The United States is rolling out the welcome mat for soccer fans from around the globe. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities — 11 of which are in the United States.
Here are introductions to the 11 U.S. cities hosting soccer matches this summer that can be used on your website or social media properties.
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Quinton Aaron’s family have shared a positive update on The Blind Side actor after he was hospitalized after suffering a “spinal stroke.”
Quinton, 41, is feeling optimistic amid his recovery and looking forward to watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, the Aaron family said via a statement shared with Us Weekly on Friday, February 6.
“Quinton is in a jovial mood, now laughing and smiling and is communicating to the best of his ability while he continues to recover,” the statement read. “He’s watching TV and getting ready to root for his favorite team this weekend.”
Previously, the Aaron family confirmed on January 29 that Quinton had been admitted to an Atlanta hospital after suffering a “spinal stroke.” Quinton’s legs had stopped functioning as he was walking up stairs in his apartment, and he had collapsed as a result.
The family said at the time, “We acknowledge that you’ve heard about Quinton Aaron’s condition. We appreciate the overwhelming love, support and prayers that Quinton has received over the past few days from his fans, the public and our concerned community.”
In the statement, the family shared details on the status of the actor’s health at the time.
“He is alert, aware and recovering. The Aaron family has a lot to deal with for the betterment of their loved one, but will be sure to keep everyone posted regarding Quinton’s health as we see fit,” it continued.
Quinton Aaron.(Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for ACCF )
The family also noted that factual information regarding Quinton’s health will only be delivered by a “blood relative” via the family’s spokesperson and “lifelong friend” Liana Mendoza, urging the public to ignore misinformation from other sources.
News broke on January 25 that Quinton had been hospitalized. Days later, Quinton’s wife, Margarita Aaron, confirmed to TMZ that the actor was on life support but showing signs of improvement.
A GoFundMe page was set up by the Veterans Aids Network — an organization that Quinton has previously worked with. The page aimed to raise money to help support his family as he recovered from his health woes.
“Quinton is one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet,” the GoFundMe page stated. “He shows up for others. He encourages, uplifts and gives freely of himself, often without asking for anything in return. Today, he needs us to show up for him.”
The page added, “Quinton has spent his life inspiring others, reminding us that compassion and humanity still matter in this world. Now, as he faces one of the hardest battles of his life, let’s surround him and his loved ones with that same compassion, strength and care.”
Quinton is best known for his portrayal of former NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher in The Blind Side.Tim McGraw, Lily Collins and Sandra Bullock also starred in the 2009 film.
The actor also suffered a previous health scare in the last 12 months. In March 2025, he was admitted to a hospital with a fever and a bloody cough.
Quinton suspected he was experiencing Type A flu in addition to pneumonia before his release.
The woman who has claimed she’s “spiritually married” Quinton Aaron is no longer allowed at his bedside as The Blind Side actor recovers from his spinal stroke, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly — and she’s not denying it.
An insider close to Aaron’s family revealed that Margarita has been “banned” from Quinton’s hospital room as his family investigates their suspicions further.
“I’m OK with it, I’m at peace with this. Quinton and I pray a lot and believe in God and believe in a higher power. I can feel his presence telling me this will work itself out,” Margarita exclusively told Us on Wednesday, February 4, when asked about her alleged ban.
Aaron is “not talking” yet, so he has not asked about Margarita, the source said.
Margarita Aaron and Quinton AaronCourtesy of Quinton Aaron/Instagram
Us is told the actor’s loved ones decided as a family not to discuss Margarita with Aaron because they want to “protect” him from her and continue to focus on his recovery.
The insider claimed that before Aaron’s relatives went public with their suspicions, Margarita allegedly tried to isolate his relatives from his hospital bedside.
Margarita, however, denied that.
“Hospital staff even told me they were limiting visitation. They were only giving everyone five minutes once a day to be with him,” she said in response.
According to a source, one of Aaron’s family members confronted Margarita at the hospital. (On Tuesday, the star’s relatives raised alarm bells about the legitimacy of the pair’s marriage and accused Margarita of not being a registered nurse, as well as being married to someone other than Aaron).
