Features | Business in Africa

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Business in Africa

Increased food safety concerns require better sterilisation tech

29th October 2021 Food safety is one of the major concerns of participants in the supply chain of agricultural commodities, says steam and heat technology company Steam Generation Africa MD John Rundle. “Exporters and packers are challenged by the increasingly stringent standards imposed by their customers and... →

Data management challenges can be surmounted

By: Darren Parker 29th October 2021 In terms of data management in Africa, businesses primarily face storage, maintenance and regulatory challenges, but these can be overcome, says data management company Commvault Africa channel lead Gerhard Fourie. Storing and using vast volumes of data without crashing systems is an ongoing... →

A photo of Commvault regional sales executive Bar Hori

BAR HORI Data is one of the most important assets, if not the most important asset, of an organisation

Business in Africa has to deal with greater compliance demands

By: Darren Parker 29th October 2021 African governments are demanding greater levels of compliance from businesses, which has resulted in a noticeable increase in red tape and bureaucracy owing to poor execution by officials, says consulting engineering and scientist firm SRK Consulting South Africa MD Vis Reddy. Among its... →

A photo of SRK Consulting South Africa MD Vis Reddy

VIS REDDY SRK Consulting expects the growth in agriculture to bring its own set of impacts on resources, such as water

Opportunities arise from noncore asset disposals

By: Darren Parker 29th October 2021 The strain caused by Covid-19 has encouraged larger companies to focus on balance sheet management and sell off noncore assets to ease their debt burdens, says private equity firm Agile Capital CEO Tshego Sefolo. He tells Engineering News that disposing of noncore assets has created several... →

A photo of Agile Capital CEO Tshego Sefolo

TSHEGO SEFOLO The African Continental Free Trade Agreement should bring opportunities for easier trade and better flow of goods across the continent

Transport infrastructure key to African economic growth

By: Darren Parker 29th October 2021 Improved transport infrastructure in Africa would contribute significantly to unlocking the continent’s economic potential, says diversified chemicals group Omnia Holdings group CEO Seelan Gobalsamy. He says there is considerable agricultural potential in East Africa, which exports products... →

Supplier hedge against volatile market

By: Darren Parker 29th October 2021 A significant portion of steel supplier Tradecore Steel’s business stems from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, although the company does business in Kenya and Ghana as well. Tradecore Steel director Anthony Hoare says this has been the strategy pursued since the inception... →

Pandemic highlights investment opportunities

By: Halima Frost 4th June 2021 Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of strengthening supply chains in Africa to reduce reliance on other continents, where possible, private equity investment firm Agile Capital principal dealmaker Liz Kolobe tells Engineering News. Therefore, the company has announced that it is open to... →

LIZ KOLOBE Agile Capital has announced that it is open to exploring new opportunities and is looking to deploy the capital it has available in its fourth private equity fund

Sub-Saharan Africa rebound significantly lower than globally

By: Halima Frost 4th June 2021 A smaller contraction in 2020 and a sharper growth rebound in 2021 have led to predictions of a global rebound of about 5.6%; however, sub-Saharan Africa will lag behind, with the slowest recovery rate of about 3%, said data research and analytics company Fitch Solutions Country Risk & Industry... →

PLUGGED IN The sub-Saharan Africa recovery is on on trend with the rest of the world

Local service provider to supply machine for Beitbridge project

By: Halima Frost 4th June 2021 Bulk earthworks, demolitions and civil engineering service provider Icon Group has been awarded a contract to supply its three-sided impact roller to the expansion project at the Beitbridge border post, in Zimbabwe. The three-sided impact roller will be used to compact in-situ and construct bulk... →

TRIPLE POWER The three-sided impact roller will be used to compact in-situ and construct bulk earthworks

Port upgrade strengthens Horn of Africa trade

By: Halima Frost 4th June 2021 The Berbera port, operated and managed by multinational logistics company Dubai Ports (DP) World, is undergoing a multifaceted upgrade valued at $442-million. The upgrade will expand the port, as well as develop a logistical platform and a free zone to strengthen the port’s position as a key... →

SHIP SHAPE The upgrades to the Berbera port in Somaliland will allow for more containers and larger ships to dock

Company set for expansion despite difficulties

By: Mamaili Mamaila 30th October 2020 Despite Africa’s holding much promise in terms of business development, the business dynamics in African countries have been severely affected by the effects of Covid-19. →

DANIEL PETROV Africa is the future and remains so, even in a depressed economic environment

Difficulties heightened during pandemic, company forges ahead

By: Mamaili Mamaila 30th October 2020 South Africa’s subdued economic growth has been well recorded – even prior to the pandemic, says industrial equipment supplier Verder Pumps South Africa MD Darryl Macdougall. →

CHECK THIS OUT Verder Pumps South Africa also launched the new Verder HI-Clean AODD and EODD pumps earlier this month, with more announcements planned heading into 2021

