<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="760" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-820x760.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-431532" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-820x760.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-300x278.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-97x90.jpg 97w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-768x712.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1-1536x1424.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nadja-Haakansson_MD-Africa_Siemens-Energy-1.jpg 1672w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nadja Haakansson, Managing Director of Africa at Siemens Energy </figcaption></figure>



In 2022, global emissions reached a record high of 36.8 billion tons of CO2. During 2023 several months broke global warming records and scientists at the European Union’s climate change service are now forecasting that it could be the warmest year ever logged. With global energy demand expected to surge by approximately 25% by 2030 and emissions expected to continue to grow, we face energy poverty in combination with climate impact, for the most vulnerable population in the world. That 775 million people still lack access to the most basic means of electricity, of which 600 million in Africa, the population growth rate in combination with these challenges will have devastating outcomes. Unless we unite to resolve the most significant hurdles.



The continent, which accounts for just 3% of total emissions globally, loses USD 7–15 billion annually from climate change impacts and this is projected to climb to USD 50 billion by 2030.&nbsp;Africa also faces a climate finance gap of USD 213 billion between now and 2030, according to the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Adding more urgency to the situation, Africa has the fastest-growing population in the world, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;



We need to implement the solutions that deliver energy in the most sustainable, reliable, and affordable way.



In a couple of days, COP28 will convene the people that can make this a reality. What is required is that COP28 delivers, despite challenging global and geopolitical circumstances, the will and collective action that turns information sharing, marketing, and vague recommendations into tangible action plans. What matters is implementation towards the desired change. <a></a>



Regional and global development finance institutions, global energy decision-makers, governments, and companies all need to commit to supporting Africa in building the energy future it needs.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognising-today-s-challenges-nbsp">Recognising today’s challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Although Africa accounts for a fifth of the global population, the region has attracted only 2-3% of global energy investment, according to the AfDB and the International Energy Agency (IEA) in their recent <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/financing-clean-energy-in-africa">Financing Clean Energy in Africa </a>report.&nbsp;



A major reason for this has been that, historically, the overall risk profile for projects in Africa made it significantly more expensive to finance than those in advanced economies. This was exacerbated by higher borrowing costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Despite Africa’s immense green energy potential, developers often abandoned projects because they could not see their viability.



The AfDB and IEA propose the easing of financing costs to unlock a wave of clean energy spend in Africa.&nbsp;Currently, the cost of capital for energy projects in African countries is at least 2-3x higher than in advanced economies and China.



To deliver modern energy to all Africans by 2030, we will need to double the current energy investment in Africa. That means over USD 200 billion in spending per year, of which two-thirds will need to be directed to clean energy, according to the report. &nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commercial-case-for-an-african-just-transition">Commercial case for an African just transition</h2>



Two important recent announcements may go a long way to help mitigate climate financing challenges, by drawing attention to the opportunities and stimulating the commercial prospects that sustainable energy projects in Africa can offer.&nbsp;



The first is the <a href="https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/speeches/statement-dr-akinwumi-adesina-president-african-development-bank-group-united-nations-climate-ambition-summit-session-delivering-climate-justice-accelerating-ambition-and-implementation-adaptation-and-early-warning-systems-all">African Development Bank’s announcement</a> in late September that it would provide USD 25 billion in climate finance by 2025. As part of this, USD 20 billion will go to the Desert to Power program to develop 10,000 MW of solar across eleven countries of the Sahel zone of Africa and provide electricity for 250 million people.



The second significant recent funding announcement for Africa is the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=cop28&amp;highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7104789930274357250"> #COP28</a> finance initiative between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Africa. In strategic partnership with <a href="https://www.africa50.com/">Africa 50</a>, an infrastructure investment platform with African governments as shareholders, the initiative brings together public, private, and development capital from various sources in the UAE.



Its intention is to support African energy transition strategies, including enhanced regulatory frameworks and a master plan for developing grid infrastructure, integrating both supply and demand. The plan is to kickstart a pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in Africa, starting with 15 GW of clean power by 2030, by deploying USD 4.5 billion to catalyse an additional USD 12.5 billion from multilateral, public and private sources.&nbsp;



In making the announcement, COP28 President-Designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber said climate change now contributed to a fifth of Africa’s people being hungry, and the displacement of African citizens tripling in the last three years &#8211; dragging Africa’s GDP growth down by at least 5% every year. Urgent intervention is therefore not just for the sake of the climate &#8211; it is a socioeconomic imperative too. He announced that support to address these issues would be available to any African government with “clear transition plans, robust regulatory frameworks and a real commitment to putting the necessary grid infrastructure in place”.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-to-build-the-energy-future-africa-needs">Next steps to build the energy future Africa needs</h2>



Africa’s need to achieve energy security and a just transition are clearly established. The funding side of the equation is gaining attention though not yet solved. Another piece that needs to fall into place is governance.&nbsp;



In a bid to mitigate high capital costs, amplify socioeconomic development, and ensure a just energy transition, African governments need to take more efforts to improve climate governance and policy frameworks, to address corruption, curb emissions, and enable investment in clean energy solutions and infrastructure.&nbsp;



To facilitate progress, regional governments must reassess how they operate and recognize that energy is not a commodity but the foundation for social development, economic growth, and prosperity. The absence of a resilient electricity supply hinders economic growth and slows down social development. The energy transition must be embraced as the most significant socio-economic and environmental transformation since the Industrial Revolution.



African countries have never stepped into a COP28 with more solid opportunities to accelerate energy transition. Our African governments now need to take the necessary concrete action to unlock the monumental support they finally have access to, while addressing the decarbonisation opportunity as a pivotal moment to establish a new market and an accelerated industrialization. This is the tipping point and time for action.

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How we achieve the energy future Africa needs

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="633" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-820x633.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-430884" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-820x633.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-300x232.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-117x90.jpg 117w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-768x593.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-1536x1185.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Os13-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oscar Siziba, Head of Client Coverage for Business Banking at Standard Bank</figcaption></figure>



There is no doubt that technology has transformed all aspects of our personal and business lives. The financial sector is one such area that has drastically changed, as clients access financial solutions in new ways. For individuals as well as businesses, digital services have made financial services more convenient, affordable and efficient.



Despite these enhanced benefits, there are very few business owners who believe that technology can replace the role of a human being. In fact, many believe that having a skilled and trusted relationship banker who is knowledgeable about their business and understands its history, its financial position, and the sector in which it operates can make the difference between success and failure.



Businesses that are entering a growth phase or generally have complex needs around corporate finance, cashflow management, risk management, trade arrangements, forex and other issues simply cannot solely rely on digital banking. Instead, they require advice from a banker who understands the company’s purpose, people and strategy, so they can leverage technology and suitable banking solutions.&nbsp;



This becomes even more important in the current trading environment, which is characterised by sluggish Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth – currently at 0.3% – and an unemployment figure edging towards 42%. All of the above, along with a cycle of high interest rates and the ongoing energy crisis, are some of the factors that are putting significant pressure on consumers and businesses.



It is during such times that a business must ensure it has a banking partner that understands it and that is able to support the business’s efforts to turn possibilities into opportunities. A relationship manager with an intimate understanding of a business’s financial health and performance is equipped to provide the requisite support to the business.



Equipped with digital tools, relationship managers can meet their clients’ expectations quicker and more efficiently. This way, banking becomes people-centric first and digitally enabled second. Being proactive means adopting digital tools that enhance communication, streamline processes and offer clients online access to information while maintaining a personalised service through relationship managers.



Having a trusted banking partner also simplifies the mechanics of expanding across borders and <a href="https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/business-solutions/trade-point">doing business in Africa</a>.



The Standard Bank Group operates across 20 countries on the continent. It is here that relationship managers can leverage their extensive networks, both within the bank and externally. They can connect businesses with potential partners, clients and investors, helping them expand their reach and grow their operations. We are a human led and digitally enabled business which places clients at the centre of everything we do.



Having a single point of contact within the bank means a relationship manager can also create access to banking specialists who understand specific sector or industry nuances that can enhance a particular business’s challenges and opportunities. &nbsp;



Whatever the future holds, it is almost certain that digital efficiency and innovation will require continued, strong partnerships between business clients and relationship managers.&nbsp; Relationship banking will remain valid because it offers personalised services, expert advice, and customised solutions that go beyond the capabilities of automated systems.



