It’s a new world out there, and businesses are looking for ways to create value and enable growth. That’s where Google Cloud comes in.



Geopolitical uncertainty, high inflation and low economic growth are shifting corporate priorities, and with them, business’ expectations with regard to the cloud: cost optimization, the ability to scale and all the other rationales for moving to the cloud are no longer relevant.



“Nowadays, companies are looking to the cloud for ways to do business more smartly, to create value for them in an incredibly difficult environment. And the focus on value creation is acting like a pressure test on cloud implementations, showing up the inadequacies that mostly derive from the ‘lift-and- shift’ approach so many companies followed,” says Gregory MacLennan, CEO, Digicloud Africa, Google’s enablement partner on the continent.


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<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-1024x557.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59581" style="width:422px;height:230px" width="422" height="230" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-1024x557.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-300x163.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-768x418.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-1536x836.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gregory-MacLennan-2-2048x1115.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px" /></figure></div>


Too often, companies simply transferred their existing on-premise IT infrastructure into the cloud, without undertaking the necessary work to modernize their systems to take advantage of what the cloud offers, he adds.



“Even if a company’s business processes are performing brilliantly, to get the benefit of moving to the cloud, the underlying IT needs to be optimized for the new environment. If that doesn’t happen, the company finds it has a sprawling IT estate and is exposed to rapidly-increasing dollar costs thanks to the declining rand.”



MacLennan says that companies are looking at five levers to accelerate business growth:



Do business smarter via digitalization



Companies have realized that their data is a treasure trove that can be mined to gain valuable insights into their customers, supply chains and products. The current hype around <a href="https://www.digicloud.africa/machine-learning/">artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)</a> has led many companies to believe that a “data dividend” can be realized simply by hooking up to these capabilities in the cloud. Not so, argues MacLennan. First, it’s important to modernize the IT systems in order to facilitate the processing of data.



Move to an open architecture



“Nobody enjoys being locked into a relationship with a vendor and its crazy pricing,” observes MacLennan. “Google is the poster child for open source, not least because it avoids the lock-in trap—users can shift their applications easily between platforms as needs dictate.” He highlights the high levels of support and development rigor that underpins open source.



Enable better collaboration to enhance productivity and creativity



There’s a reason that digital natives tend to use Google Workspace as a platform, MacLennan says. Because it’s completely cloud-based, it offers a way for teams to work simultaneously on a document or other asset with none of the challenges of version control.



“You cannot underestimate the power of collaboration, but making it happen is hard, especially as the hybrid, anywhere/anytime workplace becomes more popular,” he notes. “Google Cloud has the solution.”



Security remains a key concern



IT systems and the data they contain now constitute the crown jewels of any company, and they are under attack as never before by highly sophisticated cybercriminals. Google has eight products that have more than a billion users live at any one time—security is core to its business. “There’s a reason people talk about <a href="https://www.digicloud.africa/security-with-google-cloud/">‘Google-level security</a>’, and that same level of protection is baked into Google Cloud,” MacLennan points out. “No individual company has the capital or expertise to provide that kind of protection.”



Sustainability has become a business issue for CFOs



Regulators continue to drive the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the reporting framework, with CFOs now under pressure to quantify the organization’s ESG performance in the financial statements. Google Cloud is currently the most sustainable cloud, so switching to it should improve a company’s ESG score.



Over and above, Google Cloud is also launching products all the time designed to help companies report on ESG more accurately and easily. An example would be Google Earth Engine, which can be used to measure the change in carbon footprints.



“Google Cloud has solutions that speak to all these levers, making it the platform best suited to today’s companies wanting to do business better and smarter,” says MacLennan. “But you can’t just shift into the cloud and expect that to work; you have to get the basics right. If you do, the rewards can be stunning: we have clients that have seen processes taking 48 hours reduced to 38 seconds, all at the cost of $100. “That’s the power of Google Cloud, done properly with the help of one of our certified partners.”



About Digicloud Africa



<a></a>Digicloud Africa is Google’s chosen enablement partner in Africa. Through Digicloud, Google is creating an ecosystem of Google Cloud partners across the continent. Digicloud supports its partner network by providing the necessary training, tools and resources needed to implement cloud solutions and support to their customers successfully. As customer demands for technology intensify, Digicloud is increasing its investment in supporting its partners to achieve sustainable growth. Digicloud’s partner enablement helps organizations build skills around open, advanced technologies to go to market with outcome-based solutions.



<a></a>Find Digicloud Africa on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/digicloudafrica/?viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn</a>.

5g,Or,6g,Dot,Line,Mobile,Technology.,Wireless,Data,Network

How To Get Business Value From The Cloud

In a world where women continue to make their mark across diverse fields, Nutun’s recent Women’s event served as a powerful reminder that empowerment is not just a concept but a way of life.



By embracing challenges, supporting one another, and nurturing our innate potential, women are propelling themselves and society toward a brighter future. In this celebration of empowerment, Nutun was proud to share our message – together, we foster progress for all.



Empowering Women Every Day



On August 29, 2023 in South Africa, Nutun brought together a diverse group of individuals, ranging from call center employees to executive leaders, to celebrate the immense potential that women hold.



During this gathering, Nutun also introduced a transformative educational and empowerment initiative aptly named NEW – Nutun Empowered Women. NEW stands as a remarkable effort geared towards propelling the careers of female employees across the organization.



Introducing Nutun’s Women’s Day Event



The event began with a address by Dineo Sekwele, Nutun&#8217;s Group HR Executive. Sekwele urged attendees to embrace challenges as avenues for personal growth, emphasizing that individual backgrounds do not limit future possibilities.



Launching the NEW Program



Sekwele explained that this new initiative was born out of Nutun&#8217;s workforce demographic, which is 75% women, and the company&#8217;s commitment to gender equality.



She captured the driving force behind the NEW program: “By investing in the professional growth of our female talent, we aim to empower women within Nutun and inspire other organizations to do the same. Elevating women ultimately fosters progress for all.&#8221;



The program will provide skills-building, group coaching, networking, and other resources to help Nutun&#8217;s women expand their capabilities and advance. Sekwele stressed that achieving gender equity starts internally, and Nutun is dedicated to turning ideals into action.



Fifty women were selected for the inaugural cohort, hailing from areas ranging from junior staff across all areas of the business to middle management. The curriculum was designed with input from partners like Duke Corporate University, recently rated number one worldwide in Custom Executive Education by the Financial Times.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59523" style="width:524px;height:349px" width="524" height="349" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0004.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px" /></figure></div>


Words of Encouragement from Nutun’s CEO



John Watling, Nutun&#8217;s CEO, took to the stage to amplify the resounding voices of women. He underscored their profound impact as bearers of strength, intelligence, pioneers in breaking glass ceilings, challengers of stereotypes, natural leaders, and agents of change.



In his eyes, diversity, and inclusion (particularly a women&#8217;s ascent to leadership roles) form cornerstones for organizational prosperity. He encouraged listeners to contribute to the cause of diversity, support, and uplift women to help them realize their boundless potential.



Highlights from the Speakers:



Karen Muller



The event featured keynote speaker Karen Muller, Client Success Advisor from Top Employer. Drawing an analogy between life&#8217;s journey and refueling, Muller encouraged attendees to embrace the belief that they possess the capacity to achieve any aspiration. She emphasized the power of solidarity among women and underscored the essence of mutual support.



Peta Mashinini



Peta Mashinini, a keynote speaker from the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA), delivered a resonant address, calling for attendees to uplift and support one another. She stressed the importance of intent in everything that one does to achieve your goals and objectives. Mashinini also stressed the importance of gender equality and how we need to ensure we do not leave behind the men while we strengthen the women of tomorrow. The event showcased IWFSA’s achievements, with a special focus on their mentorship program dedicated to empowering women leaders.



Sharing Our Narratives of Success


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<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0010-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59522" style="width:473px;height:314px" width="473" height="314" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0010-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0010-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0010-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG-20230830-WA0010.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></figure></div>


A captivating panel discussion united Aline Kruger, COO of Nutun’s Transact Division, Tanya Grota, the Nutun Group CFO and Sekwele, each one sharing their unique journey to success. The panel was facilitated by Nutun’s Special Projects Executive, Mmule Sapula.



The golden thread highlighted from this panel is that each woman has her own journey and it&#8217;s so important to recognize the hard work, dedication, sacrifice and motivation one must make to achieve success. Another theme that arose is the importance of holistic well-being – physical, mental, and emotional health are all linked and are factors that can keep you strong and motivated in life. Sekwele&#8217;s unyielding resolve to surmount obstacles resonated deeply, reminding everyone that resilience, determination, and seeking help when needed are the keys to triumph.



The second panel, facilitated by Elizabeth Govender, Executive Talent, and Learning &amp; Development, looked at the importance of investing in yourself and others and how this paves your pathway to success. Stories of development and success were heard from some of the up-and-coming female leaders at Nutun.



Final Words



The event concluded with a reflection from Winsome Manson, Executive in Business Development, who highlighted the significance of empowerment.



Winsome noted that the participants were surrounded by intelligent and phenomenal individuals, setting the stage for future leaders. Her closing remarks resonated deeply, reinforcing the notion that success is a product of personal actions, continuous learning, and resourcefulness.

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Empowering Women Through Transformational Education And Elevation

Over the past two decades, Nigeria’s banking sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with technological advancements reshaping customer interactions and touchpoints. Today, the number of youths visiting bank branches can be counted on a single hand, as social media platforms have become more accessible and convenient channels for communication. This digital era has made social media an integral part of people’s lives, presenting an opportunity for Nigerian institutions to adapt to this paradigm shift. Embracing personalized banking solutions on social media is crucial for maintaining relevance and enhancing productivity.



The Evolving Landscape



Physical bank branches are witnessing a footfall decline as customers prefer the convenience of interacting with banks through social media platforms. To keep up with these changes, Nigerian institutions have begun leveraging social media handles on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This presence allows them to promote their brand, enhance visibility, cater to customers’ needs, offer real-time banking services, and keep customers informed about the latest developments.



Embracing Technological Advancement



With the rise of cryptocurrencies and alternative financial solutions, banks must act as financial facilitators to promote generational wealth and progress. This entails realigning their goals and objectives to embrace the inevitable transformation of the banking system.



Personalized Banking Via Social Media



Direct engagement with customers and potential clients on social media has the potential to revolutionize the banking industry’s approach. Participating in events like fashion shows, sports and athletic competitions, art exhibitions, concerts, and more can foster strong connections and enhance brand loyalty.



Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies



To excel in social media marketing, banks must focus on these key areas:



<ol type="1">
<li>Understanding the Market:</li>
</ol>



Markets are constantly evolving and never remain the same. Staying abreast of market trends, consumer preferences, and insights is crucial for banks to modify and develop their offerings accordingly. One can accomplish higher sales or give sales a major boost by promoting the services and products offered to prospective customers, however, permanent growth requires continuous refinement based on insights.



2) Leveraging Influencers:



Building a brand from scratch demands time and consumer trust. A key strategy for expanding the brand’s reach is to find influential personalities who have a large and active social media base. These may include fashion icons, film actors, athletes, celebrities, journalists,&nbsp; artists, and more. Leveraging their influence, these individuals can act as brand ambassadors, effectively marketing the brand to their followers and potentially changing their opinions which can further amplify the bank’s brand reach and credibility.



3) Competitor Analysis:



Monitoring competitors’ online activities offers insights for innovation and refining marketing strategies. Monitoring online conversations about competitors’ products, campaigns, and more offers invaluable insights. Analyzing competitor activities on social media can provide valuable insights to develop innovative marketing strategies. As the business landscape evolves, staying ahead necessitates constant monitoring of the digital sphere and utilizing the data to refine our approach and engage with customers more effectively.



4) Promoting Engagement:



Creating engagement platforms like fashion shows, sports events, mentorship/empowerment and talent programs encourages audience interaction and dynamic marketing approaches. These initiatives encourage active audience involvement and interaction, fostering a more dynamic and effective marketing approach.



Customer-Centric Approach



Customer feedback and reviews on social media informs content tailored to specific segments, enhancing digital outreach and customer engagement. To thrive in this environment, businesses must be attentive to what consumers are saying about them. Conducting customer satisfaction surveys and seeking feedback are crucial practices in this regard. The views and sentiments expressed on social media about a company play a significant role in its growth and can be used to improve existing products or design new ones to cater to specific needs.



Understanding customer requirements is paramount. Banks must target key audiences with relevant content at every stage of their customer journey. Digital channels offer cost-effective means to approach potential customers with precision. Customers can now create accounts and apply for loans using their mobile devices while at work, making digital outreach essential.



Social media plays a crucial function in marketing banking services. With improved advertising and compliance support, banks have ample opportunities to establish meaningful connections and attract targeted audiences, thus achieving their business objectives. Given the ubiquity of social media, it should be an integral part of a bank’s overall marketing strategy as it allows for the establishment and cultivation of valuable relationships with customers. Embracing social media’s potential can lead to enhanced engagement and long-term customer loyalty.



In Conclusion



Amid globalization and competition, allocating a budget for social media marketing or establishing one is imperative. Adopting a long-term approach to building a strong and engaged customer base makes social media a mutually beneficial strategy for all parties involved. As consumer behaviors evolve, a robust social media presence is vital for relevance and competitiveness.



In the current landscape, social media offers protection against various forms of misuse by providing privacy policies, terms of service, and technical functionalities that cover everything from safeguarding confidential content to tackling illegal activity and offensive behavior. To ensure further protection, these rules can be prominently displayed in designated sections of the bank’s social media profiles and on their official website.



By embracing social media with a well-structured approach and adhering to best practices, banks can enhance their outreach, engage customers more effectively, and build a positive brand reputation in the digital space. As consumer behaviors continue to evolve, maintaining a strong social media presence becomes increasingly vital for staying relevant and competitive in the banking industry. Embracing personalized banking solutions through social media is imperative for Nigerian institutions to enhance productivity and retain relevance in an ever-changing world.