“If his family confronted me, I’d like to know which one. Not one of his family members confronted me in the hospital, and if they did, they were an invisible ghost with a sheet because none of them showed up,” Margarita told Us. (Our insider scoffed at her response, saying she knows exactly which family member challenged her.)
The source claimed Margarita allegedly denied the allegations before later admitting to hospital staff she was “spiritually married” to the actor and not legally wed.
Margarita shared a different story when addressing the accusations.
“That’s not true. I didn’t admit that to [the] staff,” she claimed to Us. “But we are spiritually married. We are tied as one.”
“I used to literally beg his family to come see him or try to even FaceTime him in the hospital. He used to say no one loves me. They love me for my name and what I can bring them.”
Margarita does admit she is legally married to another man.
“I am separated from my ex and we are both working on this process to make sure a divorce gets finalized so we both can move on with our lives,” she explained. “I have watched Quinton in the hospital for seven days, I prayed, I watched this man go through trials and tribulations.”
Margarita wants the family to put down their swords.
“Instead of us fighting over him, let’s fight for his life and what is right,” she told Us.
“Since the health crisis of our beloved family member Quinton Aaron, we have raised some suspicions about the legitimacy of Quinton and Margarita’s marriage to each other, as well as her legitimacy as a registered nurse. We have found some alarming details,” they said in a statement provided to Us on Tuesday. “We as a family believe Margarita isn’t who she claimed to be to us. This has caused us to want to investigate her further.”
Aaron’s brother Jarred told TMZ that he believed Margarita was assisting in making “crucial and life-saving medical decisions.” (The outlet reported Margarita holds “no power of attorney” and has never made medical decisions on Aaron’s behalf.)
Last month, the family confirmed that Aaron had been put on life support at an Atlanta hospital after collapsing at home. They later shared he had suffered a “spinal stroke.”
“We acknowledge that you’ve heard about Quinton Aaron’s condition. We appreciate the overwhelming love, support and prayers that Quinton has received over the past few days from his fans, the public and our concerned community,” they said at the time.
An update on Aaron’s condition was shared via a GoFundMe on January 26.
“He is alert, aware and recovering. The Aaron family has a lot to deal with for the betterment of their loved one, but will be sure to keep everyone posted regarding Quinton’s health as we see fit,” the update read in part.
The campaign has raised almost $48,000 with more than 640 donations at the time of publication.
Fear Factor is back, and yes, it’s scarier than ever before.
Fox kicked off the 2026 new year by launching a reboot of the beloved reality show, now titled Fear Factor: House of Fear.
“I think the audiences are going to love this season,” host Johnny Knoxville shared in a trailer for the season. “We’re going to have all your favorites from the old Fear Factor but we’ve switched things up. We start with 14 competitors, and they live together now. There are beefs and broken hearts. Now there’s one winner for the whole season.”
In previews for the spooky new season, contestants will face their fear of snakes, heights, the ocean and some truly nasty food items. How does rotten egg pie and mouse tail pie sound for dinner?
“Some people are really trying to overcome their fears,” Knoxville shared. “Is it going to hurt? Yeah, but it stops hurting eventually.”
Us Weekly is breaking down all the burning questions about the show, including where Fear Factor: House of Fear was filmed. Keep scrolling to learn more:
Where Was ‘Fear Factor: House of Fear’ Filmed?
Serguei Bachlakov/FOX
Production for Fear Factor: House of Fear took place near Vancouver in Canada and was filmed around September 2025, according to Fox 5 Atlanta, who was able to visit the set and participate in one of the challenges.
The house used for the show was an existing property that could hold all 14 contestants.
Production chose the Metro Vancouver area because it has coastal land, hills and open space, allowing for a wide variety of challenge areas to be built in one general zone.
Some scenes were also filmed in Britannia Beach, which is a small community north of Metro Vancouver that has open land and access to water.
What Happened to the Original Host of ‘Fear Factor’?
When Fear Factor first premiered on NBC back in June 2021, Joe Rogan served as host. Although he once predicted that the show would be canceled quickly, it remained on NBC for seven seasons before briefly moving to MTV.
