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MENA region leads global growth in luxury travel, report
The appetite for new experiences in unexplored destinations, micro-trips and ‘bleisure’ will likely drive the growth of the global luxury travel market
MTN selects M&C Saatchi Abel as its global marketing partner
M&C Saatchi Abel was selected following a meticulous process for their expertise in fostering growth and enhancing brand value for multinational corporations.
The Radisson brand enters Cape Town with the newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore
Radisson Hotel Group brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's "Mother City" with the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore.
East Africa Marine Transport inaugure son premier navire sur le lac Victoria
Après 21 mois de construction, East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) a inauguré son premier navire sur le lac Victoria.
Mastercard and Women Choice expand partnership to invest in women entrepreneurs
Women Choice - an international organization dedicated to advancing women's personal and professional development - launched the pilot cohort in 2023.The next cohorts will be participating in the new programs this year and will aim to impact 50,000 women.
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.
[Webinar] Complimentary expert session for Telecom leaders and Startups in Africa, March 21
Designed for telecom leaders and startups, thia event offers invaluable strategies for expanding services, managing FX risks, enhancing cross-border payments, and establishing credibility in the international arena.
Xsolla unveils new payment methods for gamers in Africa
This move addresses the unique financial landscape of Africa, where a significant portion of the population, particularly in regions like Ghana and Uganda, remains unbanked.
IBM commits $45 million towards resilient cities
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%.
Canon and MindMe International partner to empower Kenyan youth through creative storytelling
This collaboration aims to empower marginalized communities through sustainable development, with a focus on fostering positive change in young individuals' lives.
Digital commerce in Africa to expand 25% per year by 2026, report
Africa has emerged as a frontier for the new online consumer class, representing an estimated 10 million new consumers in 2024 and trailing only Asia as a region. This is according to the new annual Beyond Borders digital payments and commerce report by EBANX
[Column] Frida Frans: The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) - A Beacon of Unity Amidst African Challenges
Hats off to the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire for securing the trophy of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. What a host! It was a fascinating month as Africans united on the field of play.
Vodacom, Safaricom hit 200 million subscribers
Vodacom Group’s subscriber base including Safaricom has now surpassed 200 million for the first time, having previously achieved 100 million customers in 2018.
15% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region do not train employees on IT
According to Kaspersky’s Business Digitization survey, only 29% of companies surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region organised training on cybersecurity for their employees.
[Open Webinar, Feb 1 2024] Cross-Border Finances: Enhancing Commodity Trade Across Africa
Tailored for CFOs, this event provides strategic knowledge to navigate international markets and enhance financial outcomes in the dynamic commodities sector. Don't miss this unique opportunity for CFOs to stay ahead in global commodity trading.
Global access solutions provider ASSA ABLOY acquires South African security communication equipment maker Amecor
ASSA ABLOY has signed an agreement to acquire Amecor (Pty) Ltd, a South African manufacturer of security communication equipment in the South African security market.
Critical infrastructure sees most cyber incidents due to lack of budget, report
18% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region have experienced cyber incidents due to insufficient cybersecurity investment in the last two years, according to a recent study by Kaspersky.
Mastercard partners with CarbonSifr to advance climate action in MENA region
The innovation-driven partnership aims to equip small businesses in the region with innovative tools to measure, reduce and compensate for their carbon footprint.
[South Africa] Ninety percent of CEOs are waiting for GenAI to move past the hype, report
Seventy-one percent of global executives surveyed say they plan to increase tech investments in 2024—an 11-point jump from 2023—and even more (85%) plan to increase their spending on AI and GenAI.
23% of companies in the META region suffered from malicious actions by staff, report
A Kaspersky study found that in the past two years, 78% of companies surveyed in the META region have faced cyber incidents in different forms, 23% of which were caused by deliberate malicious behaviour by employees
CAF concludes extensive global TV-Broadcast agreements
CAF concludes extensive global TV-Broadcast agreements ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
Kenya Airways inks lease agreement with Portugal's Hi Fly
Kenya Airways, the national carrier of Kenya, has inked a short-term lease agreement with Hi Fly, the Lisbon-based lease and charter specialist company.
Tomorrow.io and MTN partner to deliver weather early warnings
Through this partnership, MTN’s vast customer base will be able to receive early warning notifications about severe weather events, generated through Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure.
47% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region plan to outsource cybersecurity, report
Company bosses are boosting their cybersecurity following an alarming increase in cyberattacks, a new study commissioned by Kaspersky has found.
