Tag: PR Newswire

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today’s senior cruisers are seasoned and spend more on trips than travelers of other generations, yet many are making crucial travel insurance mistakes that could cost them thousands.

According to Squaremouth, 95% of seniors (65 or older) taking a cruise in 2026 are repeat cruise-goers. This population is booking the longest and most expensive cruises, spending more than two weeks at sea and an average of $6,950.

Despite their cruise experience and significant trip investments, many miss out on essential travel insurance benefits and are therefore at serious risk of substantial financial losses.

Squaremouth outlines three mistakes senior cruisers are making and offers tips to ensure they are better protected before their next trip:

1. Underinsuring Yourself Medically: 76% of senior travelers assume that Medicare will cover them abroad; however, most domestic health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside of the U.S. While a large population of senior cruisers do purchase medical coverage, a significant number select improper coverage amounts.

   Medical evacuations alone can cost up to $250,000 or more, depending on the location, according to the CDC. With this in mind, cruisers should have at least $100k in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $250k in Medical Evacuation coverage, however:

   •  32% of senior cruisers buy less than $100k in Emergency Medical coverage
   •  35% buy less than $250k in Medical Evacuation coverage

   This means that ⅓ of seniors have insufficient coverage, leaving them vulnerable to extremely high medical costs if they get sick or injured while on their cruise.

2. Waiting Too Long to Buy Your Policy: Senior travelers face a higher likelihood of having medical complications than other groups, with many already having a pre-existing condition like heart issues or diabetes. Coupled with more expensive trips, these seniors are at a greater risk of being stuck with expensive claims. That makes certain travel insurance benefits especially valuable, in particular:

   •  Pre-Existing Condition coverage, because they are more likely to have an existing medical issue.
   •  Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason, because the added flexibility can provide additional financial protection.

   However, 55% of senior cruisers miss out on these coverages because they buy their policy too late. To be eligible for these benefits, you must buy them within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit. Seniors should prioritize buying their travel insurance promptly to ensure they are eligible for these valuable benefits.

3. Skipping Out on Key Cancellation Coverage: Despite spending a lot on trips, too many seniors are relying on cruise line policies, which often have poor cancellation terms or only provide cruise vouchers instead of true refunds. These travelers could be risking financial loss and are missing out on the added peace of mind that cancellation benefits can offer.

   •  23% of senior cruisers don’t buy Trip Cancellation coverage at all, leaving them responsible for out-of-pocket costs. You should only skip out on cancellation benefits if you don’t have any non-refundable trip expenses or if you are covered elsewhere, like a credit card.
   •  As previously mentioned, 55% of senior cruisers miss out on CFAR coverage because they waited too long to buy a policy, giving them even less flexibility to cancel for reasons not covered under a standard policy.

By purchasing travel insurance early, ensuring proper medical coverage, and including cancellation protections, senior travelers can protect themselves from costly pitfalls and cruise with confidence.

To quote and compare cruise insurance plans on Squaremouth’s website, click here.

Methodology: Squaremouth analyzed internal survey responses, sales data, and travel insurance quote data from senior travelers to identify common mistakes made by cruisers age 65 and older.

About Squaremouth
Squaremouth is a trusted travel insurance comparison platform with over 20 years of experience. Known for its no-nonsense approach, award-winning customer service, and commitment to transparency, Squaremouth has helped more than 4 million travelers easily search, compare, and buy coverage. Squaremouth offers the largest portfolio of carriers and products in the U.S.

Contact
Lauren McCormick
Manager, Public Relations & Social Strategy
media@squaremouth.com

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SOURCE Squaremouth

As the nation marks its 250th year, Monterey County turns the lens inward — sharing the moments and people that have shaped the iconic destination for more than a millennium. 

MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — See Monterey today announced the launch of Monterey 1000, a year-long storytelling experience that brings more than a thousand years of Monterey County history to life. As the United States looks ahead to its 250th anniversary, Monterey 1000 (M1000) invites visitors to explore a broader timeline — one rooted in the people, places and ideas that have shaped the region and continue to define it today.

Spanning Indigenous stewardship, exploration and settlement, agriculture, literature, music, conservation and innovation, Monterey 1000 connects pivotal moments from the past with the landscapes, communities and traditions visitors experience today.

“Monterey 1000 is storytelling at its core — a journey through history that ultimately invites travelers and residents to experience Monterey County today through the moments, places and cultures that shaped it,” said Rob O’Keefe, president & CEO of See Monterey. “As the country reflects on 250 years of American history, Monterey 1000 reveals a deeper timeline — one that still shapes how California thinks about land, culture, creativity and stewardship.”

