As South Africa progresses toward universal broadband access through SA Connect, hybrid carriers are stepping in to fill the digital gap. Combining fibre, community WiFi, and MVNO services, these agile providers deliver affordable connectivity to underserved communities. This article explores the rise of hybrid models, their business case, and the critical role of integrated billing solutions in enabling sustainable expansion.
Category: South Africa News
South Africa News
Futures_Past project launches: Using immersive technologies to reimagine heritage in Southern Africa
The Futures_Past project, initiated by the French Institute of South Africa in partnership with Electric South, empowers archival and cultural institutions in Southern Africa to reimagine heritage using immersive technologies. Through VR, AR, and interactive storytelling, six selected institutions will collaborate with digital artists to bring archival collections to life and deepen public engagement with memory and history.
Available and Affordable Municipal Electricity: Shifting Generation to Point of Consumption through Smart Nano-Grid Deployments
In response to energy insecurity and centralized grid limitations, municipalities can take charge by deploying Smart Nano-Grids with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This article outlines how decentralized, local generation transforms financial and operational dynamics, enabling more reliable, affordable, and self-sufficient electricity provision at municipal level.
Relief Now, Resilience Next: Staying Agile In An Uncertain Market
In a shifting economic landscape, Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, examines the South African Reserve Bank’s recent interest rate cut and its impact on homeowners, buyers, and the broader economy. This timely shift, although modest, is expected to invigorate the property market, improve affordability, and stimulate consumer spending. Stevens advises industry professionals to stay agile and proactive in responding to increased demand and shifts in financial conditions, while urging clients to reassess their financial positions and take advantage of new opportunities before future rate adjustments.
Atlas Network Announces Three Finalists for the 2025 Africa Liberty Award
The 2025 Africa Liberty Award finalists have been announced by Atlas Network, honoring exceptional policy achievements that advance economic freedom and individual rights across Africa. The three finalists are the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) from Ghana, Liberty Sparks from Tanzania, and the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR). Each organization has made significant contributions toward economic reform, entrepreneurial freedom, land rights for women, and promoting free-market solutions. The winner will be revealed at the Africa Liberty Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, and the award is part of the Templeton Freedom Award program, which recognizes impactful work in advancing liberty and economic prosperity worldwide.
Why Impact Investing Must Reshape M&A Strategy in Africa’s Energy Landscape
As Africa experiences a transformative energy transition, traditional M&A strategies focused solely on financial returns fall short in addressing social and environmental challenges. This article argues that impact investing must reshape merger and acquisition approaches in Africa’s energy sector by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into valuation and deal-making. Through case studies from Angola and Namibia, it demonstrates how embedding impact metrics into financial models can enhance value creation, support sustainable development, and align investments with local sovereignty and community needs.
From Terminal to Touchdown: Virgin Atlantic – A Premium Experience
Virgin Atlantic, since its inception in 1984, has evolved into a premium long-haul airline, focusing on enhancing the travel experience with state-of-the-art aircraft, luxury amenities, and innovative technologies. From its next-generation fuel-efficient fleet and expanded premium cabins to free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi and concierge services, Virgin Atlantic aims to redefine modern air travel. With strategic partnerships and major investments in hospitality and technology, Virgin Atlantic continues its mission to be the most loved airline worldwide.
Trapped by tech? Avoid the CRM that costs more than money
Many South African companies find themselves trapped in a digital quicksand due to poorly executed CRM implementations that lead to costly, underperforming systems. Eldon Bothma and Hayley Blane from Braintree discuss the risks of choosing complex, feature-heavy CRM solutions without aligning them with business needs, leading to frustration and lost growth opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on technology, businesses should consider a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term scalability, clear objectives, and a phased implementation. By doing so, companies can unlock the true value of CRM systems, drive growth, and better position themselves for future advancements like AI and automation.
French and South African creative industries in the spotlight at ICC Forum 2025
The ICC Forum 2025, hosted in Pretoria, brought together French and South African leaders in the creative economy for a high-level platform designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. The event, part of the France 2030 initiative, saw discussions on a wide range of topics including green design, digital innovation, and the role of creative industries in urban development. The Forum also featured dynamic panel discussions on sustainable fashion, digital arts, and heritage, showcasing the potential for long-term partnerships between French and South African creative industries.
Cerebrium Raises $8.5M Led by Gradient to Scale the Leading High-Performance Serverless AI Platform
Cerebrium, a serverless AI infrastructure platform founded in Cape Town, has raised $8.5 million in a seed funding round led by Gradient, Google’s AI venture fund. The platform enables teams to build and scale multimodal AI applications without traditional complexity or cost. This funding will support Cerebrium’s growth and expansion, with the aim of meeting increasing demand in enterprise AI. Backed by Y Combinator and other investors, Cerebrium is already powering companies like Tavus and Deepgram, providing high-performance solutions for real-time voice, video, and data analytics applications.