By investing in social media marketing and engaging with customers effectively, banks can establish strong relationships, cultivate loyalty, and foster long-term growth. As the digital landscape evolves, social media will continue to be a critical component of a successful bank’s marketing strategy.



Nnenna Kayode-Lawal is an accomplished Head of Corporate Bank with diverse experience in Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Commercial/Retail Banking, Banking Operations, Business Strategy, Financial Analysis and Marine Financing.



She graduated from University of Nigeria Nsukka, Alumna of University of Cambridge, University of Leicester and University of California, Berkeley HAAS School of Business. &nbsp;She is a Transformation and Executive Coach with 24 years experience in the Banking Industry.



She is passionate about empowering the youth and women. As a wife and mother of two lovely daughters, she is committed to driving positive change in the banking sector.

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The Need For Nigerian Banks To Operate A Personalized Banking System Through The Use Of Social Media

Ongoing volatility in global financial markets, primarily driven by the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as geopolitical events and sustained turbulence, has intensified market instability. As a result, a growing number of ultra-high net worth (UHNW) families are reassessing their investment strategies, risk management approaches, and portfolio allocations to ensure long-term financial stability for current and future generations.



First conceived in the mid to late 1800s by the Morgan and Rockefeller families to manage, grow, and preserve their wealth, family offices today have an increasingly vital role to play in helping UHNW families navigate this turbulent and complex global financial landscape.



In South Africa, increasing numbers of UHNW families are turning to family offices to reassess their investment strategies, risk management approaches, and portfolio allocations as they look to develop strategies to protect assets and mitigate risks, and ensure the long-term financial stability of the family unit –both current and future generations.



Among the most valuable aspects of family offices is their ability to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. A report by UBS and Campden Wealth Research revealed that 62% of family offices are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) currently, or are planning to at some point in the future. AI has enormous potential to augment their operations in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, there is a growing interest in alternative asset classes like biotech.



In South Africa, UHNW families are also turning to private equity to diversify their investment portfolios, preferring direct investment into Private Equity (PE) opportunities rather than PE-related funds, especially when they want to have control or influence over the business. Family offices play a vital role in identifying suitable PE opportunities by scouting different markets and sectors.



Environmental, Social &amp; Governance (ESG) is another noteworthy asset class that is well-established in the wealth management sector in the USA and Europe. Its adoption is still in the early stages in South Africa, and family offices have the potential to contribute to the acceptance of ESG and promote its application.



Looking to digital assets, the collapse of FTX and the sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price have reinforced skepticism towards crypto assets due to their volatility. Family offices focused on wealth preservation may still con- sider investing in cryptocurrencies too risky. However, crypto assets are now classified as financial products, and regulated by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority, which may contribute to increased acceptance of digital assets in the country. By assessing the suitability of crypto assets within the risk parameters and investment strategies of the families they represent, family offices have a key advisory role to play.



In the aftermath of the pandemic, many UHNW families are increasingly motivated to make a difference, whether through direct involvement or indirect means. One notable trend among families operating family offices is their desire to witness tangible impact and engage personally, rather than simply making monetary donations to charitable causes. Philanthropy can manifest in various ways, and the role of family offices in suggesting the most appropriate structures or avenues for engagement remains crucial.



Following local unrest, instability, power outages, and South Africa’s grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), many ultra-wealthy families in South Africa are choosing to externalize their family wealth, primarily to the UK and Europe, as they prepare for potential offshore relocation or formal emigration. The role of family offices is to help families make informed decisions. They also have the expertise to design multi-jurisdictional strategies for wealth and asset distribution, ensuring that legal and tax considerations are thoroughly addressed to minimize potential risks and vulnerabilities.



For family offices, the adoption of hybrid working models has increased willingness to conduct virtual meetings, resulting in shorter response times and improved participation. Conferences and seminars now often offer both in-person and virtual attendance options, allowing family offices to connect with counterparts and service providers more easily. Greater opportunity for participation in local and international events also increases their exposure to global trends.



These trends point to the increasingly-important role financial offices play today and into the future, in preserving wealth, facilitating multigenerational wealth transfer, promoting family governance, and providing strategic guidance. By staying abreast of the latest trends and leveraging their resources, family offices continue to support the long- term success, growth, and legacy of wealthy families around the world.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-1024x323.png" alt="" class="wp-image-59341" style="width:562px;height:177px" width="562" height="177" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-1024x323.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-300x95.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-768x242.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-1536x484.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-horizontal_Standard-Bank_Logo_Horizontal_Full-Colour_CMYK-2048x645.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px" /></figure></div>

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Navigating Post-Pandemic Trends In The Family Office Industry

Over the centuries, the existence of billionaires and business moguls is proof that real estate is a surefire way of achieving the kind of success that puts one in the comity of billionaires. Yet, few understand the dynamics of dabbling in real estate for investment purposes. Those who do know are also not willing to share that knowledge for a myriad of reasons. This is one of the many attributes that stand out with Dr Stephen Akintayo, Chairman, Gtext Holdings and founder of the Stephen Akintayo Foundation.



Seemingly young for his mammoth achievements, a recent award has garnered him renewed appeal in the global real estate and investment circles, but also, it has warranted a cursory look into his background and how he became the global real estate mogul he is today.



In shining a light on his life’s journey so far, one must spotlight his humble beginnings in Maiduguri, Nigeria where he had no access to the basic amenities of modern existence. This however did not restrict his ability to dream big, neither did it belay his personal achievements or the giant strides of his conglomerate, Gtext Holdings.



Blessed with a unique vision and insight, Akintayo started his company 15 years ago with approximately $1. Unlike the average entrepreneur, he did not enter business with the mindset of simply making money. Instead, like a humanitarian, he went into business with the idea to revolutionize the real estate market and grow his Nigerian business into a global business model.



Today, he has achieved all this and more with a visible impact on countries around the world.



Not only does Gtext Holdings do business in West Africa, its operations range across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.



In the last five years, his vision has become even more structured with his ‘Vision 2035’ – an initiative that would see Gtext Homes, a subsidiary of Gtext Holdings, successfully build 25,000 green and smart homes by 2035. Already, the company has launched its 1,000 homes drive, with part of the proceeds channeled towards the support of SMEs through diverse initiatives.



In line with ‘Vision 2035’ is the launch of the Jasper Estates in Lagos and Abuja last year, at the double event, realtors, young developers, marketers, clients, and those merely curious about the activities of Gtext Homes were taken on a tour of the two estates in Abuja and Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.



Of course, for many in Nigeria, it was an opportunity to see the green and smart housing promised by Akintayo. Currently selling the available sets of two-bedroom luxury terrace duplexes, Gtext has started the journey into the future of real estate in Africa, and the world is watching.



Unlike the myriad of real estate companies that litter the country with advertorial billboards and fliers with the promise of affordable housing in exchange for pittance and piecemeal payments, Akintayo keeps it real with his customers.



In an interview with journalists who embarked on a private tour at the open house event held at the Jasper Smart City Housing Scheme in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Akintayo stated that what Gtext brings to the global real estate market is accessible and sustainable housing as opposed to unachievable affordability. He revealed that affordability has nothing to do with private developers but everything to do with the government and the policies of the government.



In several investment classes held over the years for budding investors and entrants into the real estate market, he has repeatedly shared his wealth of knowledge to ensure that others do not make avoidable business mistakes because of a lack of knowledge.



Today, Africans and others in the diaspora are getting a taste of the real estate market in the motherland, while those residents in Africa can also legally own property through legitimate means, all because of the functional business model Gtext operates.



Already a leading voice in the African real estate sector, he has begun to push for better systems that allow for promising entrants into the sector, including a recent call on government to initiate a first-time buyer policy in the real estate sector in Nigeria to bridge the country’s housing deficit, which is currently estimated to be about 20 million.



According to him, such a policy will allow both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government to stand as guarantors for anybody that requires a house, and developers can then provide between five to 10% on lenders’ first housing; the government would bring in 20%, and the lenders can bring in the remaining 70%.



In many interviews granted in the last two years in African media, Akintayo’s Gtext has been described as the ‘future of sustainable housing’, and the African face of real estate investment.



As an investment coach, he repeatedly puts his money where his mouth is. Through one of Gtext Holdings&#8217; subsidiaries, Gvest, he has rolled out a fractional investment opportunity in African real estate. A first of its kind in Africa, the plan is to raise $100 million through a digital cooperative model to build green and smart housing in some African countries, all in line with ‘Vision 2035’.



One of Dr Akintayo’s more popular quotes over the years is, “Money is always there to be made. The problem is the risk level, and the best way to overcome the risk factor is having a mentor in that field of business and a partner.”



For many of his mentees, these are words on marble that they have run with, and a sizeable number of them have returned with testimonials of excellence, testimonials that have become a plinth for the ‘Forbes Best of Africa Leading Investment Coach and Real Estate Mogul’ award to rest on.



Forbes Best of Africa nominated and awarded him as a ‘Forbes Best of Africa Leading Investment Coach and Real Estate Mogul’ at an event which took place in July in London, after which he embarked on his Africa book signing tour for his ‘Billionaire Habits’ book series.

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Creating Sustainable Real Estate Investment in Africa

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https://native-ads-two.vercel.app/standard-bank-woman-in-tech

Why She Leads

The country is making its mark in the field of IT, positioning itself as a significant player on the African continent. With an estimated GDP growth of <a href="https://www.afdb.org/en/countries-east-africa-tanzania/tanzania-economic-outlook">6.3% in 2024</a>, the country is undergoing an ICT digital transformation that promises to drive further economic growth.



The expansion of network coverage, the introduction of high-speed internet services, and the establishment of a <a href="http://www.nictbb.co.tz/">National ICT Broadband Backbone </a>have laid a solid foundation for the country’s digital future. This interview with Nape Moses Nnauye, the <a href="https://www.mawasiliano.go.tz/">Minister of Information and Technology in Tanzania</a>, offers insights into his visionary leadership and his determination to make Tanzania a technological powerhouse in Africa.



<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role as the Minister of Information and Technology in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



My name is Nape Moses Nnauye. I’m a Member of Parliament for the Mtama constituency in Lindi region, Tanzania, bordering Mozambique. With more than 21 years of experience in national and international politics, I serve as the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology. In my role, I oversee policy formulation and implementation in various areas, including information, telecommunications, IT and postal services, mass media coordination and regulation, research development and innovation in ICT, ICT professional development, establishment of post codes and addressing system, national ICT broadband backbone, and safety and ICT security.



<ol type="1" start="2">
<li>What motivated you to pursue a career in information and technology, and how did you get started in this field?</li>
</ol>



As a politician, I embraced the social capital of social media, igniting my interest in information technology. Despite lacking a professional IT background, I was inspired by its contagiousness and future prospects, fueling my passion. Now as the Minister of ICT, I drive the widespread adoption of ICT, contributing to Tanzania&#8217;s digital economy.



<ol type="1" start="3">
<li>How do you think advancements in technology can drive economic growth and social development in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



ICT fuels Tanzania&#8217;s economic growth through expanded network coverage, enabling high-speed internet, mobile broadband, e-commerce, and e-government, creating economic opportunities for enhanced communication, information access, and cultural exchange.



<ol type="1" start="4">
<li>What are some of the major challenges facing the information and technology sector in Tanzania currently, and how do you plan to address them?</li>
</ol>



A dedicated content committee raises awareness on issues on false information and limited broadband access. Acts like the Cybercrimes Act, E-Transactions Act, and the recent Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 address technology challenges. Our National Cybersecurity Strategy and ongoing ICT awareness initiatives combat cybercrimes and bridge the digital divide, while soft centers under the Digital Tanzania Programme reduce foreign technology dependency and foster skilled labor.



<ol type="1" start="5">
<li>What are some of the key initiatives or policies you have implemented to promote the adoption and use of technology in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



These are the National ICT Policy 2016, National Broadband Strategy, National Digital Economy Framework, National Cybersecurity Strategy, Enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022, and Development of the National Guideline to Regulatory Sandbox Framework.



<ol type="1" start="6">
<li>How do you ensure that access to technology is equitable and inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities?</li>
</ol>



We prioritize inclusivity, considering diverse groups such as gender, people with special needs, and fair treatment across ethnic categories. Our Universal Communication Services Access Fund (UCSAF) ensures technology access for underserved areas, while bridging the digital divide.



<ol type="1" start="7">
<li>Can you share a specific example of a successful technology project or program that you have implemented in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



Video conference systems that enable remote participation in meetings for regional commissioners and central ministries. Also, the National Physical Addressing (NaPA) system ensures accurate navigation and robust e-commerce infrastructure.



<ol type="1" start="8">
<li>How do you balance the need for innovation and progress with concerns around data privacy and cybersecurity?</li>
</ol>



Tanzania&#8217;s cybersecurity legislations, including the Cybercrimes Act, E-Transactions Act and Personal Data Protection Act protect data privacy and [promote] cybersecurity, while the Digital Economy Framework focuses on innovation and human capital development, addressing data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.



<ol type="1" start="9">
<li>What is your vision for the future of the information and technology sector in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



It is to build an ICT-enabled knowledge society and a highly developed digitally-enabled economy in a secure and trusted cyberspace, which would make Tanzania an attractive destination for investment and innovation.



<ol type="1" start="10">
<li>How do you collaborate with other government officials, stakeholders, and international partners to achieve your goals?</li>
</ol>



Holistic stakeholder involvement is crucial for the ICT sector&#8217;s effectiveness. We prioritize extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, civil society, NGOs, donor partners, and the international community.



<ol type="1" start="11">
<li>How do you support and encourage the growth of the local tech industry in Tanzania?</li>
</ol>



Our National ICT Policy focuses on nurturing Tanzania&#8217;s tech industry. We collaborate with the Tanzania Start-up Association to support startups and address their challenges through targeted policy interventions. The Regulatory Sandbox Framework guideline fosters the growth of ICT solutions with sector-specific regulatory sandboxes.