M1000 is a curated, editorial approach guided by lead curator Brian Edwards, library & museums director for the city of Monterey. Working with See Monterey and a network of local writers, historians, artists and subject-matter experts, Edwards is leading the development of original written, visual and video storytelling throughout 2026.

“Monterey County has long been a place where influential ideas take shape,” said Edwards. “Monterey 1000 gives us the opportunity to explore those ideas across time and show how history continues to live through the landscapes, industries and communities’ visitors experience today.”

Throughout 2026, new content will roll out across SeeMonterey.com and See Monterey’s social channels, spotlighting defining moments in the County’s history and pairing them with ways travelers can experience those stories firsthand — from walking through historic districts, visiting museums and landmarks, attending marquee events and spending time in the County’s extraordinary natural spaces to supporting local farms and wineries.

“More than ever, travelers are seeking authentic, life-enriching experiences and the meaning behind them,” said O’Keefe. “Monterey 1000 connects the historical dots, creating a clear through-line from the past to the present through visitor experiences.”

The breadth of historical experiences throughout the County include kayaking across the Monterey Bay through waters stewarded by Indigenous communities for generations — now protected as a global model for marine conservation, catching the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a modern evolution of Bing Crosby’s legendary Clambake that introduced Monterey County to a worldwide audience, and retracing John Steinbeck’s immortalized world of Cannery Row, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium — housed in a former sardine cannery — to see how a place once rooted in extraction became a leader in ocean science, education and conservation.

Additional stories and historic touchpoints will be released each month throughout 2026 and will explore:

• Monterey County’s many “firsts,” from early exploration and governance to milestones in preservation, culture and innovation.
• The rise of agriculture in the Salinas Valley, where fertile land and railroad connections helped earn the region its title as the “Salad Bowl of the World” — a legacy visitors can still taste today.
• Music, art and cultural movements that put Monterey County on the world stage and continue to draw audiences year after year.
• Monterey County’s wine country roots shaped by terroir, climate and craft, evolving today into a distinctive, experience-driven wine region that travelers can encounter firsthand.

The series also reflects See Monterey’s The Right Path initiative, highlighting a long-standing commitment to preservation, community and responsible travel — encouraging travelers to slow down, respect the land and sea, explore with intention and engage in ways that honor both the County’s history and its future.

To explore Monterey 1000 and follow the journey through a thousand years of history, visit SeeMonterey.com/Monterey1000.

About See Monterey
See Monterey is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the county. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. In 2024, travel spending in Monterey County was $3.1 billion, supporting nearly 28,000 jobs and generating $310 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefited the community. For more information, visit SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

Media Contacts: 
Sandy Huerta
Communications Specialist
Sandy@SeeMonterey.com 

Jennifer Chiesa   
Director of Public Relations 
Jchiesa@seemonterey.com  

 

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SOURCE See Monterey

BOSTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of Bad Bunny’s upcoming appearance as the halftime performer at Super Bowl LX,  Emerson College Polling conducted two polls with questions on the artist and his work, with results highlighting the popularity of Bad Bunny’s music on key audiences, such as Gen Z, and his music’s broader impact on issues of major concern to Puerto Rico residents, including gentrification and gender-based violence.

According to a new January national poll conducted by Emerson College Polling, voters under the age of 30 are most excited about Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance at 63%. Additionally, a majority of Black (52%) and Hispanic (50%) voters are excited about the show. This compares to 31% of white voters who share the excitement.

In a separate survey that examined the impact of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rico native’s, music on two important social issues on the island, gentrification and gender-based violence, the results found that 85% of Puerto Rico residents said that the issue of gentrification, defined as the process where wealthier residents and businesses displace lower-income residents, was a “very serious” (70%) or “somewhat serious” (15%) problem. Additionally, 94% of residents surveyed said that gender-based violence was a “very serious” (85%) or “somewhat serious” problem (8%).

Among those Puerto Rico residents who listen to Bad Bunny’s music, 54% said that Bad Bunny’s music had a “very positive” (19%) to “somewhat positive” (35%) influence on their views of gentrification. In addition, 38% said his music had a “very positive” (19%) to “somewhat positive” (18%) influence on their views of gender-based violence.

Bad Bunny’s recent album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should Have Taken More Photos) includes several songs which touch on the impacts that tourism and gentrification have had on the island. The issue of gender-based violence is specifically addressed in Bad Bunny’s song, “Andrea,” which appeared on his 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You) and promotes the positive treatment of women. Sixty-nine percent of residents who are familiar with the song said that they “strongly agreed” (35%) or “somewhat agreed” (34%) that the song increased their awareness of gender-based violence in Puerto Rico. Moreover, 47% said that the song prompted greater discussion of the issue among family and friends.