To explore Standard Bank’s different types of business banking accounts visit; <a href="https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/bank-with-us/business-bank-accounts/our-accounts">https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/bank-with-us/business-bank-accounts/our-accounts</a>

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Relationship Banking Crucial In The Digital Age

As South Africans continue to face the burden of power challenges, the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions has reached unprecedented levels. While the PV energy solution has emerged as a robust leading technology for commerce, industry, and manufacturing, the financial burdens imposed are significant, especially for SME business owners. This has led to various innovative options emerging, promising access to clean energy.



Commercial and industrial businesses across the spectrum from small to medium enterprises to large corporates find it easier to justify funding these solutions, as they have become a necessity to trade, versus measures taken to contribute to climate matters or just convenience. The immediate arbitrage benefits that solar provides, battery costs dropping gradually, and its application to load shifting the overall backup solution presents greater viability. Any business can benefit from these solutions, however for businesses spending copious amounts on fuel for generators because of load shedding, the adoption of these systems is an essential consideration. These solutions aid in solving for supply interruptions while also providing partial insulation from tariff hikes.



One of the main incentives for business is that the payback period on capital investments has reduced steadily as energy tariffs have risen. Research shows that between 2007 and 2022, the Eskom tariff increased by 653%, effectively quadrupling the cost of power in 14 years. In April 2023, Eskom applied to NERSA for a 32% increase, indicating that this trend is not likely to change. This payback benefit has further been amplified by the recently passed amendment to the 12BA tax incentive, which allows businesses an accelerated wear and tear allowance on Solar PV investments of 125% in the first year.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Naturally, the need for financial solutions is a given requirement in this environment and the PV market has evolved rapidly. The current operating environment has seen financial institutions and solution providers offering various financing options. Standard Bank has been solutioning for this with cutting edge Solar PV and battery finance solutions to the market through its <a href="https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/borrow-for-your-needs/vehicle-and-asset-finance">Commercial Asset Finance</a> division, for several years now. Opportunities to fund projects present themselves in numerous formats from clients who wish to own their own systems to independent power producers (IPP’s) who sell power.



Standard Bank has also recently provided digital platforms, <a href="https://powerpulse.standardbank.co.za/">PowerPulse</a> for commercial and industrial clients, and LookSee for residential and SME clients. &nbsp;Using these tools clients can source tailored and credible Solar PV and battery solutions. The journey entails a guided path to support clients in not falling into one of the many pitfalls that exist in the Solar PV market currently. It has proven to be a useful resource in shortening the client’s decision-making process through simplification. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Against this outlook, the options for acquiring clean energy have increased. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but allows opportunities for the most suitable to be selected. In the list below, the solutions offered by outright purchase, solar loans or solar subscriptions would be the most obvious choice. Options now open include:



1. Outright Purchase: Purchasing a solar installation outright allows complete ownership and control over the system. The benefits are long-term energy savings and even an opportunity to sell excess electricity back to the grid in areas where this is implemented. For smaller enterprises, however, the capital outlay can be problematic and solutions for clients in this category are now available through collaboration with the government in the <a href="https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/borrow-for-your-needs/business-loans/business-solar-loan">Bounce Back Energy Loan</a> programme which has been launched.&nbsp;



2. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): A popular choice among South Africans, PPAs involve energy companies installing and retaining ownership of the solar system. The purchaser then buys the generated electricity at a predetermined rate, often lower than prevailing utility rates. PPAs require minimal upfront costs, making solar energy more accessible to a wider range of users. Solution providers in this environment are focussed mainly on C&amp;I clients.



3. &nbsp;Solar Leasing: Involving an agreement with a solar company, solar leasing offers reduced electricity costs during the lease term without owning the system outright. Options for buying the solar assets at the end of the lease may be available.



With the ever-increasing gap between supply costs and earnings at Eskom, the need for alternative energy sources becomes even more critical. Solar installations offer a promising avenue for reducing the strain on the national utility, and widespread adoption of PV systems will play a pivotal role in driving this energy revolution.



As the solar industry matures, more flexible and imaginative financing options are emerging, making solar energy accessible to a broader spectrum of users. The future of renewable energy in South Africa is undoubtedly bright, and with continued innovative approaches, solar power will pave the way to a greener and more financially sustainable future for all.



<a href="https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/borrow-for-your-needs/business-loans/business-solar-loan">Click here</a> to learn more about Standard Bank’s Energy Bounce-Back Loan Scheme for businesses.

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Solar pricing alternatives for business are now adding impetus to South Africa’s energy revolution.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-429723" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RS5030_IMG_1535-lpr-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



Blended learning models have continued to gain traction in Africa, more so after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while the adoption of these models shows promising prospects, continuously reviewing the progress in implementation is a crucial part of the roll out process.



The November edition of the Mastercard Foundation’s EdTech Mondays sought to explore the monitoring and evaluation of blended learning models. The questions on how to measure the success of these models, who should own the process, and if Africa’s educational landscape is well-equipped for the fast-changing ICT and digital trends were discussed at length.



To begin with, the continent still faces challenges in internet coverage. Those living in rural and remote areas often have to contend with difficulties in accessing technology-enabled learning. According to Shem Bodo, Senior Programs Officer at the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), more must be done in preparedness and driving resilience of technology-enabled learning models.



“There are definitely challenges especially with learners who are either in vulnerable situations, hard-to-reach areas or from families with low socioeconomic status. While on one hand there has been some success in accessing blended learning models, on the other hand, there are still learners without inclusive access to tech-enabled learning,” said Bodo, who featured in the November edition of the EdTech Mondays.



A <a href="https://www.adeanet.org/sites/default/files/publications/synthesis_report_on_the_use_of_ict_in_education_web.pdf">recent study</a> commissioned by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), and supported by the Mastercard Foundation, showed that many African countries are at different levels in using ICT in education. This includes their policy and legal environment, curriculum reforms, teacher training, continuing professional development, as well as ICT expenditure levels.



“While there are areas in which there is some progress mostly initiated by learners themselves, in other regions the infrastructure is outdated, the cost of accessing devices is prohibitive, teacher preparation is lacking, and there are hardly any policies specific to ICT integration in learning,” added Bodo.



The findings from this study revealed that for ICT in education to be inclusive and accessible beyond the privileged few, there is an urgent need to address electrification and infrastructure issues in countries such as South Sudan, Chad, and Niger. Apart from Tunisia and Mauritius, all other countries in the study needed to pursue electrification efforts to reach the 100 percent target.



But there is some development, said Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). He shared that in Kenya, for instance, the country is at 40 percent in the integration of technology in teaching and learning within basic education. The country has largely improved its infrastructure, trained more personnel, and continued to digitize educational content.



“In two or three years, blended learning could grow to 100 percent in Kenya. Whilst there may be other challenges to address, improving internet and electricity connectivity in the country is imperative. There should also be sustained efforts in training more teaching personnel,” Prof. Ong’ondo added.



Dr. Zelalem Assefa, CEO for ICT and Digital Education at the Ministry of Education in Ethiopia, shared Prof. Ong’ondo’s sentiments, and added that Ethiopia is equally doing more to invest in the development of blended learning models.



He further said that the Ethiopian government is continually investing in universities and boarding schools that provide more access to blended learning and empower teachers through continuous professional development programs. Dr. Assefa however believes that there is still more to be improved.



Bella Rwigamba, Chief Digital Officer for the Ministry of Education in Rwanda, shared these views, adding that educators are crucial for the introduction and implementation of tech-enabled pedagogical models, whether EdTech or blended learning.



“Training teachers is important in enhancing their competency and digital skills. This helps them to fully integrate technology in their teaching routines,” she said. “We have been doing this in different ways. We train them when they are already teaching, and when they are still in colleges; where they have courses on digital skills and how to deploy tech in teaching.”



The panelists also emphasized the importance of data-based monitoring and evaluation of blended learning model to ensure accurate analysis of the progress made. Such data would inform future decisions on its further development.



“Data is important in any such initiatives,” Dr. Assefa said. “Timely and accurate data is key in monitoring and evaluating progress that has been made in adopting blended learning models across Africa.”



In Ethiopia, the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS), and Kenya’s National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), have been instrumental in providing the relevant data and information on the progress of the learning model.