<ol type="1" start="12">
<li>What are some of the latest technology trends that you believe will have a significant impact on Tanzania&#8217;s economy and society?</li>
</ol>



Our National Digital Economy Framework embraces key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. They yield significant benefits in healthcare, energy, education. We also focus on research and investment in emerging technologies like 3D printing, augmented reality, IoT, and blockchain.



<ol type="1" start="13">
<li>How do you ensure that Tanzania keeps up with the pace of technological change and remains competitive globally?</li>
</ol>



I coordinate continuous training of my staff and the local workforce in digital technology skills. We actively seek partnerships with Regional Economic Communities, international organizations and technologically-advanced countries.



<ol type="1" start="14">
<li>What are some of the key lessons you have learned during your time as the Minister of Information and Technology?</li>
</ol>



I focus on grasping public sentiment and industry needs to drive digital economy growth, while countering misconceptions and safeguarding the government&#8217;s image through active public engagement.



<ol type="1" start="15">
<li>How do you engage with the public to gather feedback and ensure that your policies are meeting their needs and expectations?</li>
</ol>



I advocate an open-door policy, encouraging input from staff, constituents, and citizens via multiple channels. Suggestion boxes in ministry offices gather feedback on services and staff interactions, while regular evaluations and quarterly reports ensure projects meet public and stakeholder needs.



To sum up, Nape Moses Nnauye reveals his unwavering commitment to driving Tanzania&#8217;s digital future by focusing on technology and its transformative capabilities. Guided by comprehensive government policies, strategies and strong collaborations, Tanzania has set ambitious goals for technology adoption and digital transformation. By striking a balance between innovation and protection, Tanzania creates a conducive ecosystem for technology-driven growth, setting the potential for further development of the African continent.

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Driving Tanzania’s Digital Future

The Radisson Blu Hotel &amp; Convention Center in Kigali is just 5km from the bustling city center and Kigali International Airport (KGL). Our contemporary hotel offers you all the comforts and amenities that you’ve come to enjoy and expect from a world-class hotel.



Chic Accommodation, Excellent Amenities And Flexible Event Spaces


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<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-1024x748.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59169" style="width:490px;height:358px" width="490" height="358" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-1024x748.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-300x219.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-768x561.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-1536x1123.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-062542-2048x1497.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px" /></figure></div>


Our hotel in Kigali, which is located only 2km away from various government embassies, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court of Rwanda, has 291 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and free high-speed Wi-Fi. You can enjoy continental and Rwandan dishes, as well as the super breakfast buffet, at our two on-site restaurants, one of which offers all-day dining.



If you’re looking for a light snack or a refreshing drink, the Lounge Bar is the perfect spot. We also have 650 parking spaces available. After a busy day exploring Kigali, you can keep up with your fitness routine in our fitness center and wellness spa, or unwind in the outdoor swimming pool.



Meetings And Events


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59168" style="width:530px;height:398px" width="530" height="398" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-065179-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px" /></figure></div>


Located next to the Radisson Blu Hotel &amp; Convention Centre, the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) offers a spacious area of 32,200 square meters for various business, leisure, and event activities. With 20 meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology and AV equipment, including a state-of-the-art auditorium that can accommodate up to 2,600 guests for weddings or professional business meetings, KCC is the perfect venue for a successful event.



Restaurants And Bars


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-1024x614.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59167" style="width:502px;height:301px" width="502" height="301" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-300x180.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-768x461.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-1536x921.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2019-05-rhg-kglzh-064182-2048x1228.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px" /></figure></div>


Our hotel has a wide array of dining options, with two bars and two restaurants to choose from. To start your day off right, enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet at the Larder. After exploring the city, end your day with an authentic Italian meal at Filini. If you’re in the mood for traditional Rwandan cuisine or continental favorites, the Larder has got you covered.



The Lounge is the perfect place to unwind with a drink, and features a cozy atmosphere with extensive operating hours. For those looking to meet up with friends and enjoy some delicious pub fare and cocktails, check out Piazza Bar, a stylish spot.

raddisnblu& kcc

A Stylish And Accessible Conference Hotel In Rwanda’s Capital

Considered the most entrepreneurial continent in the world, Africa is also home to the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs globally, with 58% of the continent’s self-employed population being women, who contribute some 13% of Africa&#8217;s total GDP.



According to the 2022 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, South Africa is one of only 12 economies across the globe where women&#8217;s entrepreneurial activity rates increased during the previous year, despite the impact of Covid-19. “The growth of this sector and its potential has not gone unnoticed by Access Bank, and we are committed to advancing entrepreneurship – especially ‘Womenpreneurs’ – to continue encouraging what Access Bank South Africa sees as the country’s economic backbone,” says Sugendhree Reddy, CEO of Access Bank South Africa.



It was with this in mind that two large and well-loved local brands &#8211; Jacaranda FM and Access Bank South Africa, came together to provide a broad platform to businesswomen in South Africa in the form of a competition called ‘Womenpreneur – Her Perfect Pitch’, offering prizes to the value of approximately R2 million (approximately $107,000) in business assistance during Women’s Month, August 2023.



Deirdre King, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM emphasizes the importance of women supporting and learning from one another. Deirdre encourages businesswomen to uplift and inspire their peers while confidently claiming their rightful space in the entrepreneurial space. “This campaign drives tangible business and marketing assistance, layered with access to mentorship for the finalists. Last year, our finalists shared that the transfer of knowledge and experience from women leaders within Jacaranda FM and Access Bank was the most coveted part of this magnificent prize,” says King.



This high-profile event shows both brands’ commitment to women in the entrepreneurial space in South Africa, with ‘Womenpreneur &#8211; Her Perfect Pitch’ offering priceless and life-changing business experience for the winners.



The entrants’ experience will encourage other women to reach for the stars, while enabling Access Bank to tap into a diverse pool of talented and driven female entrepreneurs, potentially identifying promising investment opportunities or forging long-term business relationships.



Crossing the great divide



The bank&#8217;s commitment to nurturing the growth of local businesses and contributing to economic development in South Africa is seated in the knowledge that the country is “talent-rich but fiscally needful”, according to Sugendhree.



The World Economic Forum (WEF’s) 2022 Gender Gap Report noted that it would take a shocking 151 years to close global economic gender gaps without a massive and speedy change.



“Solutions must come from the corporate and private sectors who have the wherewithal to advance female employment, and we believe that creating opportunities like ‘Womenpreneur – Her Perfect Pitch’ are important stepping stones to generating enthusiasm among entrepreneurs and providing a platform for finance and business knowledge,” says Reddy. 



&nbsp;HOW TO ENTER



<ol type="1">
<li>Head on over to <a href="https://southafrica.accessbankplc.com/womenpreneur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JacarandaFM.com</a> to enter electronically from 1 to 31 August 2023.</li>



<li>Complete the form and upload your documents.</li>



<li>If you are successful, you will be notified that you are in the Top 30 Womenpreneurs and invited to a breakfast networking event with a special guest speaker.</li>



<li>The Top 10 successful women will be invited to the judging event that will take place on 19 October in the pitching den.</li>
</ol>



Winners will be announced at a gala event to be held in November. Jacaranda FM and Access Bank South Africa are looking forward to seeing the pitches of the special and vital part of the South African economy, Womenpreneurs.

Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch 2023_PR-02

Women Get Opportunity To Pitch Their Plan And Close The Pay Gap

Africa is young, vibrant and full of potential for rapid economic growth. All it requires is increased and sustainable investment in human capital.



Africa’s young people are energetic and ambitious. As the most connected generation of Africans in history, they hold the key to unleashing greater productivity and propelling the economic trajectory of the continent – if they are healthy, educated, and skilled. The African Human Capital Heads of State Summit that took place last week brings this timely opportunity to the forefront. Here’s why we must act now.



By 2075, one out of three people of working age will be African. Africa is the only region in the world where the workforce will continue to grow in the coming decades – with the working-age population expected to grow by 450 million by 2035. With quality education and relevant skills, this growth in human potential gives Africa an enormous opportunity to supercharge economic growth and achieve greater prosperity for billions of people in the continent.



To realize this accelerated and sustained growth, as seen in prior decades in regions such as East Asia, countries must invest in their human capital – the knowledge, skills, and health that people accumulate over the course of their lives. Today, African countries must make concerted and sustained efforts in an integrated and collaborative way to overcome steep challenges – exacerbated by the impact of conflict, Covid-19, and climate change.



The continent continues to battle a learning crisis. Sub-Saharan Africa has over 100 million out-of-school children, the highest rate in the world. Many of those in school are falling behind on key learning indicators: reading, writing, and basic math. The percentage of 10-year-olds that are unable to read and understand a simple text is projected to be approaching 89% following the Covid pandemic.



As leaders, we have a window of opportunity to invest in Africa’s young people through better health, nutrition, and education – and working closely with the continent’s growing private sector to connect them with more and better jobs – so youth can become an engine for inclusive and sustained economic growth. Rallying more resources and making timely investments to strengthen education and health systems will help improve services and increase opportunities and productivity. This is key for breaking cycles of poverty, achieving a demographic dividend, and unlocking the region’s enormous economic potential.



There are many promising examples of countries in the region making efforts that are seeing promising results. In Tanzania, the BOOST Primary Education Learning Program is improving the quality of education and teaching for 12 million students, with a focus on girls – as well as the marginalized and vulnerable. Nigeria’s Edo State has enhanced its digital education system, creating 7,000 virtual classrooms and training more than 11,000 teachers. Africa Centers of Excellence Project (ACEs) is delivering quality higher education training that fulfills skills requirements in demand by employers on the continent and abroad. These efforts can and must be scaled up and replicated, tailoring them to the unique needs of the different contexts.



Accelerating progress requires sound policies and coordination, supported by robust funding. To accelerate productivity and incomes, governments should quickly implement effective strategies for learning recovery – with greater investments in education, skills, and job creation. The funding must also be used effectively and efficiently – measured by stronger services and a healthier, and more skilled population that can create and take on jobs of today and the future.



However, much more remains to be done. Addressing these challenges and accelerating human capital progress will require strong country and regional commitment, combined with close collaboration with development partners and catalyzing the private sector&#8217;s potential.



The <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2023/07/25/africa-human-capital-heads-of-state-summit">Africa Human Capital Summit</a>, which took place from July 25 to 26 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, convened leaders from 43 African countries to make commitments on this pressing priority. As signatories of the <a href="https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099437408012323869/pdf/IDU00fcd4a900d09e0425a0af8c02a2df6c51237.pdf">Dar es Salaam Declaration</a> – born out of the summit – leaders from across the continent agreed to step up efforts to strengthen the quantity, efficiency, and impact of investments in their people. Sub-Saharan Africa scores the lowest of all the world’s regions on the World Bank’s <a href="https://dataviz.worldbank.org/t/DECDG/views/HCPdashboard/HCI2020?%3Aembed_code_version=3&amp;%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AloadOrderID=0&amp;%3Adisplay_spinner=no&amp;%3AshowAppBanner=false&amp;%3Adisplay_count=n&amp;%3AshowVizHome=n&amp;%3Aorigin=viz_share_link">Human Capital Index (HCI),</a> yet faces a youth bulge that could be leveraged to supercharge African economies if the right policies and investments are implemented today.



The Dar es Salaam Declaration constitutes tangible financial and policy commitments made by African leaders to prioritize investing in people with a focus on reaping a demographic dividend.



Accelerating action together in building Africa’s human capital is an urgent priority. The continent’s future depends on it.



Let&#8217;s invest today in the next generation to transform Africa towards greater prosperity on a livable planet.



By President Samia Suluhu Hassan, United Republic of Tanzania; Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa and Mamta Murthi, World Bank Vice President for Human Development

20110802-Tanzania-Hoel-0577 (1)

‘Invest in Youth, Transform Africa’

Suit Luxe is a suit business specializing in bespoke suits, shirts and shoes. It was founded by Xolisa Mgqubeni, who is originally from a town called Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Mgqubeni then moved to a small township called Khutsong located in Carletonville, in the West Rand during his junior school years, where he lived with his grandmother. This is his story, in his own words.



Growing up I’ve always had an eye for fashion and when I look back today, I’d say it runs in my blood. My late grandfather had his own tailoring operation, my grandmother is a retired seamstress and my mother is a seamstress. I was brought up in a family that has a special relationship with cloth construction; hence I say I believe it’s in my bloodstream.



I have always been obsessed with garments, well-fitted ones to be specific, and I used to despise defective/poorly-constructed clothes. At the tender age of 13, I had already taught myself how to alter clothes and I would alter my school uniform to my desired fit. All the alterations I did were handmade because, unfortunately, I was not allowed to use sewing machines. Both my mother and grandmother are very sentimental when it comes to their sewing machines, so I resorted to handwork.



Fast forward to my tertiary education days, and my love for fashion grew stronger. At this point in my life, I realized that my love for fashion was specific to bespoke suits. Bespoke/custom-made suits are known to be expensive, and because I was still in varsity, I couldn’t afford one so I resorted to ready-made suits. I would stock up on these ready-to-wear suits and alter them to my best fit. A lot of students noticed and loved my suits. I would get approached by a lot of graduation students and because I am a business-minded guy, I decided to start my own suit business instead of telling them where I sourced my suits.



I was the intermediary guy in this case. Graduation students would pay me to source ready-made suits on their behalf and alter them to perfectly fit them. I was obsessed with how a suit should fit, my favorite tagline was: “If you can’t invest in a good quality suit, then invest in a perfect fit”, and that’s how I executed my business back in university.



Now I run my own suit brand, Suit Luxe, specializing in bespoke suits. We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and we pride ourselves on our luxury craftsmanship and high-end material from domestic and international textile suppliers.



My brand is making waves, I have dressed some well-known South African stars, the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Zakes Bantwini, Robert Marawa, Happy Jele, Boity Thulo, Nandi Madida and many more.