The survey also asked all respondents if conditions had improved in Puerto Rico since Governor Pedro Pierluisi declared a state of emergency over gender-based violence in 2021. Forty-eight percent said conditions had significantly or somewhat worsened, with 29% saying there was no change. In addition, 81% said that musical artists have a significant influence or some influence on social issues, and 78% said that musical artists should do more through their music to address social issues.

“In a constantly evolving social, cultural, and political landscape, these survey results show the impact that popular music can have on young audiences and in changing people’s views on notable social issues,” said Owen Eagan, a Senior Lecturer at Emerson College who led the research and studies the effects of entertainment-education. “More importantly, these findings demonstrate that Bad Bunny’s music could play a significant role in engaging key audiences around emerging social issues that impact individuals in Puerto Rico and beyond.”

Methodology
This Emerson College Poll was conducted November 17 – November 28, 2025. The sample consisted of residents of Puerto Rico, n=400, with a credibility interval, similar to a poll’s margin of error (MOE), of +/- 4.85% at a 95% confidence level. The data was collected using a mixed-mode method including contacting cellphones via MMS-to-web and an online panel provided by PureSpectrum, and was weighted by variables including gender, age, and education based on U.S. Census data.

About Emerson College Polling
The Emerson College Polling Center is a non-partisan organization that administers opinion surveys to better understand the attitudes and beliefs of the public with a transparent and representative approach. The Polling Center follows the science and studies the results — leading the way in public opinion research. To learn more, visit our website at emersoncollegepolling.com.

About Emerson College
Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media throughout the world. Distinguished faculty spearhead a dynamic curriculum and guide several thousand undergraduate students and 1,300 graduate students to exhibit an unyielding spirit of creativity, professionalism, and critical thought, to transform lives, and make a profound impact on our community and beyond.

Based in the world-class city of Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theater District, the College offers experiential learning programs in Boston and across the globe: at Emerson Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, at its 14th-century castle, in the Netherlands, and at 28 global programs. Emersonians, including 58,000+ alumni, shape industries, inspire change, and amplify voices that redefine our culture.

For more information, visit emerson.edu.

Contact: Rosemary Lavery | 408745@email4pr.com | 617.824.8540

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SOURCE Emerson College

Following completion of structured beta testing initiated in November 2025, PowerBank transitions from testing to operational deployment of IntelliScope Enterprise Hub AI agents developed by Intellistake Technologies Corp.

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company“), a North American renewable energy company focused on solar energy infrastructure, battery energy storage systems (BESS) today announced the signing of two contracts with Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) to formally onboard and deploy the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub AI agents developed by Intellistake that PowerBank has been  beta testing since November 2025. This marks the transition from testing phase to planned full-scale operational deployment across PowerBank’s business development and engineering teams.

The IntelliScope Enterprise Hub is an AI agent platform designed to support renewable energy project development by analyzing geospatial data, evaluating regulatory requirements, assessing grant eligibility, and identifying optimal site locations for solar and battery storage projects. PowerBank served as the closed beta partner for this enterprise AI suite, providing real-world testing conditions within the renewable energy sector.

The contracts dated February 4, 2026 include the build and deployment of two AI agent platforms: 

1. 1. A public-facing AI communications agent designed to support structured external engagement.
   2. IntelliScope, a bespoke internal multi-agent business intelligence framework intended to support operational workflows across PowerBank’s organization.

Both platforms completed approximately three months of proof-of-concept development during a closed beta phase. Following internal demonstrations and technical review, Intellistake and PowerBank have now entered into a contracted Phase 1 build and deployment, covering the delivery of minimum viable products (“MVPs”) and initial production rollout.

The public-facing AI communications agent is being developed as a secure interface embedded within PowerBank’s website, enabling controlled natural language access to verified public disclosures and structured, auditable responses to external enquiries. The platform is also intended to generate analytics reports that provide visibility into engagement patterns, frequently accessed topics, and usage trends, supporting internal review and reporting.

In parallel, Intellistake is deploying IntelliScope as a bespoke internal business intelligence platform, configured for PowerBank’s operational workflows. The system’s first application focuses on renewable energy development in the United States, equipping PowerBank with analytical intelligence to identify optimal project sites, evaluate federal and state grant eligibility, and assess regulatory conditions and sector-specific sentiment across energy subsectors. IntelliScope is designed to consolidate fragmented data sources into a single intelligence layer, supporting faster and more informed decision-making.

