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Qatar Airways Group announces intention to acquire 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia Represents a significant vote of confidence in Virgin Australia and Australian aviation. •    Cements a deeper strategic partnership that will strengthen competition in Australia’s skies, creating more choice and better value for Australians.  •    Provides access to scale and synergy benefits, further strengthening Virgin Australia’s financial resilience and underpinning the company’s continued strategic growth.  •    Enables a measured entry into long-haul international flying by mid-2025, with significant flow on benefits for Australian travellers and the Australian economy.    •    Delivers additional consumer benefits, including increased earn and redemption opportunities between Velocity and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club, as well as expanded code sharing arrangements and improved schedule and connectivity options.   •    Unlocks the potential for new areas of cooperation, including on sustainability initiatives and western Sydney’s aviation ecosystem.  The existing partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will be strengthened with today’s announcement that Qatar Airways Group intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital (subject to FIRB [1] approval). Qatar Airways is one of the world’s largest airlines and earlier this year was awarded the world’s best airline by Skytrax for the eighth time. [2] A deeper strategic relationship between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will drive increased competition in Australian aviation. This will ensure Australian consumers have access to even better value airfares and greater choice. Domestic competition in Australia is dependent on Virgin Australia thriving through the inevitable ups and downs of aviation. Qatar Airways Group’s strategic investment will provide access to the critical scale and expertise of a world leading global airline. The minority stake also serves as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of Virgin Australia into public ownership and the opportunity that would provide for Australians to share in Virgin Australia’s future. The equity investment by Qatar Airways Group will unlock new areas of cooperation with Virgin Australia, all of which will help to drive additional consumer and economic benefits. Subject to ACCC authorisation [3] this cooperation will enable Virgin Australia to launch flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha, connecting seamlessly into Qatar Airways’ global network. These extra flights will open up more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian travellers. The proposed wet lease services will begin in mid-2025, allowing Virgin Australia to assess the longer-term merits and viability of wide-body aircraft flying while providing Australians with greater local competition for

M-PESA Foundation supports education projects in Vihiga, Kisii and Bungoma counties The projects, worth over KES 90 million, are part of the Foundation’s efforts to enable access to education by providing infrastructure support to schools Learners at Chekombero Special School for the Deaf in Vihiga County, Mesabisabi Primary School in Kisii County and Myanga Primary School in Bungoma County are set to improve their education outcomes following infrastructure and equipment support from M-PESA and Safaricom Foundations. At Chekombero Special School in Vihiga, M-Pesa Foundation broke ground on an infrastructure project worth KES 50 million, which will entail the renovation, construction and furnishing of classrooms, dormitories, an administration block, an ICT lab, a kitchen and dining hall. The foundation will also drill and develop a borehole as well as construct sanitation facilities for learners and staff. “At M-Pesa Foundation, we believe in investing in our communities, particulary to access education, which is one of the most pressing issues that are critical for socioeconomic development. We want to expand education opportunities by supporting schools with infrastructure, focusing on the neediest cases,” said Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Chairman, M-Pesa Foundation. The Foundation also broke ground on school facilities worth KES 40 million at Mesabisabi Primary School in Kisii County, which will see learners at the school benefit from the construction and furnishing of classrooms, an ICT lab, and a school kitchen plus new toilets for learners. Meanwhile, at Myanga Primary School in Bungoma County, Safaricom Foundation handed over ICT equipment worth KES 500,000. The equipment consists of computers and projectors and routers for internet connectivity, and is set to empower learners at the school access digital learning. Since its inception in 2010, M-PESA Foundation’s education programmes have benefitted over 1.3 million learners in all 47 counties through initiatives such as its infrastructure development program, and the M-PESA Foundation Academy, which enrols disadvantaged children.

