Former U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Oslo has sparked significant interest, as he engages in a series of high-profile meetings and public appearances. During his stay, Obama participated in a discussion event titled 'A Conversation with President Barack Obama' at Oslo Spektrum, where he shared insights on artificial intelligence's impact on middle-class jobs and lauded the Scandinavian countries for their societal structures. 'There are many things the Scandinavian countries have gotten right. You've been smart in building up several societal institutions,' Obama remarked, according to VG.

Obama's itinerary also included a meeting with Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norway's Oil Fund, where they discussed the global economy, geopolitics, and the general situation in the U.S. This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between global leaders and financial experts on pressing economic challenges. The Oil Fund's communication chief, Line Aaltvedt, confirmed the discussions, highlighting the importance of such exchanges in today's interconnected world.

Further emphasizing the significance of Obama's visit, the former president is scheduled to meet with King Harald, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. These meetings are expected to cover a range of topics, from bilateral relations to global issues, reflecting Norway's active role on the international stage. Støre expressed his anticipation for the meeting, noting it would be 'both interesting, pleasant, and exciting to meet him again.'

Obama's visit to Oslo not only highlights his continued influence in global affairs but also Norway's position as a key player in discussions on economic and geopolitical matters. With ticket prices for his public appearance ranging from 1255 to 5130 kroner, the event attracted a wide audience, eager to hear the former president's perspectives. As Obama's engagements in Oslo demonstrate, the intersections of politics, economy, and society remain central to addressing the challenges of our time.

Kalmar, a leading provider of cargo-handling solutions, has successfully completed a significant refurbishment project in collaboration with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) at the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The project focused on the overhaul of two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, a critical component of the terminal's operations. This initiative is part of Kalmar's Modernisation Services program, aimed at extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of port equipment.

The scope of the project included the replacement of key components such as the forestay and pivot point bearings, trolley rails, short rails, and trolley and guide wheels. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the cranes' efficiency and reliability, ensuring smoother operations at one of West Africa's busiest ports. The project, which was booked in Kalmar's Q4 2024 order intake, was completed in Q1 2025, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver complex projects on schedule.

In addition to the physical refurbishment, Kalmar also provided a comprehensive maintenance training program for the port technicians in Abidjan. This initiative is designed to empower the local team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the cranes in optimal condition, thereby maximizing their operational lifespan. Peter Bos, Project Manager at Kalmar, highlighted the importance of this training, noting its role in sustaining the long-term performance of the equipment.

This project marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Kalmar and AGL, which spans several years and includes similar refurbishment projects in other African countries such as Congo and Benin. AGL, a subsidiary of MSC, is a major player in Africa's port logistics sector, operating 17 container terminals across the continent. The successful completion of the Abidjan project underscores the mutual trust and collaboration between the two companies, setting a positive precedent for future endeavors.