“We have to agree that we are in the 4th Industrial Revolution, and tech competency is a requirement. In Kenya, we are in the process of reforming our curriculum towards a more competency-based system,” Prof. Ongondo added. “KICD, therefore, monitors and evaluates the uptake of blended learning models to inform future decisions in developing the curriculum.”



Ethiopia is also doing as much to actualize tech-enabled learning in its schools’ curriculums, according to Dr. Assefa.



For Rwanda, Rwigamba shared that the country is putting in the efforts to boost the uptake of blended learning models by addressing key challenges particularly connectivity and electricity provision in schools, through different governmental departments and private sector partnerships. By 2024, the country intends to have all schools covered with either grid electricity supply or solar energy.



“For internet connectivity, in urban areas there is either fiber or 4G. In rural areas where these may not be available, we intend to use satellite,” she said. “There’s an ongoing partnership with Starlink which has about 50 schools connected through its services. But devices remain a big challenge. They are expensive and yet to be bought on a recurrent basis.”



Nonetheless, to ensure the success of blended learning models now, and in the coming years, the panelists in the November Edition of EdTech Mondays offered a raft of measures.



It was noted that participation and commitment of the leadership in African countries is important. Political goodwill was identified as vital in supporting the development of policies on technology-enabled learning. Such policies help to create favorable environments for investors in ICT resources, empower more educators, and implement development of the relevant infrastructures.



African countries also need to develop curricula that are adaptable for the future, and have the capability to adopt these curricula fast enough. Also, technology needs to be fully embedded in these curricula, while teacher training remains imperative.



A case in point, Rwigamba discussed Rwanda’s efforts in developing a new EdTech policy that plans to be launched in 2024 through the input of the relevant stakeholders. “For Kenya’s case, relevant departments and ministries in ICT, Education, and even Interior, need to work together to actualize EdTech,” Prof. Ongondo implied.



The same can be said of Ethiopia, where collaborations between the government and investors in the EdTech sector need to be encouraged to streamline tech-enabled learning models, alongside traditional pedagogies. To get the right outcomes, according to the panelists, it is necessary to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing technology-enabled education.



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Watch November&#8217;s episode of EdTech Mondays: Monitoring and Evaluation of Blended Learning Models



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Monitoring and Evaluation of Blended Learning Models

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-429453" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/slack-imgs.jpg 1620w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yellow Card, Africa&#8217;s leading licensed Stablecoin on/off ramp, has been awarded the prestigious &#8220;AFIS Disrupter of the Year Award&#8221; at the 2023 Africa Financial Industry Summit. </figcaption></figure>



Yellow Card, Africa&#8217;s leading licensed Stablecoin on/off ramp, has been awarded the prestigious &#8220;AFIS Disrupter of the Year Award&#8221; at the 2023 Africa Financial Industry Summit. The award ceremony, held on the 15th of November in Lome, Togo, recognised Yellow Card&#8217;s outstanding contributions to innovation and resilience in the African financial sector.



The Disrupter of the Year Award acknowledges companies that have demonstrated resilience in challenging times and whose innovation represents a market disruption. Yellow Card emerged victorious in a field of strong contenders, including Moniepoint, Sparkle, Ejara, and Bamboo. The award was received by Chris Maurice, co-founder, and CEO of Yellow Card, who expressed his deepest gratitude for the recognition.



“This award is further validation that our team is solving important, practical problems across the continent for businesses,” he said. “We have come a long way for a Stablecoin company to win a traditional finance award voted by judges who are all bankers.”



In addition to receiving the award, Chris was a featured speaker at the event that brought together over 1,000 financial industry leaders, regulators, bankers, and fintech entrepreneurs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="586" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-820x586.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-429452" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-820x586.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-300x214.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-126x90.jpg 126w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-768x549.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chris-Maurice-AFIS.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Maurice, co-founder, and CEO of Yellow Card</figcaption></figure>



Chris participated in an insightful interview with Mamadou Toure, Founder and CEO of Ubuntu Group, discussing the future of cryptocurrency in Africa. The interview delved into Yellow Card&#8217;s mission to challenge traditional finance by offering faster and more affordable international remittances and serving as a hub for trading Stablecoins, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.



Yellow Card, founded in 2016 by Chris Maurice and Justin Poiroux, has expanded its operations to 20 countries since its 2019 launch in Nigeria. With over 1.7 million registered customers and more than 200 employees working across 18 different countries, the company remains at the forefront of revolutionising the African financial landscape, providing secure, liquid, and cost-effective access to Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies.

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Yellow Card Honoured as Disruptor of the Year at the 2023 Africa Financial Industry Summit

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos-820x546.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-429164" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos-820x546.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PG-Pres-Standa-Vecera-welcomes-President-Ramaphos.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



Johannesburg, South Africa – 7 November &#8211; Procter &amp; Gamble (P&amp;G), a global leader in consumer goods, celebrated the introduction of its new Pampers Premium Care production line in Kempton Park. The inauguration event was held at its cutting-edge Pampers facility and P&amp;G was honoured to host President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and other esteemed government representatives.



P&amp;G has made significant investments in South Africa since 1994 with a strong economic and social footprint. Since 2018, the President of South Africa instituted the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) aimed at attracting investment into the country. P&amp;G has been a key partner in the SAIC program, and we have announced investments every year and at a cumulative total of R900 million. This specific facility has grown its capacity to include a dedicated production line for Pampers Premium Care. This significant milestone not only showcases P&amp;G&#8217;s commitment to South Africa but also highlights the company&#8217;s contributions to job creation, technological advancement, and sustainability.



Stanislav Vecera, P&amp;G President for Asia Middle East &amp; Africa who led the event, emphasized the company&#8217;s dedication to South Africa&#8217;s growth, stating, &#8220;P&amp;G&#8217;s investment in the new production line demonstrates our unwavering commitment to South Africa&#8217;s future. By bringing the production of Pampers Premium Care diapers to the country, we are creating local job opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving economic and social development. This investment is a testament to our belief in South Africa&#8217;s potential and our dedication to being a long-term partner in its progress.&#8221;



Fayyaz Rizvi, Senior Vice President for P&amp;G Sub-Sahara Africa – emphasized the long partnership P&amp;G has had with the Government of South Africa and acknowledged the support it has received in enabling companies like P&amp;G to operate effectively in the country. “Through this partnership, we continue to increase our local footprint through local sourcing; advancing equality and inclusion and partnering on several programs contributing to South Africa’s attainment of the SDGs”



Today, P&amp;G creates over 4000 direct and indirect jobs throughout its value chain. Alicia Eggington, Vice President, and General Manager for P&amp;G South Africa, echoed P&amp;G&#8217;s commitment to being a force for growth and good, stating, &#8220;We firmly believe in investing in South Africa&#8217;s potential. Through the introduction of this new production line, P&amp;G is not only supporting the local economy but also promoting gender equality and social progress. Our focus on STEM education and women&#8217;s roles within the company has enabled us to achieve a remarkable 50:50 gender representation, setting an example for the industry. On top of this, we also serve our consumers by now offering them a locally produced, top-tier product they can trust.&#8221;



The Pampers Premium Care diaper is our best ever diaper now locally produced in South Africa. It features an incredibly soft topsheet that offers gentle skin protection. We understand that babies explore the world through touch, so our diapers are made with the softest material, ensuring optimal absorbency and breathability. With Pampers Premium Care, babies can continue to experience the world in comfort.



During the visit, President Cyril Ramaphosa also acknowledged P&amp;G&#8217;s investment and its positive impact on the country, stating, &#8220;The launch of this production line is the latest in a number of projects that have given effect to Procter &amp; Gamble’s investment pledges. Through these and other investments, Procter &amp; Gamble is contributing to the industrialisation of South Africa’s economy. To drive growth that is sustainable and inclusive, we are working to expand and diversify our manufacturing base and improve its competitiveness and dynamism.”



The event underscored P&amp;G&#8217;s commitment to South Africa, emphasizing the company&#8217;s efforts to drive growth, create employment, and make a lasting, positive impact on the local community.