Suit Luxe has also been receiving amazing traffic from neighboring African countries, which is why we are now launching the brand in Namibia.



We believe that a well-crafted suit from Suit Luxe will give you that ego boost, whether it&#8217;s for showing up at business meetings to secure business deals in style, showing up on your wedding day to complement your beautiful bride or for your day-to-day elegant office/work suits, made of breathable, natural stretch luxurious fabrics.



Our team – from our tailors to our stylists and consultants – is passionate about style and great craftsmanship.

thumbnail_SL LB 7

A Bespoke Suit Business In South Africa’s Luxury Fashion Industry

The scent of home is a comforting one. With Yerwa Secrets, these fragrances become a fusion of select smells that leaves you emanating success.



What is your favourite smell? The earth’s soil after a rainy day? Freshly baked bread? Or maybe it’s the scent of home?



One that leaves you warm and reminds you that you’re safe.



For Fatima Babakura, the aroma of home is what inspired her to launch Yerwa Secrets, a range of incense, body fragrances, and hair mists.



Yerwa is the local name given to the capital city of Babakura’s home state, Maiduguri, located in Borno, North Eastern Nigeria. The name of her brand directly translates to ‘secrets from home’.



“I started the brand to share my culture with the world in a way that people will easily understand, which is through scent because everybody knows what smells good.”


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A MODERN SENSE OF SMELL



Launching a business that plays on the sense of smell was not part of Babakura’s initial plans, as she was originally focused on growing her handbag and shoe business. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to place these plans on hold. During her forced sabbatical, Babakura would spend her time engaging in her family’s tradition of burning incense. Over time, visitors to her home would remark on the aromatic scents.



These remarks soon encouraged Babakura to launch a business that would tantalize our strongest sense, and so in 2021, Yerwa Secrets was born.



A FRESH SCENT



We all know what smells good, but how Babakura selects the scents of Yerwa Secrets all comes down to one thing: curiosity.



“A lot of my inspiration comes from how I feel and my curiosity is what inspires me to play with different scents before creating a specific fragrance.”



The brand only provides products that have been heavily researched and tested to not only smell good, but to also be safe on the skin and hair.



Unlike other local perfume, popularly known as Khumrah, that are packaged in dropper bottles, Yerwa Secrets packages their perfumes in spray bottles, making the act of smelling great that much more convenient.



Additionally, Yerwa Secrets has set out to revolutionize the way incense smells, with their products having scents that go beyond the traditional woody scents associated with incense.



“We’ve made incense that smells like vanilla” shares Babakura.



While there may not be a set method when it comes to incense production in Northern Nigeria, Babakura has faced push-back on production and manufacturing,



“I work with local people and they’re used to doing things a certain way, so it takes a while for them to adapt and understand what you’re trying to achieve.”



While this back and forth has often result- ed in a few mistakes, Babakura has managed to convince the locals about how adapting and evolving can facilitate both personal and professional growth.



COMMUNITY 



Yerwa Secrets isn’t only focused on platforming local scents, but they also believe in using products to protect and build up the community.



In regards to packaging, Babakura and her humble team stay clear of plastic, and rather opt for glass, with consumers receiving discounts when they return the bottles for refills.



This is only part of Yerwa Secrets’ sustainable efforts, as choosing to do everything in-house, sans shipping, allows for them to also pour back into the community.



“Sustainability for us is about how we build our community, as one sale means there’s food on the table for families.”



For instance, Babakura took in a 17-year-old boy to help at the store and the boy grew from handling package deliveries to DHL to being part of the production process and even watching over the business in his employer’s absence.



With plans to launch a physical store in Abuja, Nigeria, where consumers can come and enjoy the different scents that Yerwa Secrets offers, it’s clear the success of the brand will linger just as long as the savoury fragrances that it offers the world.

image0

The Scent of Success

Thami Nkadimeng continues to use her background in communications to make positive change and contribute towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. She continues to work with presidents, leaders, executives, corporates and organizations worldwide and has recently been selected as one of 2023’s Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40.



The quote that Albert Einstein is widely credited for is: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”



How did Thami Nkadimeng get to be The Message Architect? Rather than spending the next few sentences writing about it, she suggests it would be better for all those reading this article to also watch her TEDx Talk I Used My Mind’s Theatre To Become on YouTube.



She says she would rather write about her gift, her purpose and calling and the method she uses to differentiate herself. Walking in her Message Architect shoes is a decision she consistently makes with intention. She speaks on topical matters concerning society at various meetings, conferences and events but says her ultimate duty is distinguished by how she treats these global platforms with respect to humanity and for the greater purpose of serving mankind. What does it take for her to achieve this? Well, step into her mind for a few minutes to understand, The Message Architect way:



S – SIMPLICITY



She has come to learn that if something is intentionally complicated it is not for her to share. She is wired to make messages understandable by the majority. Often the more complicated matters are, the more sugar-coated the truth is too. The words used need to be understandable by all genders, races, age groups, especially on topics pertaining to consistency, fairness and justice of people across the board.



E – ECOSYSTEM



Everything is interconnected and in her preparation process, the consideration of the ecosystem alignment is imperative. Her role is to foster collaboration through her thought-processing and suggestions, playing the golden thread.



R – RESEARCH &amp; INTENTION 



Research of the topic is absolutely and obviously imperative. However, research of the environment, its history including the culture, religion and other aspects that may contribute towards information consumption in that geographical area is of utmost importance. This has to be done with intention.



V – VISIONARY &amp; CLARITY



Understanding the objective of the gathering is key. Once the objective is defined, she uses her imagination and role play, visualizing the impact creation the stakeholders of that gathering could attain – that often allows the creativity side to join the scripting process.



E – ENDURANCE



The vocabulary used in the delivery of the communication through moderating, program-directing or hosting must allow the message to stand the test of time. Refrain from catch phrases that will last a season only – unless absolutely necessary. History dictates that change on matters that count for society happen steadily and she wants her contribution to be a baton that she can hand over to the next generation, not one that requires recreation.



If you pay particular attention to the first letters of each point you will begin to spell out ‘serve’. The biggest ask about being The Message Architect is to make certain that the manner in which she creates messages is not just for consumption for those in the selected audience but also for everyone else who will also hear it – often the ones who are not intentionally considered.



Did the waiter in the room understand? What about the person at the technical booth and the child doing their research from the recording of the event? Why? Because if all humanity begins to understand what we are working towards, then moving the needle will become simpler&#8230; not effortless, just simpler. She understands that education can help remedy many of the other issues and education never takes place in the classroom alone. Her calling ultimately is to serve through communications and architecting messages that educate people.



Visit www.thaminkadimeng.com

Forbes Online Article 2

Serving Through The Art Of COMMUNICATION

As organisations have had to navigate various challenges over the past few years, including the Covid-19 pandemic, a talented workforce is key to their success now and in the future. Simultaneously, employees’ expectations and priorities have shifted, with a greater emphasis on well-being, career development and a company culture that aligns with one’s values. Within this landscape, employers are increasingly taking a more people-centric approach to their employee experience.&nbsp;



The Top Employer Institute certified Vodacom Group as a 2023 Top Employer in Africa, for the seventh consecutive year and ranked second amongst all the companies on the continent. This accolade reflects our long-standing, forward-thinking, people-focused strategies in which we recognise that our business success is dependent not only on the skills of our employees across our markets, but most importantly on their welfare too.&nbsp;



In a global Workmonitor 2023 survey, 54% of respondents said they would leave their job if they felt they did not belong at the company. While striving for diverse representation is important, employers need to ensure that all their employees feel a sense of belonging. For instance at Vodacom, we have a range of programmes and internal policies, including the Disability Employee Forum, the LGBTQ+ Network and the Women’s Network Forum to ensure inclusivity in the workplace. Our Disability Employee Forum has also helped us make our workplace more accessible, where we have internal targets to employ staff who identify themselves as disabled. This type of platform has also helped us understand the needs of our customers better. In Tanzania, we have trained staff to serve customers with special needs, while in Kenya; we introduced a sign language team to drive education amongst customers who are deaf.



We also strongly support gender parity within our organisation. This encompasses compensation, where we do an annual assessment across all our markets to make sure we pay equally for equal work, but this also includes benefits such as parental leave. Vodacom was among the first in South Africa to implement a gender-neutral parental leave policy that provides 16 weeks of fully paid leave. This policy is open to all employees, whether their partner is having a baby, or they are welcoming a new child through surrogacy or adoption.&nbsp;



Empowering employees with skills and tools for growth within the organisation increases engagement, innovation and retention, with benefits for business performance and productivity. As a company acutely focused on creating learning opportunities in the business, we invest substantially in skills development and have various initiatives focused on that. In South Africa, we invested R542 million in skills development in the last financial year.



One such initiative that fits into our inclusive digital society purpose pillar is #1MoreSkill, which enables employees to acquire new critical skills, like automation, artificial intelligence and digital marketing, across all aspects of the business. This past year, 95% of all staff across our markets have completed one additional learning programme in alignment with the project.



From an attraction and retention perspective, while we ensure pay and benefits are competitive and fair, and we recognise employees for exceptional performance through programmes such as our annual CEO Awards for employees who have gone the extra mile, we also prioritise the development of talent and opportunities for growth. In addition, we have implemented succession pools for our most senior roles and are supporting female talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through initiatives like the Code Like a Girl programme across our markets, with more than 4600 participants since 2017.



A Deloitte survey, found that 84% of respondents consider it important to work for an employer that provides meaningful work, and 83% want to feel proud of the organisation they work for. This confirms that in 2023, a Top Employer is really defined by an organisation that cares, is in tune with its purpose and makes a difference in society with a talented workforce in the driving seat.&nbsp;

Matimba 2

What It Takes to Be a Top Employer in Africa in 2023

As heads of state and top leaders from the business world, academia, and the advocacy sector recently converged in Kigali, Rwanda, for the Women Deliver Conference, the pressing issue of gender inclusion within the financial sector gained new momentum.



Rwanda&#8217;s advancements in this domain showcase that a steadfast commitment to forging a path toward a more inclusive financial landscape can not only foster a more equitable society but also play a crucial role in promoting economic development across the board.



It is no accident that Rwandan women played an essential role in rebuilding the country in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In fact, the multifaceted link between gender equality in finance and economic development in Rwanda has been recognized as a critical factor in driving the country&#8217;s progress.



Equality as an Engine for Growth



While women had to wait until 1988 to be allowed to open a bank account without a husband or male family member&#8217;s authorization in Rwanda, women&#8217;s financial access to both bank and non-bank financial institutions has substantially increased to 74% today from 36% &nbsp;in 2012.



To foster an environment where women would be able to rebuild their lives and their communities, Rwanda took several steps towards enhancing women&#8217;s financial autonomy. For example, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) launched in 2017, aims to increase the level of financial inclusion in Rwanda to 90% by 2024, with a specific target of achieving gender parity in financial inclusion.



Because financial literacy is essential, we recently launched the Girls&#8217; Education Sector Strategic Plan (2018/19 to 2023/24) to increase the number of girls who complete secondary education and acquire skills that can help them participate in the formal economy. The government has also implemented programs that provide micro-loans specifically tailored to the needs of women-owned businesses.



As a result of these efforts, Rwanda has witnessed a surge in female ownership of businesses, jumping from 27% in 2017 to 34% in 2022 – an encouraging sign, even though barriers to women&#8217;s access to credit and insurance remain.



Finally, in an age where fintech has become ubiquitous, mobile money is now a key driver of financial inclusion among women in Rwanda, with initiatives such as the Mobile Money for the Poor (MM4P) program helping to promote the use of mobile money services among women in rural areas.



Supporting Female Entrepreneurs



Africa boasts a significant share of women entrepreneurs, contributing to the continent&#8217;s recent economic growth. To further wealth creation, Rwanda has taken proactive steps to foster an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. The government actively promotes gender-responsive workplace policies and practices, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible working arrangements, and support for work-life balance.



Promoting entrepreneurship is another avenue Africa must continue to pursue. Entrepreneurship serves as a vital driver of economic growth and job creation. Rwanda&#8217;s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs is evident in its targeted programs that provide access to finance, coupled with mentorship programs and networking opportunities. For instance, the Rwanda Women Entrepreneurs Chamber of Commerce provides support and access to finance for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish and grow their businesses.



The financial sector plays an indispensable role in ensuring that women entrepreneurs thrive. This is why designing gender-sensitive products and being intentional about promoting women leaders in finance is vital to move the needle and close the $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs in Africa.



Africa at a Crossroads



Today, our continent stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of economic transformation. Gender inclusion will play a pivotal role in harnessing the continent&#8217;s demographic dividend and unlocking its potential. To achieve this, Africa must enhance education and skills development, break down gender stereotypes, eradicate early marriages, and improve girls&#8217; access to schools.



Rwanda&#8217;s experience is proof of this: by implementing gender-responsive policies and programs, the country has made significant progress in dismantling structural barriers that impede African women and girls. These efforts are driven by political will and economic incentives, resulting in increased participation of women in the formal economy and contributing to overall economic growth.



Gender inclusion in African finance is not merely a matter of social justice; it is a powerful driver of prosperity. Rwanda&#8217;s experiences demonstrate the tangible benefits of embracing gender equality in the financial sector. By dismantling gender-based barriers and creating an inclusive environment for women, African countries can unlock their economic potential and reap the rewards of a truly inclusive financial sector.

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Women’s Financial Inclusion: The Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential

Rwanda is establishing itself as a fintech hub. In fact, the country recently hosted and participated in a three-day Inclusive FinTech Forum which brought together financial technology practitioners and enthusiasts from various backgrounds. Participants included regulators, innovators, investors, amateurs, and individuals from all walks of life.



The forum provided a platform for captivating discussions about the remarkable evolution of financial services and technology. It was a nostalgic reflection on the days when bank transfer applications were filled out, and we anxiously waited for days for the money to reach its destination. Now, we find ourselves making instant local and international transactions and payments with just a few taps on our phones.



