World
Insights into SPIEF 2024: Shifting Pathways Towards Global South
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
Conceptually, the idea of holding every year an international economic forum is unique to explore and navigate available potential opportunities generally for development and specifically for investment and trade. Established several years ago, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has earned its unique achievements through organisational strategy and consistent approach toward this serious gathering.
While analysing several emerging reports, first and foremost it offers us to understand the significance of this platform. It provides a unique opportunity for politicians, investors and corporate business executives as well as the young generation to interact network and ask questions to opinion leaders or trade experts, and to get better acquainted with the changing trends, investment climate adherence to traditional values, and adapting to diversities in business culture on the global landscape.
At the initial formative stages, SPIEF’s focus was largely on the United States and Europe as conceptualized, the nucleus results must harmonise trade and financial flows, and reflect on economic growth. After the Soviets crumbled and what else, the rising frequency of shuttling to the United States and Europe – Russia’s dream of becoming part of Europe. But that has changed during the past few years primarily due to the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine and due to the sudden geopolitical shift, the urge to move away from Global North to Global South. Without mincing words here, that is the undeniable reality.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin posted a greeting on his official website to the participants, organizers and guests underscoring the fact that the time has arrived to make the necessary departure away from the United States and Europe, and that “Russia is open to constructive dialogue and interaction with friendly partners” and strictly based on the principles of true equality, the consideration of each other’s legitimate interests, and respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of states and peoples.
Putin has previously used his address to share his assessment of the global economy and highlight issues on the domestic business agenda. He pointed to the fact that it is not only essential to maintain a stable trajectory of qualitative growth but also to capitalize on emerging opportunities, effectively develop competitive advantages, and boost potential in the fields of science and technology. Given this, it is crucial to preserve and strengthen business and investment ties between countries within the context of multipolar conditions.
The fact remains that Putin’s position overwhelmingly reflects the shift away from the post-Soviet dream of becoming part of prestigious Europe. As evolving developments show, the only alternative left for Russia is to become an indivisible part of Asia, an integral constituent of the Global South. Russia has invited Asian and African countries under the tagline: ‘The Foundation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World’ at the 27th gathering June 6 to 8 in St. Petersburg, the second largest city in the Russian Federation.
By Russia’s BRICS chairmanship, much of the business programme is devoted to issues related to long-term cooperation in spheres such as the financial and banking sectors, investment and trade, development of high technologies and pharmaceutical industry between BRICS members. China and India, the United Arab Emirates and Iran are prominent on the agenda. Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa have their positions and expectations from SPIEF.
Currently, due to global rivalries combined with political and economic tensions, Russia faces new ambitious tasks, including perceptions over the development of a ‘public-private partnership’ as the macroeconomic situation remains the practical key mechanism of interaction between the state and business. Here, Russia is relatively lost in the standard practice of private businesses, after its century-long under socialism and communism. In an assessment, corporate businesses are still centrally controlled under the ministries and in the Kremlin. The learning process of analytical and the importance of ‘public-private partnership’ for now is just a daily business slogan and a theory being frequently chuckled in the Russian Federation.
The biggest obstacle is related to the analysis of legal rules and regulations, and now Russia’s relations with the Global South, its characteristic efforts in creating the necessary conditions for advancing and attracting investments and promoting trade between Russia and potential countries in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Beyond business networking and participating in practical seminars and masterclasses, ultimately results in signing agreements. On the other hand, according to expert analysts, multiple agreements highlight distinctive achievements by the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“Stability and justice in a multipolar world are only possible if new centres of influence emerge, capable of offering their view on world problems and participating in the formation of a new world order. The development of new points of growth requires the active participation of different countries and regions that are ready to take responsibility for their future. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum creates opportunities for discussions at the highest level, scaling ideas, solutions and initiatives to all spheres of social life and activities of the countries participating in its work,” said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee.
