Category: Business

Business

“African banks and institutions must lead on urbanisation finance – or risk being sidelined by foreign investors”, says pan-African banker

African banks and institutional investors must take the lead in financing urban development across the continent or risk being sidelined by foreign capital, warns pan-African banker Sepo Haihambo. Highlighting rapid urbanisation and growing foreign investment in infrastructure, Haihambo calls for domestic financial institutions to step up, offering local leadership, financial structuring, and project assessments to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth. While international finance remains important, she argues African banks are uniquely positioned to anchor long-term development strategies and ensure economic benefits stay within local economies.

5 Ways to support mental health in the workplace

As World Mental Health Day approaches, South African businesses are called to prioritise employee well-being as a driver of productivity and retention. This article outlines five practical ways to support mental health in the workplace, from fostering psychological safety and flexible work arrangements to improving access to care, raising awareness, and tracking progress. A mentally healthy workforce isn’t just ethical — it’s a business imperative.

Driving Africa’s Digital Future: Insights from Tamu Dutuma, Absa’s Head of Strategy & Transformation

Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Absa Regional Operations, shares insights on unlocking SME growth in Africa through technology, cross-border trade, digital payments, and ecosystem collaboration. He highlights the transformative role of fintech, partnerships, and early-stage startup engagement in shaping Africa’s digital economy.

Confidence Is the New Currency in the AI Economy

In the AI-driven economy, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Africa, particularly South Africa, face a critical gap: confidence in using digital tools. While many businesses have adopted digital payments and AI technologies, hesitation and complexity still hinder progress. Confidence is key to transforming technology into real business growth, but it cannot be achieved through data overload or poorly designed systems. AI has the potential to provide clarity and timely, relevant insights, supporting leaders in making confident, informed decisions. The future of digital tools for SMBs lies not in complexity, but in focused, actionable solutions that enhance confidence and leadership.

Navigating Solar-Powered phones: Selling phones Online

Explore the booming market for solar-powered phones and learn effective strategies for selling these eco-friendly devices online. This article covers key aspects such as understanding buyer motivations, optimizing product listings, pricing strategies, and how to create an emotional connection with customers. With the rise of sustainable technology, selling solar-powered phones offers a unique opportunity to tap into a growing, environmentally-conscious consumer base.

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.

Forging South–South Bridges: ACA & CCLA’s Role in Cross-Cultural Creative Diplomacy

The collaboration between Arts Connect Africa (ACA) and Conexiones Culturales de Latinoamérica (CCLA) is reshaping cultural diplomacy by forging South–South creative bridges. Their joint training in Ibadan, Nigeria (August 25–29, 2025), prepared artists for MASA 2026 while highlighting the power of cross-continental collaboration between Africa and Latin America. By linking African creative ecosystems with Latin American networks, ACA and CCLA are building sustainable platforms for cultural mobility, professional development, and heritage preservation. This partnership underscores how music and arts can drive economic growth, amplify cultural voices, and influence international diplomacy.

Customer value management as a tool to reduce customer churn

Customer Value Management (CVM) is a powerful tool to reduce customer churn, particularly in the telecommunications sector. Unlike traditional Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, which primarily track customer interactions, CVM focuses on maximizing customer lifetime value by leveraging data insights to create personalized offers. By identifying behavior patterns and understanding customer needs, telecom companies can reduce churn, improve satisfaction, and enhance customer loyalty. This article discusses how CVM tools can help operators understand why churn happens and provide timely, relevant offers to retain valuable customers.