LOGISTICS-

AD Ports Groups broke ground on its project to modernize and expand Angola’s Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, according to a press release. The project looks to increase exports, reduce import costs, and bring new shipping lines to the port by way of infrastructure and tech upgrades. The group is investing an initial USD 250 mn for the first three years, a figure expected to reach USD 380 mn over the 20-year concession period.

ICYMI- AD Ports secured a 20-year concession agreement last year to operate and upgrade the port — which handles 76% of Angola’s general cargo volumes — and tapped two firms in April to work on the improvements. The upgrades, set to wrap up in 1Q 2027, will cover 192k sqm, boosting the terminal’s container capacity to 350k TEUs from 25k, while RoRo volumes will surpass 40k vehicles.

AI-

Presight inks two MoUs on AI with Azerbaijan: G42-backed data analytics firm Presight has inked two MoUs with the Azerbaijani government to advance the country’s artificial intelligence development, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf).

The details: An MoU with Azerbaijan’s Digital Development and Transport Ministry will see Presight provide AI strategy consulting to support the deployment of advanced AI technologies, digital government initiatives, and AI talent and startup development. A second MoU with the Science and Education Ministry will focus on developing Azerbaijani language models, AI tutors for students, and AI assistants for educators.

BACKGROUND- The two countries recently inked MoUs to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors, with sovereign wealth funds ADQ and Azerbaijan Investment Holding signing an agreement to collaborate on financial services and market connectivity.

CRYPTO-

Bybit + Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center to develop Vietnam’s digital asset landscape: Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit inked an MoU with Da Nang City Council, the Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center, and VeriSense Network Security to enhance Vietnam’s digital asset ecosystem, according to a press release. The partnership aims to develop Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s largest cities and economic centers, into a hub for international finance and innovation.

More details: The partners will focus on three core pillars: digital asset liquidity for global financial market connectivity, ecosystem connectivity to link Vietnam with leading international finance hubs, and infrastructure security to ensure a risk-controlled environment for blockchain innovation.

STARTUPS-

UAE launches youth training drive: The UAE cabinet launched a national campaign to train and develop around 10k young entrepreneurs, Dubai Ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a post on X. Backed by more than 50 public and private entities, the initiative aims to expand business incubation, create 30k jobs over the next five years, and open new avenues for economic growth, Khaleej Times reports.

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