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NEW DELHI and AHMEDABAD, India, Feb. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rapidise, an India-based Original Design Manufacturer (ODM), is experiencing rapid growth, scaling into a globally competitive end-to-end electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) company. The company reported achieving more than 10X revenue growth over the past year and has expanded its workforce to over 1,000 professionals.

Rapidise is on track to reach INR 500 Crore ($55 million) in revenue for the fiscal year 2025–26, according to a company statement. This growth is supported by a newly commissioned state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, operational since the third quarter of FY 2025–26. The facility features new Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines, advanced assembly lines, an ISO Class-6 clean room, comprehensive testing laboratories, and automated end-of-line (EOL) systems.

The new infrastructure has enabled Rapidise to scale production capacity to over 300,000 units per month, with plans for additional facilities to support a future demand of up to 5 million units per year. The company operates an integrated concept-to-market execution model, overseeing the entire product development lifecycle.

“Our growth over the past year reflects a structural shift in how global customers perceive Indian ODMs,” said Brijesh Kamani, CEO & MD at Rapidise. “We are building Rapidise as a platform-driven organization that combines deep engineering expertise, scalable manufacturing, and consistent quality to serve global markets reliably and efficiently.”

Rapidise has established a customer base across India, the USA, Europe, and Japan, initiating export production that meets global standards. The company is actively developing IoT-enabled solutions for the automotive and Industry 4.0 sectors, focusing on vision computing hardware and AI-driven applications. Dedicated internal teams support customized ICT, FCT, and end-of-line testing, adhering to automotive quality frameworks including DFMEA, PFMEA, and APQP.

“We are seeing strong pull from global companies who want a single partner that can design, certify, and manufacture at scale,” said Ashish Chinthal, Chief Business Officer at Rapidise. “Our expanding footprint in the USA, Europe, and Japan positions us as a strategic growth partner for customers looking to diversify and future-proof their supply chains.”

Rapidise has designed and manufactured a range of electronics products, including dash cameras, body cameras, surveillance cameras, camera modules, EDGE AI boxes, BLE asset trackers, and telematics devices, completing global certifications within compressed timelines. This capability is supported by in-house R&D and RF laboratories, audio-video labs, simulation facilities, thermal and vibration chambers.

“Customers today are looking for partners who can move fast without compromising reliability,” said Mohit Aggarwal, CTO at Rapidise. “Our in-house labs, testing infrastructure, and vertically integrated engineering teams allow us to de-risk products early and accelerate the journey from prototype to mass production.”

Rapidise has achieved IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001 certifications, with AS9100 aerospace certification currently in progress. The company received $4 million in seed funding in August 2025 from Napino Digital Solutions and Teksun Inc., according to a LinkedIn post from Rapidise Inc., and a subsequent report indicated a $5 million seed round, according to The Wire.

Rapidise provides end-to-end ODM services, covering design, prototyping, certification, manufacturing, and lifecycle support. The company is headquartered in India with a global footprint across the US, EU, and APAC. For discussions around technology enablement, global partnerships, collaborative programs, joint ventures or investment opportunities, contact [email protected]

Regional integration across Africa, envisioned as a pathway to resilience in a fractured global landscape, is facing significant headwinds. While the African Union agreed in 2019 to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), building upon the foundations laid by eight regional economic communities – including COMESA, Ecowas, and SADC – progress has been slow. Decades of research and observation suggest that deeply rooted issues, stemming from colonial legacies to contemporary challenges in governance and economic structure, are hindering the continent’s ambitions for greater economic unity.

The promise of a larger, integrated African market, first highlighted by the World Bank 45 years ago, aimed to boost production and overcome long-term development obstacles like inadequate infrastructure, inefficient payment systems, and political instability. These obstacles persist today, and a deeper examination reveals four primary reasons why the full potential of African economic integration remains unrealized. These challenges range from the enduring impact of colonial dependencies to the complexities of informal economies and the often-unclear objectives of integration efforts.

The Lingering Shadow of Colonial Dependency

The roots of Africa’s current economic challenges are inextricably linked to its colonial past. As formalized at the Berlin West Africa Conference in February 1885, European powers asserted their right to “regulate the conditions most favourable to the development of trade and civilization … in Africa.” This historical context continues to shape contemporary economic relationships. A 1973 study on Foreign Investments in the East African Common Market found that many post-colonial regional integration arrangements were “based on pre-independence links and institutions.”

The East African Common Market, for example, evolved directly from Britain’s colonial East African Federation, a precursor to today’s East African Community. Attempts to expand beyond this original geographic scope have reportedly strained cohesion within the community. Ecowas stands out as an early attempt to transcend these colonial patterns, uniquely encompassing countries formerly colonized by France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. However, even Ecowas, after 50 years, continues to navigate complex dynamics.

