Hilton has announced the debut of its lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Sub-Saharan Africa, with new properties in South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. The Sterling Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal, Ava Hotel Nairobi in Lavington, and Zaria Court Kigali will mark a major milestone in Hilton’s African expansion, reflecting the company’s plan to triple its presence across the continent. Each hotel embodies local character, modern design, and the signature hospitality of Hilton, reinforcing the brand’s growth in Africa’s thriving tourism and business travel markets.
Category: Business
Business insights, company profiles and industry analysis covering African markets, leadership, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand International Education Pathways & Financial Security
Malengo, a non-profit organization empowering young people in East Africa through international education, has secured $12.9 million in impact funding from The Shapiro Foundation to expand vocational training and university programs for low-income students and refugees in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Founded by Cornell University Professor Johannes Haushofer, Malengo enables educational migration to Germany, helping students move from living on $1.40 a day to earning over $40,000 annually. The investment will scale Malengo’s income share agreement (ISA) model, creating sustainable education and financial pathways that reduce poverty and boost community development.
How Africa’s gaming sector can power impactful development
Africa’s gaming sector is emerging as a powerful driver of social and economic development. Valued at $1.8 billion in 2024, the industry is not only growing rapidly but also funding education, infrastructure, and community projects across the continent. According to Alex Mabunda, Group CEO of Ntiyiso Consulting Group, Africa’s lotteries and gaming operations can evolve beyond entertainment to become a “fifth estate” of development—fueling innovation, responsible gaming, and inclusive growth through the African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA). By harmonizing regulation, promoting integrity, and reinvesting revenues strategically, the gaming industry can help tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality, shaping a more unified and prosperous Africa.
SoftwareOne’s climate targets successfully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative
SoftwareOne, a global software and cloud solutions provider, has had its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms that SoftwareOne’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets align with the latest climate science to limit global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The company commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and select Scope 3 emissions by 25% by FY2030 from a 2024 base year. Additionally, 75% of its suppliers by emissions will be required to have science-based targets by the same year. Following its recent merger with Crayon, SoftwareOne will maintain separate climate targets during the integration phase. The move underscores SoftwareOne’s commitment to corporate climate responsibility and science-based sustainability leadership.
Global Climate-Livestock Conference Comes to Africa for the First Time
For the first time, the International Greenhouse Gas & Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA) is being hosted in Africa, spotlighting the continent’s vital role in global efforts to reduce livestock-related emissions. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, GGAA2025 brings together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore climate-smart, locally tailored solutions that support both emissions reduction and food security. The conference highlights actionable innovations and champions the inclusion of the Global South in climate-livestock policy and research.
Urban2063 Launches The Unstoppable Force Report: A Rallying Call for Africa’s Urban Future
Urban2063, a coalition of 13 leading African and global institutions led by the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town, has launched “The Unstoppable Force” — a groundbreaking Cityscapes Magazine Special Report that reimagines Africa’s urban future. Anchored in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the report delivers a bold call to action for transforming African cities into engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and justice. Featuring insights from top policymakers, activists, and scholars, it charts a roadmap to harness urbanisation as a powerful force for the continent’s sustainable development.
The trust gap in energy transitions
As South Africa accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a growing trust gap is emerging in the solar energy sector. Many businesses have fallen victim to poorly executed installations, unreliable providers, and unclear financing models. Brandon Horn, Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica, argues that the issue lies not just in the technology but in the people behind it. Successful energy partnerships require in-house expertise, consistent quality, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. SolarAfrica’s integrated approach, managing everything from design to asset management, offers a trustworthy solution, ensuring long-term performance and customer confidence.
NIQ State of Retail: Signs of recovery in some sectors, but consumer spending remains cautious
NielsenIQ’s State of the Retail Nation report for the first half of 2025 reveals a mixed retail landscape in South Africa. While consumer spending in the FMCG sector reached R324.4 billion—reflecting a 7.4% year-over-year growth—there are signs of cautious spending, driven by high food prices and unemployment. Traditional trade outlets are surging in popularity, outpacing modern trade growth. Notably, private label sales slowed, while independent brands bounced back. The Tech & Durables (T&D) market remained sluggish, particularly in the smartphone segment, with a decline in sales value and units. However, growth was seen in small appliances and IT hardware. As consumers focus on value-driven purchases, brands must target promotions and adapt to the changing spending priorities of South African households.
MANGROVES: NATURE’S BIODIVERSITY CHAMPIONS UNDER THREAT
Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems that provide essential services to marine biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and enhance environmental resilience. However, these ecosystems are facing significant threats from coastal development, deforestation, and climate change. This article highlights the ecological importance of mangroves, their role in supporting biodiversity and coastal communities, and the urgent need for restoration. The Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Project, a collaborative initiative led by Husqvarna in partnership with environmental organizations, is featured as a successful model for ecosystem restoration. By planting over 500,000 mangrove trees and utilizing advanced monitoring technology, the project demonstrates how strategic collaboration can foster sustainable environmental solutions. World Environmental Health Day serves as a reminder of the critical connection between human health and ecosystem restoration, underscoring the importance of protecting mangroves globally.
Why hotels should not manage restaurants in-house
Hotel restaurants often fail because they are managed as amenities rather than competitive, profit-driven businesses. Conrad Gallagher, CEO of Food Concepts 360, argues that hotel dining should be chef-led, concept-driven, and treated as an independent business unit with its own Profit and Loss, KPIs, and operational leadership. While international hotel groups like Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental succeed by partnering with external operators, many South African hotels still underinvest in Food and Beverage, prioritizing rooms revenue. Gallagher proposes outsourcing to specialist partners who can deliver menu engineering, market positioning, and guest-centric operations. To thrive, hotel restaurants must be designed to compete in local dining markets, attract both guests and locals, and enhance the hotel’s overall brand identity.