“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.

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.

Consumer technology trends: AI is set to fundamentally change how we live

Consumer technology trends at IFA 2025 reveal the profound impact of AI on everyday life. As AI shifts from a buzzword to a backbone of modern appliances, devices are evolving into personalized, intuitive companions that help us manage our homes more efficiently. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted from revolutionary products to incremental innovations that refine user experiences. The emergence of Chinese brands further shapes the tech landscape, highlighting a transition from manufacturing hub to global tech leader. For South African consumers, these trends promise smarter, more personalized solutions, while trust and after-sales service will become crucial to successful tech adoption.

Phishing Evolving with AI and Stealth: Kaspersky Highlights Biometric and Signature Risks

Kaspersky reports a sharp rise in phishing attacks, with over 142 million phishing link clicks blocked in Q2 2025. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI-driven tactics such as deepfakes, voice cloning, and trusted platforms like Telegram and Google Translate to steal sensitive data, including biometric and signature information. This evolution in phishing is making attacks more sophisticated, bypassing traditional security measures and posing unprecedented risks to individuals and businesses. Kaspersky highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures to combat these advanced threats.

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.