During the forum, both President Kagame of Rwanda and President Hichilema of Zambia reflected on the past challenges of sending money across borders and the unreliability of financial services. President Kagame emphasized the frustrating reality that sometimes the money never even arrived. While the forum provided a trip down memory lane, it also addressed the current challenges facing the fintech sector and explored strategies to overcome them.



Moving forward, special efforts need to be invested in reinforcing critical areas such as infrastructure development, robust data-sharing capabilities, and effective regulation to safeguard consumers, especially the most vulnerable. In addition, fostering inclusivity and promoting collaboration across the sector should be a focus for all stakeholders.



Regulators are urged to establish more stringent fintech laws and regulations. As the fintech industry continues to innovate and disrupt the financial sector, it is vital to recognize the inherent risks that come with these advancements. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, necessitating robust governance and regulatory frameworks. As Tobias Adrian, IMF Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department rightly remarked, &#8220;It&#8217;s not just about technology; it&#8217;s also about governance, which sets the rules of the game.&#8221;



Furthermore, innovators and investors should prioritize developing products and systems that effectively address customers&#8217; pain points and prioritize affordability and inclusivity. The goal is to foster innovation within an environment that aligns with public policy objectives. This requires extensive work in testing architectures, exploring emerging technologies, and establishing solid legal and governance foundations.



All participants in the fintech services realm must heed Margaret Miller&#8217;s wise words: &#8220;These opportunities come with potential risks, such as (un)fair lending practices related to unmonitored use and analysis of big data or increased systemic vulnerabilities due to cybersecurity threats.&#8221;



As fintech services become integrated into our daily lives, it is paramount that we prioritize the interests of everyone while developing products, enacting laws, and providing services to ensure inclusivity for all.



Being both a woman and African, it is my observation that equal representation is still lacking in the fintech sector. Thus, special attention should be given to underrepresented groups such as women and people living with disabilities. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of fintech while safeguarding consumer well-being.



The Inclusive FinTech Forum served as a powerful reminder of the remarkable strides we have made in merging finance and technology. However, it also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead. As we navigate this exciting and dynamic landscape, we must keep the delicate balance between innovation, affordability, inclusivity, and risk mitigation at the forefront of our minds.



By embracing collaboration, sound governance, and inclusive practices, we can overcome these challenges and pave the way for a future where fintech continues to revolutionize financial services, making them accessible and beneficial to all.

Diane Karusisi 1

The Next FinTech Challenge: Striking the Balance Between Innovation, Affordability, Inclusivity, and Risk Mitigation

Women and girls must be given priority in designing, developing and applying digital solutions, to bring about sustainable and effective gender-transformative solutions in health.



Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential human right and development issue that has a direct impact on the lives and well-being of women and girls across the world. This right is enshrined in various international and regional human rights instruments, including national laws that require innovation and collective action to empower women and girls. Now, more than ever, it is important that the sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and girls are protected and that they have continued access to high quality and affordable healthcare.



Data from the World Health Organization from 2020 shows maternal mortality as still unacceptably high – with approximately 800 daily deaths of women recorded due to preventable pregnancy and delivery complications. The reality can be contritely elaborated to mean one woman dies every two minutes – with young adolescent girls facing a higher risk of complications and death compared to other women. Almost 95% of these cases occur in Africa, and other low and lower middle-income countries.



The high number of maternal deaths in Africa reflects inadequate access to healthcare services as a result of gender inequality, which contributes to poverty and lack of information, among other factors. This hinders the prevention of unintended pregnancies – such as limited access to affordable safe abortion services and quality post-abortion care. These are compounded by a higher number of women with an unmet need for modern contraception, which is estimated at 36 million by the UNFPA in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, by 2030, at least 50 per cent of young women in the world with an unmet need for family planning will be from the region.



In a range of intersecting crises from climate change and conflicts, to disease outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected women’s access to contraception and set back decades of progress attained on universal access to SRHR and services. Last year, Women Deliver explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SRHR and found that restrictions on SRHR services, driven by the disruption of prevention programs and economic downturns during the pandemic have had a devastating effect on SRHR outcomes for girls and women. This has also led to an increase in unintended pregnancies, maternal deaths, and unsafe abortion.



Lessons to Innovate



With the dynamism of the world today, we have learnt from the global crisis how to innovate and leverage technology to overcome restrictions in movement and deliver quality SRH services to our communities. For example, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amref Health Africa’s digital training platforms &#8211; Leap, <a href="https://icd.amref.org/portfolio/jibu/">Jibu</a> and ecampus empowered thousands of health and community health workers/volunteers in Africa to offer remote care and support to women and girls in need of the reproductive health services and information through mobile phones.&nbsp; Additionally, the ‘Tracking the Girls in Crisis Tool’ also played a key role in rescuing girls at risk of FGM/C and early marriages. According to Women Deliver, during the pandemic, young people, in particular, used social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, to mobilize adolescents and youth for SRHR advocacy, provide SRH information, and conduct chat sessions with SRHR experts.



Across the continent, rising mobile phone penetration and improving broadband internet poses a great opportunity for improving access to health in Africa. While the increased use of such digital technologies proved effective in disseminating SRHR information, it also revealed a high level of exclusion due to digital gender divide. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected with women rated 37% less likely than men to use mobile technology, reports the UN.



The gender gaps in digital literacy, internet use, and mobile phone access mean SRHR remain out of reach for many women, especially those living in marginalized areas characterized by conflict, fragility, and violence &#8211; with significant mobility constraints, restrictive socio-cultural norms, and greater safety and security concerns. For women, and Africa’s ever-growing youth population, to access the needed services, it is of the utmost importance that they are provided with basic skills, knowledge, and capacity to use digital technologies.



Shifting gender gap narratives



Seven years ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals’ target, and other regional and global commitments, accelerated action is needed to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive rights, health-care services, information and education. While Africa’s digital revolution has been, and remains impressive, relevant stakeholders – funders, governments, civil society organizations, communities and the private sector, must work collaboratively towards bridging the gender digital divide. Women and girls must be given priority in designing, developing and applying the digital solutions, to bring about sustainable and effective gender-transformative solutions in health.



Global progress in attaining this goal is contingent on progress in countries with the highest rates of unmet contraception needs, notably in sub-Saharan Africa. But there is hope for Africa. From conversations at forums such as <a href="http://www.ahaic.org">the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2023</a>, and the discussions lined up at <a href="https://womendeliver.org/conference/wd2023/">the Women Deliver 2023 Conference</a>, and the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, it is evident that African countries are not willing to wait to build an equal future for all. These forums are critical to influencing discussions aimed at strengthening policies and laws as well as increasing investments that can help expand access to SRHR services to a diverse group of people.



To sustain the momentum from the global convening, there is a need for increased unrestricted funding to community-led innovations for SRHR and mainstreaming digital literacy programs in country-level affirmative action plans. Prioritizing research and data for decision making across the health tiers is also critical especially for SRH financing. Lastly, as we work towards strengthening the power of technology to advance the rights of women and girls, we must put in place countermeasures to protect their digital safety, safeguard them from harm, including online harassment and gender-based cyber-bullying.

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Bridging The Digital Gender Divide For SRHR In Africa

Meet Abiola Ahmed, the CEO of a skincare, beauty and wellness brand.



Abiola Ahmed is an entrepreneur at the helm of Hush&#8217;D Makeover Limited, a renowned skincare and wellness brand. With a journey that began eight years ago as a talented makeup artist, she has risen to remarkable heights as a pioneer and innovator in the African skincare industry.



Driven by her customers&#8217; admiration for her flawless skin and their curiosity about her skincare routine, Ahmed ventured into manufacturing skincare products. The persistent inquiries from her clients propelled her to share her knowledge and expertise on a commercial scale.



Recognizing the importance of continuous education and mastery of her craft, Ahmed pursued extensive training both locally and abroad. In her words, &#8220;My foray into skincare coincided with the Nigerian skincare revolution of 2014/2015. However, I wanted to distinguish myself and my brand. I sought education both at home and abroad.&#8221;



Her first educational experience took place during a skincare masterclass organized by a visiting expert from Los Angeles. This opportunity served as a catalyst for her transformation from producing organic skincare products to developing a comprehensive range of natural, premium-quality skincare solutions.



Today, Ahmed&#8217;s skincare product range boasts an impressive collection of 40 exotic and highly effective products. When asked to weigh in on the raging controversy in her industry regarding &#8220;natural&#8221; and &#8220;organic,&#8221; Ahmed says, &#8220;I try to avoid using these terms simply because what is considered natural may not necessarily be safe or sustainable, and the same goes for organic. However, my aim is to continue creating safe, healthy, and sustainable products.&#8221;



With a diverse customer base spanning all ages, genders, and complexions, she has successfully established a loyal following both domestically and internationally.



Expanding her entrepreneurial pursuits, Ahmed has strategically ventured into the spa industry, opening luxurious retreats in prime locations in Lagos, namely Lekki and Ikeja. These tranquil havens offer a sanctuary for the body and mind, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



When asked what gives her impetus, Ahmed replies, “I just want to see people live their best lives and be confident in their skin.”



Not content with her accomplishments in the skincare and wellness sectors alone, Ahmed has also made her mark in the logistics and deliveries arena through her innovative company, 247 Delivery. With a global reach, this enterprise caters to worldwide package deliveries, further diversifying her business portfolio.



With a team of over 50 dedicated professionals, Ahmed leads by example, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and empowering her employees to deliver exceptional products and services to customers worldwide.



Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Ahmed is a passionate supporter of foundations dedicated to women&#8217;s causes, particularly those focused on cancer education and treatment. Her philanthropic efforts embody her deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community and making a positive impact on society.



In a relatively short time, Ahmed has carved a prominent niche for herself within the Nigerian business ecosystem, earning widespread recognition and acclaim. Her relentless determination, razor-sharp



creativity, and unwavering commitment to quality have cemented her as a true visionary and trailblazer in the skincare, beauty, and wellness industry.



Ahmed continues to inspire and empower others through her remarkable journey and serves as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, expertise, and an unwavering drive, success knows no limits.



Eulogizing her virtues cannot do justice to the immense impact she has made and the boundless potential that lies ahead under her exceptional leadership.

IMG_2005 ABIOLA AHMED (2)

Brightening Up Nigeria’s Beauty Business

South Africa&#8217;s energy sector is at a crossroads, facing several challenges that will significantly impact the country&#8217;s future. These challenges include rising energy demand, the need to reduce carbon emissions, an ageing and unreliable electricity infrastructure, and the necessity to provide affordable energy to all South Africans and businesses of varying sizes. More acutely, we know that loadshedding is having an enormous impact on our economy, with Stage 6 loadshedding costing the South African economy R1 billion a day, resulting in lower economic output and job losses.



We need to address our current energy crisis; there is no debate on that. And this must be done with urgency and a strong bias for action over talk. In this regard, we must recognize the continued efforts by so many in the country to work together to solve the critical challenges in the country. The partnership agreement between government and organized business through Business for South Africa last month is a testament to the desire by all of us to remove the barriers to inclusive economic growth and job creation – including the energy crisis through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM).



There is broad agreement that this renewed partnership between business and government can create room for change and speed up the reforms required to build an inclusive economy from which all South Africans can benefit. But to achieve this, a laser-like focus and flawless execution of three immediate priorities – improving logistics performance, dealing decisively with crime and corruption and stabilizing energy supply – is paramount.



As we address our energy crisis, we must, in tandem, cast our eyes beyond it and toward an energy transition that provides security for growth and prosperity in the long term. How we tackle it is contested, but there is broad consensus that the transition must be just – delivering equitable gains for South Africans.



This mammoth task must be planned inclusively, helping bring about affordable electricity, involving and empowering communities in power generation, and protecting the environment.



South Africa must manage this transition while addressing deep economic and social deficits. The risk of further economic and social decline is very real if the industries that shape and drive our economy are not supported through the transition, which must be done as we capitalize on vital new energy generation growth opportunities. This will require a collective national effort and strong partnerships between government and business.



A lot is at stake here, and South Africa must shift its energy policy from theory to action — or risk our ability to attract investment and fund the planned transition.



In a recently-released research report, titled Powering Progress: Policy shifts and economic frameworks to enable South Africa’s energy transition, sponsored by Anglo American, working with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a way forward is explored through the lens of regulatory and fiscal interventions needed to enable a just energy transition in South Africa.



One of the most crucial findings of the research is the importance of implementing creative and timely social policies to ensure a just transition, particularly with a focus on the affected groups, such as South Africa&#8217;s



youth. This is what embracing a just energy transition is all about: delivering equitable gains while transforming energy systems that are built on inclusive principles.



Powering progress requires action



Making a plan for South Africa’s current reality must address the need to restore crucial energy to the grid and fulfil our climate commitments to unlock investment.



One approach that offers a proven method for expanding power infrastructure is public-private partnerships (PPPs). By combining government guarantees for power purchases with private-sector financing and technical expertise, PPPs play a critical role in advancing the transition to the next stage.



In the short to medium term, one other essential intervention and cause for hope is the Resource Mobilization Fund (RMF). Established by Business for South Africa, the RMF serves as a way for local businesses to support the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. It embodies the necessary collaborative approach we need between government and social partners. To that end, Anglo American has already donated R10 million to the RMF, which will be used to provide technical support and capacity to NECOM.



This dovetails with another significant long-term initiative: South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP). Together with NECOM and other initiatives, the JET-IP represents an important and positive step the country is taking toward addressing the needs of key stakeholders and creating a partnership that will deliver on the implementation of plans at both a national and community level.



By establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and implementing policies, we can quickly create a catalyst for new and more extensive investment. The opportunity to access global pools of capital to support such investment is nearly immeasurable, and South Africa must demonstrate its readiness and willingness to attract that investment.



How can we leverage the transition to clean and reliable energy as a springboard for unlocking a nation’s growth and development potential?



