years: 2025

Sherpa Communications is pleased to support Qashio in announcing its strategic partnership with Visa, aimed at investing AED 100 million to transform payments for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Travel Management Companies (TMCs).

Dubai, UAE, 06 January 2025 – Qashio has partnered with Visa to launch the Visa Commercial Choice Travel program for the first time in the region. With this innovative B2B travel payments solution, Visa and Qashio will support the travel industry in the UAE, MENA, Europe, and the UK, allocating over AED 100 million to the program in the coming years.

This travel solution allows companies to obtain Qashio cards and transact in multiple currencies, including AED, SAR, USD, EUR, and GBP, all issued from the UAE.

Qashio and Visa’s specialized solution will help travel companies digitize and automate their payments, optimizing reconciliation and enhancing liquidity. The solution integrates seamlessly with global travel management companies and their booking tools, including Global Distribution Systems (GDS), ensuring secure and efficient travel payments.

Since launching in 2022, Qashio has quickly established itself as one of MENA’s leading business finance providers. By utilizing Visa’s Commercial Choice Travel program, Qashio aims to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and support companies of all sizes in managing their travel payments.

This partnership guarantees high security standards for all B2B travel transactions. In addition, Qashio’s solution offers real-time data insights for accurate cashflow tracking and budgeting. With unlimited customizable Qashio cards, companies gain full control and visibility over payments. Direct-to-ERP integrations enable efficient reconciliation, reducing costs and maximizing revenue.

Sherpa Communications supported the launch of the Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024, which aggregates and analyses data from approximately 750,000 out of the millions of English language tests conducted worldwide, offering a detailed snapshot of current skill levels and emerging trends

Key Findings and Insights:

Despite a fivefold increase in English tests taken since 2020, overall proficiency scores have remained stable, indicating a broadening pool of talent with essential English skills. Average written English scores have reached a record high, likely due to the increase in written online communication and the dominance of English on the internet. Organizations are increasingly prioritizing English in L&D programs, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific and China, and the Middle East and Central Asia, to future-proof their workforce. Proficiency levels vary significantly by industry, with the Communications industry showing the highest speaking scores but the lowest writing scores, while sectors like Telecoms, Technology, and Finance exhibit high proficiency in both speaking and writing.

Regional Spotlights highlight significant trends and proficiency levels in six key markets:

In the Middle East, English language testing is often used to place employees in language training programs and is increasingly used in the hiring process. Employees are prioritizing English writing skills. In India, strong English skills are driving growth in the IT and BPO sectors, with a focus on voice-based testing. The IT-BPM sector continues to thrive in the Philippines, with high English proficiency levels essential for customer service and healthcare roles. In Japan, employers are increasingly prioritizing English-speaking skills to compete in the global market. Egypt is emerging as a BPO hub, showing high proficiency levels, supported by government incentives and a strong educational foundation. In Colombia, forward-thinking businesses are moving towards detailed, role-specific English assessments to enhance hiring and upskilling. In Europe, industries such as Transport and Logistics are increasingly relying on English skills, with proficiency levels rising across the region.

Giovanni Giovannelli, President of Pearson’s English Language Learning division, commented that in today’s global economy, English proficiency is not just a skill but a strategic asset. The Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 provides business leaders with the data-driven insights they need to make informed decisions about hiring and developing their workforce. By integrating these insights into their talent strategies, organizations can enhance their competitive edge and drive growth.

For business leaders, the report offers several benefits. It helps inform hiring by setting clear language requirements and benchmarking candidates. It enhances L&D strategies by identifying skill gaps and tailoring training programs. Finally, leveraging English proficiency enables companies to access new markets and build globally competitive teams.