Melio AI has launched Highwind, Africa’s 🌍 first AI marketplace, offering businesses affordable, scalable AI solutions starting at just $50. With ready-to-use AI models available through flexible pricing plans, Highwind simplifies adoption for use cases like document processing, fraud detection, and customer service 🤖. The platform bridges the gap between costly custom solutions and rigid tools, allowing businesses to enhance their offerings and enabling data scientists to deploy and monetise their models with ease 📈. Pret A Manger is launching its first African 🌍location in Johannesburg on 14 February, with a menu featuring both global favourites and South African-inspired items 🇿🇦. The launch follows Millat Group's acquisition of exclusive brand rights in South Africa, with a second store opening in Rosebank in March. Unique menu offerings include Soutvleis Sandwich, Chakalaka Chicken Wrap, and Milk Tart Temptation Pot, blending global appeal with local flavours to cater to South African tastes 🍴. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) have launched a €15 million partnership for the I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs 3 (IPAE 3) fund 🤝, focused on boosting local businesses in sectors like agriculture, health, and energy. The initiative aims to create 4,000 jobs, 40% for women, and supports SMEs in West Africa 🌍and Madagascar 🇲🇬. This marks the fourth collaboration between EIB and I&P, promoting sustainable development and responsible entrepreneurship. Imbanita Consulting and ION Exchange have signed an MoU to address South Africa's 🇿🇦 water and energy challenges. The partnership aims to alleviate load-shedding and water supply issues by applying lessons learned from India’s 🇮🇳 success in overcoming similar problems. This collaboration, which strengthens bilateral ties between India and South Africa, is expected to make a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure and economic growth 📈.