In addition to the jobs, opportunities, and businesses that arise from a supply of clean and affordable power, it is undeniable that increased grid capacity and stability will also attract new investment to South Africa, while furthering our collective decarbonization ambitions.



There is a window of opportunity for South Africa. Collectively, we must work with urgency and pace, with tangible actions that demonstrate to all South Africans that everything that can be done to address the three national priorities is being done. But also, that we’re doing everything we can do – collectively – to ensure that our country prospers in the long run. And access to clean, reliable energy is foundational to this prosperity.



<a href="https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/energy/powering-progress-south-africa?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=paid-ei-social&amp;utm_campaign=Anglo-American-report&amp;utm_content=native_size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get full report here</a>

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Delivering The Energy Transition Requires Agility And A Shared Commitment To Act

Samsung completed the second phase of the Solve for Tomorrow Competition, encompassing the Design Thinking workshops for the ten finalist schools &#8211; held in the five provinces (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo in South Africa) where the finalist schools are situated.



The workshops were developed to encourage learners to think, speak and act like designers, to build strong teams and gain research insights that could transform their ideas from the conceptual stage to a solution that addresses concerns within their communities. The competition officially launched in South Africa in January this year, and is now in its second phase where the teachers, learners and mentors need to research and develop their prototype in preparation for the finale.


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The workshops assisted the learners to understand a cognitive and structured process for human-centred, creative problem-solving. They were also aimed to help them foster creative and critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills through project-based learning, as well as learn and practice key activities of the Design Thinking process including preparing for interviews, identifying a point of view, brainstorming and making a paper prototype. The learners were also taught and encouraged to immerse themselves in the work by doing it themselves to get a first-hand experience and thus the necessary skills to apply towards their creative solutions.



“This unique competition is our contribution to youth empowerment and skills creation in the information communication technology sector to help country play a meaningful role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). It was designed to increase interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), gives grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities an opportunity to gain invaluable skills while solving some of their communities’ challenges,” said Hlubi Shivanda, director: business operations and innovation and corporate affairs at Samsung.



The top 10 schools are:



<ul>
<li>Phomolong Secondary School Gauteng</li>



<li>Mbilwi Secondary School Limpopo</li>



<li>Moyaneng Secondary School Limpopo</li>



<li>Phendukani High School Kwa-Zulu Natal</li>



<li>Adams College Kwa-Zulu Natal</li>



<li>Umlazi Comprehensive Tech Kwa-Zulu Natal</li>



<li>Rebatlathuto High school Free State</li>



<li>Lekgarietsi High School Free State</li>



<li>Maphuthaditshaba Secondary School Mpumalanga</li>



<li>Buhle Bemfundo Secondary School Gauteng</li>
</ul>



The finalists will have until the end of September 2023 to work on and complete their prototypes. Following that, they will then present to a panel of judges at the beginning of October as they vie for the top prize. The winning school will get a prize of R100,000 worth of STEM equipment for their school, while second and third positions will get R50,000 and R30,000 worth of STEM equipment for their schools respectively. In addition to the main prizes, each of the learners in the top three teams will be rewarded with a Samsung device.

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Cultivating Critical Thinking And Creativity In South Africa’s Schools

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, but with NUMA Medical Aesthetics, it’s also part of the journey to a healthier and happier you.



The skin is the largest organ on the body, and with that comes a boom- ing industry with a global market value of USD 171.25 million, per Data Bridge Market Research. While a profitable market, the decision made by Dr. Lungile F. Mhlongo to enter into the skincare field was more of a personal than a business one.



Having witnessed her late father’s failing health, as well as the lack of resources that influenced this, Dr. Lu ventured into the medical field to be the change that she wished to see in the world.



Once she obtained her medical degree, Dr. Lu was influenced to enter the aesthetic field through her journey with acne, which she suffered from in her mid-20s. The acne was prominent on her face, chest, and back, and this caused the once-social individual to become withdrawn and develop clinical depression. However, she eventually decided to take matters into her own hands.



It was with this mentality that she not only found the solution to her acne, but also chose to share this solution with those struggling with similar skin issues, and with that, she founded NUMA Medical Aesthetics in 2018. Taken from the Arabic word for beautiful and pleasant, NUMA Medical Aesthetics offers high-quality medical aesthetics and individualized skincare treatments that ensure and protect the health of your skin.



With five clinics, three located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, one in Eswatini, and the other in Johannesburg, NUMA Medical Aesthetics has not only made the path to healthier skin an easy one, but they’ve also been able to confront the unemployment rate among medical professionals in South Africa.



“Opening these various branches has enabled us to offer these young doctors opportunities for professional growth and upskilling, ensuring their long-term career success. Providing these transformative solutions has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of this journey,” says Dr. Lu.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-credibility-sells-success">CREDIBILITY SELLS SUCCESS</h4>



Following the success of NUMA Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Lu noticed a trend of skincare concerns among her clientele and this pattern of similarity encouraged her and her team to manufacture and launch their products, and so in 2022, NUMASKIN was born.



The medical-grade aesthetic range, which officially launched in July on Dr. Lu’s birthday, has a strong focus on targeting pigmentation and catering to acne-prone skin. NUMASKIN products aren’t only medical grade, but they’re also gender-neutral, suitable for all skin types, and have not been tested on animals. The launch of any product can be intimidating, especially in an industry saturated with aesthetic products, yet Dr. Lu had one thing that other brands often take years to get–a good reputation.

Glowing Up: A Pathway To Healthy Skin

In the heart of Johannesburg, in the trendy suburb of Rosebank–an address synonymous with the city’s most creative movers and shakers–a one-year-old hotel is turning the traditional idea of what a hotel is on its head.



At voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank, a hotel is not simply a comfortable place to lay your head. Rather it’s a place to work, walk, play and immerse yourself in the place–getting the best sleep of your life is just a bonus.



Positioning itself as the best address in Rosebank, this hotel/lifestyle brand may only have opened a year ago, but it easily stands out amongst a host of rivals.


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A MULTI-USE SPACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY



The voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank experience is backed by the reliability of the renowned IHG Hotels and Resorts–with over 6000 hotels, 18 global hotel brands and an award-winning loyalty program IHG One Rewards which allows guests to earn and redeem points across all its hotel brands.



The state-of-the-art Manhattan-style building, boasting an Africa meets Big Apple art deco atmosphere, is a cleverly designed multi-use space offering an all-in-one user experience to live, work, play and shop.



With an art collection impressive enough for any glitzy gallery, complete with trained ‘Art Butlers’ that will guide you on a tour of the hotel’s 800+ carefully curated original, South African pieces of artwork, the hotel delivers a playful–and fascinating–introduction to the art and design hub of Rosebank.



In a city where no one walks, Rosebank is a vibey and refreshing exception to the rule, with great shops, restaurants and meeting spaces within (safe) walking distance. And voco The Bank is well positioned to take advantage as the work, walk and play hotel of choice.



GUESTS KNOW WHAT THEY WANT



Guests may arrive strangers, but they’ll leave feeling like a Rosebank local! Going beyond the trend of personalization, the hotel guest of 2023 doesn’t want stuffy, overly formal or deferential service–or fluffy gimmicks. Exceptional service, yes, but with the freedom to truly relax and feel at home, whether travelling for business or pleasure.



voco The Bank offers guests the perfect space to recharge and enjoy a little ‘me-time.’ Or, like one of the hotel’s three signature bird mascots being used by the brand globally–the flamingo–the chance to socialize all night long in the hotel’s characterful restaurant and bars.



BIRDS OF A FEATHER



As an appealing lifestyle brand, voco The Bank’s partners prove that birds of a feather do flock together.



The on-site Proud Mary restaurant is the place to see and be seen–an all-day eatery and wine bar that attracts both hotel guests as well as local visitors. Kitted out in a mid-century meets modern design, the restaurant offers up a selection of small plates in addition to a larger café and bistro-style casual offering, plus a superb boutique wine cellar and artisanal cocktails.



Guests at Proud Mary will be lucky to meet Katlego Mathobela, one of only a handful of Black female sommeliers in South Africa–and Proud Mary’s first female sommelier. (Hotel General Manager, Jessica Redinger, is also leading the way when it comes to top female talent in hospitality in South Africa.)



The sexy Latin American restaurant Mamasamba is only 20 steps from voco The Bank, while the newly opened Fugazzi, a vibey Italian American restaurant, is also just steps from the hotel’s front door.



For shopping, step into We Are Egg, a type of multi-brand department store with a focus on customer experience, and of course, offering shopping with a difference. The store offers a creative and unique retail experience, with the focus on elevating small local and international brands, side by side, with its massive selection of top local and African designers.



Guests needing to get work done are well catered for thanks to the affiliate partnership with Workshop17. Workshop17 The Bank gives access to flexible co-working spaces and office solutions in the most inspirational of settings. For guests needing a tailormade MICE space, forget boring, stuffy conference centres. On the third floor of Workshop17 is a fully-flexible, ergonomic 40-seater space, with cocktail and banqueting capacity for 100 guests.



EASY ON THE PLANET



Of course, today’s hotels need to be serious about sustainability. And not just by paying lip service but proving that actions speak louder than words.



Sustainability was always at the heart of the hotel’s mission. The hotel received the prestigious Impact Award as Best New Hotel Opening Team 2022 at the annual IHG Hotel &amp; Resorts Awards for its many ‘firsts’, including:



<ul>
<li>• A solar farm on the roof that powers much of the building</li>



<li>• A heat recovery system that reuses the waste heat from the HVAC to heat water for the hotel</li>



<li>• Bedding made from 100% recycled materials (an estimated 150 plastic bottles are recycled per guest room through bedding alone)</li>



<li>• Glass water bottles (which remove an average of 300+ plastic bottles in every guest room per year)</li>



<li>• Biodegradable straws available upon request</li>



<li>• No more minis and hard-to-recycle amenities (Aveda products in the bathrooms are in large-format bottles, creating 80% less waste than miniatures)</li>



<li>• Aerated shower heads reduce water usage and lower energy consumption</li>
</ul>



Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, local or international, you’ll find voco The Bank is the address in the city–and an African hotel set for the future.



VOCO THE BANK FAST FACTS



<ul>
<li>• Within walking distance of global head offices, galleries and world-class restaurants as well as extensive and diverse shopping options at Rosebank Mall, The Zone @ Rosebank and The Firs.</li>



<li>• The Gautrain (Metro Express) station is 100 metres away. Direct trains from nearby Rosebank Station reach OR Tambo Airport (JNB) in 15 minutes so guests can easily combine their city stay with their South African safari. Enjoy complimentary golf cart transfers from the station to the hotel.</li>



<li>• 131 spacious and modern rooms.</li>



<li>• There are over 800 original pieces of art in all rooms, guest areas,</li>



<li>public areas and restaurants • Valet parking, 24/7 room service.</li>



<li>• A one-of-a-kind, well-equipped super gymnasium, available 24 hours a day–complimentary to all guests.</li>



<li>• Workshop17 The Bank offers day and night eventing with a café and working bar on the first floor, more than 60 private offices, meeting rooms and lounges.</li>
</ul>

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From Hotel To Lifestyle Brand: Redefining Work, Walk And Play

Following the release of a new study, Gabriel Swanepoel, Country Manager at Mastercard, Southern Africa, shares insights related to behaviors emerging from South Africa’s informal sector. 



Q: Mastercard and FORBES AFRICA recently released a whitepaper titled Driving Financial Inclusion In South Africa’s Informal Economy: The Landscape At The Bottom Of The Pyramid. Please tell us more about the study, and why it was conducted.



Swanepoel: South Africa has the African continent’s second-biggest economy and a large informal sector estimated at 3.3 million micro and informal businesses, which also happen to accommodate marginalized communities such as women, youth and the previously disadvantaged.



If we can understand South Africa’s informal sector better, we can serve it better, so the study was conducted to establish factors that would democratize and widen financial access and enable equitable financial inclusion. We explored behaviors and attitudes at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ where consumers and SMMEs primarily use cash when making or receiving payments.



These are also consumers who either do not use bank accounts, have bank accounts that are inactive, or have access to facilities such as credit and digital banking but choose not to make use of them. As a result, many stay marginalized and financially-excluded from the growth happening in the digital economy. We must look for more ways to incentivize consumers and micro enterprises to digitize their commercial exchanges – and eventually switch from cash – so they can be included and empowered in a formal financial ecosystem.



Q: The whitepaper revealed that South Africa’s informal economy shows signs of a movement to switch away from cash. What does this mean?



Swanepoel: We know that cash is still in mainstream use, but the research showed that 65% of consumers are likely to start paying with something other than cash in the year ahead. In essence, it means that digital payments and electronic transactions are becoming more appealing. Over the course of a year, the perceived convenience of non-cash methods has been growing in importance. Originally 48% of informal sector consumer respondents cited convenience using credit cards, a figure that grew to 60% a year later.



In terms of moving towards less cash use, respondents would be motivated towards alternatives if there was a potential of cash-back, increased safety and security, and if they received airtime or data. They also mentioned they would change to a digital alternative for extra security and if they were convinced of higher convenience, minimal costs and loyalty offers.



The flip side is true too. The perceived convenience of cash dropped from 51% to 34%. Using cash out of habit declined by 10%, and concerns related to the hidden costs of bank cards also reduced substantially.



Q: The financial behaviour of informal sector SMMEs indicates the need for simpler solutions. How will we achieve this?



Swanepoel: The need for simpler and more affordable solutions is crucial, and so is access and the ability to make use of them. One of the benefits is that simpler solutions bring efficiency – making them more desirable to the millions of underserved in our communities.



Mastercard is driving this switch through simple, affordable, easily understood fintech solutions that can displace cash and unlock wider inclusion for everyone involved in a transaction. Regardless of size, turnover, headcount, or customer segments, convenient digital solutions underpinned by secure technology level the playing field for small businesses and micro merchants, ensuring that disadvantaged communities can participate meaningfully in the economy.