Emirates deepens presence in South Africa and adds fourth daily flight to Johannesburg; Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is bringing even more choice, connectivity and premium travel options to Johannesburg, by adding a fourth daily flight on the in-demand route. This follows the recent announcement of the second daily A380 between Dubai and Johannesburg, which launched on 1 September, reaffirming the importance of South Africa on the airline’s extensive global network. The fourth daily service will begin on 1 March, 2025, and will be operated on a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, offering an additional 708 seats in and out of South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport every day, broadening options for leisure and business travellers alike. EK767 will depart Dubai at 00:10hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 06:20hrs; the return flight, EK768, will depart Johannesburg at 10:15hrs arriving in Dubai at 20:15hrs, expanding the airline’s schedule to introduce a morning departure from Johannesburg. Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “South Africa has long been a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travellers connecting to and through Dubai, and the fourth daily flight enables us to better serve the growing demand for travel to and from the market. We’d like to extend our thanks to the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service, which reinstates the capacity we offered South Africa pre-pandemic, with 49 weekly flights, across three gateways. As we reflect on nearly three decades of operations to the market, we remain committed to driving inbound travel to South Africa, supporting the government as they aim make tourism the leading economic contributor and vehicle for transformation, as well as encouraging more inwards investment to the country.” The fourth daily flight further supports connectivity across Emirates’ global network of over 140 destinations, optimising schedules to key destinations including Dubai, Thailand and India as well as European hotspots such as UK, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Customers taking advantage of the expanded Emirates schedule to Johannesburg can reach a further 60 regional points in Africa via codeshare and interline agreements with four key partners. Emirates and South African Airways first established a codeshare arrangement back in 1997, and it remains one of the oldest partnerships in the airline’s history, enabling frictionless, single-ticket travel to and from all three South African gateways, including 12 destinations via Johannesburg. Unlocking greater connectivity, Emirates’ codeshare with Airlink opens up a further 44 regional cities, while its interline agreement with Cemair provides access to exclusive leisure points such as Margate and Plettenberg Bay. Similarly, the agreement with FlySafair enables travel to domestic points such as Port

Licensing of Digital Credit Providers; The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the licensing of an additional 27 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act). This brings the number of licensed DCPs to 85 following the last licensing of 7 DCPs as announced in June 2024. CBK has received more than 730 DCP applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their applications. Additionally, CBK has engaged other regulators and agencies pertinent to the licensing process, including the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner The focus of the engagements has been inter alia on business models, consumer protection and fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors, and management. This is to ensure adherence to the relevant laws and importantly that the interests of DCPs customers are safeguarded. We acknowledge the efforts of the applicants and the support of other regulators and agencies in this process. Details of the 85 licensed DCPs can be accessed on the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) website Other applicants are at different stages in the process, largely awaiting the submission of requisite documentation. We urge the remaining applicants to submit the pending documentation to enable completion of the review of their applications. Reports by the public on unregulated DCPs can be sent through dcps@centralbank.go.ke. The licensing and oversight of DCPs as indicated previously, was precipitated by concerns raised by the public about the predatory practices of the unregulated DCPs, and in particular, their high cost, unethical debt collection practices, and the abuse of personal information.

Absa Bank Kenya reaffirms its focus on affluent segment with an expanded offering;  Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its commitment to the evolving needs of modern-day customers, while reaffirming its focus on the affluent segment with an expanded, differentiated offering. The re-organised affluent offering is a key component of Absa Bank’s refreshed consumer banking business, which has transitioned from product-driven to a customer segments-led division driven by customer insights. The inclusive approach ensures that every customer, regardless of financial status, finds value in Absa’s offerings. As part of this, consumer banking is now classified into three segments: The NextGen consumer, Mass & Middle market consumer, and the Affluent Consumer. Speaking about the enhanced services, Absa Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, said Absa recognises that today’s banking space is shaped by evolving consumer behaviour and unprecedented market trends. “As the wealthy look for better returns, we are seeing new opportunities open across markets. We have seen a gap in how entry and mid-affluent consumers are served. With our strong history and loyal customer base, we are focusing on building even stronger relationships through personalized service and leadership in this space,” Mr. Muthui said. In response to evolving needs, Absa’s affluent banking has reorganised itself as a clear enabler, supporting customers to achieve personal, professional, and business goals.The expanded banking suite is based on a three-tiered structure designed to serve clients ranging from entry-level professionals and entrepreneurs with Prestige, to the mid-tier affluent with Premier, and the top-tier clients with Premier Wealth. As part of this commitment, the bank recently appointed a Director of Affluent Banking, reinforcing its dedication to providing services that meet the needs of customers throughout their financial journey. The Affluent Banking Report; Affluent Banking Launch 2024 Under the renewed approach, Prestige clients will be provided with financial guidance and opportunities tailored to their aspirations, helping them progress towards Premier segment. Likewise, Premier clients are supported in their unique journeys towards Premier Wealth segment. Each tier benefits from a dedicated team of specialists, offering personalized advice on wealth creation, investment growth, protection, and preservation, aligned with individual goals. Absa Bank Kenya Director of Affluent Banking Seema de Souza. On her part, Seema Desouza, the Director of Affluent Banking at Absa Bank Kenya, said: “Our affluent banking serves a broad spectrum of clients, driven by their unique insights to meet distinct financial goals and preferences. This laser focus reinforces our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of every segment we serve.” Among other benefits, Prestige customers will now have access to a retrenchment cover as well as a Platinum Card providing