According to Anton Kobyakov, about “6,000 people from more than 110 countries and territories have already confirmed their intention to participate in the forum. The international cooperation that occurs at SPIEF plays a key role in the development of mutually beneficial relations between countries and organizations. Participants share their experiences and make new connections. This builds trust between nations, expands markets, attracts investment, and creates a more favourable international economic environment. SPIEF is a platform for structured, focused dialogue between global business participants and government officials who contribute to the development of effective international cooperation.”
The programme consists of four (4) thematic tracks: “The Transition to a Multipolar World Economy”, “Goals and Objectives of Russia’s New Economic Cycle”, “Technologies for Leadership”, “A Healthy Society, Traditional Values and Social Development: The Priority of the State”. Roscongress Foundation, the organizer, has listed an international track which includes more than 10 business dialogues: EAEU–ASEAN, Russia–Africa, Russia–Latin America, Russia–China, Russia– South Africa, and other bilateral meetings.
More than 6,000 representatives of Russian and foreign businesses from over 3,000 companies located in 75 countries and territories took part in SPIEF 2023. More than 900 agreements worth a total of RUB 3,860 billion were signed (including 43 agreements with representatives of foreign companies, among them two with Italy and Spain.
In contrast, the SPIEF 2021 saw an unprecedented 890 agreements signed, eclipsing 2019’s 745 agreements worth a total of RUB 3.271 trillion. In addition, more than 150 international agreements were signed. That year, the total value of signed agreements not classed as confidential exceeded RUB 4.2666 trillion. Before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in December, the SPIEF 2019 recorded 745 agreements signed totalling 3.271 trillion roubles.
The main theme of this year’s forum is “The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World” and the SPIEF 2024, as always, the business programme includes panel discussions, round tables, public talks, and speeches. President Vladimir Putin delivers the keynote address full of all directions, including establishing trends and external economic relations. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be held on 5–8 June at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
For transforming cross-border payments through its deployment with Global Money Exchange, Comviva has been named Best In-Class Cross Border Payments.
The global leader in digital transformation solutions clinched this latest accolade at the IBS Intelligence Global FinTech Innovation Award 2025.
The recognition highlights how Comviva’s mobiquity Pay is helping shape a modern cross-border payment ecosystem that stretches far beyond conventional remittance services.
Deployed as a white label Wallet Platform and launched as Global Pay Oman App, it fulfils GMEC’s dual vision—positioning itself as an innovative payment service provider while digitally extending its core money transfer business.
The solution allows GMEC to offer international money transfers alongside seamless forex ordering and other services. These capabilities sit alongside a broad suite of everyday financial services, including bill and utility payments, merchant transactions, education-related payments, and other digital conveniences — all delivered through one unified experience.
“This award is a testament to Oman’s accelerating digital transformation and our commitment to reshaping how cross-border payments serve people and businesses across the Sultanate.
“By partnering with Comviva and bringing the Global Pay Oman Super App, we have moved beyond traditional remittance services to create a truly inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem.
“This innovation is not only enhancing convenience and transparency for our customers but is also supporting Oman’s broader vision of building a digitally empowered economy,” the Managing Director at Global Money Exchange, Subromoniyan K.S, said.
Also commenting, the chief executive of Comviva, Mr Rajesh Chandiramani, said, “Cross-border payments are becoming a daily necessity, not a niche service, particularly for migrant and trade-linked economies.
“This recognition from IBS Intelligence validates our focus on building payment platforms that combine global reach with local relevance, operational resilience and a strong user experience. The deployment with Global Money Exchange Co. demonstrates how mobiquity® Pay enables financial institutions to move beyond remittances and deliver integrated digital services at scale.”
“The deployment of mobiquity Pay for GMEC showcases how scalable, API-driven digital wallet platforms can transform cross-border payments into seamless, value-rich experiences.
“By integrating remittances, bill payments, forex services, and AI-powered engagement into a unified Super App, Comviva has reimagined customer journeys and operational agility.
“This Best-in-Class Cross-border Payments award win stands as a testament to Comviva’s excellence in enabling financial institutions to compete and grow in a digitally convergent world,” the Director for Research and Digital Properties at IBS Intelligence, Nikhil Gokhale, said.