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P&G Commissions New Pampers Premium Care Lines With President Ramaphosa – Celebrates Investment Drive Partnership

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="528" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-820x528.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-429081" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-820x528.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-300x193.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-140x90.jpg 140w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-768x495.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-1536x989.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gregory Jobome, ED, Risk Management, Access Bank PLC</figcaption></figure>



Lagos, Nigeria: &nbsp;Access Bank PLC has received an endorsement from S&amp;P Global Ratings (S&amp;P) for its Sustainable Finance Framework (or otherwise, Sustainability Bond Framework). S&amp;P affirmed that Access Bank&#8217;s framework aligns with international standards, including the Green Bond Principles (GBP), ICMA 2021; Green Loan Principles (GLP), LMA/LSTA/APLMA 2021; Social Bond Principles (SBP), ICMA 2021; Social Loan Principles (SLP), LMA/LSTA/APLMA 2021, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, ICMA 2021.



The ratings agency however confirmed that its alignment opinion does not assess any individual transaction with the ICMA&#8217;s GBP, GLP, LMA/LSTA/APLMA, 2021; SBP, SLP, LMA/LSTA/APLMA, 2021, or Sustainability Bond Guidelines ICMA, 2021.



“Access Bank has committed to allocating an amount equivalent to the net proceeds of any financing issued under this framework to fund projects that support the ICMA-defined environmental and social objectives of a low-carbon economy and climate resilient growth. This is expected to drive socioeconomic development and empowerment. Moreover, the Bank clearly defines eligibility criteria for green and social projects it could finance under this framework,” said Salaheddine Soumir, the primary contact at S&amp;P Global Ratings.



Gregory Jobome, Executive Director, Risk Management and Chairman, Green Bond Committee at Access Bank PLC, stated that, “We are delighted to receive this endorsement from S&amp;P Global Ratings. At Access Bank, sustainability is engrained in our DNA. As such, we are committed to financing projects that align with the ICMA-defined environmental and social objectives of a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient growth.”



The Sustainability Bond Framework outlines stringent eligibility criteria for green and social projects that Access Bank may finance, ensuring that the allocated funds are directed towards initiatives that support a sustainable future.



In addition, the Bank commits to disclose the impact metrics of the financed projects and to obtain external verification for both allocation and impact reports.



Access Bank, operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 20 countries and over 60 million customers, is a leading institution with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. It has consistently integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into its lending and investment decisions, cementing its status as a sustainability-focused and forward-thinking financial institution.

Gregory-Jobome-ED-Risk-Management-Access-Bank-PLC-2-1

S&P Global Ratings Provides Aligned Opinion on Access Bank PLC’s Sustainable Finance Framework

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428987" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andrew-Approved-high-res-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andrew Torre, Regional President of Central &amp; Eastern Europe, Middle East &amp; Africa, Visa</figcaption></figure>



Africa stands at the forefront of a digital revolution that has been unfolding at an unstoppable pace. This vibrant continent is rapidly embracing the digital age, with internet connectivity and mobile subscriptions on the rise. Indeed, the global economic challenges of recent years have only served to accelerate this process, which has in turn led to a sharp decline in the use of cash across the region, from 86% of all personal consumption expenditure in 2019 to 72% in 2022. As of June this year, instant payment systems (IPSs) recorded 23 billion transactions valued at US$ 1.2 trillion across Africa.



At the heart of this transformation stands Visa, a global leader in digital payments, which strives to play a pivotal role in facilitating the evolution of Africa’s financial infrastructure and foster innovation. The Visa story in Africa is not merely one of transaction facilitation; it is a journey of commitment to growth, innovation, and financial inclusion.



Africa&#8217;s businesses have adapted swiftly to the digital shift, with remarkable growth being witnessed across merchant locations, evidenced by a surge in active Visa payment credentials and e-commerce payment volumes having tripled over the past five years, At the same time, contactless payments, a concept nearly non-existent just five years ago, now account for over half of payments in South Africa, with other African nations expected to follow suit.



However, the road ahead is not without its challenges with limited digital literacy and restricted access to digital financial services hindering small and medium-sized business (SMBs) growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visa-s-pledge-to-africa">Visa&#8217;s Pledge to Africa</h2>



Visa&#8217;s commitment to Africa&#8217;s growth is unwavering. The company has pledged a substantial $1 billion investment over the next five years, focusing on scaling operations, deploying innovative solutions, and nurturing vital partnerships. To underscore this dedication, Visa has been steadily expanding its presence across Africa, recently opening its tenth office on the continent, with plans in play for another office for Tanzania within the next year. Simultaneously, Visa has been augmenting its workforce, recruiting top talent across Sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in a remarkable 60% growth in full-time employees over the past two years.



Innovation is at the core of Visa&#8217;s approach in Africa. The company has established its first Innovation Centre in Nairobi to create a platform where local clients and fintech partners can co-create payment and commerce solutions tailored to African needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-businesses-and-enabling-financial-inclusion">Empowering Businesses and Enabling Financial Inclusion</h2>



Visa understands the power of partnerships as a critical lever to drive progress in Africa, actively collaborating with governments, banks, and fintech companies to advance digital commerce across the region. Working with governments to support the digitization of financial services and citizen disbursements is another focal area for Visa, as evidenced by the payments giant’s partnerships with post banks and supporting the payment digitization of national parks in Kenya.



The Visa Foundation plays an active role in promoting financial inclusion in Africa, pledging to commit more than $5 million to expand equitable access for women. Recent partnerships with several organizations, examples of which include those with Afrilabs and Graça Machel Trust, further underscore Visa&#8217;s commitment to facilitating women&#8217;s economic empowerment across the region, as does the implementation of powerful initiatives such as the She&#8217;s Next economic empowerment program, which have been launched in South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.



In addition to financial services, fintechs and mobile network operators (MNOs) are pivotal in enabling access to financial education. Visa has joined forces with GSMA to provide learning and educational content to individuals and SMBs globally, contributing to improved financial literacy and long-term financial stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visa-s-initiatives-in-promoting-fintech-growth">Visa&#8217;s Initiatives in Promoting Fintech Growth</h2>



Visa is actively engaged in initiatives that promote fintech growth in Africa in order to shape the future of fintech and advance financial inclusion. In the last two years, Africa’s fintech startup ecosystem has flourished, growing in size by almost 20 per cent with an influx of US$2.7 billion in investment. At the same time, MNOs and fintechs are increasingly offering accessible, low-risk solutions for individuals and SMBs, streamlining financial services and providing more equitable access to affordable payment, credit, and investment opportunities for underserved communities.



Visa&#8217;s commitment to fostering fintech growth in Africa is exemplified by the Visa Fintech Accelerator Program. Launched in June 2023, this visionary program is designed to support up to 40 carefully selected startups annually. With a core objective to equip promising startups with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to accelerate their growth and prepare them for deeper engagement in the fintech ecosystem, the Program takes the chosen innovators on a transformative three-month journey characterized by intensive learning programs and tailored mentorship.



Upon completing the program, the support doesn&#8217;t stop there. Visa plans to invest capital through VC’s in select participating startups. This investment not only infuses much-needed financial support but stands as testament to Visa&#8217;s unwavering belief in the potential of these fintech companies to not only succeed in their respective right but to stimulate growth across local communities and, ultimately, for the wider economy.



The Visa Fintech Accelerator Program is a vital stepping-stone for African fintech startups, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and financial support necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life. By doing so, Visa not only promotes the growth of the fintech sector in Africa but actively contributes to the broader goal of financial inclusion by empowering these startups to provide accessible and innovative financial services to underserved communities.



The Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) also plays a pivotal role in fostering fintech innovation in Africa. Since its inception in 2015, VEI has provided startups with a global platform to showcase innovative solutions that hold the potential to shape the future of payments and commerce. In Africa, VEI has been impactful, with local competitions in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt engaging promising fintech startups. In particular, Nigeria has emerged as a focal point of fintech innovation and excellence in Africa, with Nigerian startups winning the global finals of the Visa Everywhere Initiative for two consecutive years. Visa has even introduced social impact prizes in South Africa and Kenya, recognizing the impact of fintechs in their local communities as a force for good. This aligns with Visa&#8217;s commitment to fostering projects that create meaningful change. Visa&#8217;s journey in Africa embodies a commitment to growth, innovation, and financial inclusion. As the continent continues to undergo a profound digital transformation, Visa stands as a catalyst, supporting startups, fostering financial literacy, and contributing to the digitization of financial services. With a vibrant fintech ecosystem and a rising wave of digital payments, Africa&#8217;s future is brighter than ever. Visa&#8217;s vision for Africa is one of progress, empowerment, and a boundless digital landscape where opportunity knows no bounds.

