Tag: infrastructure

Africa needs to leverage Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage to enhance resilience of its cities

Africa, though contributing minimally to global emissions, bears disproportionate climate impacts, with its rapidly urbanizing cities being the most vulnerable. Heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones threaten infrastructure, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), established at COP27, offers a critical opportunity to strengthen Africa’s urban resilience. By financing disaster-ready infrastructure, empowering informal settlements, and supporting capacity-building, the Fund could transform African cities into sustainable, inclusive hubs capable of withstanding climate shocks while advancing socio-economic development.

The trends driving uptake of IoT Platform as a Service

As the digital landscape evolves, IoT Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions are emerging as essential tools for enterprises aiming to scale and innovate efficiently. Driven by the exponential rise in connected devices, demand for real-time analytics, and increased automation, IoT PaaS offers scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security. Key trends fueling this growth include integration of AI/ML, edge computing, sustainability imperatives, and the rise of smart cities. With industry-wide investments accelerating innovation, enterprises are adopting IoT PaaS to support predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and seamless data management—paving the way for a more connected and intelligent future.

The Transformative Role of AI in Managing Complex IT Ecosystems

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping IT infrastructure management in South Africa, driving efficiency, resilience, and security across hybrid cloud, on-premises, and edge environments. With only 39% of IT teams enjoying full real-time visibility into device usage, AI platforms such as those deployed by Think Tank Software Solutions (TTSS) and Ivanti Neurons deliver automation, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection. These capabilities reduce downtime costs—which can reach up to R100,000 per minute—while improving asset lifecycle management and sustainability. Beyond cost savings, AI enhances compliance, strengthens security, and accelerates employee onboarding, with clients reporting ROI above 260%. Despite only 11% of organisations being AI-ready, TTSS enables enterprises to bridge this readiness gap, positioning businesses to transition from reactive IT operations to proactive digital innovation.

Rebooting the Global Finance System Will Pay Dividends

Reforming the global financial system offers a historic opportunity to accelerate Africa’s urban development and economic integration. Although Public Development Banks (PDBs) make up just 5% of the global financial sector, they manage nearly US$23 trillion in assets and play a vital role in financing long-term development. For African cities—among the fastest-growing in the world—reform could unlock access to affordable, concessional financing for infrastructure, climate adaptation, and social services. By ensuring fairer lending practices, improving debt sustainability, and expanding climate and infrastructure finance, reforms would empower African cities to overcome structural financing barriers while strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). PDBs, as financiers, facilitators, and innovation partners, are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive growth. Their success, underpinned by global reforms, will shape the continent’s ability to build resilient, integrated, and sustainable cities that deliver shared prosperity.

How to Start a Food Trading Business in Dubai: Guide for Entrepreneurs

Dubai’s booming food trading sector offers global entrepreneurs a prime opportunity to tap into international markets. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for setting up a food trading company in Dubai, from choosing the right jurisdiction and securing licenses to understanding compliance and estimating costs. With tax incentives, strategic location, and advanced logistics, Dubai stands out as an ideal hub for food import and export ventures.

Building the Future We Imagine: Why Culture, Not Charity, Will Skill Africa’s Youth

On World Youth Skills Day 2025, Kayode Adebayo explores why Africa must look inward to build a future driven by youth and culture—not charity. With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa stands at a unique crossroads. This article argues that true transformation will come not from imported models, but from empowering the continent’s creative economy. Spotlighting the work of Arts Connect Africa (ACA) and Ckrowd, Adebayo outlines how training, infrastructure, and cultural policy must align to unlock Africa’s next generation of creative leaders.

Global Trade Credit Insurance Claims Drop in 2024, but Africa Remains Key Risk Zone, Survey Finds

Global trade credit insurance claims dropped in both volume and value in 2024, with total claims falling by nearly 25% to just over $400 million, according to a survey by the Lloyd’s Market Association and partners. Despite the decline, Africa remained the leading source of claims, accounting for 71% of cases. Most claims were paid promptly, highlighting the reliability of trade credit insurance, particularly in high-risk regions and infrastructure sectors.

Community Wifi, MVNO and the rise of hybrid communications providers

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.