UNIDO and Orange partner to transform Egypt's mobile and network through circular solutions
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Orange have joined forces to support over the next two years the establishment of a viable business model for high-quality standard secondary market of mobile devices and networks/IT equipment in Egypt.
[Free Webinar] Unlocking Success in New Markets: Cross-Border Payments Strategies for South African Businesses
Embark on a journey through the dynamic realm of international finance with our upcoming webinar, where we unravel the intricacies of global payment strategies essential for triumph in the finance sector.
[Kenya] Hemingways Collection announces expansion plans to enhance guest experience
Luxury boutique hotel brand Hemingways Collection, has announced plans to expand into new markets and continued investments in existing properties to enhance guest experience.
Generative AI skills gap slowing down AI adoption EMEA region, report
Organisations in the EMEA region plan to embrace AI solutions but are slowed by a generative AI skills gap. This is according to a new report released by hybrid multi-cloud computing provider Nutanix.
Retailers are struggling to deal with ransomware attacks, Sophos report
After surveying 3,000 IT/cybersecurity leaders in organizations with between 100 and 5,000 employees (including 355 from the retail sector), across 14 countries in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific Sophos found that only 26% of retail organizations this past year were able to disrupt a ransomware attack.
Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit after Kigali
During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.
75% of healthcare organisations lose data to ransomware attacks, Sophos report
Cybercriminals successfully encrypted data in nearly 75% of ransomware attacks on healthcare organisations. This is according to the The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2023 report released by cybersecurity firm Sophos.
Kenya among top countries receiving most DDOS attacks amid ongoing geopolitical unrest
Kenya has been listed among the top five countries hit by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in the first half of 2023. Other countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia
[South Africa] Companies acknowledge inadequate budgets to address the root cause of breaches, J2 Software survey
A recent survey revealed that 58% of organisations believe their budgets allocated to manage insider risks are insufficient to effectively mitigate the increasing costs and frequency of security incidents instigated by individuals within the organisation.
[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.
Global ad company Entravision enters into a global partnership with Pinterest
Entravision, a global advertising solutions, media and technology company serving clients across more than 40 countries, has entered into an international sales partnership with Pinterest, the visual inspiration platform.
Most consumers in Kenya likely to miss common fraud warning signs, Visa study
Despite being scam-savvy, a new study by Visa has revealed that most consumers in Kenya are likely to be at risk of becoming victims of fraud.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Functioning ORGWARE a panacea for Kenya economic transformation
The term describes the framework conditions for Information Technology (IT) projects that are neither part of the hardware nor software but are necessary to achieve the project goals.
80% of SMEs in South Africa project similar or increased revenue in 2023, Mastercard report
From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are projecting similar or increased revenues in 2023.
[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.
Mobile threats in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region rise in Q2 2023
The number of mobile threat detections particularly in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.
Mastercard partners with Alerzo to digitize SMEs in the Nigerian FMCG space
This partnership aims to empower businesses by offering digital payment solutions, financial training, and access to credit, ultimately leading to increased sustainability and success in the market.
43% of employees in META region afraid of losing job due to lack of digital skills, report
Among those who think they are most likely to lose their job because of the lack of digital skills within the next 5 years are department heads (29%) and top managers (15%).
Modern trends in investment platforms: How technology is shaping our investment world
Let the power of AI drive your financial success and watch your dreams take flight.
Tagger Media expands into South Africa via partnership with Tribeez
Tagger Media, the global technology player making influencer marketing more intelligent, has announced its expansion into South Africa through an exclusive partnership with Tribeez, an influencer marketing and social intelligence agency based in Cape Town.
Radisson Hotel to introduce its eighth hotel in Morocco with the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Saidia
Radisson Hotel Group is expanding its presence in Morocco with the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Saidia, its eighth hotel in the country. Nestled in the heart of one of the most popular seaside destinations in northern Morocco, the new hotel bolsters the Group’s portfolio to three hotels in Saidia.
[Column] Dickson Naftali: Harnessing Africa’s youth population for inclusive growth
By empowering Africa’s youth and creating an enabling environment, we can transform the continent’s food systems and unlock its economic potential.
[South Africa] Financial Sector surpasses the National Average as Data Breach Costs Reach R73.1 Million
The average data breach cost for South African organizations reached R49.45 million in 2023 – an all-time high according to the IBM Security annual Cost of a Data Breach Report.
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in Africa’s B2B payment revolution
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in the development of key B2B payment processes across Africa, including the adoption of electronic bank transfers, speed of processing invoices and payment automation.