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
At the end of an extensive consultation with African foreign ministers, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has emphasized that Moscow would advance its economic engagement across Africa, admittedly outlining obstacles delaying the prompt implementation of several initiatives set forth in Strategic Action Plan (2023-2026) approved in St. Petersburg during the Russia-Africa Summit.
The second Ministerial Conference, by the Russian Foreign Ministry with support from Roscongress Foundation and the Arab Republic of Egypt, marked an important milestone towards raising bilateral investment and economic cooperation.
In Cairo, the capital city of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Lavrov read out the final resolution script, in a full-packed conference hall, and voiced strong confidence that Moscow would achieve its strategic economic goals with Africa, with support from the African Union (AU) and other Regional Economic blocs in the subsequent years. Despite the complexities posed by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, combined with geopolitical conditions inside the African continent, Moscow however reiterated its position to take serious steps in finding pragmatic prospects for mutual cooperation and improve multifaceted relations with Africa, distinctively in the different sectors: in trade, economic and investment spheres, education and culture, humanitarian and other promising areas.
The main event was the plenary session co-chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptians Abroad Bashar Abdelathi. Welcome messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdelhak Sisi were read.
And broadly, the meeting participants compared notes on the most pressing issues on the international and Russian-African agendas, with a focus on the full implementation of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2023-2026, approved at the second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in 2023.
In addition, on the sidelines of the conference, Lavrov held talks with his African counterparts, and a number of bilateral documents were signed. A thematic event was held with the participation of Russian and African relevant agencies and organizations, aimed at unlocking the potential of trilateral Russia-Egypt-Africa cooperation in trade, economic, and educational spheres.
With changing times, Africa is rapidly becoming one of the key centers of a multipolar world order. It is experiencing a second awakening. Following their long-ago political independence, African countries are increasingly insisting on respect for their sovereignty and their right to independently manage their resources and destiny. Based on these conditions, it was concluded that Moscow begins an effective and comprehensive work on preparing a new three-year Cooperation and Joint Action Plan between Russia and Africa.
Moreover, these important areas of joint practical work are already detailed in the Joint Statement, which was unanimously approved and will serve as an important guideline for future work. According to reports, the Joint Statement reflects the progress of discussions on international and regional issues, as well as matters of global significance.
Following the conference, the Joint Statement adopted reflects shared approaches to addressing challenges and a mutual commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with a view to ensuring high-quality preparation for the third Russia-Africa Summit in 2026.
On December 19-20, the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held in Cairo, Egypt. It was held for the first time on the African continent, attended by heads and representatives of the foreign policy ministries of 52 African states and the executive bodies of eight regional integration associations.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Social media platform, TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance has signed binding agreements with United States and global investors to operate its business in America.
Half of the joint venture will be owned by a group of investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake and the Emirati investment firm MGX, according to a memo sent by chief executive, Mr Shou Zi Chew.
The deal, which is set to close on January 22, 2026 would end years of efforts by the US government to force ByteDance to sell its US operations over national security concerns.
It is in line with a deal unveiled in September, when US President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a law that would ban the app unless it was sold.
In the memo, TikTok said the deal will enable “over 170 million Americans to continue discovering a world of endless possibilities as part of a vital global community”.
Under the agreement, ByteDance will retain 19.9 per cent of the business, while Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based MGX will hold 15 per cent each.
Another 30.1 per cent will be held by affiliates of existing ByteDance investors, according to the memo.
The White House previously said that Oracle, which was co-founded by President Trump’s supporter Larry Ellison, will license TikTok’s recommendation algorithm as part of the deal.
The deal comes after a series of delays.
Business Post reported in April 2024 that the administration of President Joe Biden passed a law to ban the app over national security concerns, unless it was sold.
The law was set to go into effect on January 20, 2025 but was pushed back multiple times by President Trump, while his administration worked out a deal to transfer ownership.
President Trump said in September that he had spoken on the phone to China’s President Xi Jinping, who he said had given the deal the go ahead.
The platform’s future remained unclear after the leaders met face to face in October.
The app’s fate was clouded by ongoing tensions between the two nations on trade and other matters.
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