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UnionPay Drives Cross-Border Interoperability and Digital Commerce Infrastructure at the 7th Africa Fintech Forum

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UnionPay International has actively participated in the premier 7th Africa Fintech Forum, held at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The strategic move signals a major milestone in solidifying its brand equity and expanding its footprint within the pan-African fintech ecosystem, while simultaneously accelerating digital payment innovation and scaling cross-border financial rails.

As the continent’s ultimate fintech gathering, the forum unites top-tier executives from the fintech, banking, payments, and digital innovation sectors across the African continent. UnionPay is utilizing this high-visibility platform to position itself not merely as a traditional payment scheme, but as a critical infrastructure partner capable of bridging Africa’s localized digital payment ecosystems with global commerce.

This year’s forum takes place amid a monumental shift in global trade corridors. Following China’s landmark policy to eliminate tariffs and ease trade barriers for 53 African nations, the volume of China-Africa bilateral trade is experiencing unprecedented acceleration. As local agricultural exporters, manufacturing tech firms, and SMEs scale up to meet this massive demand, the need for friction-free, institutional-grade cross-border payment settlement has become an urgent operational requirement. At the event, UnionPay highlighted its strategic focus on open-API integrations, localized QR code deployment, and robust virtual card issuance frameworks tailored to help regional fintechs capitalize on this multi-billion dollar trade boom.

“Africa’s fintech ecosystem is distinct in its mobile-first velocity and entrepreneurial agility,” said Mr. Feng Chen, General Manager of UnionPay International Africa Branch. “UnionPay’s mission is to act as a global catalyst for these local innovators. With China easing tariffs for 53 African nations, the trade corridor is widening exponentially. By offering seamless integration into our global network, we enable Kenyan and African fintechs to solve complex cross-border challenges, unlock global e-commerce for local merchants, and deliver the world-class secure payment architectures needed to sustain this massive bilateral growth.”

During the collaborative sessions at the Villa Rosa Kempinski, UnionPay delegates engaged with local fintech pioneers to showcase its robust, ready-to-deploy product infrastructure, structured across three key strategic pillars:

1. Global Acceptance & QR Routing

Fintechs can seamlessly integrate UnionPay’s global QR code rails via open APIs. This allows their local wallet users to make secure payments at millions of merchants globally or transact via highly interoperable local digital wallets. For acquiring fintechs and payment gateways, UnionPay provides infrastructure that natively supports UnionPay alongside other international schemes. This significantly reduces payment friction for cross-border travelers and maximizes transaction success rates.

2. Issuing & White-Labeling

Fintechs and digital banks can partner with UnionPay to instantly issue scheme-based physical or virtual prepaid cards, allowing local consumers and businesses to efficiently capture expanding global e-commerce procurement opportunities. FinTech platforms on the continent can directly leverage existing local on-soil network integrations to facilitate intra-Africa transactions, bypass foreign exchange friction, and lower overall operational costs.

3. Ready-to-Deploy Ecosystem Infrastructure

To accelerate time-to-market for African tech firms, UnionPay emphasized that fintechs do not have to build payment infrastructure from scratch. Many established global processors and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) providers already feature pre-built, production-ready APIs for UnionPay.

By leveraging its expanding network of local issuers, acquirers, and technology hub integrations, UnionPay is actively transforming how African consumers and businesses interact with the global economy. The company’s focus remains on fostering rapid-to-market, cost-efficient partnerships that drive transaction volume and create shared value across the financial services value chain.

As Kenya cements its status as the Silicon Savannah, UnionPay remains committed to investing in open-loop partnerships, regulatory compliance standards, and payment technologies that define the future of inclusive digital finance across Africa.

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is focused on expanding the global acceptance network of UnionPay cards. UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 51 African countries. UnionPay International remains a leader in digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/unionpay-drives-cross-border-interoperability-and-digital-commerce-infrastructure-at-the-7th-africa-fintech-forum-302828583.html

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Cherokee Federal Expands Customer Access Through NASA SEWP VI Award

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Company earns position on NASA’s premier government-wide acquisition contract

TULSA, Okla., July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, today announced that Cherokee Nation Government Solutions (CNGS), a Cherokee Federal company, has been awarded a position on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) VI Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC).

The award provides federal agencies with another streamlined way to access Cherokee Federal’s digital transformation, mission support and advanced technology capabilities.

“Federal agencies need acquisition vehicles that help them move quickly while keeping mission success at the forefront,” said Clint Bickett, President of Cherokee Federal. “Our position on SEWP VI makes it easier for customers to access Cherokee Federal’s technology expertise and creates new opportunities for us to help agencies solve complex challenges with secure, scalable capabilities that improve operational performance.”