Aruba and Malawi to certify ExecuJet MRO Services Africa
The Aruba Department of Civil Aviation and the Malawi Department of Civil Aviation have certified ExecuJet MRO Services Africa to do line and heavy maintenance on select aircraft types on those countries’ aircraft registry.
[Ghana] Moove closes $8m financing from Absa
Mobility fintech, Moove, has secured USD $8mn in financing from Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), bringing its total funding to-date from the bank to USD $28mn.
Kenya experiences 82% increase in cyber-attacks, Liquid C2 Cybersecurity Report
Cyber-attacks on Kenyan businesses increased by 82 percent according to a cybersecurity report released by Liquid C2, a business unit of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
Radisson Hotel Group debuts its luxury brand in Egypt
Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice in Egypt.
[Interview] Vince Goncalves Regional Vice President Africa at ExecuJet MRO Services
ExecuJet MRO Services is a leading global multi-OEM MRO company founded in 1991 in South Africa, and then later established MRO businesses in Dubai, Australia, Malaysia, and Belgium as well as a franchise in Tianjin, China.
Kenya to discard visa fees for Africa traders
President William Ruto has announced plans to remove visa requirements for African nationals travelling to Kenya for business as a first major step to remove barriers to intra-Africa trade.
Safaricom profits decline to Ksh.52.48 billion
Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom profits stood at Ksh.52.48 billion in the full year ended March 2023, down from Ksh.67.49 billion recorded in the previous period.
Africa had more than 270 million mobile apps users as of December 2022, report
As of December 2022, the total number of monthly active users of mobile apps in Africa exceeded 270 million, a 14% increase compared to the beginning of the year.
The driving forces: Major industries impacting the African economy
Despite the challenges it's facing, Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest economies. With a fast-growing population and a wealth of natural resources, it has become an attractive destination for investors to capitalize on its untapped potential.
Boomplay announces new ad options across African markets
Africa-facing music streaming and download platform, Boomplay has officially announced the roll-out of its partnership product offerings, allowing artists, brands and potential advertisers to optimize towards more precise exposure and visibility.
Kenya lost Ksh 3.6 billion to cyber criminals in 2022, report
Kenya’s losses to cyber criminals reached Ksh 3.6 billion (USD 36 million) in 2022, compared to Nigeria and South Africa where they are nearly tenfold at Ksh 50 billion (USD 500 million) and Ksh 57 billion (USD 570 million) respectively.
TerraPay raises $100 million in series B funding to expand global payments infrastructure
TerraPay, a global payments infrastructure company, has successfully closed its Series B equity financing round, raising in excess of $100 million in equity and debt financing.
[Africa Business Communities Forum] How are the 2023 elections affecting businesses in Nigeria?
With the end of the first quarter here, Africa Business Communities talks with business owners and CEOs in Nigeria on the effect this year's elections is having on the economy at large.
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo partners with Menzies Aviation to provide air cargo services
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has appointed Menzies Aviation, the world’s largest aviation services company, to provide air cargo services at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ).
[Interview] Joel Daniel, Founder, Solutions Platforms, Nigeria
Joel Daniel is the founder of Solutions Platforms, a company that grooms young people to succeed and have global relevance by leveraging its various programs designed to foster international education.
[ChatGPT Biography] Tayo Oviosu, founder of Paga
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Jason Njoku, Founder iROKOtv
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel International
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Ashish Thakkar, Founder Mara Group
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Strive Masiyiwa: Founder of Econet Wireless
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mike Adenuga, Founder of Globacom
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.
[Interview] Fedir Ted Martynov, CEO, CARMACHAIN, Nigeria
Ted Martynov leads CARMACHAIN, a fintech outfit operating in Nigeria that enables credit data for lenders in markets underserved by credit bureaus.
[Interview] Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran, MD, Suit-U Travels, Nigeria
Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of an NGO dedicated to creating support and opportunities for widows and orphans, while running an agency for travel and tourism.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
[Interview] Chris Okoro, CEO, Eunisell Interlinked, Nigeria
Chris Okoro is an entrepreneur and business strategist skilled in the Financial Services and Engineering sector. He's currently the Managing Director and CEO of Eunisell Interlinked Plc., Nigeria.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Improving business competitiveness in the region: The case of TradeMark Africa
As it rebrands to TradeMark Africa, TMA, in its bid to grow its continental footprint, aid for trade institution formerly known as TradeMark East, boasts of having made a lasting mark in East Africa where it has operated for over ten years.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investments take priority over all
With global inflation spiraling out of control, every country is working harder than ever to welcome new enterprise and business. Nigeria made great progress in this in recent months.
