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Unilever accelerates Growth Action Plan by launching productivity programme
Unilever has announced steps to accelerate its Growth Action Plan (GAP) through the separation of Ice Cream and the launch of a major productivity programme.
[Free Webinar] Accelerating FX Success: Expansion Strategies for Marketing Agencies in Eastern, Western Africa
This event is tailored for marketing executives and CFOs looking to gain actionable insights into international expansion, building a global clientele and establishing strong online presence.
[Free Webinar] Global Payment Strategies for Shipping & Logistics: Empowering Seamless Trade
Join this insightful webinar that delves into the world of global payment strategies tailored to empower seamless trade within the shipping and logistics industry.
Maximus appoints Kenyan distributer J Shrinika to drive sales growth in Africa
Maximus, through its step-down subsidiary Quantum Lubricants, has announced the appointment of an exclusive distributor, J Shrinika Limited (JSL), Kenya.
[ChatGPT Biography] Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder soleRebels
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[Column] Mike Smollan: The effect of loadshedding on South African retail industry
With loadshedding recently declared the 2022 word of the year by the Pan South African Language Board - retailers, brands, and manufactures have faced heavy knocks in a sector that is still in recovery post lockdown
[Column] Mike Smollan: South African retail trends for 2022 and beyond
Globally, overwhelmed supply chains, supply-demand imbalances and commodity-driven cost pressures as Russia invaded Ukraine, pushed inflation up and put further pressure on businesses and consumers alike.
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) | Virtual Conference and Trade Show
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) presents direct access to African buyers whose main aim is to source the latest products, establish partnerships, and conclude import/export deals.
Future Foods | African Food & Beverage Industries Virtual Conference & Trade Show
Future Foods is a virtual meeting place for importers, F&B managers, retail category buyers, owner-operators, agents, and distributors from across Africa’s diverse and booming market
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Financial institutions bank on tech to bolster offerings
East Africa financial institutions are betting on tech to boost their offerings, grow their customers’ portfolio and stay afloat in a competitive market.
[Interview] Burak Buyuksarac, CEO, BMS Group, Tanzania
BMS Group, a Tanzanian company, operates different companies across tourism, security, consultancy, trading, and interior design and construction.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Come dry season, food production and supply chain gain emphasis
As we have established time and again, fertile lands and an able, skilled workforce are a vital combination for a thriving agricultural sector.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Q3 stats show industries thriving, strong investor confidence
Nigeria earns every week its place as Africa’s largest economy. While subject to the typical ups and downs any market is expected to have, its mere size guarantees a general continuity of business operations even in the face of a spiraling inflation trend.
[Column] Mucai Kunyiha: Family-owned businesses should prioritize governance
Family owned businesses are estimated to contribute over 70% of global GDP.
Protecting trade in Nigeria, how DFIs are responding to COVID-19
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to devastate economies around the world, Africa is set to experience its first recession since the 1990s, threatening to undo two decades of growth and development.
[Startup Interview] Tawanda Chitewe, CEO, iSeven Consultants, Zimbabwe
iSeven Consultants is a Zimbabwe based startup offering retail management consulting services. It has carved a niche in solving clients’ challenges in operations, procurement and inventory management, human resources and public relations.
Five steps for online startups to take advantage of Black Friday
According to Google Trends last year, South Africa registered the largest ‘Black Friday’ search interest of any country, even ahead of the US where the retail mega-event was conceived.
Disruptive Gen Z, digitization to define global consumer trends in 2023, report
Euromonitor’s annual report aims to help organizations stay ahead of disruption, predict consumer shopping motivations and fulfil unmet consumer needs.
Ethiopian leather goods company Ker Ezhi launches in the US
Ker Ezhi, an ethical, luxury Ethiopian leather goods company, is now available in the US market.