TECNO Unveils AI-Powered Ecosystem for a Smarter, More Connected Africa First-ever AI Ecosystem Offers African Consumers Enhanced Creativity, Connectivity, and Personalization TECNO, Africa’s leading smartphone manufacturer and a global technology leader, announced the launch of its first-ever AI-powered ecosystem. Unveiled at an exclusive event, the ecosystem showcases a groundbreaking lineup of devices designed to revolutionize how African consumers connect, create, and engage with technology. CAMON 30S Pro From foldable smartphones to AI-enhanced laptops and smart assistants, TECNO is introducing a future where technology is more personalized, productive, and interconnected. “At TECNO, our mission is to create exceptional products that enhance people’s lives,” said [Peter Shi], TECNO Brand Manager. “With the introduction of AI, we are taking this commitment to the next level, offering innovative, practical AI features that blend seamlessly into the daily lives of our customers. As we celebrate 16 years in Africa, we continue to listen to our customers, using their feedback to fuel our product development.” The new AI-powered ecosystem consists of several innovative products including the flagship PHANTOM V Fold2 5G smartphone, CAMON 30S, and MEGABOOK T16 laptops. These devices are designed to meet the evolving needs of African consumers, providing powerful, AI-enhanced tools for creativity, connectivity, and productivity. Key Products in TECNO’s AI-Powered Ecosystem PHANTOM V2 SERIES TECNO, foldable flagship smartphone, the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, features a 120Hz 6.42″ outer screen and a stunning 7.85″ main screen. The foldable design delivers a premium, versatile experience for work, play, and entertainment. Equipped with a 5750mAh battery and 70W Ultra Charge, the phone supports all-day use, while the 5-lens camera system offers ultra-clear, low-light photography and professional-grade portraits. CAMON 30S For the style-conscious, the CAMON 30S combines sleek design with cutting-edge camera technology. The 6.78″ Full HD AMOLED curved screen and Dolby Atmos sound system provide an immersive experience, while the 50MP Sony IMX890 OIS main camera ensures outstanding landscape, night, and portrait photography. The 45W supercharge feature ensures the 5000mAh battery charges quickly for life on the go. MEGABOOK T16 Series TECNO’s MEGABOOK T16 and T16 Pro laptops are built for professionals, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, large batteries, and Ice Storm Cooling Systems for sustained high performance. These AI-enhanced laptops include tools like AI Image Generation and AI Copilot for writing and coding tasks, ensuring users can work efficiently. SPARK 30 Offering premium features at an affordable price, the SPARK 30 delivers excellent photography capabilities with a 64MP SONY IMX682 main camera. Its slim design and detailed exterior ensure the device stands out in the entry-level market. AI-Powered Features:

Centum Real Estate has handed over luxury apartments to buyers of phase 2 of the Loft residences located at the Two Rivers commercial and residential complex. The handover on Saturday, September 28 marked yet another milestone for Centum Re, which has built to completion thousands of homes in Nairobi, Kilifi and Entebbe in Uganda. Centum Re Managing Director Kenneth Mbae said investors snapped up phase 2 of the Loft Residences way before their completion. “We are proud to have actualized our sales pitch and met the aspirations of our investors. The rapidly growing waiting list of prospective tenants at our Two Rivers model development avails a basket load of wealth creation opportunities to investors,” said Mr Mbae. The high-end apartments were priced at between KES36 million and KES52 million “The introductory price was KES36 million only 24 months ago. They are all sold out and purchasers are enjoying these prices from the secondary market,” said Mr Mbae. The Centum Re boss said buyers of the houses are spread across six continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America & South America. About 90 percent of the buyers are investors; mostly business people,Kenyans living in the diaspora and expatriates. The units have attracted high rental income (more than 10 percent rental yield) and 25 percent capital appreciation. “My family is happy, we were off-plan investors in this project and the developer has exceeded our investment objective and created real wealth for us. They have linked us to a dollar rental market, provided access to long term fixed rate interest mortgage and created a world class neighborhood where certainly the residents will thrive,” said one of the Loft home owners. A fifth of the buyers (21 percent) are mortgage borrowers, while 79 percent are milestone-based cash payers. Four out of every five of the units have been listed for rent. “Given our proximity to the diplomatic blue zone of Gigiri and certification of Two Rivers, a number of diplomatic missions and multi nationals are taking up long-term leases on the property,” said Mr Mbae. The new units incorporated all the customer feedback from phase 1 of the project and include energy and water efficient technology that will save home owners a significant fraction of their utility bills. The biggest selling point for corporates and diplomatic missions is the location, close to the diplomatic blue zone, and the multiple connectivity to a number of locations including the airport through the extended road network. “We have enjoyed extensive support and referrals from our existing customers, the demonstrable track record of Centum RE to deliver high quality homes has been our biggest asset,” said Mr Mbae.