At the start of every episode, Rogan would tell viewers, “The stunts you’re about to see were all designed and supervised by trained professionals. They are extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
Rogan has since stepped away from reality TV and is the host of the top-rated podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Who Is Competing on ‘Fear Factor: House of Fear’ Season 1?
Chelsea, Ethan, Johnny KnoxvilleShane Harvey/FOX
Fourteen contestants from across the United States signed up for Fear Factor: House of Fear in hopes of winning the $200,000 grand prize.
Competitors include a high school teacher, flight attendant, stay-at-home mom and retired detective.
Former cheerleader Kristen Elèna was eliminated first, partly because she couldn’t handle a few too many snakes crawling around her.
Djimon Hounsou’s ex-girlfriend Riza Marie Simpson was arrested for allegedly assaulting the actor following a dispute over her living arrangement.
Simpson was booked on Friday, January 16, into the Atlanta City Detention Center, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly. The charge is listed as “battery — family violence,” the first offense for Simpson, per the filing.
The misdemeanor charge stems from an alleged incident that transpired in December 2025.
Hounsou, 61, claimed in December 2025 that Simpson hit him in the face “with a closed fist” after he attempted to kick her out of a home he owns, according to the incident report obtained by Us on Tuesday, January 20. (TMZ was first to report the news.)
Hounsou, who shares two children with Simpson, told the Atlanta Police Department officers at the time that kids were upstairs during the incident but didn’t witness the alleged assault. He noted that they might have heard the altercation, per the police report.
In the wake of Hounsou’s allegations, an arrest warrant was issued for Simpson by the Atlanta Police Department.
She was taken into custody on Friday for charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction after Simpson allegedly provided false information when confronted by officers, according to TMZ. Police reportedly noted that Simpson’s children were with her when she was arrested, claiming they could hear crying in the background when they knocked on the door.
Us can confirm that Simpson was released from the Atlanta City Detention Center on Tuesday after posting a $500 bond. She was then moved to Fulton County Jail due to the arrest warrant. A court date is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at 9 a.m. local time, a rep for the facility confirmed to Us.
Riza Marie Simpson and Djimon Hounsou with sons Fela and Kenzo.Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Us Weekly has reached out to Hounsou’s rep and the Atlanta Police Department for comment.
Hounsou became a father for the first time in May 2009 when he and Kimora Lee Simmons welcomed their son, Kenzo, now 16. Us confirmed in November 2012 that Hounsou and Simmons, 50, split after more than five years together.
The Oscar nominee eventually moved on with Simpson, but they kept most of their relationship out of the spotlight.
Hounsou gave fans a rare glimpse at his life as a father and partner in March 2023 when Simpson and their son Fela accompanied him to the world premiere of Shazam! Fury of the Gods in Los Angeles. (Hounsou and Simpson share one son and one daughter.)
Hounsou’s eldest child, Kenzo, was also at the event where the family of four posed for pictures.
Prior to Simpson’s arrest, Hounsou shed light on his own ups and downs in Hollywood.
“I’m still struggling trying to make a living,” Hounsou told CNN in an interview published on January 10. “I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”
The actor went on to discuss racism in Hollywood, detailing the slow change he’s seen at awards shows and in the types of roles that are available to people of color.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe [for Amistad], but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets,” Hounsou told the outlet. “Even though I successfully did that [film], they just didn’t feel like I was an actor for whom they should pay any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism don’t change like that anytime soon.”
Despite being a two-time Oscar nominee and being part of massive hits like 2000’s Gladiator, 2006’s Blood Diamond and The Quiet Place franchise, Hounsou claimed he is “still struggling to make a dollar.”
“I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades,” he concluded. “So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well.”
As many as 10 million visitors will head to 11 U.S. cities this summer, helping to turn the FIFA World Cup 2026™ into the largest sporting event in history.
