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[South Africa] Volkswagen announces R4 billion investment in Kariega plant
The changes being made in preparation for the production of the new SUV also affords training and upskilling opportunities for Volkswagen Group Africa’s production employees.
South African used car platform WeBuyCars lists on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
WeBuyCars, a prominent and recognised brand within the pre-owned motor vehicle market, established over 23 years ago, has listed on the Main Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) under the share code "WBC."
Nissan Africa announces regional appointments
Jordi Vila, currently Nissan Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe has been appointed as President Nissan Africa, as DVP.
Nissan Navara to fly the flag up through Africa in daring expedition
Dubbed Nissan Daring Africa 2024, the expedition will visit Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya before ending in Egypt.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Road towards gainful employment in Kenya: The Dual TVET approach
The evolving employment landscape demands a fresh perspective, one that champions the pragmatic alternative of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
[South Africa] Volkswagen Group Africa unveils R20 million airbag deployment centre
The new facility will boost the plant’s airbag testing capacity to 150% of its previous output.
Toyota to open a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya
The agreement will see Toyota set up a vehicle manufacturing plant in the country. The company has committed an initial investment of Kshs 800 million in the Kenya Thika vehicle manufacturers.
[South Africa] GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto sign vehicle distribution partnership
GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto have come to an agreement regarding the distribution of vehicles, spare parts and services, in South Africa.
[Column] Lizelle Strydom: Why skills development will always be a priority investment
January is the start of a brand-new year, and the time when millions of matriculants and recent graduates begin their search for employment.
Volkswagen collaborates with DHL Express for the pilot test of ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa
The units will be utilised for specialised last-mile delivery service part of DHL’s local pilot test of its global zero emissions logistics target.
Volkswagen signs agreement with Government of Egypt for strategic co-operation viability study of shared automotive painting facility
Volkswagen and Government of Egypt have signed an agreement to work together to develop a feasibility study on a shared automotive painting facility within the East Port Said Industrial Zone in the East Port Said Automotive Zone in Cairo.
[Column] Phylla Jele: Prioritizing people over processes for business success
The workplace today looks very different from the workplace people left behind when remote work was mandated in 2020. Not only did the work model change, but also the mindset of the average employee.
[Column] Moses Anibaba: Building connections and opportunities for young Africans
The next generation is essential to the continent’s development and to global shared interests in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for us all.
[Column] Vera Ng’oma: Propelling TEVET as Africa is set to be the world capital for young talent
Africa could seize this opportunity as it pursues a re-envisioning of its economic prospects. But this aspiration can only be attainable if education systems are revitalised, skills development philosophies re-set and job markets scaled to support the demographic boom.
Eurorepar enters the South African automotive spare parts industry
The launch of Eurorepar comes with the backing of Stellantis. From a network that stretches across 40 countries, Eurorepar is synonymous with diversity, offering an impressive array of more than 15 000 part numbers.
Stellantis invests ZAR 3 billion in a greenfield manufacturing facility in South Africa
The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Coega situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Ford and Salvador Caetano appoint Motorcare as the official Ford distributor in Uganda
Motorcare Uganda and its cumulated experience, strong market knowledge and commitment to service excellence will provide Ford customers in Uganda with the highest standards of Ford products, services, and support.
[Column] Pankaj Bedi: Transform Kenyan human capital for sustainable growth
For any business, one of the most critical components of enhancing productivity and giving the company a competitive edge is a skilled and highly efficient workforce. The most industrialized nations attribute their development to a highly skilled workforce, among other factors.
Volkswagen signs deal with Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors
As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.
ExecuJet MRO Services Africa awarded authorised service centre status for Embraer
ExecuJet MRO Services has been appointed by Embraer as its authorised service centre (ASC) for business jets in Africa. The decision represents an expansion of the aircraft manufacturer’s service network in the region.
COMESA, IOM sign agreement to strengthen cooperation
COMESA and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a cooperative working relationship in different areas of common interest which centers on managing migration and related activities in the Eastern and Southern African region.
