Brand Engagement shares jump 60.16% premarket after securing $2.05M AI licensing partnership in Africa with Valio Technologies.

Brand Engagement Network (BNAI) surged 60.16% in premarket trading following the announcement of a $2.05 million AI licensing partnership with Valio Technologies in Africa. The deal includes a preferred equity contribution, 25% common equity ownership in a newly formed entity, a 35% revenue share, and an exclusive perpetual license for BEN’s AI technology across African government and commercial markets. The partnership also involves a mental health pilot with Nelson Mandela University, leveraging BEN’s proprietary ELM™ and RAG technologies to address student wellbeing. The agreement, described as the company’s second major international expansion after the Skye LATAM deal, underscores growing demand for compliant AI solutions in regulated sectors and positions BEN to capitalize on Africa’s $1.4 billion digital economy. Management emphasized the strategic alignment with regulatory and cultural priorities, reinforcing the deal’s long-term growth potential.