Latest news with #Vision2025
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Vodacom nearly doubles customer base as African expansion fuels revenue surge
Looking ahead, Vodacom plans to integrate Vision 2030 into its operations, aiming for double-digit Ebitda growth. Vodacom has expanded its footprint across Africa as part of its Vision 2025 strategy, acquiring Vodafone Egypt and extending network connectivity into Ethiopia through a Safaricom-led consortium, CEO Shameel Joosub said in the group's annual report released on Friday. The move has helped Vodacom nearly double its customer base, from 115.5 million in 2020 to 211.3 million in 2025, including Safaricom. Revenue rose from R91 billion to R152.2 billion over the same period, while the company's profit and revenue profile increasingly reflects its broader, more diversified operations. To meet growing data demand, Vodacom invested R20.3 billion in network infrastructure during the 2025 financial year, down slightly from R20.4 billion the year before. Improved energy availability reduced the need for resilience investments, enabling the group to focus more on network expansion. Vodacom's 4G sites increased by 7.2% in 2025, bringing total network sites – including Safaricom – to nearly 48000, up from 31 000 in 2020. The company now ranks among Africa's largest tower owners. Smartphone penetration across the group reached 64% in 2025, including Safaricom customers, supporting Vodacom's broader digital inclusion efforts. The group also acquired a 5G licence in Egypt, adding to spectrum acquisitions in Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania in 2024, and in South Africa the year before. 'This, alongside our focus on handset financing, rural coverage and digital inclusion, unlocks growth opportunities beyond mobile,' Joosub said. Looking ahead, Vodacom plans to integrate Vision 2030 into its operations, aiming for double-digit Ebitda growth. The strategy will be driven by expanding fixed and mobile connectivity, deeper smartphone and data penetration, and acceleration of digital and financial services. 'Africa's strong population growth, urbanisation trends, a more favourable GDP outlook, and a youthful population all support long-term demand for digital services,' Joosub said, while cautioning that the group remains pragmatic in managing risks. Joosub said while the group was well equipped to manage challenges within its control, it recognises the need to partner with like-minded stakeholders and participate in industry-wide cooperation and infrastructure sharing asthe sector matures. Vodacom will also continue working with partners to expand infrastructure sharing, particularly in rural and fibre networks, while scaling its "Tech for Good" platforms to support broader access and shareholder value. Executive pay and legal updates Joosub earned R39.1 million in 2025, up from R34m in 2024. Chief financial officer Raisibe Morathi received R17.3m, compared to R16.56 million a year earlier. On legal matters, Vodacom said it awaits the Constitutional Court's decision after applying for leave to appeal a February 2024 ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal in the long-running 'Please Call Me' case. The hearing was held on November 21, 2024. Separately, the company has appealed an October 2024 decision by the Competition Tribunal blocking its proposed investment in fibre operator Maziv, part of Community Investment Ventures Holdings (CIVH). The appeal is scheduled to be heard on July 22, 2025. "Our goal is to resolve the matter amicably and reach a timely conclusion," Vodacom said. BUSINESS REPORT
Jordan News
09-06-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Southern Badia: Hope Amid Pain – A Path to the Future - Jordan News
With profound sorrow, we watch the efforts to find the lost Haitham Al-Masbahin, a 17-year-old from Al-Hasa, my hometown, swept away by flash floods while herding livestock to support his unemployed father—a struggle shared by many in our community. Tragically, he drowned in deep phosphate mining excavations, underscoring the Southern Badia's vulnerabilities. We must confront these challenges with courage and honesty to forge real solutions for a sustainable future. اضافة اعلان Jordan's Badia, covering over 80% of the country, sustains unique ecosystems and resilient Bedouin communities but faces climate change, water scarcity, and economic marginalization. Unemployment exceeds 20%, and water shortages deepen food insecurity. Yet, the Badia's rangelands and cultural heritage hold potential for ecotourism, renewable energy, and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). Jordan's Vision 2025 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aligned with the Green Growth National Action Plan 2021–2025, prioritize sustainable development, but progress in the Southern Badia lags. As a vital yet overlooked