While U.S. host cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco are world-famous, lesser-known U.S. cities are primed to host soccer fans. In Kansas City, Missouri, for instance, Café Corazón owner Dulcinea Herrera says that people underestimate the Midwestern city of 500,000 (in a larger metro area of 2 million). Herrera and other local business owners are preparing for 650,000 visitors for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
In addition to coffee, an American staple, Café Corazón serves yerba mate, a tea popular with South American soccer stars, including Lionel Messi, who will lead Argentina in an early round match scheduled for Kansas City. One of Herrera’s three locations is in the downtown area where officials plan a massive viewing party near the stadium.
White House World Cup Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani calls it “a tremendous privilege” to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ during the year the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, and says the federal government is working with host cities to ensure a safe and welcoming tournament.
“Hosting the world during this historic year … gives us a chance to show the very best of America — our hospitality and our innovation — while also showcasing the America spirit of which we’re so proud of,” Giuliani said.
Here is an introduction to the 11 U.S. cities that will host international soccer fans:
Atlanta
Famous for peaches, pecans and Southern hospitality, the Georgia state capital is a cultural and economic hub of the South. It boasts the country’s busiest airport and was home to famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Atlanta is home to numerous industries, including aerospace and financial technologies, as well as soft drink giant Coca-Cola. The city has several professional sports teams and has hosted three Super Bowls, as well as the 1996 summer Olympics.
Boston
The birthplace of the American Revolution, the city of Boston will be fully in celebration mode for the 250th anniversary when the fans arrive. International visitors who are in the city during the July 4th Independence Day celebrations can experience the Boston Pops , a fireworks show over the Charles River set to live music from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Foundation are building soccer fields around Boston to turn the excitement of the city’s seven matches into lasting participation in the sport. Boston previously hosted three FIFA championships: the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 1999 and 2003.
Dallas
Dallas, Texas – September 17, 2024: Bronze sculpture of a trail boss on his horse and longhorn cows in Pioneer Plaza in Dallas, TX
With its frequent rodeos, Dallas offers an up-close look at America’s cowboy culture. Pioneer Plaza in downtown honors this Western tradition. Even the name of the city’s pro football team, the Dallas Cowboys, references this distinct Western culture.
Dallas will host a tournament-leading nine World Cup matches. The country’s fifth-largest media market, Dallas hosted the International Broadcast Center during the 1994 matches, and its massive convention center will again serve as the tournament’s media hub
Houston
Home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston has commanded America’s space exploration through landmark achievements, including the first moon landing on July 20, 1969.
With major oil and natural gas resources, Houston is a center of the U.S. energy industry. Local companies are teaming up to support soccer’s growth in the city. This “bayou city” offers visitors cuisine ranging from barbecue and seafood to Mexican-influenced “Tex-Mex.” Houston is also bidding to be a host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2031.
Kansas City
J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, by Henri-Leon Greber in Kansas City Missouri
The Midwestern city called Kansas City straddles parts of two U.S. states — Kansas and Missouri — and is known as the “City of Fountains,” as it has more in use than any other U.S. city. Its famed Power & Light District boasts eight blocks of restaurants where visitors can sample the region’s famous barbecue.
Kansas City’s strong sports culture includes the National Football League’s Chiefs — winners of two of the last three Super Bowls. And the Kansas City Current is the world’s only women’s professional soccer team that plays in a stadium designed especially for women’s soccer. The team draws sellout crowds.
While Hollywood gives Los Angeles its reputation as movie capital of the world, a mild climate and famous beaches offer visitors a lot more. Tourists can sample music and cuisine influenced by LA’s large Latin American and Asian American populations. The arresting desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park is a two-hour drive away.
LA has proven a draw for global soccer stars, as David Beckham of the United Kingdom and Son Heung-min of the Republic of Korea have played for the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC, respectively.
Los Angeles is gearing up to host the Summer Olympics in 2028, after previously hosting the Olympics in 1932 and 1984.
Miami
Travel destination and tourism infrastructure in southern USA. South Beach sandy surface with tourists relaxing on hot Florida sun. Miami Beach city with high luxury hotels and condos.
Miami’s Bayfront Park Fan Festival will offer musical performances and stunning ocean views in addition to soccer matches. With its thriving Latin American communities, Miami has long boasted a devoted soccer fan base. The city’s enthusiasm grew even greater when Argentina’s Lionel Messi began playing for the city’s professional club, Inter Miami, in 2023.
