Category: Business

Business insights, company profiles and industry analysis covering African markets, leadership, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Significant Adjustment On The Horizon Needed For Tertiary Education

A groundbreaking new study by MANCOSA warns that universities worldwide must urgently transform teaching methods, curriculum design, and student engagement strategies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital era. Published in Acitya: Journal of Teaching and Education, the research highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated permanent shifts toward AI-driven learning, immersive virtual classrooms, gamification, and hybrid education models. The study predicts that Generation Alpha students entering higher education by 2029 will demand personalised, technology-enabled, and collaborative learning experiences that traditional institutions are currently unprepared to deliver. Researchers argue that universities must embrace digital transformation, flexible learning environments, and academic upskilling to avoid becoming obsolete in the future of higher education.

New Study of 10,000 South African Youth Reveals the Future of Youth Marketing

A new ReachPlayers study surveying 10,000 South Africans aged 13 to 25 reveals major shifts in youth marketing and consumer behaviour. The research shows that young audiences prioritise financial stability, family support, and quality over fame, influencers, and repetitive advertising. While TikTok remains the leading platform for brand discovery, gaming environments generate significantly higher attention and engagement than social media. The findings highlight how brands can better connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through immersive, participatory experiences that build trust and relevance.

The leadership gap behind Africa’s implementation challenge

Africa’s new Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme argues that the continent’s biggest development challenge is not policy creation, but implementation. Backed by leading African universities and governance institutions, TAL focuses on building leadership models rooted in Ubuntu, Agenda 2063 and African institutional realities. The programme aims to equip leaders across government, business and civil society to improve policy execution, regional integration and cross-border collaboration under frameworks such as AfCFTA.

From AI to capital expenditure reality: Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 brings procurement-ready tech to Africa’s hospitality sector

Africa’s hospitality sector is accelerating investment in AI, automation and smart infrastructure as hotels prioritize procurement-ready technology with measurable ROI. The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 in Cape Town will connect over 5,000 hospitality professionals with suppliers offering energy management systems, property management platforms, RFID security, automation tools and foodservice solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, sustainability and guest experience.

Climate action key to affordable housing, but buildings decarbonisation stalls

A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction warns that global buildings decarbonisation is slowing despite rising climate risks and housing affordability pressures. Buildings and construction now account for 37% of global emissions and 28% of energy consumption. The report calls for faster energy-efficiency upgrades, stronger building codes, expanded renewable energy use, and USD 5.9 trillion in investment by 2030 to keep the sector aligned with net-zero climate goals.

China’s zero-tariff offer is a test of Africa’s export readiness

China’s new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries could reshape Africa-China trade, but tariff-free access alone will not guarantee export success. The article examines whether African economies are prepared to meet China’s market demands through stronger logistics, standards compliance, value addition, and regional supply chains under AfCFTA. It argues that Africa’s long-term gains will depend on moving beyond raw commodity exports toward competitive, value-added production that can strengthen industrial growth, jobs, and trade resilience.

Africa’s cement industry and the push for energy security

Africa’s cement industry is expanding rapidly as urbanisation, infrastructure projects and housing demand accelerate across the continent. However, unreliable electricity supply and rising energy costs continue to challenge cement manufacturers. In this op-ed, Krzysztof Lokaj, Africa Development Manager at Wärtsilä Energy
, explains why flexible engine-based power plants are emerging as a practical solution for cement producers seeking energy security, operational reliability and long-term efficiency. The article explores the advantages of reciprocating gas engines over gas turbines and coal-fired plants, particularly in supporting hybrid renewable energy systems across Africa.

Club Med South Africa Signals New Era for Tourism, Investment and Global Travel Demand

Club Med South Africa is set to transform KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism landscape with a major new Beach & Safari Resort expected to boost international travel demand, create jobs, attract investment and strengthen South Africa’s position as a leading global tourism destination. Backed by strong government and private sector collaboration, the development is already generating significant global interest ahead of its official opening.

West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria draw over 2,800 industry professionals at inaugural editions in Lagos

West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria successfully concluded their inaugural editions in Lagos, attracting more than 2,800 industry professionals from across Nigeria’s infrastructure, construction, engineering and HVACR sectors. The events featured high-level discussions on infrastructure financing, smart project delivery, BIM and GIS integration, sustainability, and logistics development, while connecting global suppliers with key decision-makers. Organizers confirmed both events will return in April 2027 alongside the launch of the new West Africa Warehousing & Logistics Expo.