Latest news with #Côte d'Ivoire
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
ORUN Studios unveils its immersive narrative universe in Abidjan, on the sidelines of International Exhibition of Audiovisual Content (SICA) 2025
On the occasion of the International Exhibition of Audiovisual Content (SICA), ORUN Studios ( officially launched at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan. Conceived as a Pan-African studio for visual storytelling, animation, and immersive creation, ORUN Studios aims to give Africa back the power to tell its own worlds — through its forms, rhythms, and symbols. This launch is more than just an inauguration: it is a manifesto. A manifesto from a continent choosing to craft its narratives from within, using a contemporary language while honoring its legacies. ORUN thus opens up a new narrative space that is rooted, bold, and intergenerational. For the first time, the public is invited to discover the universe of ORUN, envisioned as a creative empire built around seven symbolic kingdoms, each representing a core priority for Africa: health, education, culture, ecology, craftsmanship, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure. Through these worlds, ORUN Studios lays the foundation for a contemporary African mythology, designed to reconnect younger generations with their living memory — using a language they understand: 3D animation, comics, and immersive design — to help them build the future. An immersive, sensory, and proudly Pan-African launch The highlight of the event is an immersive installation inside a 6-meter geodesic dome, conceived as an audiovisual portal into the worlds of ORUN. Video mapping, spatialized sound, dance, and visual storytelling are combined to offer a 360° artistic experience. The program also includes: Thematic talks on contemporary African imagination A Pan-African creative challenge around the ORUN universe B2B meetings between studios, creators, investors, and institutions Contributions from artists, thinkers, and influencers from the continent and the diaspora Exclusive immersive sessions for the media On the occasion of its launch at SICA, ORUN Studios had the pleasure of collaborating with Loza Maleombho — a visionary designer committed to the continent's development — who led the artistic direction of the stand. A vision rooted in autonomy and transmission 'ORUN Studios is a house of stories for an Africa that no longer waits to be narrated but speaks out with confidence. Our ambition is to build a bridge between African roots and future technologies. ORUN Studios aims to heal forgetting through image — it speaks to youth in their language, so they can remember, take root, and rise,' says Habyba Thiero, Founder of ORUN Studios. An initiative led by Africa Currency Network (ACN) ORUN is an initiative by the Africa Currency Network (ACN), a strategic group of Pan-African experts committed to the continent's structural transformation and a member of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC). Driven by the belief that Africa must build its own systems, stories, and talents, ACN designs sustainable solutions in the fields of finance, culture, digital inclusion, and creative education. Its approach is based on three core pillars: Financial inclusion Intergenerational impact Africa's internationalization Through these interconnected pillars, Africa Currency Network envisions a continent that is financially autonomous, culturally vibrant, and globally influential. By combining economic strategies with cultural affirmation, ACN fosters an ecosystem where African talent thrives and takes the lead — recognizing that transformation requires strong social, cultural, and economic frameworks centered on African agency. Location: Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire – Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Dates: June 26–28, 2025 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN Studios. Media contact&RSVP: contact@ +225 05 00 54 68 68 Follow Social Media (@ OrunAfrica on): Instagram TikTok YouTube LinkedIn Official Website:
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Marriott to add over 50 new properties in Africa by 2027
Marriott International has announced plans to expand its footprint in Africa with the addition of more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027. As part of its growth strategy, the group plans to enter five new markets — Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritania — while strengthening its presence in existing destinations including South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria. Marriott currently operates nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 African countries. "We are witnessing a transformation of Africa's tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector," says Jerome Briet, chief development officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa. The planned expansion will focus on luxury, premium, and select-service brands, with significant growth anticipated for Protea Hotels by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and an increasing appetite for branded residential projects. More than 30% of the anticipated additions are expected to be conversions and adaptive reuse projects. "Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations," adds Karim Cheltout, senior vice president – development, Middle East and Africa. Source: Supplied | Morea House, Autograph Collection North and East Africa drive growth North and East Africa account for over 60% of the group's planned pipeline on the continent. In Egypt, Marriott expects to debut Aloft Hotels in Africa with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay on the North Coast in 2027. More than half of its projects in the country will involve conversions or adaptive reuse. Morocco will see the introduction of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, with a Casablanca property scheduled for 2027. In East Africa, the company continues to build on demand for safari lodges and adventure travel. Following the launch of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, six new safari properties are scheduled by 2027. These include The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya) and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania), both expected this year. Its portfolio in Tanzania is set to more than double over the next two years, while five new properties are planned for Kenya, including two Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Nairobi. Uganda will see its first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments open in Kampala before the end of 2025. Expansion targets in West Africa In West Africa, Nigeria remains a key focus, with six new hotels expected by 2027, including the country's first Courtyard by Marriott properties in Abuja. The group is also preparing to debut in three new West African markets. A Four Points by Sheraton is scheduled to open this year in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. Côte d'Ivoire will welcome an Autograph Collection Hotel in Assinie-Mafia in 2027, while a Sheraton Hotel is due to open in Nouakchott, Mauritania, later this year. Source: Supplied | The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Southern and Central Africa growth steady South Africa — Marriott's largest African market — will see the addition of Morea House, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Cape Town this year, followed by a new property within Kruger National Park in 2026. The company will also open a Protea Hotel by Marriott and a Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, by the end of 2025. In Madagascar, a Delta Hotels by Marriott is due this year, with a Protea Hotel in Antananarivo planned for 2026. The expansion plan includes a Le Méridien hotel in Cameroon, expected in 2027. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
