Africa’s Hotel Boom: 104K Rooms in Pipeline, But Can Procurement Keep Pace?

Africa’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly with 577 hotel and resort projects totaling over 104,000 rooms in development across key markets including Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. As the pipeline grows, procurement challenges around FF&E sourcing, logistics, and cost control are becoming critical. Industry leaders highlight a shift toward modular solutions, local manufacturing, and integrated technologies such as AI-driven energy systems and smart hotel infrastructure. The upcoming Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa in Cape Town will connect suppliers and developers to address these challenges and support sustainable growth across the continent.

Africa Food Show 2026 returns amid Africa’s expanding $ 1 trillion food and beverage market

Africa Food Show 2026 will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10–12 June 2026, bringing together suppliers, manufacturers, buyers, and hospitality leaders from across Africa and around the world. The event takes place as Africa’s food and beverage (F&B) market enters a major growth phase, projected to expand from $346 billion in 2024 to nearly $1 trillion by 2030. Driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and changing consumer demand, the sector offers significant opportunities for innovation in food production, distribution, and retail. With more than 350 exhibitors and 8,000+ industry professionals from 60+ countries, Africa Food Show 2026 will serve as a key platform for sourcing, partnerships, and investment across Africa’s rapidly evolving food economy.

Building Your Digital Business Platform: A Strategic Guide to Technology and Skills

African organisations are accelerating digital transformation, yet many struggle to move beyond ad hoc technology adoption toward sustainable business value. This article explores Gartner’s digital business platform framework as a practical, phased approach to building digital capabilities across customers, partners, employees, connected assets, and intelligence. By combining the right technologies with critical skills, governance, and culture, organisations can move from fragmented digital projects to an integrated platform that drives innovation, resilience, and growth. With a focus on African realities and opportunities, the article provides a strategic guide for leaders seeking to build future-ready digital businesses systematically rather than treating transformation as a one-off project.

South African-founded maxwell+spark Closes $15M Series B Round with Chevron Technology Ventures, Idemitsu, and Klima

South African green-tech pioneer maxwell+spark raises $15M Series B led by Klima, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Idemitsu to expand its unified lithium-ion battery ecosystem. The funding accelerates global electrification across forklifts, transport refrigeration, and backup power — replacing diesel and lead-acid systems with cleaner, data-driven solutions.

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.

Unlocking Africa’s Cultural Power: How Arts Connect Africa’s Festival Network Can Transform the Continent

Africa’s creative industry is poised for transformation, and at the center of this evolution is Arts Connect Africa (ACA) — a pioneering network uniting over 50 creative festivals across the continent. This article explores how ACA’s influence goes beyond celebration and entertainment to deliver strategic impact in education, economic empowerment, and global cultural exchange. From enabling on-the-ground skill-building and economic reform to reshaping Africa’s global cultural narrative, ACA offers a new blueprint for continental development through the arts. As international record labels eye Africa, ACA’s model stands as a powerful example of how local ownership, partnership, and purpose can redefine the role of festivals — from stages to systems of change.

Inside South Africa’s Retail Shake-Up

South Africa’s retail sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by changing consumer behavior, strategic realignment by major retailers, and rapid adoption of omnichannel technologies. With growing consumer confidence and renewed investor interest, the market is shifting from broad expansion to precise, tech-enabled strategies. Leading players like Shoprite and Pick n Pay are responding with operational innovation and focused store formats, while infrastructure upgrades in payments and logistics are redefining competitiveness. This article explores the structural shifts, digital trends, and strategic plays shaping the future of South African retail.