During the beta testing period, PowerBank’s business development and engineering teams systematically evaluated the AI agents’ capabilities across multiple use cases including site assessment workflows, permitting analysis, grant program navigation, and project pipeline acceleration. The testing framework examined performance metrics, integration requirements, and operational effectiveness within PowerBank’s existing technology infrastructure.

The deployment contract formalizes PowerBank’s transition from beta testing to operational use of the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub. The AI agents will be installed on PowerBank’s computer systems and configured to access both internal documentation and external online resources. The platform is designed to support accelerated identification and development of new solar and battery storage project sites while improving efficiency in permitting processes and regulatory compliance evaluation.

Jason Dussault, CEO of Intellistake, commented:

“Over the past three months, Intellistake has worked alongside PowerBank to design, test, and prepare these systems for live deployment. This engagement has been built through close collaboration, and we’re confident in the systems being delivered into PowerBank’s operating environment. This marks a meaningful step forward for the Company as we continue to execute on one of our core business pillars.”

Liam Harpur, VP of Technology and Development at Intellistake, added:

“From a technical perspective, the focus was on validating AI system performance, data integrity, and compliance controls within a real enterprise environment. The architecture we’ve built provides a solid foundation that can now be deployed reliably at an enterprise level.”

Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank Corporation., commented:

“The closed beta demonstrated how these systems can support clearer and more informed decision-making across our business. These contracts allow us to move forward with deployment, and we’re looking forward to seeing how these tools are applied across both our external communications and internal operations.”

The IntelliScope Enterprise Hub operates on decentralized AI infrastructure, providing data security, transparent processing, and distributed computing capabilities designed for enterprise-grade applications. The platform’s architecture is built to handle the complex data analysis requirements of renewable energy development, including evaluation of interconnection queues, utility regulatory frameworks, zoning requirements, and federal and state-level incentive programs.

The renewable energy development sector increasingly requires sophisticated data analysis capabilities to navigate complex regulatory environments, identify viable project sites, and optimize development timelines. Enterprise AI solutions designed for this sector must integrate geospatial analysis, regulatory intelligence, market data, and project development workflows to provide actionable insights for development teams.

PowerBank plans to continue expanding its use of the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub across additional business functions and project development stages as the AI agents’ capabilities are further refined through operational use. The company views AI-powered analytical tools as complementary to its existing engineering and business development expertise, providing enhanced data processing and analytical support for complex decision-making processes.

The combined Year 1 value of the two contracted platforms is approximately CA$278,000, representing the Canadian dollar equivalent of the contracted U.S. dollar amounts*. The agreement includes initial implementation and subscription services, with the option to extend into an ongoing multi-year subscription, subject to mutual agreement. 

Subject to stock exchange approval, PowerBank intends to settle the payment for the agreements through the issuance of 121,723 common shares at a deemed price of $2.29 per common share.

The Company and PowerBank have a common director in Mr. Paul Sparkes. Mr. Sparkes did not participate in the negotiation or approval process for this transaction.

*U.S. dollar amounts have been converted to Canadian dollars at a rate of US$1.00:C$1.3652.

About PowerBank

PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built.

To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.powerbankcorp.com.

About Intellistake

Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) provides software solutions that leverage decentralized AI infrastructure to deliver enterprise-grade intelligence. Through validator operations, strategic token participation, and the development of enterprise AI agents, Intellistake bridges the gap between emerging decentralized networks and real-world industry adoption.

For additional information on the business of Intellistake please refer to https://www.intellistake.ai/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking ‎statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will ‎continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ‎‎”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; details of the partnership between Intellistake and PowerBank, expected benefits of Intelliscope for PowerBank, expectations regarding the market for digital currencies and decentralized AI, and the size of the Company’s development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-‎Looking Statements” and “Risk ‎Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerbank-corporation-announces-contracts-with-intellistake-for-full-deployment-of-ai-agents-following-successful-beta-testing-phase-302679685.html

SOURCE PowerBank Corporation

Following completion of structured beta testing initiated in November 2025, PowerBank transitions from testing to operational deployment of IntelliScope Enterprise Hub AI agents developed by Intellistake Technologies Corp.

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company“), a North American renewable energy company focused on solar energy infrastructure, battery energy storage systems (BESS) today announced the signing of two contracts with Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) to formally onboard and deploy the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub AI agents developed by Intellistake that PowerBank has been  beta testing since November 2025. This marks the transition from testing phase to planned full-scale operational deployment across PowerBank’s business development and engineering teams.

The IntelliScope Enterprise Hub is an AI agent platform designed to support renewable energy project development by analyzing geospatial data, evaluating regulatory requirements, assessing grant eligibility, and identifying optimal site locations for solar and battery storage projects. PowerBank served as the closed beta partner for this enterprise AI suite, providing real-world testing conditions within the renewable energy sector.

