected by climate change to pay for the damage caused. Fourth, the distinction between development finance and climate finance is becoming an impediment to progress.

The DRC, Kenya and Uganda have been ranked by the latest edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024 as the riskiest investment destinations in East Africa, largely blamed on political, social and economic threats, while Rwanda stands out as the safest investment destination in the region. The reward score takes into account the medium-term economic growth forecast for each country, its economic size, economic structure and demographics, with the economic growth outlook being given the biggest weight in the reward score. The latest edition of the report also reveals a shifting investment landscape in major African markets, as the continent currently finds itself at an inflection point, signifying a crucial moment of change and transformation. Governments across Africa are facing challenges in addressing the grievances of their populations, notably a growing demand for accountability and effectiveness from political leaders, while implementing necessary macroeconomic reforms. While some governments have been able to navigate these challenges effectively, others, like Kenya, have faced backlash from their population.

DP World enhances Operational Safety and Efficiency with its New Fleet Fitted with Advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Share This News Story:MUMBAI : DP World, a leading global provider of smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, has taken yet another step in enhancing the operational safety and efficiency with its new fleet of prime movers, equipped with advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Speaking on this development, Ravinder Johal, Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, Operations & Commercial, Middle East, North Africa & Subcontinent, DP World, commented, “At DP World, the safety and security of our cargo and truckers are our top priorities. By incorporating advanced technology in our new fleet of trucks, we are proud to support the government’s vision for enhanced road safety. This advanced safety system will ensure superior stability, particularly when transporting high-risk cargo at high speeds. DP World remains steadfast in their mission to lead the industry in safety and innovation, continually striving to provide the best-in-class solutions.

This is a very favourable scenario for Spanish companies to take advantage of the opportunity to do business in a large area with a promising future. As for its clientele, Sierra pointed out that they are leading companies in their sector that want to internationalise. Regarding the cultural differences between Arab countries and Spain when it comes to doing business, Aresbank executives were unanimous: "the Arab world appreciates the Spanish business community, because they know that we are serious people. If you go with serious projects and contact the right people, there is a good chance that they will go ahead. We Arabs and Spaniards understand each other very well and we are delighted to do business together,’ Grijota concluded.

Security detail dispatched by request for 24-hour roadside assistance call-outsAim is to be the benchmark for customer satisfaction in the industry. WePledge is the answer for peace-of-mind and ownership satisfaction for the duration of all Stellantis vehicles’ warranties. Three additional promises underscore the company’s dedication to quality assurance and customer satisfaction. With an extensive portfolio of trusted brands, Stellantis South Africa continues to launch customer-centric initiatives that set new standards for quality, reliability, and convenience. For more information, visit www.stellantis.comX @Stellantis Facebook Stellantis LinkedIn Stellantis YouTube StellantisFor more information, contact:Deidre du Plessis +27 76 240 0098 – deidre.duplessis@stellantis.comwww.stellantis.com

1st Place: Jon WardJon WardJon Ward of Vancouver, B.C. John is an investor relations and capital markets professional, leading investor engagement and marketing initiatives for Inventa Capital companies. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, and now based in Vancouver, Jon combines global perspective with industry knowledge to drive growth and connect companies with strategic investment opportunities. For the past decade, she has been with Ausenco, where she currently serves as senior marketing manager for North America, leading strategic marketing initiatives that elevate brand awareness. Kevin Blackshaw3rd Place: Kevin BlackshawKevin Blackshaw of Bradford, Ontario, is the recipient of a 1 oz.

Global demand trends:The global PV module demand is projected to stabilize, with expected growth from 469-533 GW in 2024 to potentially 568 GW by 2025 in optimistic scenarios. The global PV module demand is projected to stabilize, with expected growth from 469-533 GW in 2024 to potentially 568 GW by 2025 in optimistic scenarios. Supply chain challenges:The PV industry is entering a mature phase, characterized by slower growth and the need for strategic capacity management. The PV industry is entering a mature phase, characterized by slower growth and the need for strategic capacity management. Gain exclusive insights into one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world.

Americans go to the polls on Tuesday to elect the new occupant of the Oval Office, famously known as the White House. The presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tight, according to analysts. For insight into the contest and what is at stake for both the Democratic and Republican parties, Esther Githui-Ewart spoke with Nola Haynes, a political scientist at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

The two main U.S. presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, are campaigning for the Black vote in North Carolina, one of the swing states that could determine who will succeed President Joe Biden on January 20. Rafael Saakov has more in this report narrated by VOA’s Anna Rice.