Fans looking for adventure can drive an hour to Everglades National Park, a vast wetland wilderness that is home to alligators and flamingos.
New York/New Jersey
Manhattan, New York City/New York-07/22/2019 photo from Central Park in New York
New York — famous for skyscrapers, Broadway theater and the lights of Times Square — will host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finals at a stadium in neighboring New Jersey. In addition to bustling sidewalks along rows of restaurants serving every imaginable type of international cuisine, New York offers museums, libraries, walks in Central Park and the iconic Statue of Liberty, a testament to America’s friendship with France.
Having served as an early U.S. capital, Philadelphia is where America’s founding documents were written and is home to the Liberty Bell, which draws 2 million visitors annually. It is the city with the closest ties to the nation’s founding and, appropriately, will host a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match on July 4, the day the United States was founded 250 years earlier.
Known as the “city of brotherly love,” Philadelphia has a passionate fan base that has turned out 26,000 interested volunteers who want to help support the city’s six planned matches.
Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city of steep hills, scaled by streetcars and packed with colorful row houses. It’s the northern hub of California’s Silicon Valley, a center of technological innovation. Between matches, fans can visit nearby Napa Valley wineries or check out the stunning vistas of Yosemite National Park.
After hosting American football’s 2026 Super Bowl in February, San Francisco will be ready will to host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.
Seattle
Seattle, Washington, USA downtown skyline at twilight with Mt. Rainier.
Known for a drizzly climate, a pedestrian-friendly downtown and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Seattle will offer international visitors the chance to sample seafood at Pike’s Place Market and take in a view of the entire city from the Space Needle. Seattle’s pioneering companies include airplane manufacturer Boeing, software developer Microsoft, and Starbucks, which operates in 85 countries.
The city, where the U.S. National Team will make an early-round appearance, plans nine “fan zones” for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, each offering big screens, food and live entertainment.
LONDON, United Kingdom, 3 December 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Backbase, the leader in AI-powered banking, in partnership with African Banker magazine, has released the third edition of the Africa Digital Banking Experience Series 2025. The latest report, Next-gen Banking Innovations: AI, Cybersecurity & Segment-based Banking, reveals that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are central to the digital transformation strategies of African banks, enabling them to achieve hyper-personalisation, drive growth, and manage escalating risks.
Drawing on insights from a survey of 203 senior banking executives across 40 African countries, the survey highlights a strong consensus among banking executives regarding the importance of AI in their medium-term strategies.
Key findings from the report include:
A vast majority of participating banks view AI as crucial, with 85.4% of respondents considering AI and AI-driven services as very or extremely important for improving operational efficiency and customer engagement over the next five years.
The most common application of AI is in customer services, including virtual assistants and chatbots, cited by 64.8% of banks surveyed. Fraud detection (47.7%) and enhanced credit scoring/lending (45.3%) are also primary areas of deployment.
A significant 81.5% of the banks consulted reported having experienced a cyber threat or attack over the past year. Phishing schemes and social engineering attacks, often powered by AI, are among the most common threats.
Banks are actively strengthening their defences, with 79.7% adopting enhanced cybersecurity measures and 67.2% increasing investment in cybersecurity infrastructure. Additionally, 60.9% have implemented real-time fraud detection systems.
Major challenges slowing AI implementation include the difficulty of integrating new technology with existing legacy systems (58.6%), high upfront implementation costs, the lack of skilled personnel, and concerns over data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Banks are moving beyond the traditional mass-market approach to deliver more individualized, meaningful experiences. This shift is driven by the need to meet the varied needs of a customer base that includes sophisticated mobile-first users and first-time digital users.
The report findings also signal that the African banking sector is at a decisive turning point. While regions like East Africa lead the way in integrating AI into digital strategies and North Africa prioritizes big data for enhanced security, the challenge of merging innovation with integrity is continent-wide.