Nexgen Packaging establishes African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
Nexgen Packaging, provider of trim and packaging solutions for retail and brands, announced the construction of its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
PepsiCo injects $40m investment to expand its Senselet snacks business in Ethiopia
PepsiCo is finalizing an investment proposal of approximately $40 million, to expand its Senselet snacks business in Ethiopia, and is considering the possibility of further investments in the country to expand the company’s portfolio beyond snacks.
i2c partners with Majid Al Futtaim to launch new payment solution
This solution is part of Majid Al Futtaim’s SHARE rewards program, the region’s leading loyalty program, which enables its members to ‘Pay, Earn and Redeem’ points in just one tap.
American convenience store Circle K expands to South Africa
Alimentation Couche-Tard (Couche-Tard) a global player in convenience and mobility, and Millat Convenience (Millat), a subsidiary of the Millat Group, announced a Master License Agreement that will bring Circle K to South Africa.
La stratégie pour l'avenir de l'African Business Roundtable (Pt II) – Autonomisation des PME
En tant que voix du secteur privé et défenseur éminent d'une économie Africaine développée, l'ABR a regardé vers l'avenir et a découvert une division du secteur privé qui est résiliente quant à la mission de construction de l'économie Africaine.
The African Business Roundtable's strategy for the future (Pt II) – SME Empowerment
As the voice of the private sector and a prominent advocate of a developed African economy, the ABR has peered into the future and discovered a division of the private sector that is resilient about the mission of building the African economy.
ADEX, EBID sign financing agreement to boost UAE exports to West Africa
Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export-financing arm of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), signed a financing agreement with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), to boost Emirati exports in the African market.
Coca-Cola delays listing of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa as a publicly traded company
The Coca-Cola Company announced it is delaying plans to list Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) as a publicly traded company.
TRADE X opens new office in Lagos to accommodate growing automotive demand in Nigeria
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new office in Lagos, Nigeria, to help meet the growing demand for vehicles in Nigeria.
Rihanna launches Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin across eight African markets
Barbadian singer, songwriter, actress, fashion designer and businesswoman Robyn Rihanna Fenty (Rihanna), announced the launch of her Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin products across eight African markets.
Kenya to host region’s first trade facilitation summit
Kenya is set to host the first trade facilitation summit in the East African region as the country seeks to increase international trade.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards directed to withdraw quality mark on energy drinks
The Committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry has directed Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to withdraw their distinctive marks on all the energy drinks which have violated standards.
KITEA Group, Tana Africa acquire majority stake in Kenya’s Furniture Palace
KITEA Group (KITEA), the furniture retailer in Morocco with 30 stores across 17 cities, alongside its long-standing partner Tana Africa Capital (Tana), announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Kenya’s furniture retailer, Furniture Palace.
Papa John’s International expands into Kenya and Uganda
Papa John's International announced its expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa with its newest franchise partner Kitchen Express LTD, a subsidiary of AAH Limited, the majority shareholder of Hass Petroleum Group.
CP Kelco expands distribution relationship with Azelis in the EMEA region
CP Kelco, a global leader of nature-based ingredient solutions, announced it will expand its distribution relationship with Azelis in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Sub-Saharan Africa exits recession in 2021, recovery still vulnerable, Africa Pulse
Sub-Saharan Africa is set to emerge from the 2020 recession sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic with growth expected to expand by 3.3 percent in 2021. This is one percent higher than the April 2021 forecast according to the latest edition of Africa Pulse.
ECA, ICC launch centre of entrepreneurship in Africa
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have jointly launched Centres of Entrepreneurship in Africa, under the theme, ‘Creating Livelihoods for Inclusion’.
PPG appoints Meri Vainikka as Vice President, Architectural Coatings, EMEA, North and East
PPG announced the appointment of Meri Vainikka as vice president, architectural coatings (AC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), North and East, effective immediately.
ITC, partners launch SheTrades Hub in Rwanda to bring trade opportunities for women-led businesses
The ITC and the PSF Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Trade and Industry launched the SheTrades Hub in Rwanda to bolster competitiveness and market access of Rwandan women-led businesses.
Summersalt launches international shipping to over 180 countries
Apparel brand Summersalt announced plans to introduce international shipping to over 180 countries in over 120 different currencies.
[Tanzania] Serengeti Breweries unveils $100 million fund to cushion eateries and bars from COVID-19
SBL’s support comes to light as the world struggles to return to the business from the torment inflicted by the global pandemic.