Global tyre manufacturer Goodyear seeks to expand to Zambia and DR Congo
As part of its growth strategy, Goodyear Middle East & Africa (MEA) is actively seeking the right distributor & service provider to expand its reach within Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
HRLeverage expands into seven African countries
HRLeverage, a provider of outsourcing and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions, has announced its expansion into Kenya and seven other African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, Nigeria and Zambia.
Nissan Africa announces new leadership structure
Nissan Africa has taken the next step towards unlocking the potential of the African market, by unveiling a new leadership structure with effect from 1 April 2023 to drive the company’s mid-term plan.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigeran startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. Africa Business Communities chats with Ayodeji Ayorinde, one of the founders.
Volvo delivers the first heavy electric truck to Africa
Deployment of heavy electric trucks is now spreading across the world. With Europe and the US among the leaders, the shift to more sustainable transport is kicking off also in other parts of the world. In Africa, the first heavy electric truck is now being delivered in the city of Rabat in Morocco.
Volkswagen opens a new vehicle assembly facility in Accra, Ghana
With this move, Volkswagen also takes over the new vehicle assembly responsibility from its licensed importer in Ghana, Universal Motors Limited (UML).
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investors bet on fintechs, startups
The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of activities in several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Startups are receiving increasing financial backing from VCs for the growith of SMEs.
Recommendations for better focus at work
There are activities - mostly our hobbies like betting - during which you completely forget the time. So you don't look at the clock or think about problems in the future or mistakes from the past.
[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa through its specialisations in car care, aircraft, boats, homes, offices and cities.
[Column] Cathy Smith: With change the only constant, leaders will need to be adaptive in 2023
The last few years have revealed the futility of making predictions about what lies ahead. In our uncertain times, the only guarantee is that the world will keep changing, with change coming at an ever-accelerating rate.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Scaling startups’ investment in the region
As startups successfully raise funding, they are boosting their product and service portfolio while setting sight on the East African region for expansion. This
Growing Crypto Market in South Africa - What Cryptocurrency is best to invest in?
Undoubtedly, trading crypto has become one of the primary sources of income for many people. In South Africa, a few people trade crypto full-time, while most treat it as a side hustle.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Reinvigorate Kenyan textiles and apparel sector to create jobs
This might surprise you, but Kenya is one of the global suppliers of big fashion brands in America.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How Africa can capitalize on its mineral wealth to develop an electric vehicle value chain
As the entire global transportation marketplace marches toward an increasingly electrified and battery-powered future, many countries across the African continent stand at the threshold of profound economic opportunity.
[Column] Cathy Smith: Empowered employees walk the talk on social impact
But social impact requires more than just a clear sense of purpose. It requires concerted action to redirect resources and effort toward activities that hold the greatest potential for positive impact.
[Column] Millicent Clarke: Creating a strong employee value proposition that exceeds employee expectations
A workforce revolution has set in, one which business cannot ignore. While not too long ago, compensation and benefits were enough to attract and retain talent – this is no longer the case.
[Column] Shiraz Khota: How to beat the great resignation with human experience management
The past two years have shifted the goalposts for every company wishing to build a high-performance culture.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: High time for a greater national effort in skills development
The skills required range from cyber security practitioners, data design and analytics to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Those who have these skills have become marketable commodities not only in South Africa but around the world.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Driving the business community’s participation in skills training
The ever-evolving trends in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, automation and climate change are changing the world of work, and together with it, the skills required to adapt and maintain a competitive edge.
[Column] Moses Anibaba: Education for employment
Africa has the youngest population in the world, representing an enormous opportunity for the continent’s growth and the opportunity to become leaders as global citizens – provided these energetic, creative young people can achieve their true potential.
[Column] Job Wanjohi: Why the Kenya National Automotive Policy is a big win for the manufacturing industry
Over the years, Kenya has carried out significant reforms geared towards improving the business environment and driving competitiveness.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: Building trust in the workplace is mission critical
Earlier this year the global communications firm Edelman in its excellent annual Trust Barometer Survey found that close on seventy percent of those surveyed tended not to believe information until they saw evidence it was trustworthy.
