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Unveiling the Paphos Marina: A Landmark Multimillion-Euro Development

The long-awaited construction of the Paphos Marina is finally stepping into reality, set to transform Cyprus’s coastline with a blend of residential, commercial, and maritime excellence.The Ministry of Tourism is poised to initiate the tendering phase, inviting bids for this ambitious project on April 2, 2025, as announced in their official Brief report.

Strategically designed to include a full-scale Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer concession, the marina will host 1,000 vessels, with 650 sea berths and 350 on land for maintenance and storage. Located in Kissonerga, this expansive 155,000 square-meter facility will not only boost Cyprus’s maritime sector but also open official entry pathways to the country.

The bid process comprises two crucial phases: Expression of Interest, followed by the Invitation to Tender, with pre-selected candidates submitting comprehensive proposals.

Amid economic stakeholder input gathered by January 22, 2025, the goal is clear: attract the right investors and lock in advantageous concession terms for Cyprus. Additionally, the revamped infrastructure will offer luxury accommodations under long-term leases and modern administrative facilities.

This €400 million development, initially envisioned in 1990, promises to strengthen local tourism with state-of-the-art docking facilities, residential areas, and hotel accommodations. Business experts in Paphos continue to closely monitor the process, ensuring milestones are met to avert further delays.

Exciting times are ahead for maritime tourism as the final contract award is anticipated in early 2026, echoing a significant leap forward for Paphos Marina’s enduring vision.

Microsoft Bets Big On South Africa With $297M AI And Cloud Investment

Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to South Africa, pledging an additional 5.4 billion rand ($297 million) by 2027 to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in the country.

The announcement, made by Vice Chairman Brad Smith in Johannesburg, comes ahead of a key South African investment conference and adds to the 20.4 billion rand Microsoft has already poured into Africa’s most industrialized economy.

Driving Growth Through AI And Talent

Beyond boosting infrastructure, Microsoft is making a play for South Africa’s digital future. Over the next year, the tech giant will fund certification exams for 50,000 young people, equipping them with in-demand digital skills to fuel economic growth and innovation.

South Africa has struggled with sluggish economic expansion—averaging under 1% growth annually for more than a decade—and is actively courting private-sector investment to accelerate momentum.

Big Tech’s Race For Africa

Microsoft was an early mover in South Africa’s cloud computing race, launching data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town long before Amazon and Google entered the market. The company is now ramping up capacity with a new facility in Centurion, Gauteng, while also spearheading a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the move, calling Microsoft’s investment a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economic potential. “This company really has an African heart,” he said, underscoring the country’s efforts to position itself as a prime destination for global tech investment.

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