Money moves across borders in Africa every day, often amounting to billions in cross-border payments, remittances, and government transfers. This vast flow of funds is processed through an increasingly strained infrastructure that faces evolving threats and complex regulatory environments. The shift from deterministic to adaptive authentication has become central to securing transactions, especially in regions like Africa where mobile penetration is high and infrastructure can be fragmented. Additionally, most African cross-border payments still rely on external systems, introducing inefficiencies and costs. To improve security and efficiency, there’s a need for region-specific initiatives, enhanced governance frameworks, and innovative technologies like distributed ledger systems and AI. The future of secure cross-border payments in Africa lies in integrating security into the core financial architecture, ensuring better interoperability, and establishing shared standards across borders.
The rise of intelligent collaboration in the workplace
The rise of intelligent collaboration in the workplace is being driven by advancements in AI, with tools like Microsoft’s Copilot leading the charge. Once designed to assist with basic tasks, Copilot has evolved into a powerful agentic AI that not only aids in completing tasks but also collaborates actively with users. Integrating seamlessly into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook, Copilot helps businesses optimize productivity by automating workflows, drafting reports, summarizing meetings, and generating insights. As AI continues to evolve, companies are learning how to harness its potential to drive growth, enhance decision-making, and foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation. However, successful implementation of AI requires addressing challenges such as data management, security compliance, and employee training to ensure effective use.
South African Property in 2025: What Q1 Reveals About the Road Ahead
The South African property market started 2025 on a positive note, showing early signs of recovery after a challenging 2024. The first quarter revealed a resilient sector driven by easing inflation, steady interest rates, and new regulatory changes that boost affordability, particularly for first-time buyers. Insights from Lightstone, BetterBond, and FNB data highlight shifts in market dynamics, with notable demand in the High and Mid-Value segments. The recent exemption from Transfer Duty on properties under R1.21 million and improved rent-to-income ratios further contribute to the optimism. While challenges persist, particularly with global supply chain disruptions, the outlook for the rest of 2025 suggests potential growth, especially for investors and developers focused on the Western Cape and industrial properties.
Africa’s Hospitality Growth: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Africa’s hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by a rising middle class, youthful population, and growing appetite for travel. In this article, Andreas Lackner, VP Operations at Hilton, highlights how Hilton is expanding across the continent while investing in local communities, youth development, and inclusive leadership. From innovative training programs to empowering women entrepreneurs, Hilton is fostering the next generation of hospitality leaders across Africa.
South Africa’s Commerce Media Moment has Arrived: The Experts Weigh In
At Converge Africa 2025, Flow hosted a panel of industry leaders from Woolworths, Coty, eComplete, and TrafficBrand to explore the rise of commerce media in South Africa. With insights on local strengths like brand-retailer collaboration, first-party data activation, and omnichannel engagement, the session highlighted how South African retailers can monetise digital audiences without needing full-scale media networks. The consensus: commerce media isn’t coming — it’s already here, reshaping retail through strategy, trust, and data-driven growth.
Repositioning an African Child from Labour to Leadership in Global Energy, Banking & Investment Markets
This thought leadership article by Kovimariva Samuel Mungunda calls for a fundamental shift in how Africa prepares its youth—from labourers to leaders in global energy, banking, and investment sectors. Through real-world examples like the Namibia-Botswana oil refinery initiative, it advocates for youth inclusion, mentorship, and Pan-African collaboration to build a future-ready workforce and reclaim Africa’s role in shaping global markets.
ZX Lidars and Globeleq Optimise Wind Performance at Klipheuwel with Advanced Lidar Deployment
ZX Lidars, in collaboration with Globeleq South Africa Management Services, has deployed a ZX TM wind Lidar at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, South Africa. The advanced system provides real-time wind flow data to optimise turbine performance, support power curve verification, and reduce mechanical stress. By analysing complex wind behaviour such as shear and turbulence, the project enhances asset efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational outcomes.
Big 5 Construct Ethiopia spotlights opportunities in $67 billion construction market from 26-28 June 2025
Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, the nation’s leading construction event, returns from 26–28 June 2025 at Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa. Endorsed by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure, the event showcases $67 billion in market opportunities and features over 230 exhibitors. Co-located with the new East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, it highlights the region’s $395 billion infrastructure potential and promotes cross-border collaboration through exhibitions, CPD-certified talks, and strategic networking.
Smart Stays: How Tech Is Unlocking The Future Of Travel
The traditional hotel keycard is rapidly becoming obsolete as hotels embrace smart technology to enhance guest experiences. With mobile check-ins, digital keys, and innovations like Club Med’s digital wristbands, the travel industry is responding to the demand for greater convenience, security, and personalization. These advancements eliminate the frustrations of keycard malfunctions, offering guests a seamless, integrated stay. This shift reflects a broader trend toward tech-driven hospitality, transforming how we interact with hotel services and elevating guest satisfaction to new heights.
From Start-Up to Standout: Why Investing in Techpreneurs is Investing in the Future
GoodApp, a South African home services platform, was named Start-Up of the Year at the 2025 Intelligent ICT Awards—marking a major milestone for purpose-driven African innovation. By connecting customers with vetted professionals through a seamless digital experience, GoodApp is setting a new standard for local tech solutions with global potential. CEO Prakhar Srivastava emphasizes that Africa’s tech future depends on more than recognition—it requires investment, policy support, and belief in the continent’s talent. GoodApp’s rise reflects a broader shift: African techpreneurs aren’t just solving problems—they’re shaping the future.