Heidi Custers, Global Strategy & Transformation Director at Backbase, commented: “The most forward-thinking African banks are realising that growth and security are no longer separate strategies, they are two sides of the same digital coin. AI-driven engagement builds relationships; AI-driven security protects them. Segment-based banking ensures those experiences remain human, relevant, and inclusive.”
Recognized as a category leader by Forrester, Gartner, Celent, and IDC, Backbase powers the digital and AI transformations of over 150 financial institutions worldwide. See some of their stories here.
Founded in 2003 in Amsterdam, Backbase is a global private fintech company with regional headquarters in Atlanta and Singapore, and offices across London, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Kraków, Cardiff, Hyderabad, and Mexico City.
About African Banker
African Banker is the continent’s premier publication dedicated to banking and finance. Published quarterly, it provides in-depth coverage and authoritative insights into the major developments shaping Africa’s financial sector, from fintech and policy reform to investment trends and executive leadership. As a trusted partner of leading institutions, African Banker convenes key stakeholders through its awards, summits, and special reports.
Delta Air Lines strengthens U.S.–Morocco ties and positions Marrakech as a major destination for American travelers with three weekly flights
MARRAKECH, Morocco, 27 October 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL)/ – Delta Air Lines has officially launched its first nonstop flight between Atlanta (ATL) and Marrakech (RAK), marking a historic milestone for the U.S. carrier and a significant step forward in U.S.–Morocco connectivity. Operated by a Boeing 767-400ER, the inaugural flight touched down at Marrakech Menara Airport this Sunday, October 26, inaugurating a new three-times-a-week service that opens Morocco’s iconic “Red City” to more than 125 U.S. destinations via Delta’s global hub in Atlanta.
With this launch, Delta Air Lines becomes the first U.S. airline to operate a nonstop route between Atlanta and Marrakech, enhancing business, leisure and cultural exchanges between the two countries. This new service also represents Delta’s latest entry into North Africa, adding Marrakech to its growing African network alongside Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.
“Delta’s new nonstop service to Marrakech marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to connect the U.S. and Africa,” said Christine Marchand-Pardo, Delta’s Managing Director of EMEAI Operations. “This route opens the door to one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations, making travel more seamless for our customers. With three weekly flights from Atlanta, we’re delivering convenience alongside Delta’s renowned premium experience. From lie-flat seats in Delta One to curated dining and thoughtful amenities across all cabin experiences, customers can expect comfort at every step of their journey. This expansion also reinforces Atlanta’s position as the world’s leading global hub, offering convenient one-stop connectivity, while bringing the magic of Marrakech closer than ever.”
The new ATL–RAK route will initially operate three times per week, with departures from Marrakech on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and from Atlanta on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Between December 18 and January 6, 2026, the route will temporarily increase to a daily service, in response to increased holiday travel demand.
Flights will be operated by Delta’s Boeing 767-400ER, offering a range of premium onboard experiences across all cabins for customers:
Delta One with lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals, as well as bedding and amenities from Missoni
Delta Premium Select featuring extra space, additional recline, elevated dining and dedicated service
Delta Comfort and Delta Main cabin options with enhanced amenities
Free, fast Wi-Fi across the entire journey via Delta Sync Wi-Fi, available from gate to gate for SkyMiles Members
Seat-back in-flight entertainment at every seat with more than 1,000 hours of movies, TV shows, music and more
With seamless one-stop connections through Atlanta, this route brings Marrakech within reach for U.S. travelers, connecting Morocco to cities across the United States including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and many more.
Since launching its first African service in 2006, Delta has flown over 7.5 million passengers to the continent and continues to invest in expanding its footprint in Africa. With Marrakech now added to the network, Delta serves six African cities and offers U.S. travelers exceptional access to the African continent.
This new service is also a reflection of Delta’s commitment to international expansion from its Atlanta hub, the world’s busiest airport and one of the most well-connected. With nearly 1,000 daily flights to 215 destinations worldwide, Delta reinforces its status as a global connector.