[Interview] Michelle Matthews, Director, Viridian, South Africa
Following the rising levels of unemployment among young South Africans, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Launch League initiative undertook a research project.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Role of productive jobs in improving quality of life
The growth of productive jobs by manufacturing means that many people will be able to support their dependants and live quality lives with access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education, clean water and food.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Persistent shortages and inflation call for new measures
Africa has in the past decade positioned itself as a knowledge economy, with one of the most robust startup ecosystems in the world.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Crude industry facts underlining the Nigerian economy
The Nigerian stock market indicators have shown lately a typical pattern in stock markets – investors stay loyal to the resilient stocks.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: State to digitize tourism, FG takes on efficient mobility
Banking is one of the most thriving sectors in Nigeria. The reason for this success has been attributed to the efficiency with which this industry has leveraged technology to modernize its operations.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Central Bank turn focus to the startup movement
There’s an ongoing comparison in Nigeria's status quo that is causing some rift – the national statistics and reports are showing a promising and stable economy, but the situation on-ground reflects a different reality.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: East Africa positions itself as investment destination of choice
The East African community continues to live up to its billing as a prime investment destination for investors.
South Africa’s office and work-from-home plans have changed for 2022
In June 2021, an estimated 50% of the South African workforce was working from home full-time, with the Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally changing views on where and how people work best.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A 5G promise looms, global trade predictions show winning numbers
Nigeria’s tactic is one of sharpening the sectors that have shown promise (such as technology, agriculture and banking) while throwing resources at those that have been in a work-in-progress mode for years.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: West Africa’s circular economy efforts at the forefront of fostering a more sustainable future
The vast majority of population growth across the continent will be concentrated in urban areas. WEF data indicates that more than 80% of Africa's population growth between now and 2030 will be in cities, with Lagos growing at a pace of 77 people every hour.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: National GDP for Q3 sees increase, amid growing economic concerns
The Nigerian Minister for labour recently has affirmed that more needed to be done in order for the employment crisis to be mitigated. He did allow that much has been done, but a lot of action still was required if the problem was to be tackled from the roots.
[Column] Lizelle Strydom: How the BPO sector is giving African women a platform to grow
While training programmes can help bridge the skills gap for women from disadvantaged communities, it is vital that organisations develop a culture of mentorship to help women progress in their careers.
[Interview] Naike Moshi, Country Director, CVPeople Tanzania
CVPeople Tanzania is a talent acquisition and recruitment company that has for 6 years established itself as a frontrunner in the executive search and headhunting for clients across banking, telecom, and NGO sectors.
Eight responsibilities of which a warehouse manager must be aware
A warehouse manager has one of the most challenging jobs around. They have many responsibilities and have to oversee one of the most complex yet critically important aspects of the business.
Looming cash crisis threatens airlines, IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airline industry will burn through $77 billion in cash during the second half of 2020 (almost $13 billion/month or $300,000 per minute), despite the restart of operations.
Tackling youth unemployment in Kenya through sustainable waste management
Abdul Said Konde is a youth resident in Tudor informal settlement in Mombasa County. Like thousands of other young people across the country, he is not formally employed and the Covid-19 pandemic has made it even harder to access manual jobs.
[Column] Ntombi Mphokane: What will it take to tackle the global skills crisis?
If the World Economic Forum (WEF) is to be believed, then business across the globe could be facing a reskilling emergency.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Kenya economic recovery is anchored on saving lives and securing livelihoods
The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that protection of workers and their families from the risk of infection should be a top priority for all economies at this time.
[Column] Paulo de Matos: What manufacturers can do now to maintain continuity in the new normal
Manufacturers and distributors are operating in intensely pressured times. Stats SA reported that manufacturing output contracted for the ninth consecutive month in February of 2020.
[Column] Risha Isaac: How companies can restore employees confidence through health benefits
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more critical for organizations to properly manage the impact of a disaster.
Most commodity prices to drop in 2020 as COVID-19 depresses demand, disrupts supply, World Bank
The global economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven most commodity prices down and is expected to result in substantially lower prices over 2020, the World Bank said in its April Commodity Markets Outlook.
Transport sector hit hard but has key role in COVID-19 management, COMESA
Road and air transport have borne the brunt of the Coronavirus impact as countries put stringent measures to stop the spread of the pandemic.