Watu Credit and Boda Boda Associations Join Forces to Tackle Motorcycle Theft Crisis Boda Boda stakeholders and Watu Credit in Lower Eastern met in Kibwezi and Wote, Makueni County, to strengthen efforts to eradicate the recent spate of motorcycle thefts that have afflicted the region. The meeting comes weeks after the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) Chairperson, Kevin Mubadi, called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rampant thefts threatening the livelihoods of thousands of boda boda riders. Speaking in Kibwezi, National Secretary General Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya Nehemiah Kinyua said, “It is vital that we have this engagement with key stakeholders, including security officers, boda boda associations and lenders, to find ways of eliminating instances of theft. What happened in Makindu recently should be a catalyst for action from everyone concerned,” “Our safety is a shared responsibility, and by joining forces, we can reshape this sector for the better.We are committed to continuous engagement, raising awareness on personal safety, and educating riders on theft prevention measures.”  Chris Rumenda, Head of Commercial at Watu. The meeting resulted in the forming of a multi-stakeholder alliance, which will oversee coordinated efforts between boda boda associations, Watu Credit, and relevant security organs to tackle the rising motorcycle thefts. The alliance aims to disrupt the criminal networks responsible for these thefts and provide long-term solutions for the sector. Watu Credit continues to empower communities by offering flexible payment plans to motorbike buyers and boda boda riders while enhancing security measures to safeguard their assets.

Moody’s Affirms Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) A3 Rating with a Change from Negative to Stable Outlook The decision by Moody’s is crucial for AFC to continue leveraging its top-tier credit ratings to achieve among the lowest borrowing costs of any institution in Africa Africa Finance Corporation (AFC),the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, announced that it has received an uplift to its credit ratings outlook from Moody’s Investors Service, with the assignment of a “stable” outlook. This decision further solidifies AFC’s position as one of the highest investment-grade African institutions, with Moody’s affirming the Corporation’s long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings at A3, as well as AFC’s short-term issuer rating at P-2. “Notwithstanding increased country risk in several of AFC’s countries of operation over the past year, asset performance has proven resilient amid effective credit protections,”Moody’s analysts stated in its latest report. “The stable outlook also reflects management’s governance track record and early intervention capacity to mitigate materializing risks at an early stage.” Moody’s A3 rating affirmation reflects AFC’s adherence to its prudential guidelines to safeguard the Corporation’s intrinsic financial strength based on solid capital adequacy and high-quality liquidity buffers. In FY2023, the Corporation recorded outstanding financial performance with Capital Adequacy Ratio increased to 34.5% from 34.3% in 2022 and Cost-to-Income Ratio improved to 19.6%, from 22.7% in 2022. Additionally, the Corporation recorded Liquidity Coverage Ratios (LCR) of 161% and 143% under normal circumstances and a stress scenario respectively, significantly higher than the Corporation’s LCR requirement of greater than 100% in both scenarios. The decision by Moody’s is crucial for AFC to continue leveraging its top-tier credit ratings to achieve among the lowest borrowing costs of any institution in Africa, for transformational infrastructure projects in power, natural resources, transport, and technology that drive rapid industrialisation and job creation on the continent. Landmark initiatives include Djibouti’s first wind farm, with AFC as lead developer advancing plans to become the first African country wholly reliant on renewable sources for energy, and the Lobito Corridor rail project, with AFC again as lead developer working alongside the US, European Union and governments of Angola, DRC and Zambia to mobilise industry and connect the Atlantic and Indian oceans. “Amidst the current challenging global macroeconomic and financial conditions, we are pleased to receive such strong endorsement from Moody’s, a key lever in our access to global capital markets,”Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said “It reinforces our position as the resilient and reliable partner for a more prosperous African future and an indispensable

Britam Foundation, in partnership with Davis & Shirtliff, launched a solar-powered borehole rehabilitation project at Oloolua Primary School in Kajiado County. This project is part of the Lea Salama Initiative, aimed at enhancing holistic well-being and early childhood education through sustainable solutions. Oloolua Primary, one of Kenya’s largest primary schools with 3,200 students, had faced severe water shortages after their borehole broke down. Water was sourced through community contributions, which could not meet the growing needs of the school. By installing a solar-powered pumping system, the school and community now has access to a sustainable, reliable, and affordable water supply. This project not only tackles waterborne diseases, improving student health and attendance, but also enhances the overall learning environment by allowing students to focus more on their education. The use of solar energy ensures long-term sustainability, helping the school manage its resources while fostering eco-friendly practices. The integration of solar power in this project underpins the holistic development of the children, promoting a balance between their physical well-being and academic growth, contributing to a thriving community.