Founded in 1925, Delta Air Lines is one of the world’s largest and most awarded airlines and the first U.S. airline to celebrate 100 years of service. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta operates more than 5,000 daily flights to more than 300 destinations across six continents. This vast network not only underscores Delta’s mission to bridge diverse cultures and foster global understanding but also highlights its evolution from regional operations to a pivotal player on the international aviation stage. Delta’s commitment to connecting the world transcends mere transportation, aiming to enhance global interactions and deepen cross-cultural engagements through its expansive flight routes.
We remain committed to ensuring that the future of travel is connected, personalized and enjoyable. Our people’s genuine, enduring motivation is to make every customer feel welcomed and cared for across every point of their journey with us.
LONDON, 16 October 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Backbase, the global leader in AI-powered Banking technology, in partnership with African Banker magazine, has released the second edition of the Africa Digital Banking Experience Series 2025. This latest report, Small Business Banking: Africa’s Next Growth Segment, highlights how African banks are reimagining their role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital-first solutions.
Drawing on insights from a survey of 203 senior banking executives across 40 African countries, the report provides an in-depth, data-driven analysis of how banks are positioning SME banking at the heart of their growth strategies, leveraging mobile-first platforms, AI-driven lending, and tailored financial services.
Key findings from the report include:
SME banking emerging as a strategic priority: 83% of banks surveyed describe SME banking as “very” or “extremely” important, with significant or major investments planned
Mobile banking dominates SME offerings: 84% of banks now serve SMEs primarily through mobile platforms
Digital onboarding still lags: Only 42% of banks currently offer full digital account opening, highlighting a key bottleneck in SME financial inclusion
Bridging the digital literacy gap: 70% of banks surveyed provide workshops and training to SMEs, underlining their role in accelerating adoption
AI-driven lending on the rise: Nearly half (47.7%) of African banks now offer digital lending, with AI and predictive analytics enabling more inclusive and accurate credit decisions
The report also features real-world examples of how African institutions and fintech innovators are reshaping SME finance. From South Africa’s African Bank integrating AI-powered analytics into its SME platforms to Nigeria’s Moniepoint processing 800 million transactions monthly for small businesses, the case studies illustrate the scale and speed of digital disruption in the sector.
Heidi Custers, Global Strategy & Transformation Director at Backbase, commented: “SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s economies, and digital innovation is finally making it viable for banks to serve them at scale. What this report shows is that SME banking is no longer a niche, it is the next growth engine for the industry. By combining mobile-first platforms with AI-driven insights, African banks are turning financial inclusion into a profitable, sustainable strategy.”
Backbase is on a mission to put bankers back in the driver’s seat — fully equipped to lead the AI revolution and unlock remarkable growth and efficiency. At the heart of this mission is the world’s first AI-powered Banking Platform, unifying all servicing and sales journeys into an integrated suite. With Backbase, banks modernize their operations across every line of business — from Retail and SME to Commercial, Private Banking, and Wealth Management. Recognized as a category leader by Forrester, Gartner, Celent, and IDC, Backbase powers the digital and AI transformations of over 150 financial institutions worldwide. See some of their stories here. Founded in 2003 in Amsterdam, Backbase is a global private fintech company with regional headquarters in Atlanta and Singapore, and offices across London, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Kraków, Cardiff, Hyderabad, and Mexico City.
African Banker is the continent’s premier publication dedicated to banking and finance. Published quarterly, it provides in-depth coverage and authoritative insights into the major developments shaping Africa’s financial sector, from fintech and policy reform to investment trends and executive leadership. As a trusted partner of leading institutions, African Banker convenes key stakeholders through its awards, summits, and special reports.
Backbase and Libyan Islamic Bank go live with a seamless new platform, bringing digital-first banking to Libyan customers.
TRIPOLI, Libya, 5 August 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Backbase, the global leader in AI-powered banking technology, today announced the recent successful platform launch of Libyan Islamic Bank (LIB), one of the country’s fastest-growing financial institutions. This achievement represents Backbase’s first platform launch in Libya, underscoring its commitment to expanding state-of-the-art, customer-centric banking across North Africa.