[Column] Moagi Bodibe: How to build brand relevance in the metaverse
The conventional playbook businesses refer to for customer acquisition and engagement is now obsolete. In the metaverse, where the rules of engagement are still largely undefined, this gap presents itself as a double-edged sword.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Local fintech spreads to East Africa, oil and gas find major milestone
Nigeria, like other countries of the world, is going through some economically turbulent times. Inflation is on the rise (recently pegged at 21.9%) and local startups are directly impacted by financial crises on the other side of the world.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting small businesses’ competitivity in the region
Small businesses are the engine of the East African economic growth, employing millions and opening up the member states to interact with each other through seamless trade.
More charges,taxes and fees in the air transport industry in Africa a big challenge to AfCFTA
Overcharges, taxation, and accumulation of fees in African air transportation can be a hindrance in achieving and success of African Continental Free Trade Area
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region warms up to the hospitality industry’s expansion binge
Global respected hotel brands are expanding their footprint and have identified Africa as a key investment destination with the East African region catching their attention for its MICE, business and leisure growth potential.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Banking on innovations, partnerships to grow financial services sector
These developments have led to improved services and a robust sector that is shaping the region’s financial services industry dynamics.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region’s startups are on an expansion binge
East African startups have been on an expansion drive, raising funding as they seek to tap into emerging opportunities in the region and across Africa while growing their portfolio.
[Interview] Goodie M. Ibru, Founder, Ikeja Hotel, Nigeria
With over half a century in business ownership and management, Goodie M. Ibru is the founder of Ikeja Hotel Plc, the founder and Principal Partner of G.M. Ibru & Co. and current Vice President (West Africa) of the African Business Roundtable.
[Interview] Goodie M. Ibru, Fondateur, Ikeja Hotel, Nigeria
Avec plus d'un demi-siècle d'expérience dans la propriété et la gestion d'entreprises, Goodie M. Ibru est le fondateur de l'Ikeja Hotel Plc, le fondateur et partenaire principal de G.M. Ibru & Co. et l'actuel Vice-Président (Afrique de l'Ouest) de l'African Business Roundtable.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria battles odds to maintain productive economy
According to the International Monetary Fund, Nigeria is being pushed to the brink by inflation. Banks however, one of the pillars of the economy, have remained in good standing.
[Column] Cameron Beveridge: The new business balancing act has leaders walking a tightrope
Business leaders are engaged in a delicate balancing act as radical workforce changes, new customer demands, external pressures and the impact of the pandemic collide to create a multitude of new challenges and opportunities.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on bioeconomy to bolster growth
Among the key interventions proposed in the strategy is the creation of new forms of sustainable bioenergy, and the conversion of waste materials to useful products.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria scores big in budget transparency
The infrastructure of Nigeria is such that for meaningful progress to be made, there must be give-and-take on the parts of the government and the people.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: South Sudan remains a strategic player in the region’s petroleum industry
Owing to its strategic position at the heart of a wider Nile Basin-East Africa hydrocarbons-rich area, South Sudan is emerging as the hub for petroleum industry services and exploration in the region.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: West meets East
West African companies have particularly been keen to expand their operations in the East African region. This has been through mergers, partnerships or takeovers.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on $91.5 million budget to drive economic integration
This week, the East African Community has tabled before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) the budget estimates for the 2022/2023 Financial Year totaling $91.5 million.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
The 8 tourism sectors and how they are excellently covered on Kenyan Safaris
Looking at how a country scores in relation to its tourism sectors helps you to allay misconceptions and make more informed choices.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Clean energy gets funding amid inflation and trade deficits
Oil and Gas has been a pillar supporting the Nigerian economy for a very long time. Rich in this natural resource, Nigeria may be guilty of neglecting other promising sectors, like Agriculture and even Insurance.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Harnessing the potential of African intermediary cities
Africa’s urbanization rate has reached a record high with the continent being the most urbanized globally.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: DR Congo’s factor in the integration agenda
The recent entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the East African Community has heralded a new economic dispensation expanding the regional market.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization set to penetrate capital market, investment
Given the economic situation spreading across the globe in the last couple of years, it is with some optimism we can take the modest increase in Nigeria’s GDP.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: An economic overview for Q1
As we have seen over time, when one sectors hits a low point, another is seen hitting high notes. Such is the situation as we’ve seen it lately.
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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