Economic impact of COVID-19 on African cities likely to be acute through a sharp decline in productivity, jobs and revenues, ECA
As part of its analysis to inform COVID-19 policy responses, the ECA is calling for adequate consideration of the vulnerability of city economies.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Mining sector to fast track automation amid Covid-19
Mining companies have been affected by COVID-19 outbreaks, and global restrictions to encourage social distancing have meant that mining projects have either slowed or been put on hold until further notice.
[Column] Guy Ryder: Covid-19 has exposed the fragility of our economies
The human dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic reach far beyond the critical health response. All aspects of our future will be affected – economic, social and developmental.
[Startup Interview] Stanley Njeru, CEO, Buyer Logistics Limited, Kenya
Stanley Njeru is the CEO of Buyer Logistics Limited, a Kenyan-based startup offering freight forwading, custom clearance, warehousing and motor vehicle importation services.
[Column] Ngaite Mgeni: Why organizations should invest in staff training
As organizations evolve and competition to acquire top talent heats up world over, businesses are increasingly realizing the need and essence of investing in their most prized possession; their workforce.
[Interview] Catherine Jura, Director Learning and Development, Edify Learning Forum Africa, Kenya
Training management firms like Edify Learning Forum Africa, ELFA, have been at the forefront of designing, managing and redefining organizational learning processes in Africa over the years.
[Startup Interview] Radwa Khairy, Founder, Talents Fit, Egypt
Radwa Khairy has over a decade's worth of experience in the Human Resources, Hospitality and Travels fields. In December 2018, she founded Talents Fit, a recruitment platform servicing human resourcing and employment needs in Egypt.
[Column] Deon De Swardt: Preparing South Africa for the future of work
South Africa alone has a youth population of 20.6 million, making up 35.7 percent of the country’s total population of about 57.7 people.
[Column] Deon De Swardt: Preparing Nigeria for the future of work
According to the World Economic Forum, 70 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 30, signaling a significant opportunity for the growth and advancement of the continent.
[Column] Paul Akiwumi: How entrepreneurs can evolve from survivalists to opportunity-driven
Meskerem is a middle-aged Ethiopian woman, who runs a café and bakery with ten employees in an affluent neighbourhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[Column] Flora Mutahi: Closing the gender gap in the Kenyan workplace
As the world marks International Women’s Day it is time to take stock of our strides as Kenya, towards gender parity, especially in terms of women’s economic contribution.
[Kenya Business Week] Competition, customer service drive expansion binge
As customers demand top notch services grows and competition reach fever pitch, companies are investing millions to improve infrastructure and service quality.
[SA Business Week] Investment wave boosts country’s earnings, attractiveness
South Africa continues to be the continent’s preferred destination for international investors due to its competitive market, favorable political climate, a booming middle class and strategic location.
[Column] Donna Rachelson: Careers of South African businesswomen constrained by unsupportive male partners
A supportive relationship with male partners is a key factor in women succeeding in the workplace. This is a rarity in South Africa and it is negatively affecting women’s careers.
[SA Business Week] Opening businesses to the world, growing markets
In the recent years, South Africa has continued to prove that it is one of the most diverse and promising emerging markets in Africa. The country has become a key global hub for investment, innovation and research.
[SA Business Week] Naspers breathe new life into startups, filmmakers train eyes West
The tech startup fever has been spreading across the globe like bush-fire and Africa has not been left out in this bandwagon. More and more people are entering into the tech space because technology never gets old and new inventions keep evolving.
[Column] Sandiso Sibisi: Youth employment key to development in Africa
Despite Africa’s impressive growth in past 25 years and its entry into the digital economy, the job market continues to be in a depressed state as youth unemployment continues to rise.
[SA Business Week] Water tariffs rise, no markets for black traders
Access to clean water is still a challenge in most of the sub-Saharan Africa countries. Due to the scarcity, the ones who are lucky enough to access it have to dig deeper into their pockets in order to enjoy this basic commodity.
[Column] Five roots to Central Africa’s industrialization
Four years after the oil boom ended and Central African countries faced a sudden reverse in their fortunes from the strong growth of the early 2000’s.