Private-sector investment key amid challenges

By: Mamaili Mamaila 30th October 2020 From an economic perspective, the Covid-19 pandemic has not affected countries in Africa, apart from South Africa, as much as countries on other continents. →

GET IT TOGETHER While there is so much potential in Africa, political certainty is required in conjunction with more streamlined procurement processes

Covid-19 compounds challenges in Africa

By: Tracy Hancock 12th June 2020 The legislation put in place amid the Covid-19 pandemic is compounding the “exceptionally challenging” business environment already faced by companies when operating in Africa, where each country presents its own challenges, says Macsteel Exports senior branch manager Adrian Isemonger. He... →

AFRICAN REACH Macsteel Exports supplies sub-Saharan Africa with the broadest range of carbon steel, stainless steel, specialty steels, aluminum products and value-added processes to all industry sectors

Africa still viable for business

By: Tracy Hancock 12th June 2020 It is possible to work in most African countries, provided there is an investor-friendly fiscal regime, the correct asset, a diverse management team and a flexible execution strategy, says mining consultancy Madini’s Andries Cilliers. Madini has supported African mining projects for the past 20... →

GUINEA-FOCUSED
Madini is focused on Guinea, where it has been involved from first drill hole through to production at Alufer Mining’s Bel Air Mining bauxite project

Photo by Credit: Alufer Mining
GUINEA-FOCUSED Madini is focused on Guinea, where it has been involved from first drill hole through to production at Alufer Mining’s Bel Air Mining bauxite project

Cogen technology heating up in Africa

By: Tracy Hancock 12th June 2020 South Africa needs to realise that the rest of Africa is becoming more business friendly, and it may no longer be the sole gateway to Africa, which is showing noticeable demand for co-generation (co-gen) technology, says heat generation technology specialist Steam Generation commercial director... →

PLANTATION POTENTIAL Steam Generation receives many enquiries from Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, which is known for its tea plantations that present potential for the supply of biomass and co-gen technology

Great demand for infection control across Africa

By: Tracy Hancock 12th June 2020 The demand for infection control solutions manufacturer SteriTech’s products has increased significantly across Africa since the Covid-19 outbreak, but so have the company’s lead times. “Demand in the rest of Africa existed prior to the outbreak and was steadily growing at a rate just slightly... →

SOUGHT-AFTER SteriTech has increased its production capacity twenty-fold to meet demand across Africa

CFTA should take lessons from failed agreements

22nd October 2019 The architects of the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) should learn from the failed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), says Export Credit Insurance Corporation senior economist Tsidiso Disenyana. The FTAA, which had been in the process of being negotiated by 34 diverse... →

TRADERS WITHOUT BORDERS The African CFTA could lead to the biggest free trade zone on the planet

CFTA should take lessons from failed agreements

18th October 2019 The architects of the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) should learn from the failed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), says Export Credit Insurance Corporation senior economist Tsidiso Disenyana. The FTAA, which had been in the process of being negotiated by 34 diverse... →

TRADERS WITHOUT BORDERS The African CFTA could lead to the biggest free trade zone on the planet

Counterfeiting remains a challenge in Africa

By: Darren Parker 18th October 2019 Counterfeiting remains a significant challenge for multinational brands aiming to legitimately penetrate the African market, but anti-counterfeit laws and measures are gaining traction in Africa. “A number of African countries do not have sufficient intellectual property protection; however,... →

MADE IN CHINA Most counterfeit goods sold in Africa are imported from China or other Eastern countries

Crowdfunding on the rise in Africa

By: Darren Parker 18th October 2019 Amid the prediction that about $300-billion will have been raised globally through online crowdfunding mechanisms by 2025, crowdfunding in South Africa is gaining traction as an increasingly viable option for raising capital. Other African countries are also not far behind in its adoption.... →

LEANA DE BEER Online crowdfunding may be a twenty-first century concept, but it finds its roots in traditions that go back centuries

Obstacles mar property investment opportunities

By: Darren Parker 18th October 2019 The level of corruption is one of several factors foreign investors consider in deciding which African countries to develop, says financial services company Nedbank Corporate Investment Banking Africa property finance divisional executive Gerhard Zeelie. “African governments need to take stock of... →

GERHARD ZEELIE Investors should opt for a mediocre opportunity in a corruption-free region, rather than a great opportunity in a heavily corrupt region

Urbanisation prompts investment opportunities

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 3rd May 2019 Urbanisation in Africa will increase significantly, compared with the rest of the world, and this will result in several significant investment opportunities, says fully black-owned private equity company Agile Capital CEO Tshego Sefolo. These investment opportunities will manifest in the... →

Photo by Creamer Media
AFRICAN POSSIBILITIES Agile Capital is actively looking to invest in new opportunities in Africa