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Empowering Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem: A Vision for Growth

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="800" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-800x800.png" alt="" class="wp-image-428901" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-800x800.png 800w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-90x90.png 90w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FWIS2023-Young-Talents-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Group-Photo-1.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



Paris, 8th November 2023. The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are proud to reveal the names of the 30 winners of the 14th L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards.



Each year, the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards recognize and support African women scientists for the excellence of their scientific research. For its 14th edition, 25 PhD candidates and 5 post doctoral researchers will be rewarded at the annual ceremony hosted this year in Kasane, Botswana on 9th November. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana will honour the ceremony with his presence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-women-scientists-an-opportunity-for-the-african-continent-and-the-entire-world">Women scientists, an opportunity for the African continent and the entire world</h2>



At a time when the empowerment of promising young women scientists has never been more crucial global efforts in research are still lagging behind. Scientists in Africa represent only 2.5% of the world’s researchers researchers. In a world where social, political, economic and environmental crises are escalating every day, harnessing all scientific talent s is now vital to ensuring a fairer, more sustainable future for the continent.



For the 14th year, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO seek to reinforce their commitment to promote gender equality in science by rewarding 30 young talented women researchers an increase of 10 awards compared to previous years. They have been selected for their scientific excellence among 632 applicants by a jury of 10 members led by Professor Aggrey Ambali , Director of Technical Cooperation and Program Funding at the African Union Development Agency, AUDA NEPAD. Each one of them is a real source of pride for the 17 countries they represent, including Cabo Verde and Lesotho , represented for the first time this year. These scientists represent a source of hope for the future of the world, through their careers and relentless de termination.



As bearers of hope and innovative solutions for the African continent, the 30 scientists of the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science 2023 Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards are investing in multiple fields of research. U sing unprecedented approaches they tackle major challenges to improve the quality of life in Africa and worldwide.



“The future of Africa is in the hands of its scientists,” says Fanta Yadang Sabine Adeline, one of the 2023 Young Talents.



Fanta is not an exception. The thirty 2023 young talents &#8211; biochemists, epidemiologists, ecologists, artificial intelligence experts and public health specialists – are all committed to finding long-lasting solutions to Africa’s diverse challenges. They are all a real source of inspiration for future generations.



Providing role models for the young generation is fundamental. On the morning of 8th November, the Young Talents will engage with the First Lady of Botswana, H.E. Mrs Neo Jane Masisi, and more than 150 school students in an intergenerational conversation and knowledge exchange that will pave the way for a brighter future in science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-l-oreal-unesco-young-talents-sub-saharan-africa-programme">About the L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Programme</h2>



Established in 2000, the national and regional L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents programs annually provide over 250 grants in more than 110 countries. Their aim is to empower women scientists to pursue their career, and more broadly to promote and highlight the crucial importance of women in science.



“UNESCO is deeply committed to supporting gender equality in science for the benefit of society and to championing scientific excellence worldwide. During the 25 years of our partnership with the Fondation L’Oréal, we have recognized and rewarded over 4,100 women scientists at different stages of their career for their exceptional contribution to scientific progress. The L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents are the very future of science. We look forward to working with them and with our partners to continue reinforcing the pivotal role of women in science for a sustainable, inclusive future for all.” says Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO.”



The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards enable its laureates to benefit from financial support to help them conducting their research projects – grants of €10,000 for PhD candidates and €15,000 for post-doctoral researchers. The 2023 Young Talents’ cohort will join a community of more than 200 African researchers who have been supported and honoured since the creation of this regional program in 2010.



To address the many challenges faced by women scientists, particularly related to gender discrimination and stereotypes, or finding a balance between professional and personal life, the program goes beyond funding. The Fondation L’Oréal provides the Young Talents with the opportunity of undertaking a leadership training to foster their personal and professional development.



“Enabling women scientists to emerge in the public arena and be recognized for the quality of their work requires urgent action. It&#8217;s everyone&#8217;s responsibility &#8211; institutions, companies and civil society. Neither Africa nor the world can successfully respond to the environmental, societal, health crises of our time by depriving itself of half of the humanity.” says Alexandra Palt, CEO of the Fondation L’Oréal



Winners of the 2023 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents &#8211; Sub-Saharan Africa



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-africa">Southern Africa</h2>



Bhamini SREEKEESSOON, Ph.D. student in Engineering Sciences and Technology – ‘Harnessing tidal energy to power Mauritius’ future’ – Mauritius Bonolo Bonita PHINIUS, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental sciences – ‘Shining a light on pathways to fight hepatitis B in Botswana’ – Botswana Constance CHINGWARU, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental sciences – ‘Creating biopesticides from native plants to protect maize crops’ – Zimbabwe Felicidade NIQUICE, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Promoting occupational health and safety in Mozambique’s hospitals’ – Mozambique Maria Nelago KANYAMA, Ph.D. student in Formal Sciences – ‘ Harnessing artificial intelligence to fight water scarcity’ – Namibia Mesha MBISANA, Ph.D. student in Physical Sciences – ‘Improving food safety to promote better health in Africa’- Botswana Nthabeleng HLAPISI, Ph.D. student in Physical Sciences – ‘Developing innovative phototherapies to treat cancer’ – Lesotho



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-africa">Central Africa</h2>



Fanta Sabina Adeline YADANG, Post-doctoral fellow in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Exploring medicinal solutions to neurogenerative diseases’ – Cameroon Hadidjatou DAIROU, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Harnessing the power of native plants to treat cardiovascular disease’ &#8211; Cameroon Lydie Kamga MESSADO, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Conserving orchids in the Cameroon rainforests’ &#8211; Cameroon



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-east-africa">East Africa</h2>



Cheryl KERAMA, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Exploring how sugar regulation impacts tuberculosis’ &#8211; Kenya Devotha Godfrey NYAMBO, post-doctoral fellow in Engineering Sciences and Technology – ‘Leveraging machine learning to prevent infectious diseases in livestock – United Republic of Tanzania Esther UWIMAANA, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Towards a vaccine for tuberculosis’ – Uganda Faith NJERU, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Developing novel diagnostics to conserve Kenya’s maize crops’ – Kenya Grace UMUTESI, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Promoting women’s health through improved HPV vaccination coverage’ – Rwanda Hemen Tesfaye Gelaw, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Fighting antimicrobial resistance in food supply chains’ – Ethiopia Mwende Mbilo, Ph.D. student in Physical Sciences – ‘Innovating to improve solar energy solutions in Kenya’ – Kenya Naelijwa Mshanga, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Promoting better nutrition among women and children’ – United Republic of Tanzania



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-africa">West Africa</h2>



Aderonke KOREDE, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Exploring the health benefits of natural ingredients’- Nigeria Bernice Konadu AGYEMAN, Ph.D. student Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Improving drinking water quality in Ghana’ – Ghana Dorcas Atibilla, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Shining a light on mosquito behaviour in the fight against malaria’- Ghana Emma Edinam KPLOANYI, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Taking strategic action to eliminate hepatitis B and C in Ghana and beyond’ &#8211; Ghana Fatou Lo Niang, Ph.D. student in Formal Sciences – ‘Leveraging machine learning to help prevent cardiovascular pathologies in Africa’ – Senegal Grace UMUTESI, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Promoting women’s health through improved HPV vaccination coverage’ – Rwanda Ini ADINYA, Post-doctoral fellow in Formal Sciences – ‘Harnessing mathematics to optimise investments’ – Nigeria Jedidah Jacob AKAWU, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Conserving the plants and pollinators of the Nigerian savannah’ – Nigeria Kafayath Ariounke FABIYI, Ph.D. student in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Leveraging genomic science to overcome bacterial resistance’ – Benin Mary AMOAKO (born ADJEPONG), Post-doctoral fellow in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Exploring how nutrition stands to impact birth deformities’ – Ghana Pamela Borges, Post-doctoral fellow in Life and Environmental Sciences – ‘Advancing research in breast cancer through gene research’ – Cabo Verde Rahimat Oyiza YAKUBU, Ph.D. student in Engineering Sciences and Technology – ‘Advancing clean energy in Nigeria’s universities and hospitals’ – Ghana Temitope ABIOLA, Ph.D. student in Physical Sciences – ‘Leveraging metabolic engineering to improve the efficiency of biodiesel’ – Nigeria

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L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science 2023 Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards: 30 brilliant African women scientists recognized.