region, the Southern Badia shapes Jordan's political landscape and regional stability. Its economic, social, environmental, and political challenges demand urgent action to strengthen governance, foster cohesion, and bolster Jordan's role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East. Key Challenges in the Southern Badia Economic Marginalization : The Southern Badia, one of Jordan's poorest regions, suffers from high unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented governance. Without viable economic projects, communities rely on livestock herding, increasingly unsustainable due to desertification and costly fodder. Ineffective water harvesting policies push residents toward low-wage garment factories with poor conditions and minimal training. This economic hardship fuels discontent, reflecting grievances against inequality and government neglect. Temporary measures, rather than comprehensive reforms, risk escalating tensions, threatening Jordan's stability. Without bold economic action, protests may emerge, challenging modernization efforts. Weakened Local Leadership: Successive governments have sidelined the Southern Badia's active leaders, appointing officials disconnected from local realities. This has widened the gap between state policies and community needs, undermining development. My initiative to unite six Southern Badia municipalities into a cohesive union in 2008, as Mayor of Al-Hasa, aimed to bridge this gap, but ongoing marginalization has fueled political apathy. Recent parliamentary and municipal elections saw low turnout, with youth supporting opposition parties like the Islamic Action Front, driven by unemployment and lack of opportunity. This trend threatens Jordan's political modernization. Drug Proliferation Perceived state neglect has allowed drug use, particularly hashish laced with hallucinogens, to rise in the Southern Badia. While small-scale dealers are targeted, larger networks operate unchecked, increasing crime and accidents. The lack of addiction data, especially among minors, hinders solutions. Screening tests and robust anti-drug strategies are urgently needed to address community anger and restore safety. Jordan's Role in Regional Stability Jordan's ability to address the Southern Badia's challenges is critical to its role as a pillar of stability amid conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and the Israeli-Palestinian arena. Its moderate foreign policy, peace treaty with Israel, and counterterrorism partnerships with the U.S. and NATO allies underscore its strategic importance. Investing in the Southern Badia can enhance this role, fostering resilience and reinforcing Jordan's image as a model of stability. Steps Toward a Sustainable Future : To transform the Southern Badia, I propose: Economic Empowerment:Establish a (real and effective) vocational training center in Al-Hasa, repurposing Jordan Phosphate Company buildings to teach skills like heavy machinery maintenance and digital technologies, creating 500 jobs by 2027 (aligned with the Badia Ecosystem and Livelihoods Project). Develop phosphate processing plants for fertilizers with environmental safeguards, invest in copper mining, and promote ecotourism. Expand water harvesting for rangeland reclamation, boosting livestock productivity by 15%, as in IUCN's EbA pilots. Strengthened Governance:Build on my 2008 initiative uniting six Southern Badia municipalities (Al-Hasa, Al-Qatrana, Al-Jafr, Al-Husseiniya ...) into Jordan's first Municipal Union, which grew to 29 members. This union coordinated budgets (500,000–750,000 JOD annually per municipality), shared resources, and advocated for regional needs, enhancing governance and community representation. Reviving and expanding such unions can empower local leaders, bridge policy gaps, and boost participation. Appoint competent governors who understand the Badia, fostering inclusive community partnerships. Anti-Drug Measures: Conduct addiction screenings to assess drug prevalence and develop rehabilitation programs. Strengthen law enforcement against drug networks, supporting community-led prevention. Regional Leadership: Leverage Badia investments to enhance Jordan's mediation in peace processes and counterterrorism, reinforcing its stabilizing role. Haitham's tragedy is a call to action for Southern Badia. By addressing economic marginalization, revitalizing governance through initiatives like the Municipal Union, combating drugs, and investing in sustainable projects, Jordan can unlock the region's potential. These steps will uplift Badia communities and fortify Jordan's stability and regional influence. The time for bold solutions is now. Eng. Rana Khalaf Al-Hajaia Email: [email protected] Phone: +962 79 727 4707
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Remote sensing satellite project: VTT Global and SUPARCO collaborate on roadmap strategy