The contracts dated February 4, 2026 include the build and deployment of two AI agent platforms: 

1. 1. A public-facing AI communications agent designed to support structured external engagement.
   2. IntelliScope, a bespoke internal multi-agent business intelligence framework intended to support operational workflows across PowerBank’s organization.

Both platforms completed approximately three months of proof-of-concept development during a closed beta phase. Following internal demonstrations and technical review, Intellistake and PowerBank have now entered into a contracted Phase 1 build and deployment, covering the delivery of minimum viable products (“MVPs”) and initial production rollout.

The public-facing AI communications agent is being developed as a secure interface embedded within PowerBank’s website, enabling controlled natural language access to verified public disclosures and structured, auditable responses to external enquiries. The platform is also intended to generate analytics reports that provide visibility into engagement patterns, frequently accessed topics, and usage trends, supporting internal review and reporting.

In parallel, Intellistake is deploying IntelliScope as a bespoke internal business intelligence platform, configured for PowerBank’s operational workflows. The system’s first application focuses on renewable energy development in the United States, equipping PowerBank with analytical intelligence to identify optimal project sites, evaluate federal and state grant eligibility, and assess regulatory conditions and sector-specific sentiment across energy subsectors. IntelliScope is designed to consolidate fragmented data sources into a single intelligence layer, supporting faster and more informed decision-making.

During the beta testing period, PowerBank’s business development and engineering teams systematically evaluated the AI agents’ capabilities across multiple use cases including site assessment workflows, permitting analysis, grant program navigation, and project pipeline acceleration. The testing framework examined performance metrics, integration requirements, and operational effectiveness within PowerBank’s existing technology infrastructure.

The deployment contract formalizes PowerBank’s transition from beta testing to operational use of the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub. The AI agents will be installed on PowerBank’s computer systems and configured to access both internal documentation and external online resources. The platform is designed to support accelerated identification and development of new solar and battery storage project sites while improving efficiency in permitting processes and regulatory compliance evaluation.

Jason Dussault, CEO of Intellistake, commented:

“Over the past three months, Intellistake has worked alongside PowerBank to design, test, and prepare these systems for live deployment. This engagement has been built through close collaboration, and we’re confident in the systems being delivered into PowerBank’s operating environment. This marks a meaningful step forward for the Company as we continue to execute on one of our core business pillars.”

Liam Harpur, VP of Technology and Development at Intellistake, added:

“From a technical perspective, the focus was on validating AI system performance, data integrity, and compliance controls within a real enterprise environment. The architecture we’ve built provides a solid foundation that can now be deployed reliably at an enterprise level.”

Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank Corporation., commented:

“The closed beta demonstrated how these systems can support clearer and more informed decision-making across our business. These contracts allow us to move forward with deployment, and we’re looking forward to seeing how these tools are applied across both our external communications and internal operations.”

The IntelliScope Enterprise Hub operates on decentralized AI infrastructure, providing data security, transparent processing, and distributed computing capabilities designed for enterprise-grade applications. The platform’s architecture is built to handle the complex data analysis requirements of renewable energy development, including evaluation of interconnection queues, utility regulatory frameworks, zoning requirements, and federal and state-level incentive programs.

The renewable energy development sector increasingly requires sophisticated data analysis capabilities to navigate complex regulatory environments, identify viable project sites, and optimize development timelines. Enterprise AI solutions designed for this sector must integrate geospatial analysis, regulatory intelligence, market data, and project development workflows to provide actionable insights for development teams.

PowerBank plans to continue expanding its use of the IntelliScope Enterprise Hub across additional business functions and project development stages as the AI agents’ capabilities are further refined through operational use. The company views AI-powered analytical tools as complementary to its existing engineering and business development expertise, providing enhanced data processing and analytical support for complex decision-making processes.

The combined Year 1 value of the two contracted platforms is approximately CA$278,000, representing the Canadian dollar equivalent of the contracted U.S. dollar amounts*. The agreement includes initial implementation and subscription services, with the option to extend into an ongoing multi-year subscription, subject to mutual agreement. 

Subject to stock exchange approval, PowerBank intends to settle the payment for the agreements through the issuance of 121,723 common shares at a deemed price of $2.29 per common share.

The Company and PowerBank have a common director in Mr. Paul Sparkes. Mr. Sparkes did not participate in the negotiation or approval process for this transaction.

*U.S. dollar amounts have been converted to Canadian dollars at a rate of US$1.00:C$1.3652.

About PowerBank

PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built.

To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.powerbankcorp.com.