[South Africa Business Week] Monash South Africa is now AdvTech owned
ADvTECH has announced the acquisition of Monash South Africa (MSA), a leading South African private tertiary education institution with students from more than 50 countries.
[Kenya Business Week] The UK, China trade factor
Fresh from discussing bilateral ties with the United States, Kenya has over the recent past held trade negotiations and deals with UK and China as the super powers seeks to grow their influence in the country.
[Kenya Business Week] New energy frontiers, more business deals
It has been another busy week for anchor sectors in Kenya with more investors, landmark deals and strategic partnerships pointing to Kenya as the investment destination for the region.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Why TVET is central to economic development
The economic well being of any nation rests on the country’s ability the create sustainable jobs for all.
[Kenya Business Week] Realigning businesses to drive growth
With competition across public and private sector now being driven by innovation, Kenyan institutions have invested heavily in modernizing operations and selling the convenience message to customers.
[Interview] Kifle Bantayehu, Founder, Afrinection.com
Kifle Bantayehu is an Ethiopian entrepreneur, consulting professional and policy strategist. He founded in 2016 Afrinection, a platform that closes several gaping holes in the African employment and investment market.
[Nigeria Business Week] Racing toward growth, partnerships, targets
This week has shown interesting developments in a wide range of sectors in Nigeria - Hospitality, Real Estate, Agribusiness, Banking, Automotive, Oil and Gas and as always, ICT remains a busy sector.
[Column] Joyce Karanja Ng’ang’a: Saving jobs is a priority for African competition authorities
Avoiding or limiting job losses when companies merge has become a major priority for competition authorities throughout East and Southern Africa.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: National Wage Policy: The Next step for Kenya
In 2016, the Kenya Tea Growers Association decried the uncertain future of investment in tea, due to the rising costs of labour.
[Interview] Sarah Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Executives in Africa, UK
Sarah Fitzgerald is Managing Director at Executives in Africa, a company engaged in executive and upper management placements in sub Saharan Africa, identifying local African talent, Africans in Diaspora and expatriate managers.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Innovation should be a primary focus for Kenya
The capacity for innovation in industry is a key ingredient in the creation of a productive workforce, which in turn increases industry competitiveness.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Women and the future of manufacturing
The world of manufacturing is beginning to realize the value of women’s participation for its advancement, as it transforms through technology and rapid digitization.
[Column] Paul Williams: Collaboration, concerted drive could fast-track African digital transformation
Africa appears to be lagging the world by five or six years on average, with some countries as far as 12 years behind the rest of the world.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Towards a sustainable African economy: Leaving no one behind
In most African countries, a staggering seventy percent of all unemployed citizens are youth in the 18-35 age brackets in a regrettable state of affairs that the World Bank has described as a ticking time bomb.
[Column] Lusanda Raphulu: Is your company ready for automation and the new world of work?
The world of work is evolving, and future-conscious organizations need to be aware of the business implications associated with automation and robotics.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Good leadership is paramount to the growth of any economy
The economic development of any country is highly dependent on good leadership. This is particularly so because the core values of a nation are directly linked to equality and equal distribution of resources.
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COLUMNS.
[Column] Louis Avenant: Trends for African telcos in 2024
Africa’s vibrant telco sector is set for a bumper year in 2024 as it expands operations and broadens service offerings ...read full column here
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[Column] Virodh Sunderlall: What to expect from South Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2024
As widely reported last year, South Africa received the most cybersecurity threats on the continent by far ...read full column here
[Column] Stephen Bottger: The power of data analytics to revolutionise public safety
The use of applications, technology and data analytics can play a significant role in public safety globally ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Chester Wisniewski, Director of Global Field CTO, Sophos
Chester Wisniewski, the Director of Global Field CTO at Sophos, emphasizes several key trends and predictions for the cybersecurity realm in the coming year … read full interview here
[Interview]: Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead
Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead, touched on the challenges faced, the importance of sustainability, the role of local culture, and the lessons that shaped Koa’s future vision … read full interview here
[Interview] Oluwole Eweje, CEO-WATT Renewables Corporation
We provide sustainability for communities, especially communities that have very few businesses … read full interview here