Company takes top spot at enterprise and supplier development awards

3rd May 2019 After being named as a finalist in the eighteenth annual Top Empowerment Awards by media company Topco Media and Communications, professional services company Turner & Townsend was honoured with an award in the enterprise and supplier development category at the event last month. The Top... →

Massive opportunity to expand businesses

3rd May 2019 South Africa’s financial institutions and policy makers have a massive opportunity to create jobs by expanding financial services amid a stronger business environment for smaller businesses, according to a new study released in March by global development institution the International Finance... →

Photo by Bloomberg
OPEN ACCESS To have a strong small business sector in South Africa, access to finance must be supported

Africa gains traction as trade destination

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 3rd May 2019 Africa, as a trade and export destination, is looking increasingly attractive from a South African perspective, and represents an opportunity for growth for many South African companies, says research and consulting specialist Africa House MD Liz Whitehouse. Africa offers South African companies... →

MAKING PROGRESS
Several industries and factors are driving growth in sub-Saharan Africa, including agricultural development and power

Photo by Creamer Media
MAKING PROGRESS Several industries and factors are driving growth in sub-Saharan Africa, including agricultural development and power

Energy solutions provider aims for Africa expansion

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 3rd May 2019 Electrical house (eHouse) solutions and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure provider TGOOD Africa is expanding its business into Africa and aims to establish offices in Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia in the next nine to twelve months. The company’s head office for its sub-Saharan... →

SPECIFIC SOLUTION TGOOD’s electrical houses are built according to clients’ specifications

Firm well-positioned for business in Botswana and Africa

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 3rd May 2019 The working environment in Botswana is stable, and civil and structural engineering firm ADA Consulting Engineers welcomes the country’s focus on infrastructure development, which the company is well-positioned to support, says ADA Consulting Engineers director Paul Maitre. The company’s office,... →

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Last year, ADA Consulting Engineers completed work for the extension of the Airport Junction shopping centre, in Gaborone

Capital markets in Africa are evolving

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 3rd May 2019 Africa’s financial and capital markets are on a “path of evolution” and this is impacting on foreign investment and competition on the continent, says exchange trading platform 4 Africa Exchange (4AX) business development head Noah Greenhill. The evolution of the markets is creating... →

Photo by Bloomberg
TRADING TIME Listing on an exchange is critical and gives companies some credibility

Tech, fashion showcased in iconic African designs

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 A successful campaign aimed at bringing to life the transformative capabilities of data has revealed the combination of the power of technology and fashion and turned a concept into a dialogue. A thought-provoking project under the bannered theme “Fabric” undertaken by Siemens in August... →

Private-equity firm seeks out opportunities in Africa

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 Fully black-owned private equity company Agile Capital is actively seeking to invest millions of rands into diverse sectors and companies with a solid presence across Africa. The pan-African group, formed in 2016 following the management buy-out of Zico Capital, has available capital of about... →

African Chemicals Imbizo registers impressive growth

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 The fourth African Chemicals Imbizo, to be held in Durban from October 24 to 25, is expected to be the largest one in its four-year history. Starting as a modest concept of meetings between members of the Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) – a public-private partnership between eThekwini municipality... →

University hosts Africa’s first virtual reality press conference

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 As Singularity University (SU) works to prepare global leaders and organisations for the future, it has showcased Africa’s first virtual reality (VR) conference, hosting SU leaders from around the world to discuss, in real-time, SU’s global vision and how to future-proof Africa. While SU global’s... →

Luxembourg Protocol can reshape African rail industry

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 The adoption of the Luxembourg Protocol to the Cape Town Convention can be a solution to unlocking billions of dollars of investments from private investors into Africa’s rail industry. The new treaty, which will provide a Luxembourg-based central international registry of ownership of railway... →

South African mint shines in Africa

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 The South African Mint’s (SA Mint’s) master craft and secure manufacturing has made it one of the top preferred manufacturers of coins and coin blanks in the world, and a valuable partner across Africa. The famous producer of circulation and commemorative coins has, on its CV, an impressive list... →

Imbizo to promote green chemistry in South Africa

By: Natasha Odendaal 19th October 2018 The National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) is working steadily behind the scenes to promote and develop the concept of green chemistry, as part of a global initiative driven by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Yale University’s Center for... →

Investment underpins African expansion

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th May 2018 Private equity fund Agile Capital’s investment in consulting and engineering services business Bluhm Burton Engineering Group (BBE Group) serves as a prime example of the company’s strategy to aggressively drive expansion into African markets through its portfolio of companies, Agile Capital CEO... →

TSHEGO SEFOLO The investment in BBE Group represents an exciting opportunity for Agile to invest in a mining support services business with high growth potential

Open, informed approach imperative in African ventures

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th May 2018 It is important that companies take an open approach when operating and expanding in Africa by undertaking credible market research to fully understand local conditions, posits independent market research company Ask Afrika account director Jean Moolman. “While traditionally, South Africa is... →

AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY African countries are diverse, and it is important to understand local conditions before conducting business

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