Tag: South Africa

Is the MVNO Market Overcrowded? The Future of Telecom Growth

MVNO markets are becoming increasingly competitive as banks, retailers and other brands launch mobile virtual network operators to strengthen customer relationships. While consumer MVNO growth faces rising competition, new opportunities are emerging through enterprise connectivity and IoT solutions, where large-scale device connectivity could define the next phase of telecom innovation.

AI has an energy problem – but Africa has an opportunity

AI’s rapid growth is creating unprecedented energy demand as data centres consume increasing amounts of electricity. Matthew Turner of SolarAfrica explains how Africa’s renewable energy potential, including solar, wind and wheeling solutions, can help power the AI revolution sustainably while reducing costs and improving energy security.

Exxaro’s 37% Road Cost Premium Could Squeeze South Africa’s Manganese Export Margins Despite Rail Reforms

South Africa’s manganese exporters may face growing margin pressure as Exxaro reveals that road transport costs 37% more than rail, with nearly half of Tshipi Borwa mine’s export volumes still transported by truck. EBC Financial Group says expanding port capacity alone will not improve profitability unless rail access increases, lowering inland logistics costs and strengthening export competitiveness.

Refreshi Helps South Africans Save R12.5 Million While Rescuing 200,000 Meals from Landfill in One Year

South African food-tech startup Refreshi has helped consumers save R12.5 million on groceries while rescuing 200,000 surplus meals from landfill in its first year. The company’s Grocery Savings Impact Report highlights rapid nationwide expansion, significant environmental benefits, and growing adoption of its circular economy marketplace, which connects consumers with discounted surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and cafés across South Africa.

South Africa has too many ways to pay and not enough ways for consumers to understand them. Will these make Cards extinct?

South Africa’s payments landscape is evolving rapidly, with digital wallets, PayShap, QR codes, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and instant bank transfers expanding consumer choice. However, widespread adoption remains constrained by limited consumer education, trust, and operational complexity for merchants. This article explores why payment cards continue to dominate despite the rise of alternative payment methods and explains what the industry must do to drive meaningful digital payment adoption.

The risk of AI tunnel vision in IT efficiency

The risk of AI tunnel vision in IT efficiency explores why focusing solely on AI’s energy consumption overlooks the much larger challenge of improving efficiency across the entire IT estate. As data centre power demand rises in South Africa, organisations must adopt an end-to-end approach that optimises infrastructure, cooling, software, workloads, and data management. The article argues that sustainable IT efficiency is achieved by designing energy efficiency into every layer of traditional and AI infrastructure, enabling greater resilience, lower costs, and scalable digital transformation.

Bridging South Africa’s Media Skills Gap with Industry‑Backed Learning 

The Advertising Media Association of South Africa (AMASA), in partnership with the AAA School of Advertising, has launched an updated Media Management Competence Certificate to address South Africa’s growing media skills gap. Combining industry-led training, practical learning, and a newly developed media planning textbook, the four-month hybrid programme equips professionals with the strategic, digital, and analytical skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. The initiative supports the development of future-ready media talent as brands, agencies, and media owners adapt to increasingly complex consumer and technology trends.