Shoprite renews partnership with global Customer Data Science company dunnhumby
As Shoprite continues to evolve their business to better serve customers, with the introduction of the Xtra Savings cards and their continued commitment to low prices and personalising the customer experience the retailer has chosen to renew their agreement with global Customer Data Science company dunnhumby.
IAA expands global market alliance network in Nigeria
IAA, Inc., the global digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers, announced a strategic market alliance in Nigeria with Boacon Autos.
Women can add nearly $300b to e-Commerce in Southeast Asia and Africa, IFC reports
The e-Commerce markets in Southeast Asia and Africa could grow by over $280 billion and $14.5 billion respectively between 2025 and 2030, according to two IFC reports.
Nike, Dangote, MTN, DSTV and GTBank ranked the most admired brands in Africa by Brand Africa
Brand Africa has unveiled the 11th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands 2021 rankings of the Top 100 most admired brands in Africa in a virtual event hosted by Brand Africa, Publics Africa and Uganda Investment Authority.
South Africa online retail leaps to R30 billion, report
The online retail in South Africa more than doubled in just two years, due to the explosion in demand for home deliveries brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research findings.
TGI Distri launches Kleansol Toilet Cleaner in Nigeria
TGI Distri, a manufacturer of quality home care products in Nigeria, has launched into the market Kleansol Toilet Cleaner which contains power active ingredients with 99.9% efficacy in killing all forms of bacteria in and around the toilet area.
KAS Africa secures $10 million investment to expand operations
KAS Africa, a contract manufacturer of personal, home, baby and oral care FMCG products, has received an investment with an aggregate value of $10 million from TRT Investments Limited.
Motus acquires 49% stake in GetWorth, South Africa
Motus Holdings, South Africa’s automotive group, acquired a 49% stake in GetWorth, a pioneering innovator in South Africa’s pre-owned vehicle industry.
Alfa Laval wins energy efficiency order in Egypt
Alfa Laval, a world player in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, has won an order to supply Alfa Laval OLMI air coolers to a refinery in Egypt.
Volvo Cars to fully go electric by 2030
Volvo Cars is committed to becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric car market and plans to become a fully electric car company by 2030.
LuLu Group launches new store in Egypt, its 200th store globally
The 8,700 square-metre hypermarket is the third LuLu in Egypt, which is planning to expand further in the biggest market in the MENA region.
Toyota South Africa to manufacture brand-new Corolla Cross SUV at its Durban plant
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) announced it will be manufacturing and selling the brand-new Corolla Cross in South Africa in the fourth quarter of the year.
ChemPoint announces new partnership with allnex in EMEA
ChemPoint.com announced that allnex has chosen ChemPoint for marketing, sales, and distribution of the UVEKOL glass laminating system in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
South Africa’s Mondi acquires Olmuksan,Turkish corrugated packaging player
Mondi has agreed to acquire 90.38% of the outstanding shares in Olmuksan International Paper (Olmuksan) for a total consideration of €66 million.
TechnoServe partners with ANDE to build resilience of micro retailers
International nonprofit economic development organization TechnoServe is partnering with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), to host the 4th Virtual Micro Retail Stakeholder Forum.
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa appoints Lubin Ozoux as new CEO
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, manufacturer of the Dunlop, Sumitomo and Falken tyre brands for the African continent, has announced the appointment of Lubin Ozoux as the new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director effective 1 January 2021.
KenTrade eases documentation process for traders, business people in Kenya
Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) a trade facilitation agency, has introduced optional premium and support services aimed at easing trade processes for traders and offering greater convenience and ease.
Kenyan SMES to benefit from launch of inland transit CFS
Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a joint initiative between KRA and Kenya Railways Corporation, following the launch of a Container Freight Station (CFS).
South Africa's Botshabelo Industrial Park attracts R500m investment due to upgrading
The Free State-based Botshabelo Industrial Park has attracted investments to the tune of more than half-a-billion rand because of the revitalisation programme being rolled out in the park by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
EAC, EU launch regional economic integration programme
The EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community and the Secretary General of the EAC launched a €16.4 million joint programme to strengthen regional economic integration.