From ambition to impact
As a digitally focused bank, LIB set out to differentiate itself through an experience-led approach to banking. In collaboration with Backbase, the bank laid the groundwork for a customer-first operating model that is built for speed, flexibility, and long-term relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
Mohamed Almabrok, Digital Banking Platform Project Manager, Libyan Islamic Bank, expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a proud moment for us. With Backbase, we are transforming banking for our customers, bringing financial services closer to them with the convenience, security, and accessibility of world-class digital banking.”
A redesigned experience for everyday banking
The new mobile app offers a more intuitive way for customers to manage their finances, with features such as:
Secure logins and real-time transaction tracking
Internal transfers and in-app messaging
Personalized servicing and customer self-service capabilities
Instant payments and ATM/branch locator functionality
A clean, user-friendly interface designed for daily use
As part of the launch, LIB also became one of the first banks in the country to integrate with LYPAY, the Central Bank of Libya’s instant payment service. This showcases the agility of the platform in meeting new regulatory and infrastructure demands.
“The successful launch of Libyan Islamic Bank’s digital platform is setting new standards for digital-first experiences,” said Aymen Daoud, Regional Vice President for Africa at Backbase. “It reflects the bank’s ability to lead and evolve in Libya’s rapidly changing financial sector.”
Local knowledge, global technology
The go-live was delivered through a close collaboration between Backbase and regional implementation partner OneTech Business Solutions. OTBS played a vital role in aligning the deployment with LIB’s specific needs and Libya’s regulatory environment, helping ensure speed, stability, and long-term scalability.
“This project shows what’s possible when global technology meets local execution,” said Atef Loukil, Deputy CEO and Head of Digital Factory at OneTech Business Solutions. “Working closely with Backbase and Libyan Islamic Bank, we ensured a seamless deployment that reflects the realities of the Libyan market. It’s a strong example of how partnership drives real digital transformation.”
Built for what comes next
This launch represents the first phase of LIB’s longer-term digital transformation roadmap. With a strong digital foundation now in place, the bank is positioned to respond to evolving customer expectations and continue modernizing its services at scale.
Backbase’s successful entry into Libya also marks a strategic expansion point in North Africa. The company remains committed to helping banks of all sizes modernize at speed, through adaptive technology, regulatory alignment, and seamless customer experiences, all powered by its AI-powered Banking Platform.
Backbase is on a mission to put bankers back in the driver’s seat — fully equipped to lead the AI revolution and unlock remarkable growth and efficiency. At the heart of this mission is the world’s first AI-powered Banking Platform, unifying all servicing and sales journeys into an integrated suite. With Backbase, banks modernize their operations across every line of business — from Retail and SME to Commercial, Private Banking, and Wealth Management.
Recognized as a category leader by Forrester, Gartner, Celent, and IDC, Backbase powers the digital and AI transformations of over 150 financial institutions worldwide. See some of their stories here.
Founded in 2003 in Amsterdam, Backbase is a global private fintech company with regional headquarters in Atlanta and Singapore, and offices across London, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Kraków, Cardiff, Hyderabad, and Mexico City.
About Libyan Islamic Bank
Libyan Islamic Bank, is an Islamic financial institution based in Libya with a capital of 500 million Libyan dinars, established since 2017. Operating in line with the provisions and legislations of Islamic Sharia, the bank primarily focuses on retail and corporate segments, striving to provide services that adhere to the highest standards of Islamic banking. For more information, visit https://www.lib.com.ly/
About Onetech Business Solutions
OneTech Business Solutions (OTBS) is one of the leading IT and telecom integrators in Tunisia, with over 30 years of experience serving enterprise and financial clients. OTBS has built a strong reputation for delivering high-value, integrated technology solutions—from network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and datacenter systems to unified communications and enterprise collaboration.
In recent years, OTBS has expanded its expertise into software and digital services, with a particular focus on the financial sector. We support banks across EMEA in their digital transformation through the delivery of robust digital banking platforms. Our teams bring proven expertise in integrating with core banking systems, implementing omnichannel, customer-centric journeys, and ensuring compliance with local financial regulations. As a certified integration partner of Backbase, we deliver scalable and secure solutions tailored to each client’s strategic goals.
This unique positioning enables banks to offer secure, innovative, and user-centric financial services to their customers—accelerating their digital transformation with confidence.