ISLAMABAD: VTT Global (Private) Limited, Pakistan's leading strategy and management consultancy firm, held a high-level workshop with SUPARCO to strategise the roadmap and potential impact for Pakistan's upcoming remote sensing satellite project and the broader expansion of space-based geospatial infrastructure. This satellite launch will unlock transformative impact across Pakistan's economic resilience, fiscal planning, space innovation, data sovereignty, and development priorities, anchoring the nation's place in the emerging global geospatial ecosystem. Designed through VTT's multidisciplinary approach, the project integrates legal, financial, and technical frameworks to ensure strategic alignment with Pakistan's Vision 2025, National Space Policy 2023, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015. Space technology: PM expresses his desire to enhance ties with China Based on the proposed model for public-private partnerships, investment mechanisms, and regulatory pathways, the project has vast potential. It can catalyse entrepreneurial advancement and drive Pakistan's long-term economic sustainability. Moreover, with enhanced access to real-time, high-resolution satellite data, the initiative promises wide-ranging implications. These include agricultural optimisation, climate adaptation, national security, urban planning, and disaster risk management. Ultimately, this initiative positions Pakistan to build a self-sustaining, space-enabled knowledge economy by reducing dependence on external systems and contributing to long-term GDP growth through sovereign geospatial intelligence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Marlin ISD accepts superintendent's resignation
Marlin, Tx (FOX44) – In a special Tuesday night board meeting, Marlin ISD trustees voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Darryl J. Henson. Dr. Henson leaves Marlin ISD after five years of what the board termed ' transformative' leadership, having come at a time when the district was having what the board called 'significnt challenges.' The resignation will be effective September 1. Board members praised him for achieving monumental improvement not only in academics but in athletics and bringing about improvement in district facilities. Dr Henson said he believed with the successful completion of the district's strategic plan, Vision 2025, he believes now is the right moment for new leadership to advance the district's vision. A board statement said Dr. Henson will serve in an advisory role to the Board and the newly hired Superintendent through the 2025-26 school year, supporting a seamless transition of leadership. 'It has been an honor to serve the Marlin community as their Superintendent and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together,' Dr. Henson said. 'Marlin ISD is on a strong path forward and I look forward to watching the district continue to thrive.' 'Dr. Henson`s dedication has revived our schools, energized our community, and positioned us for sustained success,' said Marlin ISD Board President Billy Johnson. 'We thank him for his service to our students, faculty, and community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan for creating growth opportunities
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has emphasised the need for creating more opportunities for economic growth and mutual stability within the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) region. "We believe in transforming challenges into opportunities," he stated while addressing an ECO ministerial meeting in Tehran on Monday. He was heading a delegation from Pakistan. The two-day huddle was attended by ministers from 10 member countries including Pakistan, Turkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Delegates from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and host country Iran also participated. Abdul Aleem Khan said that Pakistan holds strategic importance in the region and was particularly committed to developing road networks, enhancing land connectivity and establishing trade corridors. He reiterated Pakistan's priority to strengthen ties among ECO member states while referring to the Vision 2025 established during the ECO summit held in Islamabad in 2017. The communications minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to integrate Pakistan's rail and road corridors with the broader ECO network. In that regard, he cited major projects such as CPEC and aligning with the Euro-Asian Transport Links and the Asian Highway Network as national priorities. He elaborated that Pakistan has connected its northern border at Khunjerab to the seaports of Gwadar and Karachi and has also developed road networks to create linkages with Iran and Afghanistan. "Pakistan is undergoing a digital transformation in the communications sector, which will bring substantial long-term benefits," he remarked.