Deutsche Post DHL, German Ministry for Economic Cooperation promote e-commerce in developing and emerging countries
Giving small and medium-sized enterprises from developing countries access to global markets is the goal of a cooperation between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group.
UK businesses explore retail, e-commerce opportunities in Egypt
The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) and Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) organised first retail webinar to explore retail and e-commerce opportunities for British companies in the Egyptian market.
Unilever, Small Business Development partner to increase SMMEs investment in South Africa
Unilever Southern Africa has partnered with the Department of Small Business Development to increase investment in Small, Micro and Medium Enterprise (SMMEs) development.
UNIDO, Monaco and UfM partner to empower women in Tunisia
The Principality of Monaco signed its first funding agreement with UNIDO and the two parties have agreed a tripartite declaration together with the Union for the Mediterranean on empowering women in Tunisia.
[South Africa] Edcon concludes sale for parts of Edgars business to Retailability
Edcon announced that the sale of parts of the Edgars business in South Africa to Retailability has been implemented, with all approvals from regulatory authorities and all conditions precedent either fulfilled or waived.
Pure Parima to add new colors to its Egyptian cotton sheet lines
Egyptian luxury bedding supplier Pure Parima, will be adding brand new sheet colors called Spa and Linen to its Yalda and Ariane product lines.
BAT Kenya appoints Rita Kavashe as new Chairperson
British American Tobacco Kenya (BAT Kenya) appointed Ms. Rita Kavashe, MBS, as the Chair of the Company’s Board, effective 1st September 2020.
[Nigeria] NNPC pledges to boost gas delivery to domestic market
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has restated its commitment to working with relevant partners and stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Sector to boost delivery of gas to the domestic market.
Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative invests in over 15,000 women-led businesses
The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) announced its third funding allocation comprising $49.3 million, expected to benefit over 15,000 women-led businesses.
[Kenya] Equity net profit for first half declines by 24%, customer deposits grow by 19%
Equity Group Holdings (EGH) announced its half year results, reflecting a 24% decline in profitability from Kshs.12.0 billion to Kshs.9.1 billion for the corresponding period the previous year.
COMESA's Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project extended to end of 2021
The World Bank has agreed to a no cost extension for the Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project (GLTFP) to December 2021.
Cote d’Ivoire retailer CDCI selects Agility Logistics Park as distribution center
Agility has leased warehouse space in the Agility Logistics Park (ALP) in Abidjan to CDCI, Cote d’Ivoire’s top retailer, for a new nationwide warehousing and distribution centre.
Rainoil deepens gas penetration in Nigeria
Rainoil has launched its Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility and business at its multi-product facility in Ijegun, Lagos, Nigeria.
EBRD fosters private businesses in Egypt
The EBRD is supporting the real economy in Egypt with a $200 million financing package to Banque Misr for trade and for on-lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and private businesses.
IFC loans DTB Kenya $50 million to support SMEs affected by the COVID-19 crisis
IFC announced a $50 million loan to Diamond Trust Bank Kenya (DTB) to support its borrowers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who have been affected by the economic challenges of COVID-19.
ECA-SRO-SA supports development of financing model for MSMEs in Eswatini
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA, Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) convened to provide an integrated and inclusive platform for the development of an effective financing model in Eswatini.
Total Ghana partners with Mckingtorch Africa to recycle plastic waste into footwear
Total Ghana in collaboration with Mckingtorch Africa has launched the Mckingtorch Footwear Pop-up Shop at the Accra Liberation Road Total Service Station.
IFC, UBA to train Ugandan financial institutions and SMEs to face COVID-19 challenges
IFC and the Uganda Bankers Association announced a partnership to train financial institutions SMEs in Uganda to help them build financial strength and resiliency to better meet the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.
Ford Approved revitalised in South Africa, renews focus on quality, service excellence
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has consolidated and revitalised its used car sales division under the Ford Approved banner, with the focus on providing exceptional service and quality.