TUI Hotels & Resorts contributes to growth in Africa with strong leisure hotel brands
TUI Blue and TUI Suneo extend their portfolio in North Africa New openings planned in The Gambia and Côte d'Ivoire New luxury brand The Mora celebrates its first anniversary TUI Group ( continues to expand its hotel business worldwide and pursues ambitious plans to support the African hospitality industry. With its 12 leisure hotel brands, TUI offers unique experiences for holidaymakers and invites them to enjoy the respective region with its culinary delights, natural beauty and cultural heritage. A few weeks ago, the brands TUI Blue and TUI Suneo expanded their portfolio in Africa. In Egypt, TUI Blue Samaya with 143 rooms and an aqua park has been added to the premium brand's portfolio. The hotel is located in the growing destination of Marsa Alam. For holidaymakers looking for value for money, TUI Suneo Palm Beach Skanes in Tunisia has also opened its doors. With 294 rooms and a large garden area, the hotel is offering an attractive all-inclusive package with a wide range of sports and entertainment options. 'Together with our long-standing JV partners, we have more than 20 hotels in our pipeline that will open in Africa in the coming months and years', says Artur Gerber, Managing Director TUI Hotels&Resorts, at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa. 'We already have a strong presence in North Africa, the Cape Verde Islands and Zanzibar, but we are convinced that other destinations can also benefit from our strong leisure hotel brands.' For example, the lifestyle brand TUI Blue is planning its first hotel in The Gambia, which will open at the end of this year. The resort features 140 rooms and a unique location along Kotu Beach. 'With our expertise, along with management and franchise agreements, we are also attracting hotel partners in entirely new destinations. One example is Côte d'Ivoire, where the construction of a new TUI Blue hotel has just started and is scheduled to open in 2027', adds Wesam Okasha, Head of Global Development TUI Blue. Last year, TUI launched a new brand targeting the upscale market and selected Tanzania as its inaugural destination. The Mora Zanzibar has just celebrated its first anniversary, offering laid-back, contemporary luxury with highly personalized and flexible service. 'Our guest reviews show that The Mora is resonating strongly with this new audience and delivering an exceptional experience. We are very proud of this achievement and look forward to introducing more carefully selected The Mora hotels across Africa,' says Artur Gerber. TUI Hotels&Resorts' current portfolio in Africa comprises a total of 97 hotels with over 30,000 rooms across eight countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TUI Blue Hotels. TUI Group - Group Corporate&External Affairs: Natascha Kreye Corporate Communications Phone: +49 (0) 511 566 6029 About TUI Group: The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its over 20 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 18 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company. Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank Launches Inaugural Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M) to tell a New African Story on Regional Integration
The African Development Bank Group ( has unveiled its first edition of Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M.) during a colourful ceremony at the Sofitel Hotel, Abidjan. The event, held on Monday 26 May as part of the Bank's 2025 Annual Meetings, marks the beginning of a new African story – celebrating 10 years of investing in integration, while looking ahead to do more and better in the future. The magazine's pulse beats to the rhythm of opportunity and optimism – showing how African governments are investing in building connectivity with the African Development Bank at their side. With interconnected economies, a rapidly growing youth population, and growing human mobility – getting integration right is no longer a good option. It is an imperative. The event featured a cultural showcase, fireside chats, keynotes and the unveiling of I.A.M. With the Bank's new Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) firmly rooting Integrate Africa as a major pillar, the conversations centred on what is to come following 10 years of investing in Africa's integration, A Chronicle of Progress, a Canvas of Possibilities The I.A.M. chronicles momentum – showcasing how the Bank has planted seeds of transformation – in roads, rail, air transport, power pools, ports, one-stop border posts – all coming together to bridge Africa. It captures the spirit of a borderless Africa in motion, with opening articles from some of the Bank's leaders framing the vision; and influential voices driving integration through trade, transport, sport, health, and business – highlighting where progress is and what we must do next. The editors took to the streets of Africa – asking young people how integration can be accelerated – with the results captured in I.A.M.'s 'Views from the Ground' segment. Border officials, traders, entrepreneurs, students and innovators all speak with the same voice: Africa's integration is the most cogent development strategy the continent has. It must happen - and happen fast. In addition to profiling 12 Bank–funded transformative projects - in transport corridors, one-stop border posts, power pools, rail, ports, agriculture, pharmaceutical production, pandemic response – and much more; I.A.M. also highlights the Bank's work at the frontlines of tackling fragility by investing in building resilience. Africa's new magazine I.A.M. offers a story of development impact – and a rare glimpse into how Africa is driving its integration and forging effective partnerships to go to scale. From Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade's keynote address showcasing Bank-financed infrastructure, to Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo's reminder that integration must be a lived experience, the launch event left us in no doubt: we are on track – but can do much more, together. Looking Forward As Africa stands at this point of immense opportunity, I.A.M. invites us to celebrate what is working, to understand the scale of what's left to be done and urges us all to be the protagonist in creating an Integrated Africa. You can access the magazine here: Integrate Africa Magazine – AfDB Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Betty Duwouona-Hammand Communication and External Relations Department email: media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