When you really take a moment to look back, it’s crazy to think just how much the world of work has changed in recent years. So many of the business processes that we used to do manually are now done at the touch of a button thanks to new and emerging digital technologies. And our working day is no longer defined by a set number of hours that we have to spend in front of our desks in an office.



In addition to this, changing employee and customer expectations demand that businesses deliver technologically-enabled ways of working so that they don’t fall behind the competition. This is particularly true in Africa, where the simplest solutions can bring about quite massive leaps forward. But when implementing new technologies and embracing the transformation of work, a lot of business leaders battle with maintaining control, while also trusting that the technology can do what it promises. This is where conversations around cybersecurity are so important.



In our hyperconnected world, businesses always have to keep an eye on security to guarantee that they meet changing customer needs without upping risks. In recent years, we have seen cybersecurity rise on the business agenda, as more and more organisations realise that cyber attacks are no longer something that “only ever happens to others”.



For modern businesses the challenge is to bring in emerging technologies to improve the level of service they offer to their customers without creating new pathways for cyber attacks.&nbsp;



Today, if you want to safely accelerate your business operations, it is critical that you have robust cybersecurity measures in place. But unfortunately, the same technologies that can help businesses improve agility, predict customer demands and improve efficiency, can also be leveraged by threat actors to create more advanced methods of attack.



For example, in recent months, we have all been caught up in the hype around artificial intelligence (AI) and have witnessed how incredibly powerful AI is; able to transform every aspect of our lives. Yes, the AI genie is well and truly out of the bottle but if we are to benefit from it, we must be aware of what it can do when it falls into the wrong hands. When used by sinister actors, AI can create malicious software, draft more convincing phishing emails and spread disinformation in less time and with less effort, making it easier for hackers to&nbsp; launch multiple attacks at the same time.



According to Vodacom research, few are finding a happy balance between product, process and service&nbsp;innovation, keeping an eye on emerging trends and prioritising security. While more than 65% of businesses claim to have never been affected by a cybersecurity incident, recent research from independent analyst and consultancy firm, Omdia, found that a staggering 91% of security decision makers have had to deal with a security-related incident in the last year. Unfortunately, in many instances, legislation trails technological innovation. And when it comes to cybersecurity this can be a major stumbling block because there are no guidelines around how to innovate, safely. With all of this in mind, it’s essential that organisations build resilience so that they can disrupt but also prevent themselves from being disrupted in the future.



The successful transformation of work and the creation of fit for future businesses cannot happen without the five Cs – collaboration, communication, connectivity, consumers and cybersecurity. In order to deliver on the final C on this list, businesses need to start with a plan. Not only must your cyber strategy be built into the foundation of everything you do, it must also be understood and adopted by all key stakeholders and employees. A simple way to improve your security resilience is by changing the behaviour of your people. We know that people are often the weakest link in an organisation’s cyber defences, which is why fit for future businesses work to cultivate a culture of cyber awareness by constantly reinforcing security priorities.



In line with this, it’s important to remember that having strong cybersecurity measures in place is not only about safeguarding your business against malicious activities; it’s also about building trust – among your customers, partners and stakeholders. When you take cybersecurity seriously this showcases that you care about data and privacy and are actively working to keep sensitive information secure.



Cybersecurity is not a one-time implementation. It requires ongoing maintenance and improvement process; especially with the playing field shifting as quickly as it is. This makes it essential for businesses to regularly assess the strength of their cybersecurity defences and quickly fill in any gaps that might exist. What does this look like? Running regular workshops to educate employees about the latest threats, keeping up-to-date with software updates, conducting vulnerability assessments (internally and across your supply chain) and always staying informed about emerging threats. As a simple example, in the same way that AI can be used by cybercriminals to improve their attacks, cybersecurity professionals can also leverage AI to boost their defences. When using AI, cyber teams are able to process large amounts of data quite quickly, which empowers them to make more timely decisions, enhances threat intelligence and detection as well as speed up incident response.



At Vodacom, we have witnessed the level of innovation that can happen when you connect people and when you place something as simple as a mobile device in someone’s hand. We have also seen society regularly downplay how much potential there is for seemingly ‘low tech’ solutions to deliver big results. But innovations also carry risks. Truly impactful innovation can only be achieved if cybersecurity is at its core. When this is the case, businesses are able to tap into future ways of working that will unlock new levels of competitiveness for the country and the continent

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Securing the future in a rapidly evolving world of work

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="449" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-820x449.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428662" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-820x449.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-160x88.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-768x421.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-1536x841.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NED_CB_Solar-duller-2-1-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



Climate change continues to be at the top of the agenda for both developing and developed nations. It brings with it unprecedented challenges. This uncertainty has brought about the need for governments and businesses alike to create climate-resilient societies and markets.



Mark Boshoff, Head of Climate Resilience and Sustainability Strategy at Nedbank Commercial Banking, looks at how businesses can make the right choice – one that will not only ensure that their business models are climate resilient, but that they contribute to the fight to save the planet.



Resilience is broadly defined as the ability to bounce back. Boshoff characterizes climate resilience and sustainability as something everyone in a business is responsible for; from level one employees right up to the CEO. He says to create climate-resilient strategies, businesses need to think of the acronym MAT: Mitigate, Adapt and Transform.



“You can mitigate by first cleaning up your own act, by reducing your carbon footprint, reducing your emissions, and trying to get it going on that basis. It also looks at what happens when that event strikes you: Do you have adequate insurance? Are your supply chains in a position so that you can reorganize them?” he asks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks">Risks</h2>



As with any major global shift, climate change not only poses risks to the planet but also risks to your business operations. Boshoff identifies the following four risks:



• Financial Loss: Your company can be sued for being a polluter;



• Infrastructure and Supply Chain: You need to look at how you can protect your infrastructure and insure it to mitigate loss in the event of a disaster;



• Reputation: How do stakeholders and the communities you do business in perceive you?



• Stranded Assets: Insuring your business isn’t obsolete in a few years.



Boshoff explains stranded assets by saying: “You’ve got to be very, very certain that you don’t have a business that is running some kind of operation that is going to be obsolete in a couple of years’ time. Think, for example, of fossil fuels and coal mines, not because they are necessarily bad, but because industries are moving away from them and you don’t want that to be your sole offering, or your only product or only asset.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities">Opportunities</h2>



It isn’t all doom and gloom, as climate resilience can also present businesses with the opportunity to pivot and expand into untapped markets, like the renewable energies sector.



“One of the opportunities is the demographic that is involved here. Think of millennials – they are very, very aware of climate change. They are the generation that is going to inherit this planet and if they decide that your company may not be on the right track, they can very quickly boycott you. Just think of the power someone like Greta Thunberg has got,” he adds.



Nedbank leads the way in its sector and is known as the ‘green bank’, helping businesses see the opportunities in climate resilience by creating various funding mechanisms to support the shift to more sustainability-focused business models.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-300x300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-428674" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-800x800.png 800w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-90x90.png 90w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NEDBANK_lockup_logo_RGB_reversed_hr.png 1654w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure></div>

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Climate Resilience: Preparing your business for a sustainable future

Davos, Switzerland – October 16, 2023 – Africa Collective, the independent, business-driven network dedicated to creating a platform for exchange and action on African topics, is scaling up its presence in Davos, Switzerland, during the week of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, which takes place between 15-19 January 2024.



Africa Collective, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat as its Patronage Partner, is proud to announce today that its confirmed partners to date for 2024 include industry leaders Novartis, Standard Bank, Ringier and Pulse. The partners are playing a key role in the co-creation and development of the Africa Collective agenda in Davos, with the objective of showcasing African opportunities amongst global leaders. Collaboration with media partners such as Business Insider Africa, will serve to amplify and broadly share Africa-focused themes and discussions that emerge throughout the week in Davos.