About Intellistake

Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) provides software solutions that leverage decentralized AI infrastructure to deliver enterprise-grade intelligence. Through validator operations, strategic token participation, and the development of enterprise AI agents, Intellistake bridges the gap between emerging decentralized networks and real-world industry adoption.

For additional information on the business of Intellistake please refer to https://www.intellistake.ai/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking ‎statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will ‎continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ‎‎”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; details of the partnership between Intellistake and PowerBank, expected benefits of Intelliscope for PowerBank, expectations regarding the market for digital currencies and decentralized AI, and the size of the Company’s development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-‎Looking Statements” and “Risk ‎Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

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SOURCE PowerBank Corporation

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tanmiah Food Company (TADAWUL: 2281), one of the Kingdom’s leading vertically integrated poultry and food producers, today announced the signing of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with SEQUENCIVE sustainability portfolio companies: PHYLA, a biotechnology company pioneering the production of sustainable alternative protein, and RECYCLEE, a digital waste management solutions provider.

The agreements were signed during IFAT Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s only dedicated exhibition for waste management and environmental technologies, marking a significant step in Tanmiah’s “waste-to-value” roadmap, focusing on the digitization of waste management and the research and development (R&D) of alternative proteins to enhance the Kingdom’s food security.

Tanmiah has partnered with PHYLA to lead R&D into alternative proteins, specifically the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This initiative explores the R&D potential of locally bio converting organic waste into high-quality, sustainable animal feed. By driving R&D into localized protein alternatives, the Company aims to reduce exposure to global supply chain volatility and support the Kingdom’s broader food security objectives, especially as Saudi Arabia remains a significant importer of grains, making the food system vulnerable to external factors. This BSF research is being developed in tandem with Tanmiah’s Moringa efforts, positioning the company as a primary R&D driver in alternative proteins to support the Saudi Green Initiative and the national goal of achieving 90% poultry self-sufficiency by 2030.

The agreement with RECYCLEE focuses on the digital transformation of Tanmiah’s waste management systems. Through the deployment of an advanced tracking platform, Tanmiah will be able to monitor, manage, and monetize industrial byproducts. This digitization is designed to unlock new revenue streams from waste while ensuring full transparency and compliance with national environmental standards, directly supporting national priorities, including Saudi Arabia’s target to divert 90% of waste from landfill by 2040.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company said: “At Tanmiah, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond reducing impact; it is focused on creating a resilient, innovative food system for the future. Through our partnerships with RECYCLEE and PHYLA, we are leveraging technology and biological innovation to improve resource efficiency, strengthen food security, and support national priorities with practical, scalable solutions.”

Mohammed AlMadhi, CEO of SEQUENCIVE said:

“This Memorandum of Understanding not only illustrates our shared goals, but also our shared responsibilities towards contributing to our Kingdom’s 2030 vision. PHYLA and RECYCLEE aim to create a long lasting impact by bridging the gap in the feed supply chain with sustainable alternative protein and diverting waste from landfills through combining our operational expertise, digital innovation, and industrial leadership.

This partnership will greatly scale-up our food security, circular economy, and environmental impact in the Kingdom.”

About Tanmiah Food Company

Tanmiah Food Company, established in 1962, is one of the Middle East’s leading providers of fresh poultry, processed proteins, animal feed and health products, and a restaurants operator. It is a publicly listed Company on the Saudi stock market. It is worth noting that Al-Dabbagh Holding Group Company is a partner and founding shareholder of Tanmiah Food Company. Tanmiah’s fully integrated and highly efficient business model includes production, further processing, and distribution with products sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait.  Tanmiah operates 149 farms, seven hatcheries, four feed mills, and four primary processing plants, and, through its joint venture operations, it operates four further processing plants. Tanmiah distributes its products through a network of wholesalers, retailers, and food service outlets, as well as online directly to consumers. Sustainability is a core principle at Tanmiah, with initiatives including planting a million trees, using wastewater from its facilities, and turning waste products into fertilizer. For more information, visit www.tanmiah.com.

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SOURCE Tanmiah Food Company

STOCKHOLM, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stegra has appointed Markus Holm as Chief Financial Officer, starting March 1, 2026. Holm joins Stegra with over 20 years’ experience from processing industry, green energy and start-ups.

Markus Holm will succeed Otto Gernandt, who is stepping down after more than five years with the company to pursue new opportunities. To ensure a smooth transition, Gernandt will remain with Stegra as a senior advisor.

Holm has a long background from CFO- and executive roles in multinational companies as well as start-up firms, active in industries ranging from paperboard, tissue papers and pulp to pharmaceuticals and green energy. His most recent role is as CFO and Board Member of Elcogen Group, and before that roles include CFO and COO of Sanoma Corporation as well as CFO of Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue Corporation.

