Dubai, UAE – February 16, 2026: Global digital operator VEON Ltd. and Nutshell Group have announced a strategic partnership for THE GLOBAL CONNECT, a new international platform designed to unite policymakers, global investors, corporate leaders, and academia to advance cross-border investment, digital transformation, and long-term economic cooperation across emerging and frontier economies.The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nutshell Group, VEON Ltd., and JazzWorld at VEON’s global headquarters in Dubai, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in digital innovation, inclusive growth, and investment facilitation, while strengthening public-private partnerships and accelerating sustainable economic development.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior government representatives and leadership from VEON and Nutshell Group, including Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, Government of Pakistan; H. E. Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates; Augie K. Fabela II, Founder and Chairman of VEON; Brandon Lewis, Board Member of VEON; Kaan Terzioglu, Global CEO of VEON; Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman of Nutshell Group; Aamir Hafiz Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld and Member of the VEON Group Executive Committee; Usman Yousuf, Director, Nutshell Group; Rabia Ahmad, Director and CEO, Nutshell Group; Unaizah Saeed Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Nutshell Group; Hande Asik, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer, VEON; Khaled Nasser, Director Government Relations, VEON; and Zaheer Mehdi, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer, JazzWorld.
The event also welcomed prominent industry leaders and distinguished guests from across sectors, including Samad Dawood, Vice Chairman, Engro Holdings; Saeed Alhebsi, Advisor in AI at UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation; Brendan McKittrick, Chairman, HBAN, and Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman, Aeroband; Jimmy Nguyen, Global Blockchain & Emerging Tech Investor; Tahir Malik, Global CEO, Shan Foods; Faraz Minai, Co-founder & CEO, Andulus Holdings LLC; Shazad Dada, Founder & Managing Partner, Dada Partners; and Asim Chohan, Vice President, Global Operations COO, Morgan Stanley USA.
Their presence underscored the broad international support for THE GLOBAL CONNECT and highlighted the shared vision of driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth across emerging and frontier markets.
