Spotify is making music discovery more social with the launch of Messages, a new in-app feature for Free and Premium users aged 16+ in select markets. Messages let users share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly with friends and family in one-on-one conversations, complete with text and emoji reactions. The tool complements existing sharing via social platforms and makes word-of-mouth recommendations easier to track. Spotify says the feature not only enhances personal connections but also boosts discovery for artists and creators. With built-in encryption, reporting, and moderation, Messages aims to offer a safe, streamlined way to share and discuss Spotify content.

Apple Music has rolled out a global tool that lets users transfer their music libraries and playlists from Spotify and other platforms, including Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube Music. Powered by SongShift, the feature is now live in major markets like the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and Brazil. While most songs, albums, and playlists migrate seamlessly, podcasts and exclusive content may not transfer. For entrepreneurs, this move signals Apple’s aggressive push to lower switching costs, making it easier for users to leave competitors. The lesson: eliminate customer friction, and you’ll boost adoption.

Apple is deepening its push into audio by partnering with TuneIn, giving Apple Music users access to over 100,000 radio stations worldwide. This move positions Apple to compete more aggressively with Spotify, which has long dominated podcasts and live audio. For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: big players are not just focusing on one format but integrating multiple listening experiences — music, podcasts, and now live radio — into one ecosystem. The takeaway? Consumers value convenience and variety. Founders building in media, content, or tech should think about bundling experiences to keep audiences engaged and loyal.

Holo, a UAE-based fintech platform reinventing the home-buying journey, has secured $22 million in Series A funding—one of the largest rounds in the GCC this year. The round was led by Impact46 with participation from Mubadala, Rua Growth Fund, anb seed, MoreThan Capital, and others. By simplifying access to lenders and giving users greater transparency, Holo is addressing a traditionally opaque process. The funds will fuel expansion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, strengthen product development, and attract top regional talent. Backers see Holo as a catalyst for tech-driven, seamless homeownership in a rapidly digitising real estate market.

Circle has teamed up with Finastra to let banks integrate USDC stablecoin settlement into cross-border payments. Using Finastra’s payment hub, banks can settle transactions in USDC while keeping fiat instructions on both sides, combining blockchain speed with traditional banking reliability. This move comes amid a growing global interest in stablecoins, accelerated by regulatory frameworks like the U.S. GENIUS Act and corporate adoption by Walmart and Amazon. For entrepreneurs, this highlights a huge opportunity to develop fintech solutions that leverage blockchain-based settlements, streamline remittances, and prepare for the broader tokenisation of financial assets in global commerce.

Auditoria.AI has enhanced its AI-powered corporate finance tools with SmartResearch, a new agent designed for FP&A and strategic finance teams. The tool delivers natural language-driven financial analysis by integrating ERP, EPM, FP&A, and commercial financial data. The company also expanded partnerships with Oracle Cloud ERP and Workday’s AI Agent Partner Network, reflecting the shift toward AI-driven finance. Previously, Auditoria.AI’s SmartCustomer and SmartVendor agents automated AR and AP tasks. CFOs worldwide are increasingly investing in AI, with many boosting budgets by up to 19% for generative AI. SmartResearch enables finance teams to act faster, unlock insights, and make data-driven strategic decisions.

OpenAI has launched the Learning Accelerator in India, aiming to empower educators and learners with AI tools, research, and training. The initiative partners with institutions like IIT Madras, AICTE, and the Ministry of Education, distributing ~500,000 ChatGPT licenses over six months and offering specialised training programs. Tools like ChatGPT’s study mode provide step-by-step personalised tutoring, enhancing learning outcomes and critical thinking. The effort coincides with OpenAI’s first India office and regional leadership appointment, reflecting a major push to scale AI literacy, improve pedagogy, and support India’s ambition as a global leader in AI-enabled education.

Agentic AI—shopping assistants that execute purchases on behalf of consumers—is emerging as both a revenue opportunity and a fraud challenge for merchants. Transactions look normal, but verifying consent is difficult, exposing merchants to liability. To address this, Worldpay and Trulioo launched the Know Your Agent (KYA) framework with a Digital Agent Passport, cryptographically linking transactions to verified consumer consent. This ensures legitimate AI agents are trusted while minimising friction at checkout. Early use cases include bill pay, subscriptions, and routine purchases, with potential in complex sectors like travel. Verification, not friction, is set to define the future of agentic commerce.

Finchglow Holidays and Ethiopian Airlines have partnered to make travel between Nigeria and Ethiopia faster, easier, and more immersive. The alliance offers direct flights, simplified visa procedures, and tailored vacation packages, enabling Nigerians to explore Ethiopia’s UNESCO heritage sites, coffee ceremonies, and stunning natural landscapes. The partnership also strengthens economic ties, facilitating business travel and cross-border collaboration. Emphasising sustainable and responsible tourism, both companies are prioritising eco-friendly accommodations and culturally conscious itineraries. By connecting major African hubs, this collaboration not only sparks tourism growth between the two nations but also sets a precedent for a more integrated, competitive African travel network.

Ethiopia is embarking on a new era of tourism development, with the Ministry of Tourism spearheading reforms that position the sector as a key driver of economic growth. By revitalising existing attractions, developing new destinations, and upgrading infrastructure—including airports—the country is enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. Technology-driven initiatives and an updated tourism policy aim to boost efficiency, service quality, and competitiveness. Simplified visa procedures have already increased arrivals, generating $4.3 billion last fiscal year. Focused on inclusivity, Ethiopia’s approach ensures economic benefits reach all communities, offering a model for sustainable tourism development across Africa and reinforcing the country’s global tourism potential.

Kenya and Uganda are joining forces to present East Africa as a unified tourism destination, enhancing the region’s global appeal. The partnership introduces streamlined travel logistics, including visa-free movement for regional citizens and plans for a single tourist visa, making cross-border exploration easier. Anchored by the upcoming Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, the collaboration highlights East Africa’s cultural richness, wildlife, and scenic landscapes while attracting private sector investment in tourism infrastructure. By integrating marketing and services, the initiative strengthens regional networks, fosters economic growth, and positions East Africa as a competitive, accessible, and vibrant destination for international travellers.

Checkers is transforming grocery shopping in South Africa with the Xpress Trolley, the country’s first smart shopping cart. Customers can scan and bag items as they shop, track a live basket total, access personalised promotions, and navigate the store efficiently. Payment happens directly on the trolley, eliminating traditional checkouts for a seamless experience. Following successful employee trials at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell, 20 trolleys are now available—10 at Brackenfell and 10 at Constantia. The initiative aims to reimagine in-store shopping, combining convenience, technology, and personalisation to streamline the journey from entry to exit for all customers.

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