Customer-centric designs are where we should focus and this should include solutions that are market-specific in a language relevant to those using it. Furthermore, consumers need to understand the value of what they’re getting. If it’s easy to explain the value, that can help drive critical mass, changed behaviour and large-scale adoption. Financial literacy initiatives and education via radio, newspapers, TV, social media, and schools remain important to get people to trust a new way of doing things and get comfortable doing it.



Q: What role is Mastercard playing in terms of providing solutions to the informal sector?



Swanepoel: Bringing consumers into the digital economy requires solving pain points, gaining trust, and growing adoption to unlock inclusion. Financial inclusion is important because it’s a key enabler to addressing extreme poverty, building financial security, and boosting shared prosperity.



As a technology company, Mastercard’s role is to provide innovative solutions that are affordable, safe, secure, and seamless. Our commitment to the underserved communities is that of providing access to digital finance through collaborations with fintech companies, telcos, and banks. Solutions like QR codes, Tap on Phone, virtual cards, and mobile wallets have all driven payments acceptance.



We also work closely with governments to provide e-government solutions, which promote quick and convenient access to information and ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.



Other partnerships include iKhokha, a fintech company that develops digital tools to help entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses gives access to digital services through solutions like Mastercard Tap on Phone which help customers move from cash transactions to digital payment solutions, which are safe and secure.



Our collaboration with Ukheshe enables people without bank accounts or smartphones to get paid in real-time through an uKheshe card, which features a Quick Response (QR) code linked to their cell phone number. To receive payments, their customers simply scan the QR code with any Masterpass-enabled app. Ukheshe also has a relationship with the Mastercard Start Path, the locally developed financial inclusion platform was selected for the award-winning start-up engagement program in 2020.



Another collaboration we are proud of is with our partners, Paymentology, a micro-transaction platform and the first cloud-native processing platform. Paymentology’s platform allows consumers to send and receive small payments or tips, using an app on their phone. The company joined the Mastercard Network Enabling Partner program, allowing fintech players to go to market faster, accelerate product innovation and optimize performance and operational efficiency.



Since Paymentology represents a global superpower in payments, our partnership is a powerful combination and showcases an ultra-advanced, multi-cloud platform, with unmatched global reach and expertize.



Q: Lastly, how does Mastercard’s financial inclusion goals aim to change communities for the better? And what role do partnerships play in accomplishing this?



Swanepoel: By providing access to financial services to those who are currently excluded, Mastercard is helping to address poverty and inequality and promote economic growth. When people have access to financial services, they are more likely to start and grow businesses, invest in education and health, and save for the future.



Digital innovation is a critical part of the journey, as new technologies are helping to transform the way people access and use financial services. Through our partnerships with fintech companies, telcos, and governments, Mastercard is helping to develop new and innovative solutions that are more affordable, accessible, and secure than traditional financial services. Partnerships also help us to scale solutions. If it doesn’t scale, it doesn’t matter because then it can’t deliver the widespread benefits needed for the excluded population.



This is why Mastercard has pledged to connect one billion people globally to the digital economy by 2025, including 50 million small businesses, with a direct focus on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. If we can succeed in this, we can ensure inclusive growth and change communities for the better.



<a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Final-Mastercard-White-Paper-2023-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Download full report here</a>



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Gabriel Swanepoel 2crop

The Potential Of Digital: Informal Sector Shows Signs Of Moving Away From Cash

Looking at the path to success of <a href="https://qchain.space/">Qchain </a>founder, Andrei Zaitev, and what, in the end, led him to something more.



Well-known in the crypto community, Zaitev, almost from the first early years of the development of the cryptocurrency market, supported the industry in all available ways.



In an interview with Zaitev, many interesting points came to light, connecting all the dots of the past and illustrating what can happen when these dots are connected.



The Path



Zaitev has accumulated vast experience in many areas of activity. Here are just a few examples:



<ul>
<li>· Investing $100,000 in ether (ETH) cryptocurrency at the initial coin offering (ICO) stage</li>



<li>· Participation in the ICO Cosmos and non-public partnership in the field of sale of ATOM tokens</li>



<li>· He took an active part in the development and investment of the ARK blockchain project</li>



<li>· Investments at an early stage in the DMarket project</li>



<li>· Portfolio manager and financial advisor to more than 5,000 private investors with a total capital growth of more than 1,000%.</li>



<li>· At the ICO stage, he invested in EOS</li>
</ul>



Zaitev was at the origins of several unicorn companies, actively developed real estate projects in the Mediterranean, and provided financial and expert support to companies / startups in the early stages of development.



The analytical team that Zaitev has built around him focuses on the most promising sectors, including TradiFi and Web3.



Separately, it is worth mentioning blockchain projects that turned to Zaitev with a request to ‘create marketing departments and organize large-scale events around the globe and form a community around products’.



Some of them are listed in the Top 100 on CoinMarketCap today.



Problems were also appearing.



“Almost everywhere, be it real estate transactions or the operation of individual decentralized applications, the team faced various factors that made it difficult or limited to launch or fully operate products. You had to be flexible like plasticine and take on challenge after challenge.



Imagine you want to run a super-fast car on the Ethereum highway that the entire community is waiting for. You have everything to create and deploy a car, but there is one caveat–the highway is not designed for such a fast speed. We approached the solution of the issue more globally and saw the root of the problem. I’m not afraid of this word, of the entire blockchain industry,” says Zaitev.



And it is present, not only in the cryptocurrency market, but also in other sectors (real estate market, payment solutions, cloud storage and 10+ others). There are also many problems and difficulties inherent in this particular area.



Origins



Considering that Zaitev faced the limitations described in the previous section from his personal experience, more and more questions appeared in his head.



Thanks to the continuous work on solutions to emerging problems, there are “sprouts of ideas”, improvements, suggestions…. a certain general idea was formed, which gradually acquired fresh ideas and solutions to problems in various spheres of our life.



Further, this idea began to appear on paper.



Then MVP was created. Today, this idea is called Qchain.



Today



“Our ideas have evolved into a full-fledged platform, we have started work on products that until now had no right to exist, but there is a place in Qchain for every bold idea.



This is how Qchain was born. This is how the Qchain blockchain is open to bold decisions,” says Zaitev.



Today, Qchain has already shown its viability.



Technical features and simplicity put it on a par with already well-known blockchain platforms, and, in many respects, Qchain is already ahead of its competitors:



· Ease of interaction with the blockchain–just install the QNode application on absolutely any device with an operating system



· 100,000 transactions per second–any online / offline business can launch its project without any restrictions



· Quick connection of a payment gateway for accepting payments for goods / services in cryptocurrency



Qchain is developing an EVM-compatible sidechain. A big B2B breakthrough is coming.



It is very interesting to watch the development of the project: the launch of new products, integration with third-party projects and teams, attracting startups using the grant system, new records for application installations, regular offline events with the participation of the CEO of the company, the launch of the ambassador program and much more.



These words from Zaitev are also worth sharing: “When the Qchain mainnet was launched, some people said: ‘No one needs your blockchain.’ When we showed our multifunctional nodes, some people said: ‘Who will use them?’



When the Qchain ecosystem began to grow with new projects, some people said: ‘No one needs your products.’



Now we have more than 90,000 installed nodes on all continents, and the number of transactions is approaching 10 million. Qchain is my ambitious project for everyone, which we want to turn into a unicorn in the cryptocurrency market. We have a plan that we are implementing and [one] which is acquiring new ideas. Explore Qchain today before it becomes a necessity tomorrow.”

real_20681c8f-1923-440f-9edf-f3d25a6872f3 (1)

Andrei Zaitev of Qchain: Expanding The Crypto Universe With A New Idea

MultiChoice Africa Holdings (“MultiChoice Africa”) has demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved profitability, solidifying its position as a leader in African entertainment.



With the release of MultiChoice Group&#8217;s (MCG) FY2023 financial results, MultiChoice Africa proudly announces its return to profitability, marking a significant milestone in the company&#8217;s journey.



Despite challenging market conditions, MultiChoice Africa&#8217;s unwavering dedication to telling African stories and its ongoing investment in local content has been a driving force behind its success in a highly competitive sector. It has demonstrated its commitment to growing, amplifying and multiplying Africa through the power of entertainment, the power of its stakeholders and the power of its people, evident through this promising set of results.



&#8220;Our industry has faced numerous challenges in recent times,&#8221; says Fhulufhelo Badugela, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Africa.



&#8220;However, we have risen above these challenges, leveraging our strengths to overcome them, and that is something we take great pride in.&#8221;



Over the past financial year, MultiChoice&#8217;s Rest of Africa business not only returned to profitability but also expanded its consumer services ecosystem. With the FIFA World Cup and popular local content such as Big Brother Naija, the Rest of Africa business witnessed substantial growth, adding 1.4 million 90-day active subscribers and reaching over 14 million households across the continent.



Driven by its commitment to local storytelling, the broader MultiChoice Group invested in local content, empowering African talent and fostering a thriving creative industry. In its financial year 2023, local content accounted for 50% of the Group’s total general entertainment spend, surpassing this target one year earlier than expected. The group&#8217;s local content library now boasts over 76,000 hours, with local content production delivering a 9% year-on-year increase to 6,587 hours.



Despite liquidity challenges in Nigeria, MultiChoice Africa successfully repatriated cash throughout the year. The company also launched five additional local channels across the continent, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana, while popular shows continued to achieve record viewership across various platforms.



As Africa&#8217;s unrivalled champion in sports entertainment, MultiChoice Africa delivered the best action from across the globe to its fans through SuperSport. The company&#8217;s highlights included the live broadcast of all 64 FIFA World Cup matches, accompanied by local language commentary in 11 languages across eight markets.



Furthermore, the MultiChoice Group has partnered with Comcast&#8217;s NBC Universal and Sky to drive Showmax&#8217;s market leadership in streaming on the continent. This partnership will ensure customers have access to a more diverse range of local and international content, supported by Peacock&#8217;s world-class, scalable platform.



In May MultiChoice announced a joint venture called Moment, which will be offering expanded payment infrastructure across Africa. Moment aims to transform the African payments landscape by making digital payments more accessible and reliable for domestic, cross-border and global payments.



&#8220;With the investments made over the past year, we are on track to transform from a traditional pay-TV platform to a broader ecosystem underpinned by technology.&#8221;



By continuing to invest in African stories, MultiChoice Africa is committed to cementing its position as a platform for local storytellers, celebrating and sharing the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of the continent with the world.



&#8220;As we navigate this ever-evolving industry, we stand strong, ready to deliver compelling African content that captures the hearts and minds of audiences across the continent,&#8221; concludes Badugela. &#8220;We are excited about our prospects and remain dedicated to making significant strides toward a profitable future as Africa&#8217;s most loved storyteller.&#8221;

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Returning to Profitability and Affirming Commitment to African Entertainment

The new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the mobile phone world. It is one of the best premium smartphones money can buy. Capable, durable and reliable, the phone has redefined the standard of what smartphone innovation should offer.



You take your work or business seriously, so does the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and its brainpower comes in the form of its newly designed central processing unit (CPU) micro architecture that boosts its processing abilities by about 30%.i. You’ll stay in action for longer and not miss an important email, call or message as the Galaxy S23 Ultra takes you even further thanks to its efficient and long-lasting 5000mAh battery ii that powers it, long after your work is done.



Samsung’s One UI 5.1 makes the user experience more welcoming and seamless with bolder, simpler app icons and a streamlined colour scheme. With One UI 5.1’s Modes and Routines, you can create customized settings for different parts of your life from driving to and from work, having meetings, sleeping to exercising (For example, while you’re in a meeting, your priority might be to mute notifications in order to stay focused and the phone would do that).


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58572" width="590" height="443" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001_product_galaxy_s23ultra_green.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px" /></figure></div>


Between your office and downtime, the Galaxy S23 Ultra will keep your eyes engaged with its incredible graphics. Switching from your presentation to playing a game will hold the same visual appeal because one of the most significant improvements to the S23 is the optimized graphics processing unit (GPU).



With a powerful 200-megapixel camera, you can capture stunning photos even in low light conditions, as Samsung Galaxy’s highly efficient neutral processing unit (NPU) architecture has been optimized by 49% to balance performance and power while using an AI algorithm to help users take epic photos and videos.



The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s embedded S Pen turns moving between different applications into a breeze. It now supports more apps than ever as it helps you and your phone unlock new ways of being productive. The S Pen enhances your phone’s functionality by bringing efficiency and productivity into tasks such as notetaking. You can sign documents, or conveniently jot down important thoughts or ideas whenever inspiration strikes.



What’s more? Samsung and Google have made it possible and easier for people to have shared mobile experiences as you can use the S Pen to make edits or drag and drop images for others as you collaborate with your colleagues via Samsung Notes. With the new live-sharing feature, you can have participants directly edit documents using the S Pen. With these features and more, convenience is truly the name of the game with the S Pen, and you never have to worry about losing it because your phone will send a notification if it is moved when S Pen is not inserted.



The Link to Windows feature allows you to connect your phone and computer to easily transfer photos, manage notifications, respond to incoming calls, and send messages. Take multi-tasking to another level with Samsung DeX Mode that allows your phone to cast a PC-like experience to the big screen with the same apps you use on your phone every day.



Like all Galaxy devices, the Galaxy S23 series is protected by Knox, Samsung’s defence-grade security platform that helps protect the device at all times with hardware-based security that mitigates threats and vulnerabilities throughout its lifecycle.



Buy any Galaxy S23 Series on a mobile contract plan, add the Galaxy Watch5 (from just R29/$1 per month), or Watch5 Pro (from R149/$8 per month) and get free Galaxy Buds2 Pro valued at R3999iii/$206 Alternatively, you can buy any Galaxy S23 Series on a cash purchase in store and get free Galaxy Buds2 Pro valued at R3999iv/ $206.



