Wednesday, November 27African Digital Business Magazine

Business

Business

Business, Main

Why Africa’s Approach to Financial Risk Management Needs to Change

By Reggie Mlangeni, Head of Sales and Structuring at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking When detached from the intricate realities of Africa’s economic environment, financial risk management strategies that may prove successful elsewhere often falter.  For nations grappling with rising levels of sovereign debt, unpredictable regulatory uncertainties, and the far-reaching repercussions of political transitions, traditional frameworks, often borrowed from more stable economies, fail to account for the volatility and complexity inherent in many African markets – necessitating a re-evaluation of how financial risks are quantified and managed on the continent. Recent developments in several countries have been particularly illustrative of this. In Ghana, faced with substantial revenue co...
Business, Startups

African companies must recognise strategic M&A as the most viable exit strategy, says investment bank CEO

Founders can prepare diligently for M&A exits by identifying the right pools of buyers, stress-testing business plans and clearly defining value propositions Impacted by global economic issues and geopolitical tensions, African companies have faced a challenging 12 months in terms of VC-backed activity. However, for any founders considering their best route to a profitable exit, one option has emerged as the obvious choice: acquisition. This trend is highlighted by Pitchbook data evaluating the African VC ecosystem in Q1 2024, which revealed that of all the exits achieved across the period, each and every one was secured via acquisition. In contrast, no public listing or buyout deals were completed. According to Victor Basta, CEO and Founder of investment bank DAI Magister, African ...
Africa Travel, Business

THE NEW FACE OF BLEISURE TOURISM

How business-leisure travel has evolved In a world where the lines between work and play often blur, the tourism industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution in travel patterns since 2022. What began as a niche trend, 'bleisure' tourism—blending business and leisure—has now become a major driver in hospitality, adapting and thriving in our post-pandemic reality. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, shares some insights into how this phenomenon has transformed over the past two years and its impact on the hospitality industry. The Changing Landscape of Bleisure "Bleisure travel looks quite different now compared to two years ago," says Lamont. "We've seen a shift from predominantly domestic, extended-stay remote workers to a more diverse mix of travellers...
Business, Fintech, Main

Tapping into India and Africa’s strengths to drive a financial revolution

Vinesh Kassen, Head of India Client Coverage at Absa CIB, explores how successful digitisation projects have revolutionised the way that India and Africa interact with financial services, and why leveraging both regions’ capabilities will help deepen ties. India and Africa are embarking on a new chapter. The newly appointed high commissioner of South Africa to India, Anil Sooklal, has been flying the flag for the India-Africa relationship on the global stage, commenting in a recent speech that the two regions share a “special relationship that has so much potential at every level”. The connection between the two continents is more than just a bilateral relationship; it is a partnership with the capability to shape the future of global trade. In many ways, Africa and India are like mirror...
Business, Interview, Kenya News, Main

Problems And Prospects Of Family Businesses: Trusts, ESG, NextGen, And What Is Needed For Success

Interview with Faizal Bhana - Director – Middle East, Africa and India Jersey Finance.  Interview with Faizal Bhana, Director, Middle East, Africa and India, Jersey Finance, delves into the evolving landscape of family businesses and how they navigate the diminishing trust advantage amid rising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) demands and NextGen aspirations. How has the use of trusts evolved for family businesses over the past decade? Over the past decade, the use of trusts has evolved significantly for family businesses. Increased regulatory scrutiny and transparency demands have led to more structured governance frameworks and a more planned approach. Families are increasingly using trusts to manage succession, mitigate long-term risks and ensure long-term sustaina...
Business, Fintech, Kenya News

From vision to reality: How Absa CIB’s new TVC champions human centred relationships

Authors: Clement Motale, CM(SA) Managing Executive:  Marketing and Communications, Absa CIB and James Agin, Managing Executive: Corporate and Investment Banking, Absa Kenya  In the fast-evolving landscape of financial services, distinguishing oneself requires more than just competitive solutions and services. To achieve success, it requires a deep understanding of your clients’ needs, an empathetic approach, and a commitment to their success. This approach underscores Absa Corporate and Investment Banking's (CIB) latest campaign, which showcases not only that “Your story matters” but that Absa CIB is truly "Invested in your story." At Absa CIB, being “Invested in your story” encapsulates more than a slogan; it embodies the philosophy of deep, human-centred partnerships – how we...
Business, South Africa News

Know the person behind the CV and the partner pitch

Businesses can’t afford bad hires or dubious business partners, so why are they still happening? A key new hire or business partner can have a significant impact on a company – for better or worse. Knowing the facts behind the polished CV or perfect partner pitch should be a non-negotiable, says Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director of SearchWorks, an innovative data platform that allows users to conduct live, accurate searches on individuals and companies and in-depth KYC checks online. It's an all too common but avoidable scenario: A company decides to recruit for a crucial management position, or an entrepreneur seeks out a business partner, hoping new skills will foster much-needed growth. The process involves advertising the role, networking, sifting through dozens of CVs, identifyin...
Business

Hey Google! 5 Strategies to Future-Proof your Online Content for Voice Search

As the digital landscape evolves, voice search is emerging as a critical component of online search behaviour. “With the proliferation of new technologies like smart speakers and virtual assistants, optimising content for voice search is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity,” says Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel. The Growing Importance of Voice Search Voice search is becoming an integral part of daily life, with nearly 40% of internet users in the United States utilising voice search. This trend is reflected in South Africa as well, where digital adoption rates are high. According to DataReportal, South Africa had 45.34 million internet users as of early 2024, with many turning to voice-activated technologies for convenience and speed. Understand...
Business, Kenya News

APA Insurance and Hollard International commence collaborative operations

Collaborative effort to drive change in East Africa's Insurance market Following the announcement of their partnership last year, APA Insurance, a leading insurance company in Kenya, and Hollard International, a Pan African Insurer, have officially commenced collaborative operations. This partnership aims to unlock the potential of Kenya's insurance industry by leveraging their combined expertise to provide customised insurance solutions for both individuals and businesses. Ashok Shah, Group CEO of Apollo Investments Limited, said “Our partnership with Hollard International is strategic for APA Insurance as it opens new avenues for growth and expansion. Hollard's investment in Apollo Investments Limited, APA’s parent company, provides us with access to a broader market and further expert...
Business, South Africa News, Zambia News

Millennials will drive the growth of insurance in Africa

The insurance industry in Africa is undergoing significant transformation, marked by evolving consumer needs, technological advancements, and shifting demographics. Among the most influential demographic groups driving this change is the Millennials generation, born between 1982 and 1994. According to market research firm, IMARC Group, the African insurance industry is expected to grow by 6.3% between 2024 and 2032, after reaching US$ 87.4 billion by 2023. “The Millennials have a big role to play in Africa’s insurance growth, as they begin to build families and acquire property,” says Mulenga Kashiwa, technical underwriting senior manager at Hollard International. He explains, “Millennials in Africa are now in their 30s to early 40s, a phase often associated with significant life changes...