Brand Engagement shares surge 43.41% after-hours after securing $2.05M AI licensing deal in Africa with Valio Technologies and Nelson Mandela University mental health pilot.

Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNAI) surged 43.41% in after-hours trading following the announcement of a $2.05 million AI licensing partnership with Valio Technologies in Africa. The deal includes a preferred equity contribution to BEN, a 25% equity stake in a newly formed South African entity, a 35% revenue share across AI-related offerings, and an exclusive perpetual license for government and commercial markets across the continent. A key component is a governed AI mental health pilot at Nelson Mandela University, leveraging BEN’s proprietary Engagement Language Model (ELM™) in a secure, institution-approved environment. This marks BEN’s second major international licensing agreement, building on its Skye LATAM partnership, and positions the company to capitalize on Africa’s growing digital economy and demand for compliant AI solutions. The transaction’s equity and revenue participation, combined with institutional credibility, likely drove investor optimism.