With its base at the Hard Rock Hotel Davos, Africa Collective plans a series of activities during the week for key decision makers to discuss, find synergies and collaborate on the most important and current Africa-related topics. These activities will include three thematic breakfast roundtables, a networking cocktail, and a high-level closing luncheon. A designated networking area at the hotel will provide a permanent meeting point for Africa Collective partners and stakeholders to convene, exchange ideas and deepen discussions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-820x546.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-428495" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover;width:800px" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-820x546.webp 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-135x90.webp 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pic-3.webp 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Africa Collective to scale up Davos presence in January 2024</figcaption></figure>



“The AfCFTA Secretariat is delighted to continue as patronage partner of the Africa Collective,” says H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, “This is an important platform to have an ongoing exchange with global and African businesses on regional integration and the AfCFTA.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



The 2024 presence in Davos marks an important milestone for Africa Collective in its mission to drive investment, foster engagement, and promote African business opportunities on a global stage. As leaders from various sectors converge in Davos, the initiative is poised to spark meaningful dialogues and collaborations that drive impact on the African continent.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



For more information about Africa Collective, keep up to date on new partnerships and activities in Davos and beyond, please visit <a href="http://www.africacollective.xyz">www.africacollective.xyz</a>.



About Africa Collective



Africa Collective was launched in 2023, as a business-driven initiative, to showcase African opportunities globally. Co-initiators of the initiative include H.E. Wamkele Mene (AfCFTA Secretariat), Larry Madowo (CNN), Biola Alabi (Acasia Group), Michael Rheinegger (Africa Unlimited) and Leonard Stiegeler (Africa Unlimited).



On 19 January 2023, the Africa Collective held its inaugural luncheon at the time of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting where it brought together African Ministerial Delegations, CEOs and senior executives representing leading international as well as pan-African companies. Early backers of the initiative include Ian Williamson, CEO, Old Mutual and Marc Walder, CEO, Ringier AG.



To read more about the 2023 Africa Collective presence in Davos visit the following <a href="https://africacollective.xyz/event/africacollectiveluncheon/">LINK</a>.

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Africa Collective to scale up Davos presence in January 2024

Belgium / Gaborone, 9 June, 2023. The Government of the Republic of Botswana and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) will convene the second edition of the FACETS Conference. The successful conference is called FACETS2023 and it will take place in Gaborone, Botswana, on October 24 – 25, 2023.



Facets 2023 – Motswedi Wa Khumo &#8211; Diamonds for Change will gather Heads of State, Ministers of Mining and government representatives from across the globe, together with captains of industry and industry experts from the entire value chain from mine to retail, to discuss the future of the diamond industry and the challenges ahead, with a particular focus on diamond producing countries.



Ari Epstein, CEO of Antwerp World Diamond Centre: “The first edition of Facets last year was a resounding success. It is no coincidence the second edition of Facets is taking place on African soil. More than 60% of the world’s natural diamonds are mined in Africa, with the diamond industry as an important lever to building sustainable economic growth, positively impacting people and the planet on various levels. We are honoured to partner with the Government of Botswana, the leading diamond-producing country, to continue the inclusive dialogue we initiated in Antwerp last year and together ensure that Africa’s voice is heard.”



Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko Moagi: “Botswana’s achievements in the past decades are a testimony to how diamonds are an agent for change. Facets 2023 will build further on this theme by zooming in on how we can transform this change into sustainable models that will anchor the positive impact of the industry for generations to come.”



Facets 2023, – Motswedi Wa Khumo &#8211; Diamonds for Change will feature one day of keynote speeches, dialogues, and networking opportunities. A program dedicated to empowering the next generation of diamond professionals on the African continent will convene on the second day.



Preregistration for the event: www.facets2023.com

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Antwerp and Botswana to gather diamond industry in Gaborone for FACETS 2023

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chambers has announced the first names from the distinguished lineup of guest speakers participating at the upcoming Dubai Business Forum, which takes place at Madinat Jumeirah from 1-2 November 2023.



Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the eagerly awaited event will be held under the theme ‘Shifting Economic Power: Dubai and the Future of Global Trade.’



The forum offers a unique platform for the global business community to come together and participate in rich dialogues designed to drive business growth and foster international collaboration. The event will feature two days of high-level plenary sessions and keynote addresses, creating exciting opportunities for participants to hear from influential public sector figures, business leaders, industry experts, investors, and economists as they explore the emerging trends transforming business and shaping the future of global trade.



Key national figures who will be sharing valuable insights include H.E. Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; H.E. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM); H.E. Hamed Ali, CEO of the Dubai Financial Market and CEO of Nasdaq Dubai; and Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-300x300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-428305" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-90x90.png 90w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers.png 665w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers</figcaption></figure></div>


The distinguished lineup of private sector speakers includes Shamsa Al Falasi, CEO of Citibank; Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East and North Africa; Khatija Haque, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Emirates NBD; Prof. Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford; Jane Prokop, Executive Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises at Mastercard; Deepak Bagla, President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA); Ted Souder, Former Senior Executive at Google; Jean-Claude Trichet, Former President of the European Central Bank; Kathy Xiaosi Gong, Founder and CEO of Oneness Labs; Rashed Ali Al Ansari, Group CEO of Al Ansari Financial Services; Noor Sweid, Managing Partner at Global Ventures; Brett Armitage, Chief Commercial Officer of Kerzner International; Daniel Susskind, speaker and author on the future of work and visiting professor at King’s College London; Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy at COP28; Richad Soundardjee, CEO for UAE and Egypt at China International Capital Corporation (CICC); and Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of Global Markets at Dubai Chambers. The confirmed speakers will be joined by dozens of business leaders, industry experts, and innovators from all corners of the globe.



Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “This year’s keynote programme and speaker lineup set the tone for the Dubai Business Forum by addressing the event’s four key pillars of Globalisation, Foreign Direct Investment, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Markets, all of which will play critical roles in transforming business for the future. The lineup includes vibrant personalities and creative thinkers who will share thought-provoking stories and innovative visions, all designed to spark important conversations that will help us think differently, bring us together, and make us stronger as a global business community.”



Lootah added: “Participants from across the globe are set to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful dialogue as we examine and shape the future of trade and investment and explore the opportunities of our ever-changing world.”



The announcement of the first batch of speakers follows Dubai Chambers’ recent unveiling of The Deals Hub, a new impact-driven platform that enables global business leaders and investors to share details of major business initiatives, partnerships, and investments. The Deals Hub creates a dedicated space for signings witnessed by senior government officials, prominent figures from the public and private sectors, and representatives from the global media. Targeting an influential international audience, the initiative reflects Dubai Chambers’ commitment to driving the growth of international trade and investments and further consolidates Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub. The dealmaking space will enable companies of all sizes to explore strategic economic partnerships, develop their international networks, and open new horizons for business success.



The Dubai Business Forum is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which was launched at the beginning of the year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The ambitious roadmap features over 100 transformational projects aimed at doubling the size of the emirate’s economy during the coming decade and consolidating Dubai’s position among the top three economic cities around the world.



The Dubai Business Forum takes place at Madinat Jumeirah from 1-2 November 2023.



To register for the event, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://register.dubaibusinessforum.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">register.dubaibusinessforum.com</a>

High Angle View, Panoramic View of Dubai Skyline at Sunrise

Dubai Chambers reveals first names from stellar lineup of speakers set to explore the future of the global economy during Dubai Business Forum

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chambers has announced details of the Dubai Business Forum’s key thematic pillars ahead of the eagerly anticipated event, which will bring the global business community together at Madinat Jumeirah from 1-2 November for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and dealmaking.



Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the forum will be held under the theme ‘Shifting Economic Power: Dubai and the Future of Global Trade.’


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-300x300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-428305" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers-90x90.png 90w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mohammad-Ali-Rashed-Lootah-President-CEO-of-Dubai-Chambers.png 665w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah</figcaption></figure></div>


Dubai Chambers has identified four key pillars that will form the basis of the event’s far-reaching agenda: Globalisation, Foreign Direct Investment, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Markets. Each of the forum’s sessions will be categorised under these verticals, ensuring participants are able to easily identify and attend the sessions that are most relevant to their individual areas of interest and expertise.



Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “Our carefully curated agenda is designed to ensure participants maximise their time together by focusing on topics that will play a fundamental role in transforming business for the future. This innovative event will unite key public and private sector stakeholders from across the globe to engage in networking opportunities, explore new partnerships, and forge significant deals.”



Lootah added: “The forum is envisioned as a unique platform to explore pressing global issues in depth, enabling the business community to take proactive steps to shape a future where business can thrive in an ever-evolving economic landscape.”