A key issue is the nature of post-colonial agreements between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. These agreements, critics argue, often prioritize the extraction of raw materials from Africa for processing in Europe, with African nations subsequently importing these processed goods at higher prices. This dynamic hinders the development of local industries and limits employment opportunities for African populations.

The Challenge of Informal Economies

Colonial rule often suppressed or drove underground indigenous African enterprise. This legacy has resulted in a large informal sector that continues to operate outside the formal regulatory framework. Governments across the continent have largely failed to address this historical pattern, often criminalizing informal economic activity. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimated in 2023 that informal cross-border trade accounts for between 30% and 72% of formal trade between neighboring countries, effectively excluding a significant portion of African businesses from the benefits of regional integration.

Integration as an Add-on, Not a Reimagining

Many African nations approach regional integration as an addition to existing colonial arrangements rather than a fundamental reimagining of economic relationships. There are currently over 156 such arrangements in place across the continent’s 55 countries, leading to significant overlaps in membership and conflicting objectives. The African Union’s recognition of eight regional economic communities was intended to address this fragmentation, but it has not fully resolved the issue. For instance, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) both belong to the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while Eritrea and Sudan are members of IGAD, COMESA, and Cen-Sad. French-speaking West African countries participate in both Ecowas and the Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA).

Mission Creep and Unclear Objectives

Regional integration efforts in Africa have often been burdened by “mission creep,” expanding beyond purely economic objectives to encompass collective security and governance oversight. This broadening of scope has led to unconvincing outcomes and, in some cases, destabilizing effects. The recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from Ecowas in 2025, following tensions with France, exemplifies this challenge. These nations, however, remain members of UEMOA, whose currency system is backed by France, highlighting the complexities of disentangling from existing arrangements.

Addressing these challenges requires more than simply establishing rules for market access or harmonizing tax policies. A more holistic approach is needed, one that prioritizes the needs of the informal sector – where women constitute over 70% of cross-border traders – by improving frontier regimes and eliminating policies that discourage lawful enterprise.

Looking Ahead

While popular discontent with lingering colonial influences is evident, translating that sentiment into constructive action requires political vision. Rationalizing Africa’s integration arrangements is underway, with some nations, like Rwanda (withdrawing from Eccas) and Eritrea (withdrawing from IGAD), already streamlining their memberships. However, a fundamental shift in focus is needed, prioritizing a clear and shared vision for the future of African integration. The time has come for African governments to prioritize a cohesive strategy that unlocks the continent’s potential and improves the prospects for its people.

What are your thoughts on the future of African economic integration? Share your comments below.

Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee – The notoriously challenging Barkley Marathons began this morning with a unique twist: its earliest start date in the race’s 39-year history. A conch shell blast and the lighting of a cigarette at 6 a.m. Eastern Time signaled the start of the ultramarathon, kicking off a 60-hour window for approximately 40 runners to attempt to conquer the grueling course.

The 2026 Barkley Marathons, a race steeped in secrecy and legendary difficulty, traditionally takes place in mid-to-late March or early April. This year’s Valentine’s Day start is a significant departure from the norm, adding another layer of unpredictability to an event already famous for its demanding terrain and complex navigation. The race concludes at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, leaving participants to battle not only the physical challenges but also the ticking clock.

What Makes Barkley So Difficult?

The Barkley Marathons isn’t your typical ultramarathon. Runners face a roughly 100-mile course through Frozen Head State Park, completing five loops each with an expected elevation gain exceeding 60,000 feet. What sets it apart is the ever-changing route; the course is different every year, and participants are forbidden from using GPS devices. Navigation relies on map and compass skills, adding a significant mental challenge to the already immense physical strain. Only 20 individuals have successfully completed the race since its inception in 1986.

The race gained wider recognition through the 2014 documentary, The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young, which showcased the event’s unique challenges and the dedication of its participants. Jasmin Paris made history in 2024 as the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, but the 2025 edition saw no finishers, highlighting the race’s unforgiving nature.

Following the Action

Unlike many modern races, the Barkley Marathons doesn’t offer live tracking or official split times. Instead, the running community relies on updates from Keith Dunn, who provides on-the-ground coverage via X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. Dunn’s feeds have become essential for those following the race, offering insights and updates as runners navigate the challenging course.

For those seeking more information about the Barkley Marathons, Runner’s World offers a comprehensive explainer of the event. John Brant’s 2024 feature story provides further insight into the race’s history and the motivations of those who attempt it.

The 2026 edition is already proving to be a test of endurance and strategy. Sébastien Raichon has earned a “Fun Run” status, a unique distinction within the Barkley community, though the details of that achievement remain to be fully reported.

As the runners embark on their journey through the rugged terrain of Frozen Head State Park, the world watches, anticipating the stories of perseverance, resilience, and the ultimate test of human endurance that the Barkley Marathons consistently delivers. The coming hours will reveal whether anyone can conquer the course and add their name to the exclusive list of Barkley finishers.

Stay tuned for further updates as the race unfolds. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.