Through SEWP VI, Cherokee will compete for future task orders supporting defense, civilian and intelligence customers with enterprise modernization, secure technology and digital transformation services.

SEWP VI is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract that enables federal agencies to procure information technology, communications, audiovisual solutions and related services. NASA recently announced more than 2,100 awards across multiple contract categories.

Cherokee Federal’s portfolio of Advanced Technology Services includes enterprise IT, cloud modernization, cybersecurity, software engineering, data analytics, intelligent automation and program management, enabling the company to support a broad range of federal missions.

For more information on Cherokee Federal, visit cherokee-federal.com.

About Cherokee Federal
Cherokee Federal is the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses — the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. The mission of Cherokee Federal is to build a talented team that provides innovative solutions that solve America’s greatest challenges and serves the Cherokee Nation with strong conviction and heart. For more information, please visit cherokee-federal.com or follow Cherokee Federal on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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SOURCE Cherokee Federal

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ID Logistics US Debuts at No. 17 on Armstrong & Associates’ Top North American Warehousing 3PL Rankings

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga., July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ID Logistics, a global leader in contract logistics, today announced it has debuted at No. 17 on Armstrong & Associates’ annual ranking of the Top 25 North American Warehousing 3PLs, recognizing the company’s rapidly expanding logistics footprint across the United States and Canada.

The annual ranking is based on the total warehouse space third-party logistics providers operate on behalf of customers across North America. ID Logistics earned the No. 17 position with 19.6 million square feet of managed warehouse space in 2025, supporting customers across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, wine and spirits, retail, e-commerce, fashion and apparel, and temperature-controlled logistics sectors.

This distinction comes as part of ID Logistics’ continued growth that the company has experienced in the United States since the Group’s acquisition of Kane Logistics in 2022, as well as the opening of operations in Canada. This is the first year since the acquisition that ID Logistics US has responded to Armstrong’s survey.

“This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team members across North America,” said Stan Schrader, CEO, ID Logistics US, “Over the past several years we’ve significantly expanded our network and capabilities while remaining focused on delivering innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions that help our customers grow.”

ID Logistics continues to grow, expanding operations into South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. In addition to warehousing and distribution, ID Logistics has become a key player in third-party co-packing for its US-based customers as well.

About ID Logistics

ID Logistics, headed by Eric HÉMAR, is an international contract logistics Group with revenues of €3.7 billion in 2025. ID Logistics manages nearly 450 sites in 19 countries representing 10 million m² operated in Europe, America, Asia and Africa, with 55,000 employees. With a customer portfolio balanced between distribution, e-commerce, consumer goods, cosmetics and fashion, ID Logistics is characterized by offers involving a high level of technology. Since its creation in 2001, the Group has developed a social and environmental approach through a number of original projects, and is now firmly committed to an ambitious CSR policy. ID Logistics shares are listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris and are included in the SBF 120 index (ISIN code: FR0010929125, Mnemo: IDL).

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SOURCE ID Logistics Warehousing, LLC

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ASRC Federal Announces New CEO Mike Manzo

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RESTON, Va., July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mike Manzo has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of ASRC Federal. He succeeds Jennifer Felix, who was with the company for seven years, six as CEO.

Manzo most recently served as head of the company’s Defense and Intelligence operating group. He brings more than thirty years of experience leading operations and technical organizations supporting federal government clients across the defense, intelligence and civilian markets. His expertise in setting strategic direction and driving both excellence in contract performance and new business growth stems from the long-term, trusted relationships he has developed with customers by consistently meeting commitments.

“I am extremely honored and proud to take the mantle of CEO at ASRC Federal during this time of positive momentum and growth,” said Manzo. “ASRC Federal is in a strong position to deliver broad expertise and innovative solutions to U.S. defense and civilian service missions with speed and precision. I am excited to get to work leading our talented employees across the ASRC Federal family of companies as we drive value for our shareholders and federal customers.”

Manzo previously worked at General Dynamics serving the Department of War and the intelligence community. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from West Virginia University.

About ASRC Federal

ASRC Federal delivers solutions and services to more than 30 U.S. government agencies in support of some of our Nation’s most critical missions – from space exploration to cyber defense to military base operations and public health. Our capabilities include IT modernization, mission systems engineering and other engineering solutions, software applications and analytics, critical infrastructure and base operations, supply chain management and logistics and professional services. As a family of Alaska Native-owned companies, our work helps secure an enduring future for more than 14,000 Iñupiaq shareholders from Alaska’s North Slope. Since inception, ASRC Federal has contributed to more than $2 billion in shareholder dividends paid by its parent company, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. For more information, please visit www.asrcfederal.com.

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SOURCE ASRC Federal

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