“Markus’ experience is a great fit for an industrial impact scale up company like Stegra. Beyond his long and broad professional experience, he also has values that align with what we appreciate in our leadership and our teams. I am very glad to have Markus join Stegra and the management team”, says Henrik Henriksson, CEO at Stegra.

Otto Gernandt joined Stegra in 2020 as a founding member of the management team. He has been responsible for the company’s groundbreaking financing and has been an integral part of Stegra’s commercial efforts, including the establishment of the green steel market. In his role as senior advisor, Gernandt will focus on the ongoing funding initiatives.

“Otto has been with Stegra from the beginning and has played a leading role in the realization of our vision. He informed us some time ago of his intention to move on, and we have worked together over a long period of time to plan for this transition. We appreciate that he will continue to provide support as we complete the ongoing financing, and we wish him well in his future endeavors”, says Henriksson.  

Stegra was founded in 2020 and started construction of the integrated plant for green hydrogen, green iron and green steel in 2022, after initial funding and permitting processes. The company has now completed a lot of the civil works at the plant and is focusing on engineering and equipment installation in the hydrogen area, the iron area and the steel mill, as well as the water treatment plant and the on-site power plant. Railway on the site is also under construction.

CONTACT:

For more information, contact: Karin Hallstan, Head of Communications, Stegra at press@stegra.com or +46 76 842 81 04

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/stegra/r/stegra-appoints-markus-holm-as-cfo,c4303120

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SOURCE Stegra

MUNICH, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, today announced a milestone deployment in the European market with the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in Wałbrzych, Lower Silesia. The 65,400 m² facility represents an investment of €230 million and contributes to the development of a robust European clean energy manufacturing ecosystem. The factory is scheduled to become operational within the next 12 months and is expected to create 400 new jobs in the region, fostering local expertise in the renewable energy sector.

“This new facility marks an important milestone for Sungrow in Europe. It allows us to be closer to our customers, respond more effectively to market needs, and will be a cornerstone of Sungrow’s strategy to bolster European supply-chain stability while creating skilled employment,” said Shawn Shi, President of Sungrow Europe.

Stronger clean energy value chain in Europe

The facility is designed to support large-scale production, with an annual capacity of up to 20 GW for inverters and 12.5 GWh for energy storage systems (ESS). It will integrate advanced manufacturing and quality-assurance capabilities, ensuring high standards of product performance, reliability, and safety.

Marcin Lerner, President of the Management Board of the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, said: “As the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, we are constantly building a friendly ecosystem for the development of regional, national and international business. The Sungrow investment highlights Poland’s growing strategic importance within Europe’s clean-energy value stream and shows that Poland, including the industrialized and high-tech developed region of Lower Silesia, is one of the most attractive locations in Europe to scale renewable energy technologies- thanks to public support programs, stable economic growth, accessibility to technical universities and qualified employees.

In addition to strengthening local production, the facility will enhance Sungrow’s logistics capabilities across Europe by locating key manufacturing activities closer to customers, reducing lead times and enabling more efficient distribution. This will support greater efficiency and resilience across the region’s clean energy value chain.

Shawn Shi added: “Lower Silesia’s history of skilled technical expertise in electronics, automation and advanced manufacturing made it the prime location for our new factory. We intend to hire locally to tap into this expertise, as we live our commitment to grow with the communities we serve.”

Global expertise and local footprint

Active in Europe since 2005 and being an own legal entity in 2011, Sungrow Europe has expanded its regional presence to twenty-five local representative offices, two R&D centers, twenty-six warehouses, and three Training & Technology Competence Centers and Service Centers in the region, with its European headquarters located in Munich, Germany.

If you would like to learn more about the new factory in Poland, please click here.

About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: https://www.sungrowpower.com/en

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SOURCE Sungrow

MUNICH, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, today announced a milestone deployment in the European market with the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in Wałbrzych, Lower Silesia. The 65,400 m² facility represents an investment of €230 million and contributes to the development of a robust European clean energy manufacturing ecosystem. The factory is scheduled to become operational within the next 12 months and is expected to create 400 new jobs in the region, fostering local expertise in the renewable energy sector.

“This new facility marks an important milestone for Sungrow in Europe. It allows us to be closer to our customers, respond more effectively to market needs, and will be a cornerstone of Sungrow’s strategy to bolster European supply-chain stability while creating skilled employment,” said Shawn Shi, President of Sungrow Europe.