Save more and get up to R10 000 ($515) when you trade in. Purchase the Galaxy S23 today. Valid till 30 June 2023v.

018_family_galaxy_s23ultra_green_s23plus_lavender_s23_cream

The Upgraded Power And Performance Of The Galaxy S23 Ultra

In the African context, masculinity has often centred around the man as a dominant leader allowed (and sometimes expected) to be oppressive. It is one of the foundations of gender inequality, and one that is being challenged by the growing push for <a href="https://www.crowthercentre.org.au/resources/positive-masculinity-in-boys-and-young-men/#:~:text=Positive%20masculinity%20(%2BM)%20defined,individually%20and%20for%20the%20community.">positive masculinity</a>.



Positive masculinity accentuates noble aspects of masculinity such as courage and <a href="https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA131234254&amp;sid=googleScholar&amp;v=2.1&amp;it=r&amp;linkaccess=abs&amp;issn=15376680&amp;p=AONE&amp;sw=w&amp;userGroupName=anon%7Eae833cac">generative fathering</a>, a parenting style that encourages fathers to respond more proactively and consistently to their children’s developmental needs. It advocates for men not to be measured by the yardstick of how ”tough” we can be, instead calling for us to use our abilities to promote healthy behaviours and communities.



This is an important and timely shift in mindset, and especially so in the context of health.



For generations, the misplaced notions of what it means to be a man have entrenched harmful gender norms that have in turn influenced how healthcare is designed and delivered. For example, the misconception that reproductive health is the woman’s burden means that majority of African men have no understanding of women’s reproductive health needs. Because topics such as menstruation, contraception, childbirth, and menopause are considered women’s issues, men are absolved of the responsibility of promoting the health and wellbeing of girls and women and yet ironically, are allowed to lead decision-making on matters related to women’s reproductive autonomy.



However, by embracing positive masculinity, we can amplify our roles as leaders and protectors and use these qualities for good.



It starts at a young age. During initiation ceremonies for boys, which primarily involve circumcision and passing down of traditions, we can teach adolescent boys that masculinity is more than physical strength and dominance. We can teach them that masculinity is also about protecting their health and wellbeing and that of their families, understanding everything from nutrition to sexual and reproductive health.



It is at this stage that we can begin to shape young men into allies who believe in the equality of women; men who understand that women’s health is just as important as their own and must be safeguarded. This is especially critical in the African setup, where men are predominantly absent from discussions on women’s and children’s health.



Elderly women also play an important role in decisions about girls’ health, and we must consider their contribution to shaping gender norms. Mothers may unintentionally expect their female children to be submissive to their male siblings for example. We must empower caregivers across all genders to model healthy masculinities for boys, and work with them to build more equal communities.



We need to look at how we communicate these messages to educate both men and women. Amref Health Africa in <a href="https://amref.org/ethiopia/rmnaych/">Ethiopia</a> for example is working with partners to address health inequalities for the improvement of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent and youth health (RMNCAYH).



In a bid to equally distribute the responsibility for reproductive health between women and men,&nbsp;the programme&nbsp;takes a community approach to increase health-seeking actions using targeted social behaviour change communication strategies.&nbsp;Through these strategies, we are seeking to transform the attitudes of communities and empower men to be allies in support of improving women’s and girls’ access to quality reproductive healthcare. The programme has so far reached more than 1.4 million people, including over 300,000 who have been educated on family planning.



In West Africa, Pathfinder’s <a href="https://www.pathfinder.org/projects/amplify-family-planning/">AmplifyPF project</a> is working with youth in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo to address unhealthy gender norms that hinder their sexual and reproductive health. The project uses a peer-education approach where teams of young champions (male and female) are trained to provide information on and referrals for sexual and reproductive health care in their communities. The initiative has so far reached approximately 824,000 young people, creating a culture of mutual trust where young people view the champions as relatable and reliable health agents, and champions view their peers as the real decisionmakers when it comes to their own bodies.



The success of these programmes however is dependent on our ability to deliver technical assistance and mentorship support to health workers and community partners to develop capacity within health systems and make them more responsive to the needs of the communities they operate in.



Through enhanced collaboration, we can scale up our engagements with governments, community leaders, youth, women, and other stakeholders to address sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and dangerous traditional practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) across Africa.



This was an important theme at the recently held <a href="http://www.ahaic.org">Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC)</a>, where bold and honest conversations on the role of men as allies in safeguarding women’s health were held.



By scrutinising and addressing the social, economic, and cultural barriers driving the suppression of women’s health rights, we hope to not only deliver quality care and encourage men to be active participants in the health of their families, but also change behaviours typically associated with the harmful notions of masculinity that have been taught for generations – many of which pose risks to women’s health and have resulted in violence and abuse of women and girls.



It is not only women who will benefit. Men and boys will also benefit from more inclusive and equitable communities where they are given the freedom to be more nurturing and live outside the restrictions of traditional male roles.&nbsp;



If we are to improve Africa’s health outcomes, African men must begin by embracing positive masculinity and recognising that women’s health is very closely linked to the health of our communities, therefore we have a duty to safeguard it.



 By Sintayehu Abebe, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent and Youth Health and Nutrition (RMNCAYH-N) Program Head, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia; Dr. Aguima Frank Tankoano, Chief of Party, USAID AmplifyPF Project, Pathfinder

Tankoano Aguima Frank – Portrait 2022 (1)

Reconsidering Notions of Masculinity in Africa to Improve Women’s Health

Discover the beauty in this franchise opportunity.



This strong and consistent beauty brand, built up over 14 years is finally offering franchise opportunities. The brands’ track record speaks for itself, as the founders and branches have won business and beauty awards, including multiple Professional Beauty Awards, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Awards and EOHBC Best Business Award. The secret to The Laser Beautiques’ success? It’s a recipe that includes their obsessive customer service, results-driven treatments, laser-focused training academy, culture-driven business style, and a kickass marketing team that makes brand loyalty look easy.



UNDER THE WING OF A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR



Most South Africans are familiar with serial entrepreneur Ian Fuhr. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you will undoubtedly have heard of the franchise he founded, Sorbet, South Africa’s largest beauty chain. After franchising and scaling the business to over 200 stores, Fuhr sold Sorbet to Long4Life in 2017.



So what’s the connection between Fuhr and The Laser Beautique? Power couple Tzvia and Neil Hermann, founders of The Laser Beautique are working hand in hand with Fuhr. Fuhr is supporting and guiding The Laser Beautique to scale the model and make its mark on the hair removal and skincare industry. This new-age hair removal and skincare franchise is dedicated to ensuring their clients live smoothly ever after. Smooth is their game. They specialize in skin, permanent painless hair removal, and they know the industry like nobody’s business.



THE BACKSTORY



The Beautique Group was founded in 2009, with the very first laser clinic in a shopping centre environment. The first Laser Beautique launched with Africa’s first pain-free, permanent, laser hair removal that is safe for all skin types. Traditional laser technology was not safe for darker skin types.



As demand for laser treatments increased, demand for laser training increased and an even greater demand for high-tech lasers grew, hence Beautique Academy and Beautique Brands were founded. The Beautique Group has been the first to market with a plethora of ground-breaking tech.



To name a few:



1. Apilus, the first speedy and comfortable tech that permanently removes light, blond, red, grey, and white hair. Laser hair removal is only effective when treating pigment in the hair. Thanks to the Beautique group, South Africans can now say goodbye to all unwanted hair.



2. CooLifting, the first tech that combines hyaluronic acid and high-pressure C02 to hydrate and plump out fine lines and wrinkles non-surgically, no need for needles or fillers. It’s completely painless and a fraction of the price of an injectable and other similar treatments.



3. Beautique Academy was South Africa’s very first hybrid online and in-person aesthetic academy to offer postgraduate beauty therapists, aesthetic and laser training.



2019 saw The Laser Beautique launch their very own brand of laser technology for painfree, hair removal called BeauLase, and the first quarter of 2023 saw the group launch their very own skincare brand, TLB Scientific Skincare. This skincare brand can prove with a skin scan, that it strengthens one’s skin barrier as well as improves collagen production in the skin. This essentially slows down the signs of aging.



QUICK FACTS



• Open a franchise from as little as R800k



• The Laser Beautique franchise model is owner managed



• The Beautique can build to over 1 million rand ($54,435) in revenue annually



• We typically see a return on investment in one-two years



• Franchise can be up and running in 90 days • We already have 11 successful branches



• 3-6 week client cycle



WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW



This is strictly an owner managed franchise opportunity available for entrepreneurs, beauticians or somatologists. It’s also a great option for existing salons or clinics who struggle due to lack of support.



Franchisees can expect to join a tribe of inclusive, talented, and dedicated women (mostly) who have formed a support network of note! They perform what they like to call “modern day magic”. There’s always support when needed, a mentor to help guide, and a friend to celebrate successes.

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A Beauty Brand With A Smooth Reputation

The Inclusive FinTech Forum is the global platform on Financial Inclusion and FinTech for good with a focus on emerging markets.



This year’s inaugural event will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 20 to 22 June and will gather around 2,000 delegates including Heads of State, Governors, Ministers, Founders, Investors, and the Youth over 3-days to align on the implementation, policies, and partnerships that will harness to accelerate banking in emerging markets.



The event is a unique collaboration between Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Rwanda’s financial centre facilitating international investment and cross-board transactions in Africa, and Elevandi, a company set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to advance FinTech in the digital economy.



The platform aims to foster implementation strategies for the inclusive and sustainable development of FinTech through deep-dive roundtables and workshops and showcasing best-in-class inclusive FinTech projects.



Read the Full Agenda of the Inclusive FinTech Forum <a href="https://www.inclusivefintechforum.com/programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>: 



The focus for the Inclusive FinTech Forum will be to align, progress and drive scale in the following areas:



· DIGITAL PAYMENTS &#8211; How to implement affordable and scalable interoperable payment Infrastructure as a digital public good.



· DIGITAL LENDING &#8211; How to scale and sustain affordable digital lending products for low and middle-income segments.



· MICRO-WEALTH MANAGEMENT &#8211; How to design micro-wealth and investment products and services for low and middle-income earners.



· INSURANCE &amp; PENSIONS &#8211; How to develop and deploy micro-insurance and pension products for low and middle-income earners.



· CAPITAL MARKETS INFRASTRUCTURE &#8211; How to develop capital markets infrastructure for emerging markets to accelerate financial inclusion.



· ESG FINANCING &#8211; How to invest in and develop ESG-based financial products for all income segments.



Guest of Honour:



H.E Paul Kagame, The President of the Republic of Rwanda



Featured Speakers



· Tidjane Thiam, Board Chairman, Rwanda Finance Limited



· Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)



· John Rwangombwa, Central Bank Governor, Rwanda



· Dr. Segun Aina, President, Africa Fintech Network



· Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs



· Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner &amp; CEO, Funds for Africa&#8217;s Future (Future Africa)



· Dr. Kingsley Obiora, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria

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All For Inclusive And Sustainable FinTech In Africa

AN IMPROBABLE ROUTE TO ESTABLISHING A SKINCARE EMPIRE



Great things do start in unlikely places. Unknown to Faria Ichola at the time, the foundations for Belle Nubian were being laid as far back as 2009. Then, she worked as an Executive Assistant and Household Manager for an American A-list celebrity.



“It was an intense experience but one of the valuable takeaways of having such people as your coach and mentor is an in- credible work ethic. My time with her also gave me an inroad to learning about the skincare regimen of celebrities.” By 2016, years after her adventure with the icon began, Ichola would become the founder of a beauty firm. Now, she looks back with fondness at her business adventure.



“I am elated that Belle Nubian is where it is today, after years of sheer determination and hard work. When people look at successful businesses, it is easy to overlook the effort and sacrifices while focusing only on the achievements. However, being in business also involves facing battles and overcoming them.”



Trials and adversity are opportunities to innovate and build resilience. For Ichola, those were key ingredients that helped her build a thriving business. This year, she is concluding preparations to launch our third store in Paris. If owning just one is laudable; having three is an undeniable testament of Belle Nubian’s exceptional growth as a brand.



ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE WITH AN AFRO-CENTRIC SKINCARE PROPOSITION



Ichola saw a gap and stepped in.



Most companies before hers focused on generic products that barely met the specific needs of African skin.



In the process of finding a solution to her skincare issues, she found a formula that proved effective in addressing her concerns–glutathione.



“When I found out that this ingredient was relatively non-existent in the beauty market, I created a dual-glutathione and vitamin C product and began selling.”



That pioneer product sold out and with consistent demand came scale. As her brand grew and began introducing newer products, Ichola had to establish a distribution network across Africa. Now, Belle Nubian is one of the biggest skincare brands solely owned by a black person, generating over €9million (approximately $9.9 million) in sales annually.



Beyond hard work, Ichola attributes her business’ growth to knowing her clientele. A hands-on Founder/CEO, she employs an open-door policy, not just with her employees but also with her customers. This way, she gets to feel their pulse and respond to their needs on a much deeper level than most companies her size.



BEYOND BEAUTY: FROM SKINCARE TO EMPOWERMENT In addition to building a luxury skincare brand present on three continents, Ichola’s company is also a vehicle for empowering African women.



“It is wonderful to see how we have evolved from a brand focused on helping African women embrace healthy skin to one that also creates economic opportunities for them. Beyond beauty, they are also financially independent and happier. That freedom from not being dependent on badly-behaved men is beautiful to see.”



CHARTING NEW FRONTIERS



Getting into a hard-to-crack industry and prospering is no easy feat. However, when you have done it successfully for seven years, you are bound to explore ways to impact more lives. New horizons in haircare, baby care, and more have come calling.



For anyone, those should be daunting challenges, but this is Faria Ichola. When you have established a force to reckon with in luxury skincare, new frontiers are not overwhelming prospects. On the contrary, they are exciting opportunities to further leave Belle Nubian’s mark on the African skincare industry.

Category: Brand Voice