World Bank approves $40m to support SME investments, economic diversification in Sierra Leone
The World Bank approved a $40 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support investment and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in non-mining productive sectors.
IFC announces $50m loan to Equity Bank to support Kenyan SMEs
IFC announced a $50 million loan to Equity Bank Kenya to help it increase working capital and trade-related lending to its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients.
IFC supports Access Bank with $50m loan to strengthen local businesses in Nigeria
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a loan of up to $50 million to Access Bank to help the bank increase liquidity to thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
Global gas flaring jumps to levels last seen in 2009, data
Estimates from satellite data show global gas flaring increased to levels not seen in more than a decade, to 150 billion cubic meters (bcm), equivalent to the total annual gas consumption of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Renergen launches first LNG auction in South Africa
Emerging domestic natural gas and helium producer Renergen has announced the commencement of South Africa’s first ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) auction.
USAID announces $15m innovative training center for supply-chain management in Africa
USAID announced $15 million to support a partnership between Arizona State University and the Kwame Nkrumah University in Ghana to create an innovative research and training center to improve African supply-chains.
IFC invests €25 million in NSIA, helps finance businesses in Côte d’Ivoire
IFC announced a €25 million, one-year senior loan to NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire (NSIA), allowing the bank to extend new trade-related or working capital loans to companies whose cash flows have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Digital technologies could help Uganda’s economy recover faster, report
Uganda’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2020 is projected to be between 0.4 and 1.7% compared to 5.6% in 2019, according to the latest edition of the Uganda Economic Update released by the World Bank.
IFC funds Addax Energy SA to secure Mauritania’s oil imports
IFC announced it is providing $35 million as part of a $200 million credit facility arranged by Societe Generale to enable Addax Energy SA to deliver critical energy imports to Mauritania.
African Energy Chamber hopeful for quick resolution over fuel shortages in Tanzania
The African Energy Chamber expresses its concerns over the alleged arrest and detention of three energy executives in Tanzania last week.
IFC offers incentives for lending to SMEs and women-led business in sub-Saharan Africa
IFC is boosting its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering new incentives for financial institutions to provide loans to SMEs in the poorest countries and to women entrepreneurs across all emerging markets.
Kenya is losing Ksh.100 billion in revenue to counterfeit businesses, report
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority released the findings of a National Baseline Survey on the extent of counterfeit and other forms of illicit trade in Kenya.
Government formalises spaza shops in South Africa
South African Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said her department has formalised over 2,000 spaza shops to assist the newly formalised businesses build a credit profile.
[South Africa] Sasol announces beneficial operations of fifth and sixth Lake Charles chemical project facilities
Integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol announced that the Guerbet alcohol unit at our Lake Charles Chemicals Project achieved beneficial operations, three days after achieving beneficial operations on the Ziegler alcohol unit.
FID on Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project delayed until 2021
Mozambique’s National Petroleum Institute (INP) has announced that the final investment decision (FID) for its planned $30 billion Rovuma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will be taken by ExxonMobil in 2021.
Rwanda, Uganda record reduced trade flows, report
Rwanda and Uganda have recorded a reduction in trade flows in April and May 2020, according to the latest report from the COMESA Statistics on ‘COVID 19 Impact on Trade’.
[Ghana] Aker Energy on course to finding solution for Pecan field development
Aker Energy Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to finding a solution that will allow for the commencement of a phased development of the Pecan field offshore Ghana.
Afreximbank, ITC partner to prepare African businesses grow through trade
Afreximbank is teaming up with International Trade Centre (ITC) to train small-business owners and young entrepreneurs in Africa to trade with other African countries as part of the new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Malawi, Zambia records drop in trade flows, report
Malawi and Zambia recorded reduced trade flows in March and April according to the latest report from the COMESA Statistics on COVID 19 Impacts on Trade.
[South Africa] Sasol announces its not divesting its fuel retail business
Sasol, an international integrated chemicals and energy company announced that it is not divesting its downstream fuel retail business as part of its ongoing asset disposal process.
[South Africa] Reusable shopping bags have lower environmental impact, CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) released the findings of a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of grocery carrier bags in South Africa.
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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