Stronger clean energy value chain in Europe

The facility is designed to support large-scale production, with an annual capacity of up to 20 GW for inverters and 12.5 GWh for energy storage systems (ESS). It will integrate advanced manufacturing and quality-assurance capabilities, ensuring high standards of product performance, reliability, and safety.

Marcin Lerner, President of the Management Board of the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, said: “As the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, we are constantly building a friendly ecosystem for the development of regional, national and international business. The Sungrow investment highlights Poland’s growing strategic importance within Europe’s clean-energy value stream and shows that Poland, including the industrialized and high-tech developed region of Lower Silesia, is one of the most attractive locations in Europe to scale renewable energy technologies- thanks to public support programs, stable economic growth, accessibility to technical universities and qualified employees.

In addition to strengthening local production, the facility will enhance Sungrow’s logistics capabilities across Europe by locating key manufacturing activities closer to customers, reducing lead times and enabling more efficient distribution. This will support greater efficiency and resilience across the region’s clean energy value chain.

Shawn Shi added: “Lower Silesia’s history of skilled technical expertise in electronics, automation and advanced manufacturing made it the prime location for our new factory. We intend to hire locally to tap into this expertise, as we live our commitment to grow with the communities we serve.”

Global expertise and local footprint

Active in Europe since 2005 and being an own legal entity in 2011, Sungrow Europe has expanded its regional presence to twenty-five local representative offices, two R&D centers, twenty-six warehouses, and three Training & Technology Competence Centers and Service Centers in the region, with its European headquarters located in Munich, Germany.

If you would like to learn more about the new factory in Poland, please click here.

About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: https://www.sungrowpower.com/en

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sungrow-to-open-factory-in-europe-strengthening-local-capabilities-302680003.html

SOURCE Sungrow

VIENNA, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The OPEC Fund for International Development (The OPEC Fund) committed a record US$3.2 billion to development operations in 2025, the highest annual volume in the institution’s history, and a 39 percent increase year-on-year. Delivered through 76 operations worldwide, the results reflect strong delivery amid elevated demand for development financing as the OPEC Fund enters its 50ᵗʰ anniversary in 2026.

The record performance underscored the OPEC Fund’s expanding role in supporting partner countries to strengthen economic resilience, close critical infrastructure gaps, enhance food security, facilitate energy access and address climate-related challenges.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “As we mark our 50th year, the OPEC Fund does so from a position of strength. Our 2025 results demonstrate not only increased scale, but the maturity of our institution, the trust of our partners and the confidence of our member countries and investors. Building on five decades of experience, we are focused on financing that responds quickly, reaches further and delivers lasting impact for people and communities.”

In 2025, the OPEC Fund signed 35 public-sector operations, 26 private-sector operations and 15 grants across its financing windows. Public sector commitments supported government-led reforms, infrastructure investment and the delivery of essential services and global trade. Private-sector operations channeled through financial institutions and corporate lending promoted private sector growth, job creation and trade finance. Grant financing amounted to about US$7 million, supporting humanitarian assistance, energy access and priority social sectors.

Financing in 2025 was concentrated in sectors with high development impact. Transport and infrastructure accounted for the largest share, with approximately US$900 million committed to improving connectivity and logistics. Policy-based lending totaled US$865 million, supporting macroeconomic stability and reform implementation. Trade finance and financial sector operations together exceeded US$800 million, facilitating access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the flow of essential goods. Additional investments supported agriculture and food systems, energy, water and sanitation, health and education, reflecting the OPEC Fund’s multisector mandate and strategic priorities.

The OPEC Fund’s 2025 commitments also reflected broad geographic reach with a strong focus on regions facing the most acute development needs. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the largest share, with combined commitments to Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa totaling approximately US$1.2 billion, or around 36 percent of total financing, and supporting infrastructure, economic resilience and essential services.

The Middle East, Europe and Central Asia received approximately US$849 million (around 26 percent), reflecting continued engagement in infrastructure investment and policy-based operations. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for roughly US$556 million (about 17 percent), while Asia and the Pacific received approximately US$491 million (around 15 percent). The remaining commitments supported multiregional and global operations.

Entering the Golden Jubilee year

The 2025 results mark the start of the OPEC Fund’s Golden Jubilee year, to be commemorated throughout 2026 under the theme “Where Partnership Powers Progress.” The milestone year reaffirms five decades of development cooperation with partner countries and the OPEC Fund’s enduring mandate to support inclusive growth, resilience and tangible improvements in people’s lives around the world.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is a globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$32 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$240 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

Contact

The OPEC Fund for International Development, P.O. Box 995, 1011 Vienna, Austria – Telephone: +43-1-515 64-0, Fax: +43-1-513 92 38, www.opecfund.org

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SOURCE The OPEC Fund for International Development