No international business forum would be complete without addressing Globalisation, which has reshaped the business environment to create both opportunities and challenges. Businesses that effectively navigate the complexities of global markets can expand their reach, boost profitability, and access valuable resources. However, these advantages come with a need to address the unique challenges that come with operating on a global scale, all of which will be placed under the spotlight during the Dubai Business Forum.



While Dubai continues to attract record-breaking amounts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), ongoing geopolitical issues, rising food and energy prices, and other economic pressures are impacting levels of FDI on a global scale. These trends require concerted efforts if they are to be addressed effectively. This is particularly true in the case of developing nations, with emerging markets poised to play a vital role in driving investments in priority sectors. The Dubai Business Forum creates a unique opportunity for participants to hear more about what the future holds for FDI from heads of state, policymakers, and leading financial experts.



The crucial topic of Digital Transformation will also be examined during the forum. Advanced digital technologies are contributing to the growth of business, trade, and investments by automating processes, reducing waste, and optimising supply chain management. The forum’s Digital Transformation pillar will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers for a deep dive into the implications of emerging technologies and their impact on the global business community.



It is widely predicted that Emerging Markets will represent six of the world’s seven largest economies by 2050. As these important markets further enhance their capabilities, they will grow to form an integral part of the global economy. The Dubai Business Forum will explore effective strategies to embrace this shifting world order and do business with emerging markets.



The inaugural edition of the Dubai Business Forum builds on the success of Dubai Chambers’ series of ‘Global Business Forum’ events and is set to play a key role in contributing to the ambitious targets outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the coming decade.



The event creates a unique platform for influential international figures from the public and private sectors to gather, identify emerging trends, and shape a better future for business, further cementing Dubai’s position at the heart of the global economy. Featuring two days of high-level plenary sessions, speeches, talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, the forum will serve as a catalyst to transform business and shape the future of global trade.



The Dubai Business Forum will be hosted at Madinat Jumeirah from 1-2 November.



To register for the event, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://register.dubaibusinessforum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">register.dubaibusinessforum.com</a>.

Dubai Marina from the sea side during sunset

Dubai Chambers reveals four key pillars that will shape the agenda at this year’s Dubai Business Forum

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428283" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Network International’s Group CEO, Nandan Mer </figcaption></figure>



Dubai-based and FTSE-listed Network International’s state of the art, cloud-based, integrated digital payment suite, Network One, is now onboarding local banks, MNOs and fintechs. In addition to the R500 million investment in the on-soil platform, the company has now announced an additional R60 million investment in a best of breed payment switch (online payment transactions routing and authorisation system).



Speaking at a launch event in Rosebank recently, Network International’s Group CEO Nandan Mer told industry guests and media that the company has had the privilege of being part of the South African business community for the better part of 16 years and plans to use its local tenure to further accelerate its plans for the Southern Africa region.



“The latest investment is integral to the company’s continued commitment to the country and continent. Our acquisition of DPO, an e-commerce provider across the African market, gave us the confidence to take the next step with our R500 million platform investment just 18 months later. This next R60 million investment shows how we are stepping things up a notch and moving Network into the payment services fast lane,” Mer said.



Some of the first South African customers on Network’s new tier one payments platform include a major MNO and multinational commercial banks.



The new payment switch is due to go live in 2024, which will further ensure scalability and continuity of the platform in South Africa’s high transaction volume market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-soil-offering-good-for-local-and-african-clients">On-soil offering good for local and African clients</h2>



The company’s Network One platform is an integrated payment suite offering both merchant and issuer solutions, hosted and supported in-country. It relies on a consolidation of best-in-class technologies brought together to provide end-to-end payment processing capabilities in a highly configurable setting.



With its own technology stack that is built, hosted and maintained locally, Network is positioning itself to serve local and regional institutions seeking digital payments capabilities that are relevant for the market and local consumers.



<a href="https://media-publications.bcg.com/Reimagining-the-Payments-Operating-Model-to-Withstand-Disruption-in-Africa.pdf">According to BCG</a>, payment revenues in MEA are forecast to grow 8.3% from 2021, reaching $2.2Tn by 2026. Electronic payments are forecast to grow from 12% of POS transactions in 2021 to 21% in 2025.



“Being on the ground and understanding the nuances of what the local market really needs has helped us deliver an offering that is perfectly suited to South African businesses. Our ability to create a hub with all the necessary technology not only allows our clients to offer a better value proposition, it also allows Network to extend our offering to help deliver relevant products to the 80% of underserved consumers on the rest of the continent,” explained Group MD – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing, Dr. Reda Helal. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428284" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dr-Reda-Helal-Network-International-Group-Managing-Director-–-Processing-Africa-Co-Head-Group-Processing-2-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Group MD – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing, Dr. Reda Helal</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-growth-of-local-talent-delivers-results">Rapid growth of local talent delivers results</h2>



A key part of Network International’s ongoing investment has also been to empower a growing local team. By bolstering its people capacity in SA, Network will be able to locally collaborate and co-innovate with local banks and MNOs where they have access to SMEs and payment professionals as close as possible to where they operate.



As a show of its commitment to the transformation of the local entity, the company has already doubled its staff complement, and will continue to enhance resources and talents. In the past 10 months Network has moved from level 8 BBBEE status (in December 2022) to level 4 (in July 2023), with plans to continue improving on this in 2024 to ensure that SA institutions trust Network as a payments partner of choice.&nbsp;



“We have over 1,000 years of collective payment knowledge and expertise in South Africa. In hiring the right talent we are confident that our local teams are able to deliver 50% faster with limited dependency on our remote teams, adding meaningful operational gains for local clients and beyond South Africa,” Dr. Helal shared.



The company says its rapid investment has resulted in significantly improved economies of scale. This means it can offer cutting edge technology cheaper than companies can develop it in-house, making it attractive to a wide target audience while also helping it accelerate digital transformation across the region.



“Our goal has always been to be a proudly South African company. We want to be closer to our clients and be more responsive to their unique needs. Having an on-soil presence enables us to better support local commerce and the economy,” Mer summed up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-network-international-sa">About Network International SA</h2>



<a href="https://www.network.ae/en/contents/view/who-we-are">Network International</a> is the Middle East and Africa’s largest and leading digital payments company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We operate in 50+ countries serving governments, banks, fintechs, merchants and public sector companies. We have over 2,000 digital payments experts based in our markets serving over 200 financial institutions and over 150,000+ merchants.

Nandan-Mer-Network-International-Group-CEO-1-1

Network International’s R500m on-soil payment platform goes live, gets R60m Payment Switch boost

In today&#8217;s ever-evolving business landscape, the challenges continue to mount, particularly in the wake of recent global events. Navigating these challenges can be a daunting task, especially when budgets are tightening while problems continue to grow. The solution to this conundrum lies in optimization. Instead of expanding workforces and budgets, the most effective approach often involves eliminating waste and maximizing existing resources.



In South Africa, Datacentrix, an experienced integrator, champions this philosophy by offering your company the opportunity to embrace HP Intelligent Workflows. Leveraging the decades of corporate expertise that have made HP a global success, Intelligent Workflows is designed to eradicate inefficiencies, reduce time wastage, seamlessly integrate remote teams, and enhance various workflows, all while upholding stringent security and global data compliance standards.



Users of this system gain access to an all-in-one, no-code workflow designer that empowers the creation of intelligent, customized workflows. This tool not only identifies and eliminates friction points but also automates repetitive tasks that can often hinder employee productivity. These tasks, although important, can be automated to free up employees to apply their skills where they matter most.



HP Intelligent Workflows also addresses inefficiencies related to paper documents, a ubiquitous aspect of all businesses. While print remains indispensable, intelligent use can save both time and money. HP offers an impressive case study demonstrating how print can be reduced or eliminated, accelerating task completion, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with governmental regulations.



For instance, a global fruit farming and production company streamlined its annual employee onboarding processes using HP Intelligent Workflows. This transition from endless printed documents to a digital eForm system allowed a single employee to accomplish what once required a team effort. This digital transformation not only enhanced document visibility and accessibility but also met both the company&#8217;s and government&#8217;s requirements.



Throughout this workflow enhancement journey, HP also noted increased product confidence and an improved customer experience, particularly crucial in an industry like food production, where quality standards are exceptionally high.



To become the next success story with HP Intelligent Workflows and bolster your customer confidence, get in touch with Datacentrix today. <a href="http://www.datacentrix.co.za">Let us give you a call</a>

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