Latest news with #technologypark
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: KOM attracts 27 new projects worth $72mln in 2024
Muscat – Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), the technology park operating under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), attracted 27 new projects in 2024, drawing investments exceeding RO28mn across a total area of 48,000 sqm. This achievement reflects KOM's ongoing commitment to positioning Oman as a dynamic, knowledge-based economy driven by diversity, growth, and sustainability. Eng Jaafar al Ajmi, Director General of KOM, said that the cumulative investment volume at KOM had risen to RO312.52mn by the end of 2024. The number of projects has now surpassed 200, employing 2,621 individuals and occupying a total area of 759,566 sqm. Ajmi also outlined Madayn's upcoming development plans for KOM, including the construction of a multi-storey car park and the establishment of a 1.4MW solar photovoltaic power plant. He added that Madayn has completed infrastructure works related to the Ring Road project, launched a smart mobility initiative using e-scooters within KOM, developed a pedestrian walkway in the Boulevard Zone, and installed a new perimeter security fence around the premises. In alignment with Madayn's broader smart city initiatives and its commitment to enhancing Oman's business ecosystem, Ajmi highlighted KOM's successful field test of the RTK GNSS L700H tablet – an advanced GIS device used for surveying and mapping infrastructure. 'Additionally, KOM has partnered with Drone First Company to pilot the use of drones for cleaning building exteriors. This initiative aims to conserve water, promote the use of eco-friendly materials, and enhance sustainability in facilities management. It will also improve safety by reducing the need for manual labour in high-risk environments, while aligning with global trends in smart, efficient solutions,' he explained. Through Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Madayn continues to attract international and regional firms seeking to expand or relocate their operations within the Sultanate. KOM also plays a vital role in supporting start-ups and SMEs focused on technology and innovation by offering world-class infrastructure and comprehensive support services. Furthermore, KOM fosters collaboration between academic institutions and knowledge-driven enterprises, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation and knowledge exchange in line with Oman Vision 2040. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
North Warwickshire council backs Mira technology park amid legal row
A council has stood by its backing for plans to expand a technology park, despite a legal Mira Technology Park in Nuneaton is expected to create 2,500 jobs in advanced manufacturing and the automotive research industries, with expansion over four zones covering 200,000 square Warwickshire's planning and development board approved plans after discussions over extra traffic on the A5 led to a compromise to install traffic lights at the A5 junction with Woodford Lane, and ban right turns in and out of Drayton North Warwickshire Borough Council was served with a legal letter indicating its planning decision could face a judicial review. The borough council's head of development, Jeff Brown, said: "That letter indicates there is, in their view, highway evidence to show that unreasonable restrictions will come as a consequence of the proposal at this particular junction."They are not changing their view. Members can take their own view on that judgement but the recommendation is certainly that our position does not change." Plan 'fully supported' Objector Mark Simpson from Extra Room Self Storage, in Fenny Drayton, argued the plan would lead to his customers having to reroute so far, it would affect his business. He offered land to bring forward different development director Andy Macdonald addressed the board and noted that improvements had been "fully supported" by authorities including Warwickshire argued data from Extra Room Self Storage lacked "detail and accuracy". Warwickshire and Leicestershire county council highways teams backed Mira's plans, as did National Margaret Bell said it was "a fantastic strategic opportunity for North Warwickshire", adding: "Different solutions for both Drayton Lane and Woodford Lane have been looked at by at least three highway authorities." This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank funds second Tech Park in Mindelo
Cabo Verde has inaugurated the Mindelo Technology Park, completing the second campus of the TechPark CV project funded by the African Development Bank ( The facility aims to establish the country as a digital hub connecting Africa with global markets. The ceremony took place on May 6 with representatives from the government, industry, and development partners in attendance. The EUR 51.85 million TechPark CV project received EUR 45.5 million in financing from the African Development Bank Group, supporting both the Praia and Mindelo campuses. In an address, Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva highlighted the transformative impact of the technology park: "Today we inaugurate this technological park hub with the conviction that we are already celebrating a special moment here. Yesterday was on the beach in Sao Vicente, a modern infrastructure important for the development of the digital economy. We want to position the digital economy as one of the key sectors for the diversification of Cabo Verde's / Cavian economy, and increase the share of the digital economy in the GDP from around 7% to 25%." He further explained the goals of the project:'It is one of the sectors that create jobs and create quality jobs, simulates entrepreneurship and makes the capacity and talent of young people happen. We want to attract leading companies. We want to develop young digital entrepreneurship, startups and create well paid jobs." Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "These two events mark a turning point for the broader diversification of the economy of Cabo Verde and a landmark in its quest to become the digital gateway for Africa. These two technology park campuses will spark the spirit of digital innovation and spur the emergence of technology-enabled businesses that will propel the digital economy of Cabo Verde." Reflecting on the financial projections and potential impact, Dr. Adesina added, "The Technology Park will allow Cabo Verde to position itself to take advantage of the digital economy in Africa, which is estimated to add $180 billion to the GDP of Africa by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050. It will also allow Cabo Verde to benefit from the $16.5 trillion global digital economy by 2028." Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, shared his outlook on the project's cultural and economic significance: "TechPark CV is the realisation of our ambition to transform Cape Verde into a technology hub for West Africa. Our unique mid-Atlantic location creates a gateway for investments and business opportunities linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.' He added: 'The spirit of morabeza lies at the heart of what we're building – a welcoming environment where innovators from different backgrounds and cultures can collaborate and thrive together. Through this project, we're not just building a digital hub; we're fostering a community where technology drives economic growth and sustainable development for Cape Verde and our international partners." Project architect Fernando Mauricio Dos Santos, whose design balances technological needs with environmental considerations, noted: 'The campus features a secure, basement-level data centre that ensures national security while harmonizing with the surrounding residential area. The U-shaped building's orientation provides protection against northeast winds while maximizing southern light exposure, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. A specialized technical box discreetly houses heavy refrigeration equipment, allowing the facility to blend advanced technology capabilities with Mindelo's existing urban landscape.' The Mindelo facility includes a data centre, a business incubation hub, and a training centre. The campus currently hosts ten companies from four countries and employs 125 young professionals, with 80% of its 25 office spaces occupied. The facility operates as a special digital economic zone, offering tax incentives to businesses specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health solutions. In closing remarks, Dr. Adesina offered words of encouragement to the entrepreneurs and businesses establishing themselves at the technology park: "You will make it! You will grow! You will thrive!! Just like out of Mindelo the young voice of Cesaria Evora grew until it took the world by storm, so will the Mindelo Technology Park rise to become a gateway for innovation that will resound across Africa and the world. So, keep moving on and moving up!" Both campuses of TechPark CV are now operational. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). 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:
