In August 2024, the United States (U.S.) hiked tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to 100% while the European Union (E.U.) increased tariffs by up to 45.3% in October 2024. The EU’s tariffs differ by manufacturer between 7.8% to 35.3%, over its standard 10% import duty.



Futurist and business strategist Dr Craig Wing tells FORBES AFRICA that the decision by the U.S. and E.U. to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs is a complex issue with far-reaching implications, driven by protectionist policies and the desire to protect domestic markets from competition from Chinese EV manufacturers.



“While this may seem like a simple strategy to protect local economies, this move also creates new pathways and opportunities, and has several important implications for emerging markets like those in Africa,” says Wing.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="731" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied-731x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64344" style="width:545px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied-731x1024.png 731w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied-214x300.png 214w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied-768x1075.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied-1097x1536.png 1097w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dr-Craig-Wing-Image-Supplied.png 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Craig Wing; Image Supplied</figcaption></figure></div>


A new legislation in South Africa that introduces a 150% tax incentive for the production of electric and hydrogen vehicles was signed into law on January 3 2025.



The 150% tax deduction, effective March 2026, is for qualifying investments capped at R500 million ($26.6 million) for the 2026/27 tax year.



In the same month, Mikel Mabasa, CEO of Naamsa, the Automotive Business Council, said in an interview that at least three Chinese EVs have signed NDAs with them, adding, “With good government policies, we will attract new investment, we will increase and retain investment.”



Wing says this shift is critical: “It represents an opportunity to diversify the availability of EV models in South Africa, which will undoubtedly drive down the prices and make EVs more accessible, but also create a new ecosystem of jobs in both the automotive and associated industries.



“There is also a real risk of creating a dependency on a single source market for technology (China), and this should be balanced by fostering local innovation and skills development within the local workforce, and by focusing on building strong trade relationships with various other global players.”



South Africa’s EV landscape in 2025 and beyond will be shaped by multiple factors, not just technology, but social, cultural, ethical and political factors, says Wing.



It’s important to address the influence of Elon Musk, who is South African-born and the CEO of Tesla, as his political views in the U.S. are well documented, and can shape public perceptions of EVs, he says.



“It is extremely likely he will be acting as a key advisor on technology and business and should be closely watched, as it has the potential to further shape U.S. trade policy, and also the future of the EV market in Africa, as well as other emerging economies.”



“It is a clear reality that what happens in the U.S. has a ripple effect on the rest of the world, and so the role of Elon Musk cannot be ignored,” concludes Wing.

101st Brussels Motor Show 2025

‘Opportunity To Diversify’: A Futurist On The Implications Of The U.S.’s Tariffs On Chinese EVs In Emerging Markets Such As South Africa

Our tech writer got to experience the new electric Mini Cooper SE that’s coming your way.



The highly-anticipated next-generation electric Mini Cooper SE arrived in South Africa six months later than originally planned, and quietly went on sale without a national media launch.



As it stands, Mini will produce both internal combustion engine (ICE) models and three EVs: the Cooper, Countryman and Aceman.



I’ve been driving the Cooper SE for an extended period since November. The base model comes in at R802,000 ($42,350), however my press unit has been kitted out with extras to the value of R924,500 ($48,827).



It is powered by a 160kW motor with 330Nm of torque, equipped with a 49.2kWh nett battery that promises 400km of range (WLTP figures), and has a 95kW maximum DC charging speed. It goes from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds while top speed is capped at 170km/h.



The look of new SE is pared down, juxtaposed by modern LED head- and tail-lights that are customizable.



Despite a retro exterior, modern finishes include 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround cameras; a 9.4-inch round OLED screen that supports apps and games through Mini Operating System 9; a digital voice assistant called Spike; and augmented reality navigation.



Previous models supported Digital Key with NFC, but the new SE has Digital Key Plus ultrawide-band (UWB) support, so I use my compatible iPhone and Apple Watch as fully functional keys; i.e. I don’t carry the physical key anymore.



It also has the Connected Package for navigation with additional info, games and video streaming when the vehicle is stationary, wireless charging, eSIM, etc; and Driving Assistant Plus for maintaining speed, keeping a distance from vehicles ahead, detecting road signs, etc.



The Mini app offers additional functionality that is convenient for the owner, like basic vehicle info, remote 3D view, trip statistics, monitoring charge status, efficiency stats, finding charging stations and more.



The ability to monitor my charge remotely has helped me several times where I could see the vehicle prematurely stopped charging.



While getting from 10%-80% takes about half an hour, its 95kW charging speed cap slows things down between 80%-100%, however the app estimate tends to be accurate, which helps with planning.



As a freelance writer working from home, the ~337km range I yield on a full charge is suited to my lifestyle. I don’t do long distance driving and can easily toggle between driving modes.



Based on access to mall and dealership chargers within my vicinity, it is the ideal runaround city EV. I find it a comfortable, pleasant drive.



I find it a premium overall experience when compared to the GWM Ora, which shares the same platform as the SE as it is currently exclusively built in the same factory in China by Great Wall Motor.



Incidentally, the launch of the Cooper and Aceman models in the United States have been pushed out indefinitely due to high tariffs on Chinese imports.



Mini says production of the two models will begin in Oxford, England in 2026.

OLED screen

A Mini Look At The Electric Ambitions On Course In South Africa

Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is proving to be a magnet for travelers every year during the festive period known as ‘Detty December’, with new data revealing how the city’s annual celebration contributed to the country’s economy.



Independent research by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited shows that between November 19 and December 26 last year, Lagos&#8217; Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) handled around 550,000 inbound passengers. Nearly 90% of these arrivals were Nigerians living abroad, flying in primarily for leisure and tourism.



Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, says his team surveyed hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs to compile the data.



The top five countries of origin were the United States, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with most visitors heading to Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun states in Nigeria. Lagos alone attracted an estimated 1.2 million tourists. Of those, 60% were domestic travelers, driven by insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.



The influx of visitors brought a surge in hotel bookings and short-let apartment rentals. December hotel revenue in Lagos hit N54 billion ($36 million) from 15,000 bookings.



Short-term apartment rentals contributed another N21 billion ($13 million), with nearly 6,000 bookings made at an average nightly rate of N120,000 ($74.7).



Lagos’ nightlife was a major winner, with the top 15 lounges and nightclubs generating N4.32 billion ($2.7 million). On average, clubs raked in N360 million ($224,000) per day, with some tables fetching as much as N1.2 million per night ($746.7).



Beaches and resorts accounted for 70% of the N4.5 billion ($2.8 million) generated from recreational activities.



Lagos&#8217; event centers hosted 1,175 bookings, earning a combined N1.2 billion ($804,000).



Luxury car rentals also saw a boom, with N1.5 billion ($937,500) spent on 750 bookings. Daily rates ranged from N200,000 ($124.4) to N2 million ($1,244) for high-end vehicles.



Omosebi notes that Lagos’ hospitality sector is increasingly reliant on cryptocurrency platforms.



&#8220;Eighty five percent of conversion to Naira and payments were done through this exchange platform. A number of bookings were done through agents rather than through booking platforms, which speaks to trust concerns and the power-play of agents in the industry,” Omosebi says to FORBES AFRICA.



He adds that &#8216;Detty December&#8217; could bring in up to $2 billion in foreign exchange by 2026, provided the government addresses infrastructure, security, and supply chain challenges.



“The industry is evolving and we would start seeing niche focused hospitality and tourism experiences&#8230; There’s massive opportunity in bespoke event centers for concerts and shows,” Omosebi says.

Lagos in Nigeria

‘Massive Opportunity’: How Hotels, Nightclubs, Restaurants And Luxury Car Rentals Drove Lagos’ $75 Million Tourism Boom In December

Historical manuscripts and closely-guarded treasures of the VATICAN APOSTOLIC LIBRARY are now accessible through digitization and blockchain, ensuring their preservation.



There has always been a lot of mystery surrounding the Vatican Secret Archives. Secured in a two-story underground vault beneath the Cortile della Pigna, this incredible collection of documents, renamed the Vatican Apostolic Archive, spans 12 centuries. From ancient manuscripts to letters between popes and kings, records from the Roman Inquisition, and a list of banned books (known as the Index Librorum Prohibitorum), it’s an archive filled with secrets that only a select few are privileged to access. And although there have been many books, films and theories about what lies within its vaults, the true extent of its mysteries remains locked away.



The same could once be said about the Vatican Apostolic Library. Founded in 1475, the library houses one of the world’s richest collections of manuscripts, printed books, coins and medals. It was only accessible to high-ranking clergy and elite scholars, its content closely guarded until the 19th century.



All of these fragile documents required preservation and specialized, climate-controlled rooms were introduced. It’s only within the past decade that the Vatican Apostolic Library has focused on digitizing its vast collection, making 27,500 manuscripts in it accessible worldwide on platforms like DigiVatLib.



Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, NTT Data created a digital archiving solution called AMLAD (Advanced Museum Library Archives Deposit). AMLAD wasn’t created for the Vatican Apostolic Library but this mammoth collection, often referred to as historical heritage of humankind, made it the perfect project to showcase the platform’s capabilities. Even when well-preserved, ancient documents are at risk of deterioration, digitization provides a way to maintain and preserve these collections, which is why NTT DATA developed a tool for archiving both 2D and 3D data. 



“It’s one of the challenges that cultural institutions hold right now,” explains Kyohei Jinno, Deputy Manager of NTT Data Japan Corporation. NTT Data has been working with the Vatican Apostolic Library for a decade. Their cloud-based digital storage system now includes over 27,500 manuscripts which are available online to users worldwide, complete and free of charge with high-definition images. 



The next step for the Vatican Apostolic Library and NTT Data is Web3 – NFT technologies.



“We believe the concept of Web3 with its characteristics like decentralization, permissionless, native payments may enable a new community,” says Jinno. “The reliability of digital data becomes a challenge during digital data archiving and this can be mitigated by ensuring traceability through the recording and referencing of the digital data’s provenance information and immutability information.”



In other words, blockchain technology.



NTT have already used this technology to successfully build a digital archive system for the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) project. “Web3, as an open information system platform, isn’t tied to specific service providers, allowing everyone to participate. In this proof of concept, we issue NFTs as proof of contribution and use them as authentication keys,” adds Jinno. This novel approach gives users access to high- resolution images and detailed information about selected cultural heritage items. “Instead of providing original artwork, we are exploring options such as special experiences or abstracted content,” says Jinno.



The idea is that by using NFTs, they will not only encourage greater engagement with the library’s collections, they’ll be able to demonstrate blockchain’s potential for preserving and sharing heritage.



Jinno explains that a Web3-based digital archiving approach provides a way to safeguard these cultural assets by creating reliable digital versions that can be restored if the original materials are damaged or destroyed.



“The main purpose of preservation is to restore data,” he adds. “But at the same time, we’re showing people through a project like the Vatican Library how the blockchain works and how it can be used to protect original content.”

Christmas Celebrations In The Vatican

Where Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Technology: Why The Vatican Library Is Embracing Web3

What comes first: the chicken or the egg? ARTURO ELIZONDO’S biotech is reinventing protein, reshaping global diet and future-proofing the food industry. read on about the world’s first liquid egg made without hens.



Protein water, protein ice cream, protein pasta, protein cookies and protein cereal.



These are just a few of the interesting products on-shelf for anyone looking to increase their daily protein intake. With analysts forecasting that the global protein ingredients’ market will reach $47.4 billion by 2032, there’s no doubt that this macronutrient is having a moment. We have become protein-obsessed but it’s not all about meat. 



Plant-based options are coming into their own as biotech companies create innovative ingredients that mimic animal meat characteristics while meeting consumer protein needs. A great example is heme, the molecule that gives meat its characteristic color and flavor. Heme is also found in plants and microorganisms so through fermentation or genetic engineering, it can be produced from plant or microbial sources. When heme is added to plant-based meat, it becomes eerily similar to the real thing. It’s an incredibly complex process that’s hard to scale, which is why Arturo Elizondo, the co-founder and CEO of The EVERY Company, started with an egg.



One of the biggest obstacles with bio-based products is the ‘valley of death’. Many innovative products die before they hit the market. “It’s one of the challenges with alternative proteins,” explains Elizondo. “So, our big focus, from the beginning, was choosing a technology that could scale; that had already scaled globally.” This is one of the reasons Elizondo chose fermentation for The EVERY Company – he could plug into existing, large-scale fermentation facilities without spending millions of dollars.



“Brewers use yeast to convert sugar into alcohol; we can use yeast to convert sugar into protein,” he says.



Protein is a megatrend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Elizondo says that even though it’s a big part of diet culture – both the keto and the caveman eating plans focus heavily on protein – there are benefits beyond satiety. “It’s the only macromolecule that hasn’t been demonized,” he says. “There are four macromolecules – protein, fats, carbohydrates and alcohol. Fats, carbs and alcohol are all controversial, but protein has maintained its halo.” There’s also the fact that globally, diets are dominated largely by animal proteins which, when farmed industrially, have a significant impact on the environment. “We have to start evolving the way we product protein because the demand isn’t going away,” he adds. As an alternative to the factory farming model, Elizondo believes we can use technology to produce protein in a healthier and more sustainable way. It’s not only about making products that look and taste similar to something else, he says that technology, in the long run, can create better food (and food systems) designed for humans.



One of the proteins Elizondo’s company is relooking is the egg. Although egg consumption in Africa is beyond the global average, it’s estimated that around 1.6 trillion eggs enter the market every year. “And it’s not suddenly going to stop. We’re not all going to start eating lentils and tofu,” he laughs. What makes The EVERY Company a little different is that it is an ingredients company. They’re not simply producing a consumer facing substitute for eggs (although they do have a few), they’re working with major industry players to integrate EVERY Company’s alternative protein ingredient into existing products and supply chains. 



“The unsexy thing about food is the supply chain. When the Covid pandemic happened and countries shut down their borders, it was a big wake-up call for the companies who import their animal protein,” says Elizondo. Another challenge is avian influenza, also known as bird flu. The poultry industry suffers, the price of eggs goes up and the manufacturers that use eggs are forced to adjust production schedules or reformulate recipes to cope with shortages. 



“How do we build a more resilient food system that can withstand the pressures of pandemics, climate change and zoonotic diseases? It’s a very fragile system,” he says. 



At the same time, many big food companies have ESG targets to cut carbon emissions and keep their supply chains steady. This usually means more consistent sourcing, avoiding rushed shipping and relying less on resource-heavy practices (like industrial egg farming which produces high levels of waste and emissions). “This is why we exist and how we can make impact at scale. We can support the entire industry and not be seen as adversarial. We’re building a better food system,” he says. For Elizondo, this is the future of food. In addition to working with major food producers on the ingredients side, The EVERY Company will be entering the mass market in 2025 with the EVERY Egg, the world’s first liquid egg made without hens. It’s not an elitist product that only expensive grocery stores will carry but rather an item everyone can find, afford and most importantly, eat.



Functionality first



As an industry, plant-based protein companies face a lot of challenges. In France, the words ‘steak’, ‘bacon’, and ‘sausage’ have been outlawed for meat alternatives. In South Africa, the High Court overturned an attempt by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to impose similar restrictions. The issue took two years to resolve, and certain products were removed in the interim from retail shelves.



“This is why it’s so important to partner with the incumbents and work with them, not against them. There’s this huge gap in ingredients that no one talks about and that’s where our focus lies. It’s not about taste, it’s about functionality,” says Elizondo. “If you look at ingredient labels, it’s almost impossible to avoid eggs, they’re everywhere because they’re functional. They foam, bind and gel in ways that nothing else can.”



Eggs may seem like an impossible ingredient to replace but that’s where the biggest opportunity for The EVERY Company lies. In some ways, Elizondo compares the path he’s following to insulin. In 1922, insulin came from the pancreatic tissue of cows (and later pigs). It was produced at scale by Eli Lily to treat diabetes but still came from animals. But then, in 1978, the first genetically engineered, synthetic ‘human’ insulin was produced using E. coli bacteria. “This company found a way to make insulin through protein fermentation technology and within 15 years, it dominated the market. And now, 99% of insulin in the world is made using the same technology,” says Elizondo. Protein fermentation technology moved to the cheese industry and replaced animal rennet with bio-identical chymosin, an enzyme essential for curdling milk. It’s a technique also used to create vitamins and to extend the freshness of baked goods by synthesizing enzymes that improve texture and shelf life. Protein is more than a megatrend, “it’s the best-kept secret in the food industry,” exclaims Elizondo. “And if we can make these ingredients a little bit better, a little bit safer, a little bit more sustainable, that’s worth fighting for.”

Arturo Elizondo in The EVERY kitchen; Image supplied

The Future Of Food: Hatching A Protein Revolution

A tumbler that reminds you to drink water and an 18k-gold ring that helps make your payments. Whatever’s next?



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="972" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes-1024x972.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64055 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes-1024x972.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes-300x285.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes-768x729.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes-1536x1458.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Apple-Watch-Hermes.png 1852w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Apple Watch Hermès



The Apple Watch Hermès Series 10 comes in the signature Hermès orange box, available at Apple or Hermès. The new model supports sleep apnea and wrist temperature, a 6m-depth gauge, on-device Siri, precision inding for Find My and fast charging. Unique Her- mès touches include a silver titanium finish, logo on the back, two watch straps including a leather Hermès one that can be single or double tour, and exclusive watch faces.



Price: from $1,249.
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<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition



Amazon has released its first-ever color screen Kindle called the Kindle Colorsot Signature Edition. It promises eight weeks of battery life, improved speed and contrast, supports pinch to zoom and increased display sizes. The seven-inch display is optimized for reading without glare, suited for travel guides, cookbooks, comics, or graphic novels. Highlighting can be done in yellow, orange, pink or blue, plus searching by color. It is waterproof, features USB-C and wireless charging.



Price: $279.99
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="993" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft-1024x993.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64054 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft-1024x993.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft-300x291.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft-768x745.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft-1536x1490.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft.png 1670w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="760" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14-1024x760.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64056 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14-1024x760.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14-300x223.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14-768x570.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14-1536x1140.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Asus-Zenbook-S14.png 1886w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
ASUS ZenBook S14



The ASUS Zenbook S14 Copilot+ PC is a premium Windows 11 laptop from ASUS that features an all-metal 1.1cm thin body that is 1.2kg light. The new Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset and AI Boost powers its AI features like productivity assistance, text and image creation, faster photo and video edits, and built-in security, while its vapor chamber keeps it cool. It has a 3K display, 72Wh battery, large touchpad and Harman Kardon sound.



Price: $1,299
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<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Meta Quest 3S



The new Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headset lets you turn any room into a personal theater. You can play standalone VR games, watch live concerts, experience mixed reality by blending the digital and real world, or cast games on to a television. It has multi-tasking support for YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc. It features a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and 1832&#215;1920 screen resolution per eye.



Price: from $299.99
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="636" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S-1024x636.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64061 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S-1024x636.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S-300x186.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S-768x477.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S-1536x954.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Meta-Quest-3S.png 1752w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="906" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd-906x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64062 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd-906x1024.png 906w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd-265x300.png 265w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd-768x868.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd-1358x1536.png 1358w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Samsonite-Restackd.png 1682w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Samsonite Restackd Carry On



Samsonite’s revamped Stackd collection called Restackd features a lighter design and larger packing volume. The 55cm carry-on cabin spinner with easy access has a front pocket for a laptop, tablet and other accessories, suitable for business travel. It includes two packing cubes and plenty of zipped pockets. At 3.1kg, it measures 55x40x23cm with a 3cm depth expansion. It features an integrated ID tag, TSA combination lock and comes in black, green, pink and navy.



Price: ZAR7,299 ($400)
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Hyperice Hypersphere Go Hyperice, known for its health-tech products for recovery and movement, has the perfect travel companion called the Hyper- sphere Go. This TSA-approved massage ball is palm-sized and supports three speeds of vibration when you roll it over your muscles. Whether you’re in-flight, post-workout or at your desk, you can target muscles, with precision, such as the arms, legs, back or feet. It is USB-powered, has a two-hour battery and weighs under 500g.



Price: $99
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="973" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hypersphere-Go-1024x973.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64060 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hypersphere-Go-1024x973.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hypersphere-Go-300x285.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hypersphere-Go-768x730.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hypersphere-Go.png 1404w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d-720x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64057 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d-720x1024.png 720w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d-211x300.png 211w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d-768x1093.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d-1079x1536.png 1079w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dyson-Airwrap-i.d.png 1310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Dyson Airwrap i.d.



The Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi- styler and dryer is Dyson’s first Bluetooth connected hair tool. It pairs to a smartphone app for more personalized styling to automate the curling process using profile data such as hair type, length and skill level. The styler comes in two versions: for straight to wavy hair (T1-2) or for curly to oily hair (T3-4). The new Airwrap introduces three new attachments: the conical barrel, wave+curl diffuser, and blade concentrator.



Price: $599.99
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Hobot S6-Pro



Hobot has released its irst window cleaning robot, the Hobot S6-Pro. The award-winning robot window cleaner is suited for framed, panoramic or frameless windows for an ei- cient clean-up. It has dual mops to polish and uses ultrasonic sprays for a streak-free clear inish. Safety features include an anti-falling algorithm, a safety rope and 20-minutes of back-up power. The microiber cleaning cloth is washable and the water tank replaceable, making it eco-friendly.



Price: ZAR7,999 ($438)
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1001" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-1024x1001.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64059 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-1024x1001.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-300x293.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-768x751.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-1536x1502.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hobot-S6-Pro-2048x2002.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="711" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark-711x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64058 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark-711x1024.png 711w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark-208x300.png 208w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark-768x1106.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark-1066x1536.png 1066w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HidrateSpark.png 1276w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
HidrateSpark Pro Smart Tumbler 



The HidrateSpark Pro 590ml smart tumbler bottle stands out for its connected features. It syncs with Bluetooth to a paired smartphone and tracks water intake with reminders when to sip through its glowing feature on the base. It is vacuum insulated and keeps drinks cold for 14 hours and hot for four hours. It comes with a removable stainless-steel straw, supports the Find My Bottle feature to track it and integrates with fitness apps.



Price: ZAR1,799 ($98)
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
VezoPay Ring



A South African company is redeining wearable tech through its payment ring that works with Visa and Mastercard on iOS and Android. The ring is available in black, pink, white, silver or gold, which goes up to 18K gold, in either a slim or wide cut and a matte or gloss inish. It requires no charging and is secured through an NFC tokenization that encrypts data. Durability includes impact resistance and it’s water- and dust-proof.



Price: from ZAR2,100 ($115)
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="728" height="642" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vezo-Pay-Ring.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64063 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vezo-Pay-Ring.png 728w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vezo-Pay-Ring-300x265.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></figure></div>

Unwrapped Xmas present revealing tablet

Gifts For Geeks: What’s Next

Hot off the fashion runways, here’s a look at the cross-cultural fusion of African designers overseas. The following pages explore fashion as cultural diplomacy; the designer pieces not only contribute to current global trends but also challenge stereotypes allowing for a broader understanding of heritage, history and innovation.



Photography: Manelisi Dabata ; Assistant: Bokang Khuto | Styling: Deneal Van Wyk | Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty | Location: Houghton 1938, Johannesburg



TIA ‘TIMA REECE’ HERMAN Performing Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Vocal Producer, Vocal Coach



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="701" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-701x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64078 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-701x1024.jpg 701w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-206x300.jpg 206w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-768x1121.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-1052x1536.jpg 1052w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-1403x2048.jpg 1403w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1754w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
TIA WEARS:



Gold Statement Earrings; ZAR480/$27, House of Ayi Pink Peony Corset Dress; ZAR21,999/$1,207, Nolanga Made Gold Oval Bracelet; ZAR1,000/$55, House of Ayi Poppy Red Tote Bag; ZAR8,490/$466, Tory Burch, Preview Designer Collection Black Heels; ZAR5,290/$290, Europa Art
</div></div>



KURT HERMAN Music Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, Singer/Songwriter


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="871" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-871x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64080" style="width:432px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-871x1024.jpg 871w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-255x300.jpg 255w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-768x903.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-1306x1536.jpg 1306w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-1742x2048.jpg 1742w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px" /></figure></div>


KURT WEARS:



Denim Jacket; ZAR15,000/$823, TSHEPO Jeans Purple Knitted Pullover; ZAR3,600/$198, GUGUBYGUGU Denim Jeans; ZAR10,000/$549, TSHEPO Jeans White Sneakers; ZAR3,690/$202, Europa Art


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="638" height="822" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64091" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1.jpg 638w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1-233x300.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px" /></figure></div>


<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
KURT WEARS:



Printed Suit Jacket; ZAR25,000/$1,372, MAXHOSA Printed Pants; ZAR17,500/$961, MAXHOSA



Brown Shoes; ZAR3,190/$175, Europa Art
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64083 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="669" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-669x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64071 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-669x1024.jpg 669w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-196x300.jpg 196w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-768x1176.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-1003x1536.jpg 1003w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-1338x2048.jpg 1338w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1672w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
TIA WEARS:



Sheer Dress; ZAR9,800/$538, Viviers Studio Gold Blazer; ZAR28,000/$1,538, Viviers StudioGreen Diamante Bag; ZAR6,990/$379, Karl Lagerfeld, Preview Designer Collection Gold Court Heels; ZAR3,690/$202, Europa Art Gold Oval Dome Ring, ZAR350/$19, House of Ayi
</div></div>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="848" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64089" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1.jpg 612w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="982" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-982x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64074" style="width:616px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-982x1024.jpg 982w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-288x300.jpg 288w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-768x801.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-1473x1536.jpg 1473w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-1964x2048.jpg 1964w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 982px) 100vw, 982px" /></figure></div>


TIA WEARS:



Printed Blouse; ZAR11,500/$631, MAXHOSA Printed Skirt; ZAR14,000/$769, MAXHOSA Gold Chunky Bangles (each); ZAR1,000/$55, House of Ayi Red Square Toe Heels; ZAR3,490/$192, Europa Art



KURT WEARS:



Black Blazer With Button Detailing; ZAR5,500/$302, GUGUBYGUGU Mesh T-Shirt; ZAR300/$16, GUGUBYGUGU Black Tailored Pants; ZAR1,820/$100, GUGUBYGUGU Black Suede Loafer; ZAR5,490/$302, Europa Art


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="658" height="851" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64088" style="width:528px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1.png 658w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1-232x300.png 232w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64076" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-768x1154.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1704w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure></div>


KURT WEARS:



Double Breasted Blazer: ZAR5,060/$280, GUGUBYGUGU, Black Shirt, ZAR500/$28, GUGUBYGUGU Black Cargo Pants: ZAR1,456/ $80.4 GUGUBYGUGU, Black Loafers: ZAR2,990/ $165, Europa Art



TIA WEARS:



Black Flower Detail Corset; ZAR18,999/$1,043, Nolanga Made Black Flared Tailored Pants; ZAR1,820/$100, GUGUBYGUGU Gold Tote Bag; ZAR6,000/$330, Tory Burch, Preview Designer Collection White Embellished Loafers; ZAR2,690/$148, Europa Art

Untitled design (17)

Luxury Holiday Fashion Guide: Africa’s Global Threads

There are affordable ways to reduce the amount of plastic you use and alternatives that help limit the spread of microplastics when you’re out shopping and eating this holiday season.



Microplastics, the tiny pieces of plastic debris that permeate everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe, are detrimental to human and environmental health. Busy, cost-conscious shoppers can choose affordable ways to reduce the amount of plastic they consume and discard.



“These particles are increasingly recognized as endocrine disruptors, capable of interfering with our hormonal systems,&#8221; writes&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;contributor Dr. Christopher Thompson, a medical professor at Harvard University. &#8220;By mimicking hormones like estrogen and cortisol, microplastics may contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherthompson/2024/08/19/your-plastic-water-bottle-may-be-making-you-gain-weight-microplastics/">weight gain, metabolic issues, fertility and other serious health problems</a>.”



In addition to making us gain weight faster and reproduce slower,&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;science contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lesliekatz/2024/03/12/microplastics-in-arteries-heighten-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-study-warns/">Leslie Katz</a>&nbsp;writes that research published earlier this year shows microplastics may be affiliated with heightened risks of heart attack and stroke.



When it comes to the planet at large, the overwhelming amount of plastic production and plastic trash we generate has widespread impacts. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">United Nation Environment Programme</a>, people produce 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, polluting water supplies.



Here are a few tactics that&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessepines/2024/04/25/5-ways-to-reduce-your-microplastics-exposure-in-the-plasticene-era/">Dr. Jesse Pines</a>, a practicing physician and professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University, recommends for reducing microplastic consumption at home:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Avoid heating plastic bowls or cups, including steamy takeout served in plastic containers.</li>



<li>Vacuum your home, including couches and drapes, frequently and follow that cleaning with wet mopping to reduce the microplastic particles you’d otherwise breath in.</li>



<li>Triple check that you’ve cleaned your food thoroughly before cooking, especially seafood like shrimp.</li>
</ul>



Drinking from a copper or glass bottle, not plastic water bottles, and washing dishes with powder or liquid soap, instead of with plastic pods, can also help families avoid ingesting plastic particles.



And, as&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;sustainability contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliviapinnock/2024/10/21/the-plastic-pollution-hiding-in-your-wardrobe-and-how-to-tackle-it/">Olivia Pinnock</a>&nbsp;points out, using products like Cora Ball or GUPPYFRIEND when washing your clothes at home can reduce the quantity of microplastic released into the water when you do laundry.



As many shoppers know, single-use plastic bags are on their way out. A dozen U.S. states and a growing number of municipalities in other states have banned them. Remember, you can put cloth canvas bags in your car or purse so that they’re already available the next time you go grocery shopping.



“Plastic bag bans in the U.S. have proven effective in reducing plastic litter and pollution in the ocean,” writes&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;sustainability contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/danieladelorenzo/2024/09/09/plastic-bag-bans-tackle-ocean-pollution-right-study-finds/">Daniela De Lorenzo</a>, adding “The European Union has set a target for citizens to use a maximum of 40 plastic bags per year.”



No matter where you live, or what type of shopping you need to do, there are affordable ways to reduce the amount of plastic you consume. With these simple tips you can avoid plastics while shopping and eating, enjoying a healthier lifestyle that’s better for both you and the environment.

a woman drinking coffee in stainless steel cup

How To Avoid Plastics While Shopping And Eating

With sensors, smart devices, intelligent equipment and data-driven analytics, next generation technologies and virtual training programs are bringing personalized fitness into the lounge, offering elite athletes and home users the same access to exceptional quality training, regardless of location.



Intelligent clothing and accessories, smart dumbbells, interactive interfaces, artificial intelligence (AI) customized training programs and smart sensors are changing the shape of the sports market – and that of their users.



According to Data Bridge Market Research, the Middle East and Africa fitness equipment market is expected to reach $514.87 million by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate (cagr) of 4.60% with South Africa expected to take the lead with innovations around fit- ness equipment that uses next-generation technologies. Joining South Africa in leveraging AI to enhance fitness training and wellbeing, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya are also paying attention to the value of AI with interest- ing innovations in virtual trainers, online training plat- forms, and real-time physical monitoring tools.



AI has the potential to fix the problems that people create when they are left to do workouts on their own. It can also be used to enhance the training programs used by coaches to train elite athletes thanks to in- depth data and real-time analytics.



“There are two elements that are important to a coach – measuring and monitoring – as these allow you to prescribe the ideal overload and get the timing of the overload,” explains Ian Martin, Endurance Sports Coach at Coach One. “Technology has played a huge role taking this to another level. Instead of spreadsheets and the limited intelligence of the initial heartrate monitors, i can now fine-tune training cycles.”



Metrics such as sleep, nutrition and recovery can benefit from AI which provides coaches with an exten- sive source of data that can even include environmen- tal factors that play a significant role when preparing an athlete. “The technology is providing athletes and coaches with access to exceptional data that allows them to keep their finger on the pulse – pun intended,” says Martin. “Technology has allowed us to deliver the right information in the right format to anyone, regardless of their level of education or accessibility.”



It is also not exclusively the domain of the elite ath- lete. Anyone can benefit from AI-powered accessories and virtual solutions. iGym in Kenya, for example, uses AI to customize workouts and provide nutrition plans for users, the data built on the expertise provided by trained fitness consultants. It enhances this with ac- cess to guides, articles, videos and calculators designed to make fitness easy and accessible. As Joseph Muongi Kamau, Founder of iGym, explains: “We use AI to cre- ate custom workout plans, training content and provide real-time fitness advice. We opted into using AI as it al- lows us to serve more individuals at scale and generate more accurate workouts and wellness plans that meet their needs. We have seen a significant improvement in fitness results, retention and motivation among clients who use the platform.”



This increased engagement is exactly what was found in a recent paper in Ghana. The researchers established that the use of emerging technologies could be used to improve the health and fitness of sedentary groups. The study focused on Ghanian students and it found that the more aware students were of the technologies and how they could be used to improve their physical wellbeing, the more likely they were to use them.



And AI has the potential to reduce injury and im- prove the quality of workouts. Another paper by Mi- chael Deyzel, Computer Vision Engineer at Stellen- bosch-based startup Hawktivity, in collaboration with Dr Rensu Theart, Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch Uni- versity in South Africa, wanted to find how AI could be used to enhance workouts, virtual coaching and fitness. “Our project started in collaboration with the Sports Science department to find a way if people did their strength and conditioning exercises correctly,” explains Theart. “Athletes would be given instructions but then lose the correct posture over time which could cause injury and it wasn’t feasible for everyone to have a personal trainer. So, we asked what if there was a system that could automatically tell someone if their posture was correct?”



It turns out that yes, AI can be used to develop a system capable of learning how someone moves and provide intelligent feedback and coaching. “The big disadvantage of AI is that it needs a lot of training data and for fitness, a lot of the datasets needed to train the AI don’t exist yet. The idea of this paper was to find out if AI could learn how to do an exercise perfectly with only one example of that exercise,” says Deyzel. Turns out – this is entirely possible and it is also, believes Dey- zel, something that can democratize sports training in Africa. Just not quite yet.



“The system could potentially be used by anyone indefinitely as a way of supporting elite athlete train- ing – it can provide metrics, insights and guidance when there is limited access to a personal trainer,” says Deyzel. “It does democratize access just a bit, but there needs to be funding behind it because these sys- tems cost money to train, run and set up.”



These systems are also evolving at a radical rate on the global stage. Many of the technologies aren’t avail- able on the continent and, if they are, they’re selling at an exorbitant price. The MAGIC mirror uses AI to provide users with live feedback and real-time pos- ture corrections while they workout at home. Boxing, strength training, dancing and soccer training are some of the workouts included in the futuristic, touch-screen mirror that retails for £400 ($531). Then, there’s the ex- plosion of solutions using sensors, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance sporting performance in clothing. According to GlobalData’s Technology Fore- sights, more than 76,000 patents have been filed in the past three years. These are aimed at detecting metrics such as environment, speed, acceleration, impact, force and more and the data they generate? This has multiple applications across performance, design, and function- ality.



“AI allows us to coach based on the individual and to personalize the experience for people,” concludes Karen Loader, master franchisor for F45 Training. The company uses a fitness programming algorithm that leverages a content database of several thousand unique training movements to offer new workouts ev- ery day that are accessible globally. “We can provide the same workouts to people anywhere – be they in Cape Town or Nairobi – and use real data to transform their performance or their recovery.”



Is AI going to change the shape of sports? Yes.



Intelligent clothing and accessories may be out of pocket for most people on the continent right now but virtual training programs and platforms are eas- ily available and perfectly attuned to what the African market needs and wants.



This combination of AI and digital brings person- alized fitness into the lounge, offering elite athletes and home users the same access to exceptional quality training, regardless of their location. It is perhaps the era of athletic democratization as local gets the same training flavor as global.

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The Changing Shape Of Sport: How AI Is Playing Fitness Instructor

Since its inception in 2014 – with Checkers (Shoprite Holdings) becoming the first official retailer to introduce Black Friday in South Africa – the appetite and uptake for what is arguably one of the biggest shopping days in the world has grown.



But consumers tend to amp up their spending on this day in particular, ahead of the festive season, which experts feel can be avoided.



“Black Friday is a great time to really set yourself up in some instances,” Ester&nbsp;Ochse, Product Head at FNB Integrated Advice, tells FORBES AFRICA. “But it&#8217;s also a very quick way to set yourself up to a very long January. If you do tend to overextend yourself at this moment in time, when are you going to pay the price? You&#8217;re going to pay the price after the festive season.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1807427908.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63801" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1807427908.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1807427908-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1807427908-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sign that announces a price discount for Black Friday in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Wang Xi/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


Ulana van Biljon, Chief Operating Officer of Emira Property Fund, wrote in her thought leadership piece that the condensed festive season may actually lead to higher spending in January. “This year, fewer shopping days between&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;and Christmas Eve, could signal lower sales over the festive period, even with a surge in shopping as consumers scramble to make purchases,” van Biljon said.



To curb this, Ochse recommends that shoppers plan by budgeting their purchases to ensure they do not find themselves in any debt.



“Before you even think about buying anything, set up a discretionary budget on how much you want to spend for Black Friday.”



Furthermore, Ochse recommends that although the festive season is a great time to pick up bargains, make a list during this time as well and avoid just walking around the shopping aisles “aimlessly” as there will be temptations to “just buy.”



However, extended campaigns may actually work in consumers&#8217; favor, according to van Biljon, which could allow for them to “feel more secure in their purchasing decisions as they have longer to evaluate deals and sales”.



FNB’s stats have shown that the major purchases consumers make during Black Friday are groceries (specifically non-perishables), clothing, home buys (such as for home improvements) and travel. What is a surprise for Ochse, however, is how people budget their Black Friday money for medical bills.



“Medical, interestingly enough, is a category that&#8217;s come up. I&#8217;m not quite sure if there are some doctors running specials out there.”



Limit chances for fraud



The key ‘do’ for Black Friday is for consumers to continue to rely on digital payments as opposed to using their actual cards. This will ensure cyber-criminals have less access to fraud.



“This shift towards digital payment technology is crucial during events such as Black Friday,” Norman Nyawo, the Head of Merchant Solutions for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, says in a statement. “When long queues and transaction delays can make or break sales success.”



“Virtual cards are vitally important,” Ochse adds. “The reason why you want to use virtual cards – and there&#8217;s been a significant uptake in this – is you want to make sure that by using it, you&#8217;re protecting yourself. Because as much as we think it&#8217;s a great time to go out and do some extra shopping, the scammers and the fraudsters are out there as well, and by using things like your virtual card, you&#8217;ve got that little bit of an extra protection and layer as well.”



It’s all about smart planning and doing the math, so if the discount is not that significant, it is not a bargain. But it’s also about spotting the real deals and the scams that consumers just don’t see coming.



“For instance, a very popular outdoor warehouse store [stated that they] now suddenly having things like 90% off,” Ochse said. “Now you know that a store in South Africa will not do 90% off, and if you click through – not that I am encouraging anyone to click through – what happens is it takes you to a sort of duplicate site or scammer site.”



In the United States, where Black Friday reigns supreme, US Today reported that 131.7 million people (72%) shop on the day. &nbsp;



In South Africa, the stats are no different, as in 2024, a Capital Connect report found that retailers in could generate ZAR22 billion ($1.2 billion) in additional direct revenues due to Black Friday sales this year, as well as generate ZAR28 billion ($1.5 billion) in indirect economic impact. In this same period, the wholesale sector will gain additional sales of ZAR32.1 billion ($1.7 billion).



The study finds that consumer interest in Black Friday looks to be higher in 2024 than any of the past three years.



“Black Friday, obviously, as you know, is an American concept. It&#8217;s the first Friday after Thanksgiving there, so you can get up to 70%-80% off,” Ochse adds. “In South Africa, because we do everything [differently], we have made it a month-long thing because we already start getting Black Friday deals [from] the first week in November.



“But is it really good? You&#8217;re going to have to hunt for those bargains.”

Black Week Sale

Preparing For Your Black Friday Bargains In South Africa And What You Must Not Do

WHAT IS IT ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN BRANDIES that make them so special, yet, why are they underappreciated by the broader population in the country? We speak to the connoisseurs, who raise their glasses for elevating their favorite tipple. 



South Africa, with one of the oldest wine routes outside of France is, unsurprisingly, a producer of top-class wines. And beyond wine, brandy, in particular, is another top-class spirit produced here, a fact most locals are unaware of. Often dismissed as part of brandewyn en coke (brandy and Coke drink combination) culture, South African brandy is actually of such high quality, it regularly cleans up at international awards shows.



When looking at what sets South African brandies apart, there are a few components at play. Firstly, it’s worth noting there are three primary categories of brandy: Pot still or Cape, Vintage and Blended brandy. Pot still/Cape and blended brandies make up the majority of the category. Pot still/Cape brandy is made exclusively from copper pot still distillation and aged for at least three years. This represents the traditional and artisanal style of brandy production, while blended brandy is a mix of at least 30% pot still, and unmatured spirits, designed to be more affordable and versatile, and used for mixers and cocktails.



Secondly, the grapes used to make the base wines for distillation start by being exceptional. Chenin blanc and Colombard are the most common grapes used for brandy production and with South Africa’s prolific wine industry, it’s no surprise that these grapes become excellent wines. South African brandies are also characterized by rigorous production standards, which include the minimum aging period. The country’s regulations require that brandy must be aged for at least three years, surpassing the minimum aging period for cognac, which is two and a half years.



“In practice, many South African brandies are aged far beyond this requirement, developing a depth of flavor that is unmatched,” says John Loomes, CEO of KWV, one of South Africa’s leading wine and spirits producers. “The warmer climate in South Africa allows grapes used in brandy production to reach full ripeness with higher sugar levels, resulting in brandies that exhibit rich, sun- dried fruit notes both on the nose and palate. This warmer climate also accelerates the aging process, enhancing the aromatic intensity and concentration of the brandies.” He continues by saying that this often results in 20-year-old South African brandies developing characteristics that would typically take 35 years in Europe. “This leads to a rich and complex flavor profile that is highly regarded by international connoisseurs,” says Loomes.



With distilleries such as KWV drawing on techniques as far back as 1926, the local brandy industry has long been held to such a high standard. “The quality was high from the beginning and was originally formulated to be enjoyed with a mixer,” says Johan Venter, a renowned master distiller. “Our production methods were prescribed and were different to the rest of the world. We use a pot still, while the rest of the world mainly uses column stills. We use small barrels (smaller than 340 liters) and the minimum age is three years, whereas the rest of the world uses large barrels with little maturation time, roughly six months.” 



Ultimately, the regulations around brandy are what uphold its quality and importance in local spirit production. “The industry adheres to regulations that dictate production methods, aging, and classification,” says Shane Mumba, brand ambassador for the South African Brandy Foundation and member of The Black Cellar Club, or BLACC, a nonprofit focused on education in wines and spirits in the hospitality sector. “We have strict legislation for brandy production. The South African Brandy Foundation established by the industry in 1984 protects the heritage and integrity of South African brandy.”



The nod to heritage here is important in understanding the complexity of brandy, as well as its reception and popularity. It’s believed that the first-recorded brandy distillation took place in 1672, aboard a Dutch ship anchored in Table Bay. “The cook managed to distil 1,000 liters of Cape wine into about 130 liters of brandy and the South African brandy story started,” says Mumba. “The Dutch, and later the French Huguenots, brought with them a wealth of knowledge in viticulture and distillation, laying the foundation for South African brandy.” It would be centuries later until brandy began to develop some traction, but this legacy has culminated in a globally-recognized product. As recently as May, at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge, KWV was one of three local producers to win gold.



Leah van Deventer is an award-winning spirits and drinks writer, judge and consultant and says that these awards underpin the quality of local brandy, but highlights why that doesn’t necessarily translate to popularity at home. “South African brandy is a world leader in the category, and it has double gold medals and best-in-class awards from multiple blind-tasting competitions to prove it,” says Van Deventer. “That said, you can have a brilliant product, and it may still not be to someone’s personal taste, in terms of both their consumer bias and their preferred flavor profile.” Simply put, brandy – even one that systematically wins global accolades – is not everyone’s cup of tea and there’s data to back this up.



KWV’s Loomes says that only an estimated 4% of the African population currently consumes brandy or cognac. He attributes this to brandy’s public perception and how it’s viewed in comparison to other spirits. “Locally, South African brandy often competes with the long-established prestige of cognac, which has become synonymous with luxury in the minds of many consumers, mainly due to its imported status. Despite the world-class quality of our brandies, this perception can sometimes overshadow local appreciation of just how good they are.”



Venter agrees, adding that in the early 1990s, when imported whiskey became too expensive, local whiskey was introduced as a substitute, further taking the spotlight off brandy. “South African whiskey is a fantastic product and at the time it was considered much classier to drink whiskey than brandy,” Venter adds. “But the misuse of brandy in South Africa gave it a very bad reputation.”



This lesser view of brandy, coupled with the rise of interest in cognac, also comes back to the history of the spirit. “Within its home country, brandy is still often seen as a White man’s tipple, with the historical stigma that goes with that,” says Van Deventer. She adds that it is beginning to gain traction within the Black community, thanks to the work of associations like BLACC, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.



Mumba echoes this, saying education is a key driver. “Brandy production is a complex and intricate process. Very few people know how much time and care goes into producing brandy.” He continues by saying that most South Africans simply aren’t aware of their award-winning brandies. “The more South Africans know about the incredible brandies we have and the time it takes to make this golden liquid, the more interested they will be.” Loomes adds that to invigorate interest, there must be continued emphasis on the local brandy’s exceptional quality. 



“And in the case of our pot stills, these are not only on par with but often surpasses cognac in taste and quality.” This is particularly key in emerging markets where the rising costs of cognac present a clear opportunity for local brandies. Mumba also highlights how the reframing of brandy can help with its reception. “The versatility of blended brandy makes it a wonderful choice for mixers and cocktails, but it also calls for greater creativity within the category,” he says. “This presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to create ready-to- drink aperitifs to attract a younger and new consumer.”

Young female bartender professionally pours rum or brandy from steel jigger into glass at bar.

What Sets South African Brandy Apart – And Rebranding To Attract New Customers

The boundless journey of the international African American museum and deep curation of a shared history. 



In January 1861, the estate of a deceased landowner called William McKenna was auctioned at the local courthouse in Lancaster County, South Carolina. According to the auction poster, McKenna’s property included 182 ‘Negro Slaves’: toddlers as young as three; a shoemaker aged ‘about 50 years’; a woman named Charlotte and her six children, available for $800 each.



This faded document, ambered in a kind of matter-of-fact horror, belongs to the Internation- al African American Museum (IAAM), opened in 2023 in Charleston at Gadsden’s Wharf, the first destination for 40% of the enslaved Afri- cans who landed in the United States (U.S.). It’s an architectural choice that recognizes both an unflinching apprehension of the site’s tragic his- tory, and its potential as a place of healing for vis- itors whose descendants began their American journey in an exhausted step from the slave ship to the jetty.



Malika N. Pryor is the IAAM’s Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, providing strategic direction for its programs: the cultural history of West and West Central Africa; the “nuanced historical connections throughout the Black Atlantic World”; the memories of the enslaved Africans who worked in South Carolina’s lucrative rice industry; and the Center for Family History, which assists African Americans interested in researching their own ancestry. 



“Our first goal for the Center is to break down the ‘wall of 1870’ – 1870 being the year newly-minted African Americans are included en masse in the U.S. Census,” she says. “Many African Americans find it difficult to trace their ancestry beyond this point. Disembar- kation is an equally critical goal: our researchers have traced African-descended ancestors to the 1600s. And the grand thoroughfares of the more recent past – the civil rights movement, Black Power, or the Great Migration – are the natural aggregation of a million respective decisions. When people know the role their family played in these moments, they can place themselves on the map of humanity.” To that end, the museum has been developing relationships with West African countries as part of a deep curation of a shared history.



“Whether in Sierra Leone, where we are working to secure relics connected to the trans-Atlantic slave trade; Ghana, where we foster knowledge exchange in cultural studies; or by hosting dignitaries from Togo: we are working intently to engage with the African continent,” says Pryor. “While we are not a philosophically pan-African institution, it’s difficult to imagine a museum that frames the African American journey within the context of the larger diaspora without the advocacy of a unified African identity. In many respects, it is the legacy of pan-Africanism that gives way to this idea of an African cultural continuum across the oceans.”



African visitors to the museum have also felt empowered by its affirmation of their own cultural integrity. “They’ve told us IAAM is the first museum where they see themselves: where their stories are prominent and clearly related to Black people in the Americas. That was such important feedback.”



In an era where so many in power push back against the idea of restitution, could the museum have a role to play in an intellectual recalibration of the U.S.’ understanding of African American culture? “South Carolina, for much of its history, was a numerical Black ma- jority,” Pryor says. 



“Enslaved Africans developed the rice economy, constructed much of the architecture that dots the Carolina coast, fought to preserve our democracy, seeded the origins of jazz. The contributions of African Americans are clear, but they are not always evident. Our mission is to honor the untold stories of this journey. If we do that well, the museum’s potential to inspire visitors to become the story-keepers of these incredible narratives is boundless.”

IAAM, photo by Sahar Coston-Hardyv

Cultural Continuum And The Legacy Of Pan-Africanism In The U.S.

From the rainforest to the ocean, artificial intelligence is decoding nature’s most complex data patterns and is proving to be a game-changer in conservation.



For as long as there has been wildlife conservation, there has been a need for data. In order to understand ecosystem health, animal behavior and population trends, you have to be able to measure what’s going on in nature. And while there are many ways to do this, from drones to tracking devices, thermal cameras and even rangers on-foot, satellite imagery and camera traps have made study- ing wildlife movement a little bit easier. Not only can conservationists collect ample data, there’s minimal disturbance to animals. When it comes to analyzing the imagery, all that’s really needed is someone who can recognize an animal and there are many training programs to do just that.



But to really understand ecological trends, there are many creatures that are simply too small to be captured through pictures. “With very big animals like elephants, you can see them using satellite data which is great but a significant portion of the ecosystem is hidden,” says Dr Juan Lavista Ferres, who has worked in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) for over 20 years, and is the Chief Data Scientist of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. Luckily, those animals that are undetectable in satel- lite imagery make up for their size with sound, which is where acoustic data comes in – and in the case of ani- mal sounds, bioacoustic data. “From a noise perspec- tive, they are there,” laughs Ferres. “There is no corre- lation between the size of an animal and the sound it makes. Very small animals can make a lot of noise and can do very specific frequencies.”



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-silent-signals">Nature’s silent signals</h1>



There’s huge potential in environmental recordings (bio- acoustics are important bioindicators —they are nature’s health signalers) and the good news is that a lot of the data is already available. At the AI for Good Lab, Ferres and his team have continuous surveillance recordings from the Amazon that go back to 1992. The problem is that there are only a handful of scientific experts who can understand what is going on when the data is visualized, and then interpret the frequencies to identify specific animals. “It’s extremely niche. In the case of bioacoustic data, you need a huge level of expertise and there are very few people in the world that can recognize these sounds and frequencies,” adds Ferres.



Another challenge is that going through all of this audio takes time. Ferres says that many of the record- ings he has run non-stop, day and night, for 365 days. “A person would need to be listening to these sounds for a whole year to get through just one year’s worth of data. Now imagine that you have multiple recordings in one forest?” There’s simply too much data for hu- mans to process manually, which is why AI is such a game-changer in conservation – it’s making research a much more efficient process. AI can learn from these experts to automate identifying and classifying animal sounds across large datasets. “We can go through all of the recordings and understand how the health of the ecosystem is changing,” says Ferrers. “Now that we have more compute and better models, we can work with these different types of data, whether it’s images, videos or acoustic data.”



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Under the sea</h1>



One of the AI for Good Lab’s first projects using acoustic data was with endangered beluga whales in Alaska us- ing underwater sensors. “You can capture the sound of these whales, their vocalizations,” says Ferres. Because sounds travel much further than visual cues, with acous- tic data, researchers can detect (and even potentially identify) different types of whales over vast distances in the ocean, far beyond what would be possible with visual observation methods. “There are particular frequencies in the water that will be very difficult to detect without AI,” adds Ferres. “You can’t solve a problem if you can’t measure it. By doing this, we can actually start measuring the problem.”



Working with different industries and partners throughout the world, Ferres’ hope is that now that the information is in these AI models, more people will be able to use them to track animals over time. All the work that comes out of the AI for Good Lab is also open source which means all of the projects are freely available to re- searchers and organizations worldwide. “It’s a complete philanthropic effort. We give up the idea. We publish everything. All the work we do is for the societal good,” he says. “AI is not just the solution, but sometimes it’s the only solution we have.”

Botswana. Woman photographing giraffe in Chobe National Park with tablet.

Work On The Wild Side: How AI Is Helping Conservation In Africa And The Huge Potential Of Environment Recordings

Olu Johnson is a personal security officer to the stars in the United Kingdom. It’s a rough and tough job, but one that he wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.



On July 13 this year, Johnson watched in shock as the news unfolded of the attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump.



“I remember every news station and website was playing on repeat the image of Trump with blood running down his face as security agents scurried him off the stage. It was surreal,” recalls Johnson.



But Johnson, perhaps more so than most people who watched the news, knows all too well the importance of personal security for someone so high-profile. As a close protection officer, Johnson has built a reputation as one of the go-to personal security officers in the United Kingdom (U.K.) counting high-profile celebrities like Prince, Naomi Campbell, Burna Boy and Wizkid as some of his clients.



After watching the news, Johnson explains that his training immediately kicked in as he started to examine where the potential security breaches could have happened.



The world of a close protection officer is not for the faint-hearted.



Characterized by average working hours of about 10 to 20 per shift, unpredictable scenarios at every turn and a lack of ample personal time, it takes a person who is truly dedicated to the craft to succeed. Johnson is the first point of contact for every venue his clients visit, and ensures he knows the security layout and exit strategy of each venue.



Unfortunately, the better you are at your job as a close protection officer, the higher the toll on your personal life.



“The first setback is separation from your family or those you love. This is not a career you will do well in if you are not present and being present means lots of late nights, lots of travel, lots of last-minute calls. You will miss birthdays, anniversaries and important moments and it is almost a lose-lose, because, if you don’t miss it and you choose your family, your work will lose and if you choose your work, it will have some adverse effect on your family unless you are single,” says Johnson.



The second setback, he adds, is the physical drain this type of work takes on you.



“This is very long hours. A four-hour day can turn into a 20-hour day and I have two young children and they ask, ‘when are you coming back from work?’ Once I stare at them, they say, ‘oh, you don’t know’, and that is because I don’t know. A quick dinner trip with a client can turn into a club night and that turns into an after-party and that turns into ‘let’s go to a studio’.



“I had a job once where a client finished shopping and asked if I had my passport with me and that turned into a trip to a private airport and then another country. I didn’t get back for two days. It is exciting but it is harsh because you are physically tired – you are the first to wake up and the last to go to sleep.”



But it’s a career path that Johnson would not trade for the world. And it took him a while to find it.



“Both my parents are strong academics from Nigeria so I was expected to be the lawyer of the family and that is exactly what I did after we moved to the U.K. when I was seven because people were looking to do serious harm to my dad,” recalls Johnson.



Facing that danger from an early age planted the seed of safety and security in Johnson’s mind. He toed the professional line as a lawyer, graduating from the University of Hertfordshire with a law degree and completing his LPC at the College of Law in London.



For the next three years, Johnson would practise as a lawyer until a chance encounter with a fitness buddy derailed his legal trajectory and transformed that seed of security from his younger days into a calling that could no longer be ignored.



“My interest in fitness and weight training got me connected to my former business partner who has passed away. He wanted me to do the close protection training course with him. I didn’t initially want to do it but he showed me how lucrative the industry could be. He said to me, ‘I cannot match how much of a people person you are so I will do the admin and you deal with the people and I promise you we can make a lot of money’,” says Johnson.



His business partner was not wrong.



According to Fortune Business Insights, the global private security market size was valued at $235.37 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $247.75 billion in 2024 to $385.32 billion by 2032.



After securing his license from a U.K. security agency, Johnson began the uphill struggle of securing his first booking.



“It took about two years to get anyone to [allow me to] work with them. I used to be a semi-professional musician and I played bass guitar for a lot of celebrities. It was so difficult to convince them to allow me to protect them instead of play music with them. I had to move away from people I knew and I started networking vigorously, away from music in general,” says Johnson.



His breakthrough finally happened when a promoter friend offered him a job to protect American singer and dancer, Omarion, during a 10-year club anniversary in London.



“It takes so long to get ahead in the industry because it is a trust business. It is [easier] to get someone who is already in the business than to get someone new because if anything goes wrong, it is you that has to explain. So Omarion was my first one and once you get that one, you have that reference.



“It was a slow burn but the two-year period allowed me to experience all the other aspects of the security world from retail, events, clubs, asset protection and so on. All those things add to the value of how you understand protecting high-net-worth individuals. Looking after $10,000 worth of goods is different from looking after someone that might make $100,000 an hour or make $200,000 for singing four minutes at a time,” says Johnson.



In those days, the money was not great. Johnson explains that he would earn anything from a £100 ($129) for a day’s work. Today, he averages £1,000 ($1,291) for a 10-hour shift. As Johnson established his brand, he could also outsource other close protection officers who represent his brand to jobs he cannot attend to. However, each client’s price is dependent on a number of variables.



“Some of the obvious variables that affect the pricing: is it at home or abroad? Do you have any known threats against you? If you have someone who has made an attempt that you know about, that changes things. The more obvious the risk, the higher the rate,” says Johnson.



Former client Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, known by his stage name, Patoranking, a Nigerian singer-songwriter, speaks about the importance of personal security: “Every time I travel to another country with my team, we always hire a personal bodyguard. It has become a fixed cost in our travel itinerary because of the safety concerns we have. Before we started using personal bodyguards we had a couple [of] robbery attempts which made it imperative to be protected at all times.”



For Johnson, this is no longer a job or just about the money. Close protection has a much bigger purpose.



“I realize the importance and the value of what we do. We are not just protecting these individuals, we are protecting a heritage, we are protecting culture and music, we are protecting their creativity,” he says.



“If we look at incidents where celebrities have died or gone to jail, the world now loses out on their talent. So many people are impacted by one person’s talent – the fans, make-up artists and the team behind the scenes. Should something happen to these people, the culture loses something very important and so our role is more than safety. It is about protecting [something] much bigger.”

Olu Johnson (Image supplied)a

Better Safe Than Sorry: Behind-The-Scenes With A Nigerian Celebrity Bodyguard

Sustainable housing could play a significant role in the way the continent tackles its housing deficit. We unpack the ground-breaking innovations, Initiatives and ideations&nbsp;developing&nbsp;the&nbsp;‘green&nbsp;scene’. 



In a village in the Mtwara region of Tanzania, a project borne from the concepts of architectural innovation, sustainability and social responsibility is underway. And it’s just one of many aimed at tackling the demand for environmentally-conscious housing in Africa.



A report from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) states that the continent’s housing deficit is estimated at over 97 million units and “this is expected to increase as the continent’s population grows, and urbanization continues”.



The clinical trial in Mtwara, dubbed The Star Homes Project, was initiated in 2021 by Denmark-based Ingvartsen Architects in cooperation with the Hanako Foundation and, according to the company, was developed by a cross-disciplinary team of architects, physicians, entomologists and social scientists along with local community leaders and stakeholders.



However, Jakob Knudsen, Principal Architect at Ingvartsen, says that the focus of the project, initially, was simply to improve the health of the occupants of the houses.



“The [houses] are made [of ] very light materials. It looks like concrete, but actually it’s a very thin steel profile with a thin plaster, so it has a very low material use. And what looks like glass is basically a net, so we kind of replaced all the walls with netting, and we made this house naturally very cool. We can see that we have lowered the material consumption and CO2 use by 30% to 40% depending on how you calculate it. And that’s because we try to kind of maximize all the components,” he says.



“It actually didn’t start as a sustainability thing. It started as a way to make the buildings cheaper, but we realized, during the process, that actually we are onto something where we’re using far less materials. It also became interesting from a financial side and a material side, and this is what we’re looking at now. We know that these houses are actually working against malaria, we can see that.”



An article from the World Health Organization on Malaria Day 2023 indicates that Tanzania is one of the four countries in Africa that accounted for slightly over half (52%) of all malaria deaths globally in 2021. Further to this, the country alone accounted for 4% of all malaria deaths, and the disease continues to pose a major burden in the northwest and southeastern regions of the country.



As part of the Star Homes Project, the health of the occupants of the 110 constructed homes will be compared to those living in 440 control homes over a three-year period, which is set to conclude this year.



“We conclude by the end of this year, then we have the three- year period. Nothing is published yet, but I can say that we have very promising results already on the malaria [aspect]. There’s a clear benefit from having a new house when you’re looking at malaria. I mean, this is a rural area in Tanzania, so lots of people [have] malaria, and they’re much better protected. But this is one of the first housing projects, to our knowledge, the first time a house has been built and used in this way to demonstrate it.”



Each house also has a 40W solar panel that provides lights in each room and USB charging, and rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in a 2,000-liter tank for clean drinking water. According to Knudsen, based on the materials used, it cost around $9,000 to build at the time.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-a-green-future-look-like">What does a ‘green’ future look like?</h4>



The ongoing demand for affordable housing coupled with growing climate change concerns has brought sustainable or green architecture to the fore.



Britannica defines green architecture as a philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the environment.



A 2023 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) titled, Building Materials And The Climate: Constructing A New Future, indicates that the buildings and construction sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 37% of global emissions.



However, herein lies the opportunity. Entrepreneurs and businesses alike have taken up the mantle to innovate, ‘go green’ and make a positive impact on the environment at large.



According to the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Africa Manifesto for Sustainable Cities and the Built Environment, by 2050, Africa will be home to 1.1 billion more people than it is today, and 80% of the buildings that will exist in Africa in 2050 are yet to be built.



Lisa Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and Vice Chair for the WorldGBC’s Africa Regional Network, emphasizes the progress of the collaborative efforts across the continent. 



“We’ve got different sort of levels of Green Building Councils. In Africa, there are two established Green Building Councils – South Africa and Kenya, and the others are mixed between emerging and prospective. Our job, and I include Kenya in it, is really to support the prospective and emerging councils,” she tells FORBES AFRICA.



“Africa has [been] hit by climate events, so there is a huge awareness that, whether it be the Green Building Council or governments, [we] have to do something to alleviate these things,” Reynolds adds.



Knudsen echoes the sentiment on collaboration, stating, “I think one of the sustainability problems I see in Africa is that materials are used in a very inefficient way in many local buildings. You could easily save 30% of the materials if there was better knowledge for the builder who’s doing this, but that’s not something you can expect. We need somebody else who knows how to work with building techniques.”



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Trash to treasure</h4>



In 2019, the first plastic road was laid down in South Africa’s Jeffery’s Bay, and reports, published recently, indicate that it has lasted longer than traditional tar roads. And the uses for this often-troublesome product seem to only increase from here.



As per the United Nations’ goal 11 of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, entrepreneurs across Africa are tackling sustainable building prac- tices in their own way.



One such example is Kubik CEO and co-founder, Kidus Asfaw. Kubik, an environmental tech company, takes plastic waste and transforms it into low-carbon, low-cost housing in Ethiopia, where the startup is based.



Asfaw, who has worked for the World Bank, Accenture, and Google, as well as on technology and innovation initiatives for UNICEF, relays the story of how he got into the trash business. “I helped set up the first-ever circular economy project for UNICEF in Cote d’Ivoire, and we were able to create bricks out of plastic waste. We made over 500 schools using those and my love changed from software to trash, affordability, housing and cities. I did that for about four years,” he says.



“During that time, I learned the issues not just around trash, but a multitude of major challenges that human beings that live in cities are facing, especially on rapidly urbanizing continents like Africa. Alongside poor waste management [which] needs to be addressed, affordable housing is probably one of the biggest priorities in many countries right now. And then, of course, there’s climate change.”



Kubik, which was founded in 2021, produces products that are high in compression strength, non-flammable, non-toxic and modular.



“We’re a business that transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste into building materials that real estate developers can use at a cheaper price than conventional cement-based materials without compromising the quality or safety of those buildings,” says Asfaw.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63677" style="width:568px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kubik-Wall-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kubik Wall expression</figcaption></figure></div>


“Part of them doing business with Kubik [is] they’re also reducing the greenhouse gas impact that they bring to building cities like Addis Ababa. In a nutshell, we take all of that very bad plastic that you typically see in a landfill, and we make things like bricks that can make an entire wall, and that wall is as unremarkable as it looks, because it’s supposed to look just like every other building. What makes it remarkable to us is how accessible it is to lower-income communities, price-wise, and how green and sustainable it is within the real estate sector.”



In South Africa, sisters Kedibone and Kekeletso Tsiloane are tackling the plastic pollution and waste management issue through Ramtsilo Manufacturing and Construction, a company they founded in 2013. The business focuses on transforming hard-to-recycle plastics and other waste products into eco-bricks.



Kekeletso, who has a background in engineering, tells FORBES AFRICA about how this passion project turned into a fully-fledged business in a traditionally male-dominated industry.



“We initially started with small construction jobs, so building roads and building small projects, and that’s when we actually noticed that we spent so much money on materials, specifically bricks for us. We went out to look for a woman-owned brick manufacturing company, which we struggled to find. We then started making the bricks ourselves,” she says.



“I am interested in the green economy and what happens to waste and that grew an interest of learning about the afterlife of waste. In our research, we did not know that plastic had different properties and had different values. In terms of money, per kilogram, in the recycling space, it has different prices as well. And with that, we then sought out to make a product that we’re still comfortable with, but is innovative and in the green space.” South Africa, according to World Wide Fund (WWF), produces over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic annually. And while the bricks produced by Ramtsilo reportedly function in exactly the same way as conventional bricks, Kedibone, who has a finance background, states that the company still had to do a fair amount of educating on the product.



“We’re still having to re-educate people. It’s a plug and play solution but it integrates seamlessly into the construction industry. That was one of our biggest value-adds… the fact that people could easily use the product because they had the same look and feel as the conventional brick,” she explains.



“We then realized there’s additional benefits that come with the products – from an installation perspective, from a condensation water absorption [perspective] – because of the use of the plastic. The brick is actually branded so that people know that they’re [buying] an eco-friendly product. We’ve seen from the retailers, that product doesn’t stay in the retail stores and it’s simply because of the quality [and] the performance of the product.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63676" style="width:516px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kekeletso-Kedibone-Tsiloane-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kekeletso &amp; Kedibone Tsiloane (Photo Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


According to Kedibone, the bricks can be found at South African retailers like Builders Warehouse and Leroy Merlin in Gauteng. And while Ramtsilo’s business model tends to focus more on partnerships with corporates and retailers – a model that appears to be working well for them – Kubik’s has opted to focus on and develop the company’s relationships with waste pickers.



“We grappled with what our supply chain model should look like for many months. There are thousands of waste pickers in Ethiopia. Most of those pickers happen to be women, over 80% of them, and most of them end up selling their produce for the day to brokers at very low prices that are not economically sustainable for them to pass the poverty line,” he says.



“We wanted our business model to have a supply chain that not only worked at scale and made business/financial sense for us, but ethically is also empowering those that have previously been exploited in this space. We typically would work with city administrations that typically manage landfills. We get into a partnership with them, set up a collection site and we directly source from these waste pickers at prices that are at least three, four times more than what they would normally get from a broker.”



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endless-possibilities">Endless possibilities</h4>



A quick search online reveals some of the most commonly-used sustainable materials in construction. Aside from bamboo and recycled plastic, others include recycled or reclaimed wood, cork, Hempcrete and biocomposite cement.



Traditional building practices have also been employed in some parts of the continent. UNEP had published an article about a project at a school in Burkina Faso, where the modules that form the structure for the school are built out of locally- sourced laterite. This is then cut into bricks and left in the sun to harden. The bricks reportedly absorb the heat during the day and radiate it at night.



Another example of innovation at work is the The Wits Flower Hall Examination and Test Centre in South Africa. Ac- cording to a recent release by the institution, the now energy- efficient building has been recognized for its sustainable design and shortlisted in the Creative Reuse category at the World Ar- chitecture Festival, set to take place in November.



“We believe that adaptive reuse is a critical foundation of green sustainable building due to the embodied carbon content of existing buildings. Wits has a great track record of repurposing buildings, for example the Science Stadium,” said Dr Heather Dodd from Savage + Dodd Architects, who worked on this project in 2022, in the release.



The growth of the sustainable or green building space presents significant employment opportunities as well, according to Reynolds.



“The more that certification grows, the more people need to be aware the job opportunities are growing with it. I do a CEO message on all our newsletters; the latest one is talking about job expansion. So, you know, there’s job creation, but there’s also potential for job expansion because we need accredited professionals; we need EDGE experts,” she states. “We did our first certification in 2009. If you think of pre-2009, there were no such things as accredited professionals. Now, small companies are formed just doing certification. It’s a true reflection of job creation and I would try to encourage more and more people to do it. If they’re in the space [and] it’s not job creation, expand your portfolio and go into this space.”

Com_Ingvartsen_Mtwara_StarHomes_C-JulienLanoo_20220907L1034048 copy

Building Africa’s Green Future: How One Project Is Even Aiming To Curb Malaria With Sustainable Architecture

There’s nothing like a cross-continental journey or overland adventure &#8211; with social media following along &#8211; to experience the diversity, culture, music, fashion, food and art in Africa. All you need is a trusty vehicle, self-belief and a few good friends that you will definitely make along the way.



An airplane is definitely the quickest way to venture between countries, but more and more travelers are now opting for the scenic route — and taking their time to take it all in.



“With road trips there is the joy of just being able to stop,” explains Pelumi Nubi, whose epic journey across Africa saw her accumulate more than 10,000 kilometers by car. “With other means of transport, like flights, trains, boats, you go from point A to point B and there is very little control. But with road trips, if something catches your attention, you have the power to diverge.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-900x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63624" style="width:768px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-900x1024.jpeg 900w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-264x300.jpeg 264w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-768x874.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1.jpeg 1204w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The three doctors, James Weller, Karen Chang and James Spence, by their Toyota Hilux, which almost gave up but didn’t (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


The Nigerian-born content creator moved to the United Kingdom when she was 10 years old and has visited over 80 countries worldwide. Yet, it was her 74-day journey from the English capital to her birthplace, in a purple Peugeot 107 that she nick- named Lumi, that made her “the first Black woman to travel solo overland from London to Lagos”.



“I came up with the idea of driving from London to Lagos, connecting my two homes, to showcase Africa as a continent, because a lot of times, it doesn’t get the credit or the storytelling and exposure that I think it deserves.”



“Africa receives less than 5% of global tourism,” reveals the CEO of the African Tourism Association (ATA), Naledi Khabo. “If you’re flooded with news and there’s just negative news stories, that’s what people remember. Unfortunately, I also think people can’t conceptualize the breadth and length that is Africa. And so, anything that happens in one place must be happening across the entire continent.”



“We stayed in some really nice hotels and I guess we didn’t know there was quite so much luxury,” recalls James Weller, who drove from London to Cape Town with fellow doctors, Karen Chang and James Spence.



The three Brits — and their 2010 Toyota Hilux D-4D double cab named Edna — amassed an enormous social media following during their cross-continental journey.



“We never expected it at all,” Weller says of the trio’s Instagram account, @london.2.capetown, garnering almost half a million followers. “We made the account just for this trip, kind of to document it and so that our friends and family could follow along.”



Proving that the people you meet along the way are just as important as the journey itself, the three had a chance encounter with a travel blogger in Morocco doing a similar trip who then posted them on his Insta story. “Before we knew it, we were at 10,000 [followers] and then 20,000 and 50,000. And then it wasn’t long before we were at 100,000, 200,000… Part of it was the mystery of people going, ‘oh, are they going to make it?’ I think that obviously drew a lot of people in as well.”



The short answer to that question is… almost not. With a limited budget, Chang, Spence, and Weller, purchased Edna with the knowledge that she had some rust on the chassis. What they didn’t know, is just how bad it was. The constant cracking— and an out-of-commission airconditioner during 50-degree Celsius weather — meant that the trio spent a significant amount of time in garages and backyard repair shops along the trip.



In the end, though, all four made it to the Mother City, Cape Town.



“People were rooting for her to get to the end. We definitely didn’t want to give up on her.”



Nubi agrees: “[Following a collision with a truck in the Ivory Coast] There was the option of renting a new car and finishing the journey from Abidjan to Lagos. But I just had this strong instinct that, you know, I started with Lumi], I’m going to end with her.”



“I think that the more you travel, the more capacity you have to be able to tolerate unforeseen cumstances when they do arise,” says Cape Town-based clinical psychologist, Yanir Grindler. “When traveling, oftentimes, you have to make use of limited resources. That leads to an incredible amount of resilience and trust in your own abilities and inabilities.”



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Belief in herself is one thing Udoh Ebaide Joy did not forget to pack when she set out on her three- month adventure to become “the first African woman to ride from Kenya to Nigeria on a motorcycle”.



A traumatic car accident at the age of 23 left the Nigerian native with a damaged spinal cord and the inability to walk for eight months. Now 32, Ebaide Joy is determined to live life to the fullest, in the face of fear and constant pain.



“I live with screws and rods holding my spinal cord. People will never truly understand how thrilling it is using a motorcycle, knowing that I am not so whole. I am partly disabled and I’m still using it. It makes me so much more careful, knowing that if anything bad were to happen, it could be really, really bad for me because I already have something. And that makes it even more exciting.” Regardless of having had very little riding experience before embarking on her trip, Ebaide Joy couldn’t imagine traveling any other way. “Motorcyclists never go to the therapist,” she claims. “The motorcycle is enough — it fixes your brain, whatever you are going through, whatever sadness, whatever is stopping you, you get on the motorcycle, you will forget it for that period of time. Even when your thoughts circle back to it, the next move you have to make on the motorcycle will bring your thoughts back to the present.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63614" style="width:667px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Udoh Ebaide Joy had little riding experience before embarking on the trip (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Another advantage is the global community to which bikers belong.



“The bike enables you to meet different people, different cultures, and make more friends,” notes Sthembiso Mthembu, whose BMW R 1250 GS saw him through 11 countries as he traversed 13,650 kilometers between South Africa’s coastal city of Durban and Kenya.



“It is like a brotherhood or sisterhood, the biking community. Even if it’s the first time you meet, there’s a connection. You can be riding or standing by the road, if a biker passes you, he’ll definitely stop, ask where you’re from, if you need any help. Bikers are like a family.”



Despite it being a solo trip, the thriving motorcycle community throughout Africa ensured that Mthembu never felt truly alone. Following updates on his Facebook page, riders in various countries reached out to offer the South African, accommodation, meals, and company.



“Human connection is a basic need. We are born wanting to connect. The first thing we do as we leave our mother’s womb is try to reconnect and create a bond,” Grindler states. “To tolerate days or months without any social connection can take a real toll.”



For Nubi, solo trips are “empowering”, but she does admit to experiencing bouts of loneliness en route. “I think it was in Mauritania. There was an incredible sunset and I was taking a picture to send to a friend and getting so frustrated because the picture wasn’t capturing the way it looked, you know? So, there are many moments where you just go, ‘ah, I wish I could share this’. Because the thing about a solo trip, it’s great, it’s absolutely incredible, but it’s a memory that only you have. You cannot go and call someone and say, ‘hey, remember the time when we…,’ like, there is none of that. It’s just your memories and you almost have to be extra present in it because if you lose it or if you don’t catch the moment, then it’s gone.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63621" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pelumi Nubi’s 74-day solo road trip was from the English capital to her birthplace in Nigeria (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Although solo endeavors may be lonesome, traveling with others — even those nearest and dearest— can present its own set of issues, as Weller and his mates discovered.



“Spending three to four months together, in a car, in a tent, was pretty challenging to say the least… even at the best of times, we argue. I think agreeing to disagree is quite important, because you’re always going to disagree about stuff, but you have to evaluate how important it is and whether it really matters who is right or wrong. That said, it is difficult when you have to make so many decisions.”



Grindler believes that traveling in a group can offer the opportunity for personal growth: “It’s about tolerating and being able to negotiate, while also being respectful of each other’s strengths and limits. It’s also about being aware that not everything you decide is the right decision.”



Being alone on such grand adventures also forces one to take extra precautions when it comes to safety. Both Nubi and Ebaide Joy avoided posting social media updates in real time and driving at night; while the doctors regularly consulted the British government’s travel advisory. Mthembu, however, recalls feeling safe enough to hand over his cellphone to random locals in Rwanda to take a picture — something he wouldn’t fathom doing in South Africa.



“I think that in any country, in any city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly,” says Khabo. “I also think that when things happen across Africa, they are magnified and similar things can happen in other places, like New York, for example — yet no one stops coming to the United States. You can’t attribute one city’s hotspot to the entire continent and then ask, ‘is the entire continent safe’?”



“There is serious kindness in Africa. If we care to look for it, there is kindness,” Ebaide Joy acknowledges.



“Whilst we were in the Ivory Coast, the car got stuck in the mud in the middle of a forest and we didn’t know how we’d get it out,” Weller recalls. “We tried all night. In the morning, some people came past and we asked them if they could help. They didn’t speak English, we didn’t speak French. But so many of them came to help that we managed to push it out!”



Language barriers are just one of the hurdles that come with crossing various countries. Waiting on travel documents and dealing with border officials can result in numerous delays, additional expenses, and occasionally put a stop to entry altogether.



“We need a borderless Africa,” argues Ebaide Joy. “I am planning a Eurotour next year. I only need one visa to go to all European countries, but I needed a visa for almost every country I traveled as a Black woman in Africa. If there can be a borderless Africa, it will change the narrative significantly. Tourism will thrive better in Africa. It is just wrong that I can travel another continent much, much easier than my own.” According to Khabo, discussions about ease of entry are taking place behind the scenes. “I think governments are hearing and understand why it’s important. You’re seeing more and more governments on an individual level make it easier for travelers to enter their country, either with visas-on-arrival or no-visa policies. And regionally, countries are coming up with solutions so that upon entry into one country, that single visa can be used in neighboring countries. You’re seeing it in East Africa.



“There are always security issues and political issues, but I think that there’s an understanding that ease of entry is a major factor in travel and tourism. And so, you’re seeing a shift. It may be slow, but it’s definitely happening.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63618" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sthembiso Mthembu’s journey on a BMW R 1250 GS through 11 countries (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Should such a shift occur, it may result in even more travelers embarking on overland adventures, which will only benefit communities, as Khabo notes: “It offers a unique experience. You’re literally crossing from town to town and seeing the terrain change and supporting the local economies in a way that you wouldn’t ordinarily. It showcases our incredible diversity, our culture, music, fashion, art, food. And the more that you see other people do it, the more people understand that it’s possible.”



“I would get messages from teachers saying, ‘we’ve ditched the school curriculum because my students and I literally just watch your journey in class’. Emails from 70-year-old women who tell me, ‘I literally feel like restarting my life because for so long I had this big adventure within me, but society told me I couldn’t do it. And now seeing you do it just gives me so much hope,’” Nubi reveals.



“As long as you are sure you can do, don’t mind what people say,” Ebaide Joy insists. “Whatever fears they put into you, however much they say you can’t do it, the first person to believe in it is you. If you think you can do it and you believe in a yourself, you should absolutely go for it.”



More times than not, it is ourselves who become obstacles in our own path, as Nubi acknowledges.



“We always wait for the perfect situation, but most of the time we already have the thing that we need to get to that destination. We just, you know, need to be a little bit braver.” People often say that it is not about the destination, but about the journey. Regardless of whether you choose to go fast, far, solo, or together, perhaps the answer is to just… go!

African by roada

Overland Adventures Across Africa: When The Journey Equals The Destination

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/"></a>Topline</h2>



College students who get short phone breaks during class periods score higher on tests and use their phones less during lectures, according to a new study, the newest research in a heated debate about cellphone use and its effects on students’ success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h2>



The researchers used data from 22 class periods with an average of 21 students at an undergraduate midwestern university over the course of a semester, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1393070/abstract" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;published Wednesday in Frontiers in Education.



Some students were given either one-, two- or four-minute technology breaks during class when they could use their devices, while control groups were given equally long question breaks during which phone use wasn’t permitted, but students were encouraged to ask questions.



Students who were given phone breaks were more attentive during class and scored higher grades on quizzes than the control group did.



The one-minute cellphone break proved to be the most effective: Participants who were given this break period had the highest test scores and used their phones less while professors were lecturing.



The researchers aren’t sure why “the shorter, the better,” but one reason may be because one minute is enough to time to read and send a quick message, so “if they have more time to send many messages, they may be more likely to receive messages and respond again during class,” Ryan Redner, the study’s first author and a professor at Southern Illinois University, said in a statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contra">Contra</h2>



Whether phones are detrimental to students’ success is a controversial topic, and some previous research has shown cellphone use during class does more harm than good. Both short-term and long-term phone use in college classes resulted in lower test scores and GPAs, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hendrix.edu/uploadedFiles/Academics/Faculty_Resources/2016_FFC/Cell%20phone%20use%20during%20class%20and%20grades.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;by the American Psychological Association found. Electronic device use during college courses hindered students’ long-term retention, which in turn reduced their final exam grades, according to a Taylor &amp; Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443410.2018.1489046" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">study</a>. College freshmen who reported low, medium and high cellphone usage during class all had negative impacts on their grades, according to a Springer&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12564-023-09824-6" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">research paper</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">Tangent</h2>



Although there aren’t any statewide efforts to ban phone use in college classes, there have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/08/13/cellphone-bans-in-schools-grow-gavin-newsom-requests-restrictions-in-california/">bans implemented</a>&nbsp;in primary and secondary schools. Florida became the first state last year to ban cellphone use during class, which includes a ban on social media access while using school Wi-Fi. Indiana lawmakers also approved a ban earlier this year that restricts electronic device usage—including phones, tablets, laptops and gaming systems—during class. Other states that have implemented restrictions include Minnesota, Ohio and Virginia. State leaders like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., and Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, have urged school districts to implement phone bans. Calls for phone restrictions in schools have increased in recent years as studies highlight the negative effects phones and social media have on youth. Around 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers in the U.S. said cellphone distractions were a “major problem” during class, a recent Pew Research&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/04/04/whats-it-like-to-be-a-teacher-in-america-today/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;found. However, some parents oppose these bans because they believe their children should have access to their phones in case of an emergency, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalparentsunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/National-Parents-Union-February-2024-Survey-Topline.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;by the National Parents Union.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/08/13/cellphone-bans-in-schools-grow-gavin-newsom-requests-restrictions-in-california/">Cellphone Bans In Schools Grow: Gavin Newsom Requests Restrictions In California</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)

Young multiracial students using cell phone sitting at campus school

Short Phone Breaks During Class Could Help Students Score Higher Grades, Study Suggests

Ghana and the Ivory Coast contribute a big chunk of the world’s chocolate. Yet, farmers here only earn around $1 a day. We profile entrepreneurs and chocolatiers determined to make sure the practice of cultivating cocoa prevails and it’s a sweet deal for the producers too.



British author Roald Dahl tapped into every chocoholic’s imagination when creating Willy Wonka’s bizarre chocolate factory in his 1964 children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Although the signature chocolate river may have been pure fantasy, Africa’s cocoa industry is being molded by real-life chocolate-makers who are making it their mission to demonstrate why the continent deserves a golden ticket.



“I’ve never seen anyone miserable while tasting chocolate. Even if you are miserable, you take a bite of chocolate and it boosts your mood. It makes people joyful. That’s part of its mystery and beauty,” believes Kimberly Addison, who, along with her sister Priscilla, started Ghana’s ’57 Chocolate in 2016. 



The name of the Accra-based bean-to-bar company is inspired by the year in which the country gained independence and the spirit of developing a nation by manufacturing high-quality products.



Having spent her formative years in Switzerland’s second-most populous city, Geneva, Addison was accustomed to giving Swiss chocolate as gifts when visiting friends and family in the United States (U.S.), Senegal, and Ghana.



“I was living in the chocolate nation of the world — or so I thought.”



Fulfilling her life-long dream of moving back to Ghana prompted her friends to take her on a farewell outing to a chocolate factory two weeks before her departure. It was during that tour that the seed of Addison’s life’s purpose began to cultivate.



“They had a display of where they sourced their cocoa beans from, and lo and behold, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana were the two largest displays. I asked myself, ‘why on earth have I been taking Swiss chocolate everywhere I travel when the main ingredient comes from the continent of Africa? I should be bringing Ghanaian chocolate to Switzerland’.”



The only problem – Ghanaian chocolate didn’t really exist.



Although Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are responsible for growing around 70% of the world’s cocoa beans, the raw material is most often exported to chocolate-producing countries in Europe and the U.S.



The lack of a locally-produced chocolate bar on the supermarket shelves of Côte d’Ivoire is what influenced Axel Emmanuel Gbaou to create his own. Not exactly the typical path for a banker with a master’s degree in taxation.



“There was no chocolate-maker in my country, even though we produce more than 2 million [metric] tonnes of cocoa per year. So, I decided to leave my job at the bank and rise to the challenge.”



Sourcing beans from Côte d’Ivoire’s seven cocoa farming regions, Gbaou has created mineral-rich, earthy blends that have won international awards, dispelling the myth that African-produced chocolate is not as good as that from global corporations like Nestlé and Mars.



“If you get good quality raw materials, half your job is already done,” says Kyle Hickman, head chocolatier at AFRIKOA in Cape Town, South Africa. The hand-crafted brand uses heirloom beans from Tanzania that are purchased from farmers through direct trade.



“Chocolate has to be refined to a point that it’s really smooth, down to 20 microns or less, so that our tongue cannot pick up any texture. It then goes through a process called conching where we get rid of a lot of the volatile notes, because chocolate can be very acidic if it’s not processed properly.”



The chocolate is then tempered to allow the fat crystals to set, and other elements like cocoa butter; sugar; milk powder; and flavorings are added in. South African rooibos tea and Rwandan coffee can be found amidst AFRIKOA’s wares, while ’57’s collection features flavors like hibiscus and moringa.



“It’s so easy to just break a bar, pop a piece in your mouth and enjoy it because chocolate is a food that brings people together and makes you smile, but I never in a thousand years knew how hard it is to make,” admits Addison who learned the process by spending a month with a chocolate-making couple in England before returning to Accra to teach others.



“Isn’t it ironic that I had to go outside of the continent to get training in chocolate-making, only to bring it back? Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa, yet we don’t really have any formal schools or technical training centers on how to work with this major resource of ours.&#8221;



A third of the globe’s cocoa farmers reside in parts of West Africa, though cocoa is not something that ever found a place in the local diet. The majority of cocoa growers have never even seen a piece of chocolate, let alone taken a bite.



“Cocoa was introduced during the colonial period and was cultivated from the beginning to be exported,” explains Michael E. Odijie, a research associate at University College London. “It was not introduced as a food crop that later became a cash crop; it was introduced as a cash crop right away. People cultivating cocoa in the late 19th century had no idea what the use for this crop was, but they understood that after harvest, there was always somebody willing to buy it.”



Despite being integral to the chocolate production process, farmers rarely receive their due. A shortfall in the most recent harvest, thanks to various factors such as climate change, diseased trees, and lack of investment, have resulted in cocoa prices soaring from $2.60 per kilogram at the beginning of 2023 to around $9.80 in July 2024. Yet, farmers are still only earning around $1 a day.



“There is a power imbalance between cocoa farmers at one end of the value chain and multinationals at the other end,” Odijie notes. “Farmers don’t have control over price which is basically set by demand and supply. A cocoa farmer in a village in Ghana does not have the capital, the information, the research to properly negotiate with the other end of the value chain.”


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The lack of feasible income, in some cases, results in an inability to pay workers, thus leading farmers to resort to child labor.



“Child labor is defined by the International Labour Organization as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development. This can include carrying heavy loads, using sharp tools like machetes to harvest the cocoa, or when the work interferes with the child’s schooling,” explains the Communications Director of the International Cocoa Initiative, Katie Bird.



The role of the NPO is to work with farmers, civil society organizations, and policymakers to tackle the issue of child labor and trafficking in West Africa where around 1.5 million children are reportedly affected. Raising awareness, improving access to quality education, building classrooms, providing books and uniforms, cash injections, and focusing on gender equality are some of the means the initiative has employed to combat the issue.



Bird notes: “Advancing women’s economic empowerment, helping them to participate in household decision-making can be very useful. There is usually more investment into the children’s schooling when the women have more of a say in the household decision-making.”



While the men work the field, Gbaou has taken it upon himself to share skills with the wives, mothers, and daughters of the communities, so they, too, may have a hand in shaping their future. “I have trained more than 2,000 women throughout Africa,” he reveals. “In the past, they did not know what to do with the beans, but now some make chocolate spread that they can sell to the children in the village. I train them how to make things with cocoa butter like soap and lipstick. It brings them some economic freedom.”



Addison agrees: “We’ve learned that the best investment one can make is in another human being, so our goal is that whoever comes through our door at ’57 must leave here better than they came.”



It is also about ensuring that the practice of cultivating cocoa prevails.



“They often say that the next generation of cocoa farmers don’t exist. And honestly, sometimes I even want to say that the next generation of farmers in general don’t exist. So now the challenge is how do we make farming interesting for young people?”



Much like its cocoa beans, the Ghanaian chocolatier hopes that Africans will remain on the continent.



“Africa shouldn’t be a place that we leave; it should be a place where people want to come to. Yes, it has its issues, its challenges, but where there are problems there are opportunities to begin to make changes. There’s no need to seek greener pastures elsewhere, we can create our own here.”



Choc-ful of potential, Africa is no longer simply clocking in to the chocolate factory — it’s building its own and inviting the world inside for a taste.

image3

Africa’s Chocolate Industry: Bean There Done That?

The time to plan for the sudden influx of aged and dated solar materials is now– Africa can’t afford to become a toxic dumping ground for the e-waste detritus left behind by solar.



Over the past few years, Africa’s corporates and consumers went solar at an unprecedented speed. Statista found that as of the end of 2022, South Africa was in the lead with more than 6 gigawatts followed by Egypt (1.7 gigawatts), Morocco with 858 megawatts, Algeria with 460 megawatts and Senegal at 263 megawatts. The total gigawatts across the continent have increased significantly over the past 10 years from only 331 megawatts in 2011 to 12.6 gigawatts in 2022 – a 16-fold capacity increase. Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Tanzania are currently expected to see the most rapid transitions to clean energy by 2030, while Namibia’s growth is the fourth-fastest in the world as per research group Zero Carbon Analytics’ 2023 report Africa’s Energy Transition: Solar and Wind Fuel Energy Security.



The region is gaining traction. Research from the above report found that deployment of solar energy is the fastest-growing resource on the continent and accounted for 57% of renewable investments between 2010 and 2021. Investments in the off-grid sector were the highest in Africa over a similar 10-year period (2010-2020) at 70% and a value of $1.7 billion. When this level of investment is wedded to the life-span of the technologies used to power solar panels and farms, there’s another question companies and governments should be asking about solar – where’s the bin? If millions of solar panels and batteries are being imported into Africa, with a lifespan of around 20 years, what is being done to ensure that countries investing heavily in solar today are putting the right recycling plans in place?



“Typically, when we speak about solar waste, it includes solar panels, PV panels, inverters, solar PV batteries, rooftop solar frames, ground-based frames, junction boxes and embedded cables,” Mervin Olivier, Eastern Cape Chair at the Institute of Waste Man- agement of Southern Africa, tells FORBES AFRICA. “There’s a lot of solar waste and typically people just talk about the PV panel. As they reach end of life, thousands of panels will need replacing and recycling will become absolutely critical.”



The International Renewable Energy Agency has predicted that by 2050, 78 million metric tons of solar panels will reach the end of their lives. The issue is the toxicity of the materials within solar installations. Solar panels have lead, cadmium, silver, and arsenic that, at certain levels, are quantified as hazardous waste, the batteries used to power solar installations are lithium-ion phos- phate batteries which are flammable, and difficult to contain. The problem is that most solar panels and their detritus are dumped in landfills because there’s no profit in their ethical dismantling and destruction – the few precious metals locked within the e-waste are difficult to extract and their value too low for the effort.



“Solar PV panels contain aluminium and glass which can be re- cycled, but the harmful chemicals in the batteries and the panels are difficult to recycle, which is why a lot of companies in Europe are sending them to countries in Africa, like Ghana, where they strip elements like copper out of the equipment and sell it,” Minnette Le Roux, Head of the Environment Department, Principal Environ- mental Specialist at law and consultancy advisory firm NSDV tells FORBES AFRICA. 



“Then counties in Africa are left sitting with these massive amounts of hazardous waste. Some countries in Africa are part of the Basel Convention preventing the transport of waste but some are not part of the convention and accept the hazardous waste. There are no plants in Africa that actually recycle what’s left of the batteries – this is one of the biggest concerns – and no landfill sites designed to handle this type of waste.”



It’s a sentiment echoed by Ashley du Plooy, CEO at ERA NPC (E-waste Recycling Authority), who adds that countries like Nigeria and Ghana have become major dumping grounds for electronic waste with strips of urban land covered in e-waste that’s being smashed and burned for the extraction of metals. “Quantifying the problem is very difficult,” he says. “Especially since solar waste is new and growing at a pace four times higher than solid municipal waste.”



Solar waste across all its iterations is a growing risk to human and environmental health across Africa. As solar installations reach end of life, particularly over the next few years, there’s a need for innovative startups to step up and help reframe the con- versation for the continent.



One such startup is EWaste Africa and Managing Director Pravashen Naidoo tells FORBES AFRICA: “In the past 12 months, we recycled close to 16,000 solar panels. I think we’re the first in Africa doing this – we haven’t been able to find anyone else doing it and getting the financial value from the process.” EWaste Africa is ISO 14001 compliant with a focus on environmental compli- ance, and one of its facilities is currently commissioning a patented technology for the extraction of rare earth metals and can be used to transform significant quantities of electronic waste.



“Government landfill sites are not designed with the right levels and layers to handle these hazardous materials, and with nearly 17 million installed panels as of the end of 2023, we need to make a plan that works,” says Naidoo. As Olivier concludes: “It’s essential that African countries develop a solar panel end-of-life plan similar to one recently published by Australia. 



More of a focus on enforcement to ensure compliance, and increased consumer pressure holding manufac- turers responsible – and this includes importers and distributors. They need to provide safe transportation of old materials and drive the implementation of a lifecycle methodology with cradle- to-the-grave opportunities.” There is, he says, time to prepare, innovate and implement a responsible plan before the waste tsunami hits. But will people listen?

A view of discarded solar panel components below a power

After Solar, Comes Lead: Why Africa Can’t Afford To Become A Toxic Dumping Ground For E-Waste

Relative energy deficiency in sport or red-s is when an athlete’s calorie intake does not match what they burn during exercise, which over a period of time can lead to serious health issues. It’s a dangerous game, and the implications can be extremely serious and long-term.



Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a term gaining traction in a number of codes around the world but with studies limited in Africa, how widespread the problem may be on the continent is unknown.



There are moves afoot to change that, but for now, while the RED-S issue is alive in Europe and the United States, we know little about the state of play in Africa.



RED-S is when an athlete’s calorie intake does not match what they burn during exercise, which over a period of time can lead to serious health issues, including eating disorders. It is a dangerous game, and the implica- tions can be extremely serious and long-term.



The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is so concerned about the issue – with both male and female climbers – that they have stepped up their monitor- ing of athletes’ health.



It seems obvious that being lighter has a benefit in climbing, leading to instances where athletes purposefully drop their body weights to dangerous levels.



Kai Lightner restricted his eating as a teenager and was a youth climbing world champion but by age 14 his liver was close to failure and he had fractured his spine in two places due to insufficient muscular protection.



Climbers will provide details of their height, weight, heart rate and blood pressure, with national federations to either issue a health certificate based on those parameters, or require they go for more testing.



The IFSC will conduct random testing throughout the climbing season. An external commission will review data from suspected cases and compare it with the national federation health certificates.



This is one federation tackling the issue, but there are others who have yet to and in Africa there is little informa- tion on how prevalent, or not, the issue may be. And it does not only affect just professional athletes, but potentially, those at amateur and school level too.



“There is quite a bit of research internationally, but then, once you get to Africa, or any other developing part of the world, there is little information,” Dr Candice MacMillan, who has a PhD in Sports Physiotherapy and is founder of the Female Athletes Research Centre (FEARCE) at the faculty of health sciences at the University of Pretoria, tells FORBES AFRICA.



“In South Africa, there has not been any study on RED-S among male or female athletes, so from a scientific perspective, there is very little literature. 



“We are busy with our own, at the University of Pretoria, we have a female-focused research interest group called FEARCE and it is one of the projects that we have identified, but looking at both male and female athletes.



“We don’t know anything about the South African landscape at the moment, whether it is similar to the rest of the world or there are local differences. The study we have formulated is looking exactly at that.”



MacMillan does not believe any sporting codes in South Africa actively monitor athletes to see if they have RED-S, and says international standards in how to monitor may not apply in the local context.



“I am not aware of any sports in South Africa where it is standard protocol to include a RED-S questionnaire. But just because a RED-S ques- tionnaire has been validated in the United States, for example, does not mean it is relevant within a South African context,” MacMillan adds.



“We are currently studying the knowledge of RED-S among the support staff of the athletes and the athletes themselves. For example, from a female perspective, there are definite cultural barriers with regards to talking about menstrual regularity, which is one of the side-effects of RED-S.



“Or among the males, it is sex-drive. It is not necessarily within the culture of many athletes to speak openly about that. In that instance, even if they had RED-S, we would not know if they don’t answer the questions honestly.”



MacMillan points out too that RED-S is a po- tential problem among school-going children and is not reserved for elite performers. It is some- thing parents can be actively monitoring.



“There are instances where young girls, for example, are entering puberty and at school, there may be comments about, ‘this person has gained weight’, and that is one area where it can be an issue as the reaction to that is to severely limit calorie intake when actually it is just a typi- cal female phase.



“But when you are trying to make a one per cent improvement to your performance, all these things are issues.”



Many athletes who do drop their body weights to dangerous levels in the belief it will help their sporting performance, may be creating other problems for themselves beyond RED-S.



“With regards the sport climbers, for example, some athletes may believe losing those few kilograms will give them an advantage, but then their power-to-weight ratio goes down too by restricting calorie intake. They need to look at the whole picture,” MacMillan says

Runners in starting blocks

What RED-S Means For Athletes In Africa

Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez’s art residency program facilitates practice focused visits to the South ff France for female South African artists, resulting in their transformative empowerment. 



God knew the African woman was going to have a very, very hard life,” writes Sindiwe Magona in Beauty’s Gift, her paean to the fi erce sororal resilience of female survivors. “He gave her that tough, timeless skin so that her woes would not be written all over her face, so that her face would not be a map to her torn and tattered heart.” 



This pain, and its healing, is instead charted in other ways; in South Africa, it is embedded in and articulated through the artistic expression of women who transform generational trauma into palliative innovation and creativity. To trace the journey of the artist Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana is to understand the ways in which South African women support and uplift one another; how female agency is liberated through opportunity and empowerment. 



Kekana is a benefi ciary of Undiscovered Canvas, an art agency “showcasing the best emerging talent from Africa and the diaspora”. 



The agency is the brainchild of Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez, who identifi es and evolves nascent ability through the Makwande Art Residency program, which facilitates practice-focused visits to the South of France for female, fl edgling South African artists. 



“As I was successfully growing the careers I represented, I realized there were very few female artists I was able to have on my roster,” Nongqunqa Coupez says. “And it concerned me, because I realized I did not hear their voices; I was not able to tell what is happening within their communities. Emerging artists are very vulnerable; they don’t have any form of support. We’re losing a lot of critical voices from the African continent, especially from women.” 



The Makwande residencies provide precious studio space and time to these artists, and fresh artistic perspectives via educational tours to France’s revered museums and galleries. 



“It is fascinating to see a young artist asking themselves so many questions. As they see the path of the masters, it validates what they are doing; that they will have something at the end that will be tangible. Once they have produced a body of work during the residency, I take it to Undiscovered Canvas, and promote those artworks through partnerships with galleries, institutions and foundations.” 



Success stories such as Kekana’s are poignant and important not only for the evidence of joy engendered through fulfi lled talent; they are roadmaps leading back to a struggle for dignity and visibility that has deep roots in South Africa’s past and the painful challenges still haunting its present. Nongqunga Coupez was born in the village of Ngqeleni in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, one of the sectors of the country hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and where transmission between mother and baby took a heavy toll on communities with little or no access to healthcare provision. 



Last year, Undiscovered Canvas partnered with One to One Africa for Dualities, an exhibition at the Bernard Jacobson Gallery in London that celebrated the NGO’s Mentor Mothers project: a vital service which supports women and families in Nyandeni, one of the region’s most isolated districts, by “delivering systemic psychosocial change through in-home healthcare on foot, along the gravel paths, many miles from the nearest roads”. 



The exhibition showcased Kekana’s work alongside that of fellow female South African artists Lesego Seoketsa, Lulama Wolf Mlambo and Nene Mahlangu. 



“This project is about empowerment of the individual fi rst,” says Gqibelo Dandala, One to One Africa’s Executive Director. 



“These 40 Mentor Mothers, who are ordinary rural women we recruited locally, trained, and equipped, have acquired a status they wouldn’t otherwise have. We work in communities where there are no public facilities, no hospitals, no clinics. And yet we’ve managed to virtually eliminate mother to child HIV transmission simply because of this model: you empower one woman; she goes into households, and she empowers other women in those households.” 



For Kekana, who grew up in the impoverished Alexandra township in Gauteng, South Africa, the journey of transformational empowerment, for herself and her family, has been transcendent. The accelerating interest in her work has led to a placement at the David Krut Workshop in Johannesburg, noted for its ongoing collaborations with William Kentridge, while her residency in Nice has opened up radical new commercial and creative possibilities. 



“It was life-changing,” says Kekana. “It was my fi rst time having a studio; at home, I worked in my bedroom, and my workbooks, my bed, and my mom’s furniture were all covered in paint. So having the space and freedom to express myself was incredible. I saw clearly the type of work I created, and the place that it came from. Coming back, I wanted to prove there was a growth; I wanted to have my own space, to grow more freely. Now I have a big, beautiful place where I can create. So it really instilled those values.” 



During her residency, Kekana produced more than 25 pieces of work, in a whirlwind of inspiration and productivity. One of the most striking resultant paintings is My Ancestors Healing, a tender, maternal evocation of cyclical nurturing: hands grasp to be held, bodies are comforted, the living and the dead reach out across time to be heard and healed. 



“I come from a family where we are spiritually connected with the divine, with our ancestors. There is so much that my ancestors have endured in order for me to be here; we inherit, in some way, the trauma of those who came before us. So that piece was also about opening conversations: delving into the scar, in order for that wound to actually heal. Once somebody questions these causes and effects, the curse is broken.”

Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez; Photo by Robert Chadwick

Pain, Paint And Possibilities: A South African’s Work Of Art

Expert insights into how we are surrounded by noise 24/7/365 and it&#8217;s affecting our ability to think clearly and manage stress levels, often leading to expensive mistakes, at work and in life. 



Globally, employee stress levels are high. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report connects this to high inflation, economic complexity, and ongoing uncertainty. Chad, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea and Togo are cited as having the most stressed employees in Africa – although not as high as workers in East Asia with 61% citing extremely high daily levels of stress making them, says Gallup, “the most stressed-out workers in the world”.



African countries also feature high on the list of most distressed nations in the world, according to the Mental State of the World Report 2023; South Africa, Egypt and Angola are all experiencing high levels of distress. South Africa is on par with the United Kingdom in terms of how distressed people are, at 35%.



“Stress levels vary significantly across the African continent based on factors such as socio- economic conditions political instability and infrastructure chal- lenges,” Simone Berger, Behavioural Specialist and Founder at Univa- tion, tells FORBES AFRICA. “It’s difficult to generalize stress levels across an entire continent though – I don’t believe Africa’s levels are notably higher than other continents at this time. The world is changing rapidly and there is global uncertainty and overwhelm.”



There is, as Mel Harvard, Director at Harvard Ink, points out, “Pandemic after-effects, global information overload and crisis fatigue to deal wi h as well. People just don’t know how to deal with stress either.”



Or they do know how to deal with stress better than in the past – the Gallup Negative Experience Index has remained steady at its record 33 high reached in 2021 – but they are struggling to keep up with the rate of change and constant noise that accompany the stress.



Leanne Glanville, Mindfulness Facilitator and coach at the Sandton Yoga Lounge johannesburg, explains to FORBES AFRICA: “Between everything that goes on in our lives, minds and at work, everything is fast-paced and hectic. We made bad decisions in the moment because we’re not thinking, we’re not aware.&#8221;



Which is why people click on that SMS from the ‘Postal Service’ asking for an address update and a payment to ensure that a parcel – one that they don’t remember ordering – arrives safely. Or they click on that link in an email from a leading bank because it’s threatening to close their account. Or they agree to send millions of dollars to an un- known account because they’re so busy worrying about letting people down, they’re not hitting the pause button and asking the right questions.



Enter mindfulness. Currently an industry predicted to be reportedly worth more than $300 million by 2031, mindfulness has become profit- able and problematic. It works beautifully – the science is proven and the value exceptional – but as a recent Vox article so eloquently pointed out: “Mindfulness without worker power is capitalism at its worst.” Look inside at how to manage stress rather than outward at the causes of that stress.



In commercial language: corporates need to buy into the mindfulness credo if they want to reduce the risks that poor mindfulness and awareness introduce to their businesses and their data. 



“At the heart of cyber resilience lies the potential of human capital,” says Gilchrist Mushwana, Director and Head of Cybersecurity Service Line, BDO South Africa.



All it takes is just one click to crack open a cor- porate reputation or cost it a fortune in lost cash or fines. When people are under pressure to deliver, miss bathroom breaks and multi-task, they aren’t thinking clearly. In fact, research found that jump- ing between tasks takes a 40% hit on productivity and drops the average IQ by 10 points.



“Mindfulness is about being present in the mo- ment and can help everyone in all spheres of life,” says Glanville. “It helps people focus on the task at hand, whether it’s a meeting or an email, and reduces the risk of them making mistakes. It allows people to step out of autopilot and respond to situ- ations with more clarity and calm.”



Companies have a responsibility beyond just making money and improving market share. They need to cultivate skills that include, says Dr Chris Heunis, Founder at TBi, “social and emotional intelligence and purposeful behaviors”.



It is also not hard to achieve. As Mushwana concludes: “Given that over 90% of cyber threats exploit the human factor, focusing on human elements within technological processes becomes crucial. Training employees in mindfulness can heighten their awareness and help them manage the psychological stresses of continuous digital engagement, reducing the risk of security breaches driven by human errors.”

Some meditation before work

Hit The Pause Button: Expert-Speak On Mindfulness At Work

As Ghana’s home market picks up, so is the demand from consumers for opulent interiors, but there are challenges.



The interior design market size was valued at $130.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $211.29 billion by 2032, according to global market research company, Market Research Future. In Ghana, in particular, Statista reports that revenue in the furniture market is estimated to be $431.30 million in 2024, and projected to experience an annual growth rate of 2.04% (CAGR 2024-2029).


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="821" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied-821x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62628" style="width:475px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied-821x1024.jpg 821w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied-241x300.jpg 241w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied-768x958.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied-1232x1536.jpg 1232w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Yaw-Appiah-Kubi-Image-supplied.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 821px) 100vw, 821px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yaw Appiah Kubi (Image supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


“Ghana is currently at an exciting juncture. We are seeing new design concepts come to the forefront. There is a growing recognition of intrinsic elements, such as superior craftsmanship and exceptional materials,” says Pamela Michelle Aboagye, founder of Ms. Atkinson Interiors.



“I feel Ghana could be the leading luxury interior landmark. We have the resources, talent and craftsmanship to exceed all other countries. We are gradually being acknowledged and appreciated for our design ability.”



Mawuli Nii Mensah, CEO of Tema-based FBM Marble &amp; Granite that provides natural stone products, further attests to this.



“Our typical clientele encompasses a diverse range of individuals who share an appreciation for the transformative power of a beautifully designed home. Contrary to the perception that interior design is just for the affluent, everyone deserves a living space that is both opulent and reflects their style,” he says.



“While my portfolio includes clients with notable budgets, which grants me the freedom to prepare designs without constraints, my core philosophy is that beautiful homes should be accessible to everyone.”



The sector can also be considered crucial because, in many cases, it helps to increase the value of real estate. This, in turn, would have a knock-on effect on sectors like the furniture market.



A 2022 report from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) states that the country’s real estate sector had become the fastest-growing sector with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between 2016 and 2021. The development of residential spaces has been bolstered by both the government and the private sector, having increased to 5.86 million structures in 2021.



The luxury space in Ghana is also brimming with opportunities and Yaw Appiah Kubi, designer and creator of Yak Group, has taken full advantage of this.



“I have worked on several high-end projects including, Ridge Condos, Teflon Suites, Gyamfuaa Courts in the Ashanti Region, in addition to the resplendent Makers House Chapel, Embassy Gardens, Airport Hills, Lakeside Estate, Chain Homes, and many more luxurious apartments in Accra. Luxury consumers appreciate made-to-order experiences and exclusivity. Offering tailored services, limited editions, and immersive retail experiences can create a strong brand connection and customer fidelity,” he says.



Yak Decor, one of the portfolios in his group, is a luxury home interior design company in Ghana. With a 10-year journey in the dynamic world of interior design, Kubi prides himself on being a creator of bespoke furniture and a curator of luxurious interior and exterior furnishings.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62627" style="width:340px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pamela-Michelle-Aboagye-Image-supplied.jpg 1366w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pamela Michelle Aboagye (Image supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


However, as attractive as real estate – and supporting sectors – is in Ghana, the current economic climate still presents challenges for businesses in the industry.



“The last few years’ recession has impacted every known industry and the interior design industry is without exception. Many projects have been put on hold, and the profitability and sales of many interior design businesses are going south,” says Kubi.



He has seen a decline of about 30% to 50% in revenues due to decreased consumer spending on non-essential items such as home furnishings and decor.



“I was also faced with increased competition from other similar businesses as they offered lower-priced goods and services to stay afloat in the market. This, again, has caused a dent in profit margins as I was compelled to compromise on our prices as well,” says Kubi.



Aboagye, of Ms. Atkinson Interiors, is, on the contrary, seeing a slightly different trend from Kubi.



“We have seen a 20% growth rate month-on-month in Q1, showing an understanding that, despite financial difficulties, people are choosing to invest in themselves and their homes. Some clients are conscious of their spending. I think that the goal should be to cater to everyone and educate our clients on the value of what we offer,” she says.



“With luxury interiors, the beauty lies in the durability and quality of our products. Everything is made to last, which means that while clients might feel like they are spending more, especially during an economic crisis, we are actually helping them make long-term investments in their homes.”



For Kubi, the current state of the economy as well as the increasing competition has led to a shift in strategy.



“In our recent board meeting, we concluded that we needed to find real estate investors, like developers who are planning long-term projects, because getting hired for these projects can fill in the gaps in our pipeline,” he says.



Aboagye has taken a different approach to protect her business and guarantee growth in these uncertain times.



“Businesses like mine require collaborations with other professionals, like architects and developers. Clients should allow interior designers to be involved from the early stages. Additionally, collaborating with personal shoppers and fashion stylists will help bring all design elements together. The public should also be educated on what interior designers offer,” says Aboagye.



For those looking to break into and thrive in the luxury interior design sector, she believes that ‘stickability’ is key for long-term growth.



&nbsp;“I think that we will continue to trend upward throughout 2024. Government-endorsed legislations like The Year of Return [in 2019] encouraged the diaspora community to return. We are continuing to see an upsurge in foreign investment and a demand for properties to meet a certain level of standards. There is a spotlight on Africa, and with this, I hope that we can see a boost in our economy and the opportunity for our people to spend and elevate our lifestyles,” says Aboagye.



Despite the increase in residential structures in the last decade, Ghana’s housing deficit is still around 1.8 million, according to the GIPC. The Ministry of Finance estimates that about 60% of Ghana’s urban population needs assistance in securing adequate homes.



However, this does present untapped opportunities for real estate entrepreneurs like Kofi Anku, who leads Pokuase Heights, a sustainably-built middle income housing development in Accra.



“We have over 200-unit townhouses which feature solar power, insulated walls and ceilings, biodigesters and water supply. Our two bed bungalows start from $42,000 whiles the three-bedroom shell homes go for $72,000. If you contrast this with the average home in the United States, which is $435,000 or the United Kingdom, which is $375,000, you realize just how much value you get with our homes,” says Anku.

Real estate agent showing new house to customers

Luxury Checks In: Ghana’s Real Estate Sector Sees Room For Improvement

Olushola Medupin wanted to stay away from the food business but now has a growing array of upscale restaurants selling West African cuisine in some of the world’s most dazzling cities.



For Olushola Medupin, his passion for food was a gift passed down generations, like a prized heir- loom. His mother ran one of the most successful restaurants in Kwara State in Western Nigeria, and before her, his grandparents too ran their own local outlets selling inexpensive, pre-cooked food to hungry customers.



Cooking, literally, is in his blood. “My mother was in the restaurant, cooking, when she had to rush to the hospital to give birth to me,” says Medupin. “The only life I knew from a young age was to go to school and from there, the driver would bring me to the restaurant because there was nobody at home. I was forced to stay in the restaurant all day.” That was his world growing up.



Food was such an integral part of the family dynamics that all five children competed as cooks and Medupin always won. From the tender age of five, he knew his way around the kitchen, mastering local dishes such as jollof rice, eba (made from dried cassava flakes) and pounded yam.



In addition to his natural affinity for the culinary arts, Medupin also discovered he had a passion for making money. In 1991, when his father traveled to India for six months and forgot to leave his cheque book at home, Medupin’s mother struggled to make ends meet. He helped by climbing orange trees and selling the fruit in the market. By the time he was 14, he was already a serial entrepreneur, renting out his BMX bicycle for transportation in the local markets, managing a rub- bish collection business, an internet business, a supermarket and a phone repair business.



His final venture before he left Nigeria for the United Kingdom (U.K.) was a car wash business which he sold in two months for three times the capital he invested. Medupin used the proceeds to fund his education in the U.K. where he stud- ied investment banking and securities. But he didn’t land the right opportunities.



“I wasn’t getting any major jobs apart from kitchen jobs in the U.K. In 2009, I said to myself ‘I am not working in the kitchen anymore’ and started a security job in Cardiff.”



But very soon, Medupin resigned and started looking every- where else for inspiration. He didn’t want to return into the restaurant business as he had done it all his life.



“It is a very hard industry to be in. You go through a lot of emotional trauma because you must put your heart and soul in the business. If people are not happy with the food, they tell you off straight away and when they do that, it gets to you. So, I didn’t want to do it again,” says Medupin.



The National Restaurant Association in the United States (U.S.) estimates a 20% success rate for all restaurants; but about 60% of all restaurants fail in their first year of operation, and 80% within five years of opening. As much as Medupin fought the idea of starting a restaurant, that was the only viable option before him. He finally decided to give in. He moved back to London, found a place for rent in Lewisham and started his first outlet. It was tough.



“In my first year, I wanted to sell the business. The guy who wanted to buy it from me offered me £300,000 ($375,400) and at the last minute, offered me £150,000 ($188,000) to still run it. It was a struggle initially, but we decided to push through,” says Medupin.



And he made it work. Along with his wife Eniola, also his co-founder, Medupin is today a certified restaurateur with 13 fine dining restaurants, branded Enish, spread across London, the U.S. and Dubai.



West African cuisine has its loyal patrons in London, evidenced by the popularity of Nigerian restaurants such as 



Akoko and Chishuru that earned Michelin stars recently. “Not only are African restaurants abroad scarce but also finding the ingredients to cook the food you grew up with can be very challenging in London and America. That is why Enish has such a strong fanbase. They are bringing quality Nigerian food to immigrants abroad,” says Michael Amusan, a financial analyst in London and frequent visitor at Enish Covent Garden.



Concurs London food critic Tola Ogun: “This shows you that West African food, especially Nigerian, is here to stay. Michelin stars were typically awarded to white-skewing restaurants and so for Nigerian restaurants to receive the highest honor in the food business is testament to how popular our food is.”



“For someone like me who is based in the U.K., this is amaz- ing. Nigerian cuisine is growing in popularity all over the world and I am definitely a big fan of Enish,” attests Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy.



Serving everything from pounded yam to egusi soup (made from ground melon seeds) with a side of lobster, Enish has managed to carve out a place for itself in the U.K.’s fine dining scene, and now also in Dubai, where there are multiple outlets.



“The management already knew our brand, so it made it easy to sell our concept. It cost us $4 million to open our first branch and during that year of building the restaurant, we still had to pay a monthly rent of $50,000,” says Medupin. He has invested a lot in each of these projects, such as spending £25,000 ($31,200) a month to rent the dining space on Oxford Street and £20,000 ($25,000) a month for the Knightsbridge location in London, he adds.



In Dubai, known as The Dwntwn By Enish and located near the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, Medupin’s outlet is a swanky 40,000sqft nightclub featuring two bars and several VIP lounge areas.



All the way from Africa to the Middle East, Medupin says he imports about 80% of all his ingredients, which presents its own unique challenges.



“You cannot buy egusi for six months at a time and there is an issue with the consistency of the products. Every time you order egusi or palm oil, it has a different taste. So, it’s up to you to use your experience to keep the taste consistent. So, it’s a big challenge,” says Medupin. But he is powering on with his vision to put Nigerian cui- sine firmly on the world map, one dish and one restaurant at a time.

image-4

The Reluctant Restaurateur Serving West African Cuisine Abroad

Africa too can proudly claim to be a source of caviar, one of the world’s greatest indulgences. Being farmed in the favorable climate and terroir of Madagascar are some very expensive fish eggs – a first for the continent.



Madagascar is known rich biodiversity, and in culinary terms, it is mostly celebrated for its unbeatable vanilla, pink peppercorns and cinnamon. Yet, the small African island is also the unexpected source of an- other exclusive luxury food item – caviar. Acipenser is the inspiring, first-ever producer of African caviar, founded by a French trio, Christophe and Delphyne Dabezies, and Alexandre Guerrier, operating out of Ambatolaona, approximately a 90-minute drive from the capital Antananarivo.



Usually served as a garnish, atop blinis and sour cream and often accompanied with champagne or sparkling wine, caviar is one of the world’s biggest indul- gences. Historically, Russia was known as the world’s top producer of caviar, up until 2007, when overfishing led to a ban on the sale and harvesting of black caviar.



Since then, China has overtaken as the largest global caviar producer with Italy and the United States not far behind them.



It wasn’t until Acipenser’s launch in 2017, that Africa could proudly claim to be a source of caviar too. The ambitious idea was first launched in 2009 by Del- phyne Dabezies and her husband Christophe, who have been in Madagascar since the end of the 1990s, and their business partner Guerrier. “This somewhat crazy idea of African caviar was born af- ter my husband Christophe saw a documentary about caviar. An obsession then emerged for Al- exandre, Christophe, and myself,” says Delphyne. “We wanted to successfully transport fertilized sturgeon eggs from Russia to Madagascar to produce the first caviar in Africa and the Indian Ocean.”



Despite skepticism from several experts, the trio embarked on their new plan, leveraging the island’s natural resources that make it an ideal environment for sturgeon. “Lake Mantasoa… has the ideal terroir and climate for the development of such an opera- tion and is perfectly suited to sturgeon farming,” explains Delphyne.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="827" height="899" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62517" style="width:471px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2.png 827w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2-276x300.png 276w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2-768x835.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lake site at Acipenser Madagascar</figcaption></figure></div>


Delphyne and Christophe are no strangers to Madagascar, their love affair with the region having started over two decades ago. “Christophe and I were sup- posed to go on a world tour,” says Delphyne. “Our first destination was Madagascar over 25 years ago, and we never left.” Acipenser is also not their first venture in Madagascar – in 1998, they founded Akanjo, a luxury textile brand.



Despite their knowledge of the country, neither Delphyne, Christophe nor Guerrier had any prior ex- perience in caviar production, but this didn’t stop them. “Christophe and Alexandre spent a lot of time on Google to figure out how to set up a fish farm,” explains Delphyne. “They came across the name of François René, a retired INRA (French National Institute for Agricul- tural Research) researcher, who was interested in our project.” René visited the team in Madagascar and began advising them on the farm’s architecture, and studied the physicochemical parameters, ultimately confirm- ing that their idea would work. “From there, we were able to build the land site in 2009 and the lake site in 2013, where we gradually received training and sup- port from numerous experts in the field.” 



The Acipenser fish farm now comprises 19 large ponds, a hatchery, an area dedicated to pre-growout, a feed mill, and a processing workshop spread over more than eight hectares on the banks of a river fed by Lake Mantasoa upstream.



In addition to achieving what many thought was an impossible feat, Delphyne proudly reflects on Acipenser’s role in repopulating the elusive Iranian sturgeon species.



Initially, the Iranian sturgeon wasn’t recognized as a distinct species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). How- ever, after its eventual discovery, the Iranian sturgeon rapidly declined and became extinct in Iran, effectively going from obscurity to disappearance almost immediately. Some years later, Acipenser’s sturgeon expert wanted to reward the team for their hard work, gifting them a seemingly innocuous black bag, with only the instruction to take the utmost care of it. Upon arrival in Madagascar, the farm’s collaborators quickly realized that this gift was the elusive Iranian sturgeon. 


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="422" height="208" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-62518" style="width:377px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-3.png 422w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-3-300x148.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christophe and Delphyne Dabezies, with Alexandre Guerrier</figcaption></figure></div>


“This achievement was officially acknowl- edged in December 2017 with a visit from the Iranian Minister of Agriculture to the Acipenser farm,” adds Delphyne. “Since 2018, this species has been gradually reintroduced into the farms, but will remain very rare for many years to come,” she continues. This regeneration story is key to under- standing Acipenser’s commitment to their product because the sturgeon – and their welfare – is of utmost priority. 



According to Delphyne, the sturgeon’s comfort and pre-serving the ecosystem is ultimately linked to the sustainability of the business as a whole. The lake’s water quality undergoes rigorous monitoring, ensuring the oxygen levels and temperature remain optimal, allowing the team to prepare for and respond to any challenging episodes throughout the year. “For example, in case of oxygen deficiency, it is important to reduce feeding so that the fish do not waste their energy, as they consume more energy during digestion,” she says. 



To provide more growing space, sturgeons can be moved to a new farming structure, which is also critical for their wellbeing and ensuring there is sufficient surface area for each fish to feed. The sturgeon’s growth is an essential performance in- dicator and is constantly monitored. “It is important to feed them sufficiently without overfeeding to prevent them from developing more fat than caviar,” says Delphyne.



In addition to this meticulous care, Acipenser’s vertical inte- gration ensures full control over production, resulting in top-tier caviar. The sturgeon feed is created within the farm itself, composed of natural ingredients sourced from mainly local agriculture, purchased as close to the farm as possible to minimize carbon footprint. “The food’s quality has an undeniable impact on the fish flesh and, of course, on its caviar. No antibiotics or hormones are ad- ministered in the farming process,” adds Delphyne. She also credits the surrounding environment for contributing to a stellar finished product, saying that the Malagasy climate and terroir contribute greatly to the sturgeon’s growth and maturation.



“It creates a rare and varied array of colors across all caviars and these unique characteristics are also linked to the adherence to high- quality farming practices,” she explains. Currently, Acipenser produces six different caviar varieties, including Siberian sturgeon (Baeri caviar), Russian sturgeon (Ossetra caviar) Beluga (Beluga caviar) and Iranian sturgeon (Caviar Iranien). The company distributes the caviar via three channels, namely Rova Caviar, Krasnodar Caviar and a white-label brand called ADC.



All of these factors contribute to an exemplary product, but the biggest testament to quality is the flavor. Delphyne suggests enjoying their caviar with as few additions as possible, so the flavor and characteristics of each variation shine through, but the caviars clearly lend them- selves well to other culinary applications.



In nearby Antananarivo, chef Lalaina Rav- elomanana, the Madagascan caviar ambas- sador, has a dedicated caviar section on the menu at his restaurant Marais. Further afield in Cape Town, South Africa, FYN restaurant tops a tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelette) with Acipenser’s caviar. Ashley Moss, FYN’s culinary director, says the caviar adds a salty, briny element to the dish, but he also favors using African caviar because of a sense of locality.



When creating dishes, we like them to be representative of a place and time. Using African ingredients in Africa gives you provenance,” says Moss.



At Salsify Restaurant, head chef Ryan Cole uses the caviar in a lightly poached abalone dish, which he says brings acidity and balance to an overall rich dish. “It’s a beautiful product and up there with some of the best available in South Africa right now,” says Cole. “Naturally, our sustainable ethos means we’re constantly looking to source as close to home as possible and Madagascar is the closest place we can currently source caviar from.”



Acipenser’s story reminds us that with the right intentions, research and determination, there is nothing that Africa can’t do. The by-product of this caviar also adds more meaning to a luxury item – food donations to schools and orphanages, and job and business creation are just some of the ways Acipenser has bene- fitted economic growth for the region. This isn’t just about producing a highly sought-after food, it’s about the impact it can have on a small African country. “In addition to marketing a luxury product, we are marketing the know-how of Madagascar and the African continent, which should be appreciated internationally for its natural and hu- man wealth,” adds Delphyne.

Midsection of man putting caviar on roast duck slices in plate on table

Pricey Pride: What It Took For These Entrepreneurs To Produce African Caviar In Madagascar

First gaining prominence in 2015, skit-makers in Nigeria have continued to boom, with unprecedented collaborations between comedic content creators, both local and international. It’s a funny but lucrative business.



Nigeria, Africa’s powerhouse in the entertainment industry, is witnessing an unprecedented boom in its creative economy, particularly in the realm of skit-making. With the creative economy increasingly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product of the country, as multiple reports and statistics attest, the Nigerian skit-making industry too is not only flourishing but also redefining the landscape of entertainment.



The Covid-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for the exponential growth and attention garnered by Nigerian skit-makers. As total lockdowns necessitated innovative forms of entertainment, skit-makers seized the opportunity, devising new ways to captivate audiences through collaborations and featuring prominent actors and musicians. These newcomers are making significant breakthroughs, reshaping the narrative.



According to Dataleum, a global talent accelerator, skit-making ranks as the third-largest entertainment industry in Nigeria, with a net worth surpassing ₦50 billion ($31.2 million). The industry now doubles as a source of amusement and a substantial source of employment, as noted by the Africa Polling Institute (API); 90% of Nigerians polled viewed comedy skits as a viable means of employment, highlighting the industry’s socio-economic impact.



The stage is now set for the proliferation of these creative endeavors. While Instagram is the primary platform for most skit- makers, YouTube also sees significant engagement for skit videos. Some Nigerian skit-makers reportedly earn over $20,000 monthly. The industry has also attracted transnational collaborations, including a recent one involving Maryam Apaokagi, known popularly as Taaooma, and American actor Terry Crews. Kai Cenat, an American online streamer and YouTuber, also recently visited Nigeria. Following his visit, his colleague Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known online as IShowSpeed, also declared his intention to visit soon.



Olufemi Oguntamu, CEO of Penzaarville Africa, a media agency offering services such as talent management, shares with FORBES AFRICA: “We are highly tech-savvy in Nigeria, constantly glued to our phones.



With our large population and abundance of creativity, we are well-positioned to innovate. Despite challenges, Nigeria fosters an environment conducive to creativity. We have the knack for turning situations around, finding humor in our everyday lives, which resonates with viewers and fosters relatability.”



The evolution of skit-making has not gone unnoticed, with dedicated awards recognizing the contributions of these digital creators. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamor, Oguntamu issues a word of caution. “I just really wish and hope that content creators invest. You might be enjoying attention this moment, but the industry is very seasonal. You just have to make the best of the opportunity.”



We profile some of Nigeria’s prominent skit-makers and their journeys so far:



MAKING OF THE PURE WATER SELLER



Sophia Ikemba, popularly known as Soso or Real Sophy, is an actor, influencer, content creator, model, and chef.



Her journey began in 2019 when her makeup-free photos started attracting attention. Yet, it wasn’t until 2021 that Ikemba stepped into the spotlight of content creation with her alter ego, ‘Soso, The Pure Water Seller’. She explained the shift to Nigerian newspaper Daily Trust: “My journey into comedy and skit content was started by my creative director, popularly known as ‘Chalzani’. He pitched the idea to me, including the name and style/personality of my new character. At first, I was skeptical about it, but eventually, I started.”



Central to Ikemba’s success is her dedication to forging bonds with her audience. Speaking to FORBES AFRICA, she reveals:



“I try to reply to their comments because when you do that – including interaction – it makes them feel closer to you and you strike that bond with them.” She doesn’t just respond formally; she engages fostering an environment where fans feel like friends.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="410" height="512" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kiekie-image-by-Illuszionz-Photo-Studio.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62060" style="width:349px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kiekie-image-by-Illuszionz-Photo-Studio.jpg 410w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kiekie-image-by-Illuszionz-Photo-Studio-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adeaga-Ilori (Photo Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Consistency, she asserts, is the cornerstone of her craft. “If the consistency is not there, people might stop interacting with your page,” she cautions. Despite the challenges, she perseveres, drawing inspiration from real-life situations and trends that permeate social media. “My content comes from real-life situations,” she explains. “I try to create realistic and relatable content. It’s not like I sit down to really come up with those ideas, it just comes; just everyday happenings.”



In a digital ecosystem where trends ebb and flow like tides, Ikemba navigates with experience. “I follow trends and make skits out of them because I am always online,” she divulges. “When you see these trends, you do your best to create something in your own way.”



COMEDY’S LEGAL LUMINARY



Isaac Olayiwola, better known as Layi Wasabi, is not your typical skit-maker. Armed with a law degree and a sense of humor, he is carving out a unique niche in the content creation space.



“I have always been someone who had a knack for comedy. Studying law [at Bowen University in Nigeria] gave me the adequate knowledge I needed for the character I now play as ‘The Law’ in my skits,” Olayiwola shares with FORBES AFRICA.



With a following of over two million on Instagram from 300,000 early last year, his skits, infused with legal references and sharp wit, garnered 133.2 million views in 2023, according to Dataleum. From portraying The Law to embodying the motivational speaker persona, Mr. Richard, he is known for his versatility.



“I decided on skit-making six years ago, and my longest-held dream was to become a standup comic. However, skit-making didn’t take off until it became widely accepted on the internet and became relevant in Nigeria. I realized that I understood human nature well enough to excel at it. Creating skits seemed like an easier route to take compared to working my way through standup bars to become a recognized comic. Although the idea of skit-making came to me six years ago, I didn’t become actively involved until three years ago,” he narrates to FORBES AFRICA.



Olayiwola, who recently landed roles in notable movies, shares: “I definitely envisaged it. If I didn’t get it, I was determined to make it happen. I have always believed I belonged on the big screen. My work as a skit-maker has been paving the way for me to take on roles in movies.”



The journey has not been without its challenges though. “I am just getting started. There is a lot I am still to do. My fans should expect more.” In navigating the world of content creation, he offers sage advice: “Stay natural and do what feels personal to you. The most universal ideas are very personal. When I started doing skits about lawyers, they were things I personally found funny. I did not envisage that a lot of people would enjoy it.”



Looking ahead, he is eager to collaborate with fellow creators. “I enjoy watching a lot of my colleagues, and I look forward to collaborations in the future,” he says with enthusiasm.



BREAKING BARRIERS IN CONTENT CREATION



Content creator Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has transcended boundaries with talent and passion.



The numbers record her rise. According to Dataleum, Kiekie’s Instagram following witnessed a surge throughout 2023, soaring from 2.1 million followers in the first quarter to 3.1 million by the year’s end. Her presence garnered 93 million views from 106 skits.



“I began my journey in content creation back in 2013, initially focusing on uploading videos to my YouTube channel,” Adeaga- Ilori reminisces with FORBES AFRICA. “At the time, I delved into content centered around celebrities and style.” However, it was her breakthrough moment in 2018 with the Fashion Shock Show that catapulted her into the limelight. Collaborations with fellow skit- makers such as Edem Victor and Oluwadolarz further solidified her presence in the digital sphere.



Reflecting on her evolution, Adeaga-Ilori shares, “Despite my background in fashion content, my penchant for humor led me to embrace comedy wholeheartedly, marking the official launch of my personal content in the skit-making realm in 2021.”



Amidst setbacks, she was determined. “What has kept me going despite the challenges is my unwavering commitment to realizing my dreams. Moreover, the vastness of this industry, teeming with exceptional talent, fuels my excitement for meeting new individuals, collaborating, and embracing fresh experiences.”



Her appointment in 2022 as the brand ambassador for Bowen University, her alma mater, was a testament to her growing influence and impact. “It was truly remarkable. The entire administration, including the Vice Chancellor, extended a warm welcome. As I stepped onto campus, I was met with an overwhelming reception, reminiscent of my first days at the university.”



Offering advice to aspiring creators, Adeaga-Ilori emphasizes authenticity. “Embrace your uniqueness, for therein lies your greatest strength. Authenticity is key to standing out in a crowded digital landscape.” As she ponders the future of content creation in Nigeria, Adeaga-Ilori remains optimistic. “The evolution of skit-making and its widespread acceptance in Nigeria is truly remarkable. We are witnessing unprecedented collaborations between international brands and content creators, opening doors to diverse opportunities.”



MASTERING EVERYDAY COMEDY



Mark Angel, the creative force behind the popular Mark Angel Comedy series on YouTube, has mastered the art of bringing everyday humor to audiences worldwide.



With his knack for relatable characters and perfectly-timed jokes, Angel has carved out a niche in the skit-making world, attracting a plaque from YouTube in 2017 for running the first African comedy channel to reach one million subscribers.



“The internet is booming and I studied the market as well. I also noticed no marketer would want to market any content from an unknown producer. Also, it is cheaper and there are so many bloggers too. The internet is the future of arts and entertainment,” Angel shared in an interview with Punch.



His journey to success began with him starring in his own skits, but it was the introduction of his young niece, Emmanuella Samuel, that proved to be a turning point. Together, they became



an unstoppable comedic duo, captivating audiences with their natural chemistry and comedic timing. His dedication to clean, family-friendly comedy has resonated with audiences of all ages, propelling his channel to unprecedented heights. With over nine million YouTube subscribers, Mark Angel Comedy reportedly stands as the first African comedy channel to achieve such a milestone, cementing Angel’s status as a household name in the skit comedy scene. Last year alone, Angel’s 196 skit videos posted on Instagram amassed 196.9 million views, accompanied by 12.1 million likes and over 208,000 comments.

Happy woman, selfie or video call for social media, influencer content creation and online blog on a white background. African person with smile and excited for profile picture photography in studio

Jokes Apart: Nigeria’s Skit-Makers Are Laughing All The Way To The Bank

More than a third of $239 billion luxury travel market is driven by non-millionaires. They’re young, they want to explore the world and, increasingly, they are neither American nor European. 



A new crop of &#8220;aspiring luxury&#8221; travelers with net worths of under $1 million makes up more than a third of the segment.GETTY



Through the rest of this decade, demand for luxury tourism and hospitality will grow faster than any other segment, according to a new report released by McKinsey on Wednesday entitled “<a href="https://mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-state-of-tourism-and-hospitality-2024" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The State of Tourism and Hospitality 2024</a>.” The study, based on a survey of over 5,000 travelers, shows how the profile of the global luxury traveler is changing.



The luxury traveler—defined by McKinsey as someone who spends at least $500 per night on accommodations—has been around for some time, but the demographics of this segment are shifting on various fronts.



Unsurprisingly, about two-thirds of the $239 billion luxury travel market is powered by the affluent class. What McKinsey defines as “ultrahigh net-worth” folks (worth more than $30 million) accounted for 15% of all luxury travel spending last year. “Very high net-worth” travelers worth between $5 million and $30 million represented 16% of the segment, and “high net-worth” travelers worth between $1 million and $5 million accounted for a full third (33%) of luxury market spending in 2023.



But the report also highlights “a large and expanding base of aspiring luxury travelers” whose net worths are significantly leaner—between $100,000 and $1 million. Last year, 35% of spending in the segment was powered by these “aspiring luxury” travelers, who collectively spent $84 billion on luxury travel—more than any other cohort.



“It’s crucial to understand this non-millionaire segment for two reasons,” write the report’s authors. “First, it is comparatively large. Second, its forays into select prestige elements present opportunities for brands that hope to attract its enduring loyalty—especially as some of its members graduate into higher tiers of income and wealth.”



Spending on travel peaks between the ages of 40 and 50, but younger travelers are showing an increasing willingness and ability to spend at luxury levels, per&nbsp;the McKinsey survey. “Aspiring luxury” travelers are typically under 40. Their salaries may not be astronomical. They may not own their own homes.



So how do these younger, less affluent travelers afford champagne experiences on what used to be called a beer budget? By being willing to devote out-sized shares of their wealth on experiences. More than four in five non-millionaire luxury travelers are motivated to “explore someplace new,” according to the survey, and nearly six in 10 said they were interested in taking a “cultural or historical” trip.



In general, luxury travelers are more likely than mainstream travelers to take a specialty trip. They want novelty. Seventy-two percent of luxury travelers place importance on visiting a new destination, compared with 44% of other travelers, per the report.



The geographic source market for luxury travelers is also shifting, according to McKinsey. “Although North America is still home to the most millionaires, it could be overtaken by Asia by the mid-2030s—largely as a result of growing wealth in China,” write the report’s authors.



Spurred by the growing wealthy class in Asia, the hospitality industry is responding with a boom in hotel construction. Last year, more than 40% of the global luxury-hotel pipeline was in Asia; of those, 43% were in China.



By the end of the decade, McKinsey projects that the biggest spending cohort be high net-worth travelers worth between $1 million and $5 million, a group that will be spending $154 billion by 2030. Still, the next-biggest spending group will remain aspiring travelers, who will pour a not-so-shabby $107 billion into the luxury travel market by the end of the decade.



.

Business travel concept. Man walking on city street with yellow suitcase cabin bag

The New Luxury Traveler Isn’t Who You Think

From Davido to the dude on the street, the continent’s sneaker culture is appealing to everyone, in turn, spurring local design, innovation and entrepreneurship. We sprint across the continent for more examples of the footwear redefining African cool.



Fashion trends have long been influential, but perhaps none more so than the phenomenon of sneakers infiltrating everyday style.



According to the Statista Global Consumer Survey, sneakers have become an integral part of the wardrobe for 40% of consumers, highlighting a significant shift in fashion preferences. This trend is particularly pronounced in Africa, where the sneakers segment is experiencing robust strides, with revenue projected to reach $2.17 billion this year, showing a growth rate of 1.5% in 2025, and volume estimated at 39.46 million pairs by 2028.


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Low-top sneakers lead the market. Many countries in Africa experience warm to hot climates for a significant part of the year. This, combined with the rise in streetwear culture, presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs on the continent to leverage the sneaker value chain to meet consumer preferences towards casual wear. Low-top sneakers, with their ankle-baring design, offer a more breathable and comfortable option compared to high-top counterparts. The lightweight and airy nature of low-tops makes them suitable for the region’s weather conditions, contributing to their growing demand.



As per Statista, it is expected that there will be an annual growth rate of 5.52% until 2028 on the continent, with global giants such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lacoste, and Asics already entrenching themselves in the market through strategic partnerships and expansions. Adidas’s Johannesburg flagship store in 2021, for instance, marked a significant milestone in the brand’s African presence, drawing attention and enthusiasm from consumers.



Similarly, Nike’s foray into West Africa, in partnership with Hudson Group, two years ago with two flagship stores in Lagos, underscores the region’s importance in the global sneaker landscape.



This is in addition to existing retail outlets across the continent in Kenya and South Africa.



Lacoste and Puma are also expanding across Nigeria in partnership with Persianas Retail, a local company offering products through physical stores, wholesale distributors, and its e-commerce platform known as TheMix. Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido also has a paid partnership with Puma since 2021, and launched a collection titled ‘We Rise by Lifting Others’ with the brand last year.



In South Africa, local entrepreneurs have also seized on this burgeoning market, capitalizing on the continent’s diverse cultures and streetwear scene. At the top of the chain, the sneaker market is particularly on the rise in South Africa, home to Bathu (a common universal slang word primarily used in townships across the country to describe a shoe), Hibacci and RareStep, with the sneakers segment, as per Statista, projected to generate a revenue of $232 million this year, driven by a growing demand for limited edition releases and collaborations.



After a challenging 18 months, Bathu, known for its mesh shoes, was launched on September 19, 2016. It was so popular that their website reportedly crashed due to high demand. Andrew Lale, the co-founder of Bathu, told FORBES AFRICA in an exclusive interview a year later that this was because people felt an affiliation with the name and loved the story behind the shoes.



“We analyzed trends; hip-hop was a genre big in South Africa and we realized that most young cats, including me, spend too much money on sneakers and we consume too many foreign brands, more than our own [brands],” Lale said.



Theo Baloyi, CEO of Bathu and a FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list-maker in 2019, had also noted in 2021 that the business is booming and they had almost 30 stores at the time across the country since making the list when they only had three stores.



The update available on Bathu’s website shows “it has now grown exponentially over the years, with 32 stores nationwide and a staff complement of over 300 employees, who are predominantly youth.”



“It has been really incredible because obviously with FORBES AFRICA’s 30 Under 30 recognition, it has helped build our credentials. First, as Theo Baloyi, a young entrepreneur in Africa, it has really opened up markets for me to engage with other favorable entrepreneurs,” Baloyi told FORBES AFRICA in the interview.



Baloyi had hinted at plans “to penetrate the SADC region in the next two years and Central Africa in the next five years, and East Africa in 10 years” when he made the list.



But inspiring Wandile Sibisi’s RareStep, a South African online store for exclusive, authentic, limited-edition sneakers, and high-end streetwear, might not have occurred to him.



Taking a cue from Baloyi, Sibisi last year co- founded RareStep with Michael Zahariev and Luke Calitz, who brings extensive experience from LUXITY, one of Africa’s largest pre-owned luxury marketplaces.



Although Sibisi shares a similar story with established local sneaker-makers; he fell in love with the global sneaker culture from a young age as an entrepreneur and did not see a gap for another local sneaker brand. Instead, he looked overseas, with his interests and ambitions largely influenced by American sneaker culture.


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“RareStep is positioned to revolutionize the sneaker resale scene in South Africa and beyond. Challenges in the industry persist, particularly concerning limited allocations from global brands like Nike and Adidas to the local market. However, leveraging our global partnerships and technological prowess, we have devised innovative solutions. For instance, our upcoming cross- border e-commerce strategy will enhance our offerings, ensuring a wider range of sneakers in various sizes, including sought- after exclusives. Additionally, our reservation policy and lifetime authenticity guarantee reflect our commitment to democratizing access to limited releases while ensuring customer satisfaction,” Sibisi shares with FORBES AFRICA.



Despite challenges less than a year into operations, RareStep is resolute in strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the burgeoning market.



“While traditional footwear sales dominate, the rise of e-commerce, coupled with increasing consumer demand for exclusive sneakers, underscores a shifting paradigm. RareStep recognizes the importance of an omnichannel approach, bridging online and offline experiences to cater to diverse consumer preferences.



“In navigating this evolving landscape, we remain focused on innovation and customer-centricity. Our commitment to authenticity, demonstrated through stringent authentication processes and partnerships with third-party verification services, ensures consumer trust and confidence in every purchase,” Sibisi explains.



He emphasizes “caution to avoid counterfeit products as the demand for rare sneakers continues to surge”.



As in South Africa, every other region, from the east to the west, has produced innovative local sneaker-makers and entrepreneurs.



Ethiopian businesswoman Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu dared to challenge the norms of the footwear industry.



In 2005, she founded soleRebels, not just as a business venture but as a movement to celebrate African craftsmanship and sustainability.



Alemu’s vision was simple yet profound: to merge her Ethiopian community’s rich artisanal heritage with eco-conscious practices. Drawing inspiration from the resilient spirit of Ethiopian rebel fighters, soleRebels crafted shoes from recycled materials, notably the iconic barabasso — Ethiopian recycled tire shoes.



Four visionary high school friends from Kenya — Sam Imende, Jawad Braye, Christian Ward, and Azariah Mengistu — realized the possibility of creating an upscale African sneaker brand by harnessing Ethiopia’s burgeoning manufacturing capabilities. Under the banner of Enzi Footwear, they blend tradition with modernity, crafting sneakers that exude elegance and authenticity.



There are more such examples across the continent. Harnessing the rich culture of running, Navalayo Osembo and Weldon Kennedy co-founded Enda in 2016, marking the inception of the first Kenyan-made running shoe.



The journey of KEEXS began with the personal challenges faced by its founder, Babajide Ipaye. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ipaye found himself wearing his dad’s shoes at the age of nine due to his large feet. Tragically, he lost both parents in a car crash at the age of 11 and was subsequently raised as an only child by his extended family.



As he matured, so did his shoe size, reaching a US size 14 (Euro 48), making it a constant struggle to find shoes that not only fit but also offered the colors and designs he desired. Thus, KEEXS was born from a fusion of ‘KICKS’ and ‘KEEK’, as Ipaye decided to craft his own footwear.



In 2015, Ipaye, who had been a tech entrepreneur since 2005, teamed up with his friend Moyosore Olowo to initiate a global online crowdfunding campaign to finance the venture.



That same year, Ipaye attended SLEM, an international innovation and training institute for the footwear and leather industries, where he learned the art of crafting sneakers from scratch.



“We realized very quickly that economies of scale is critical to drive the growth of this business therefore there is a need for a lot of capital. There are four sides to this chain; production, design, distribution and retail. The problem with a lot of businesses in Africa is that they are expected to do everything from start to finish along that entire value chain and what that does is, it stifles the growth of the business,” Ipaye told FORBES AFRICA in a 2019 interview.



The initial designs comprised a Fela Kuti collection, featuring approximately six different products, all inspired by the late Nigerian Afrobeats legend. This collection was launched on Kickstarter, and within a span of 40 days, KEEXS reportedly amassed $20,000 in preorders from various corners of the globe. Subsequently, KEEXS collaborated with South Africa’s denim brand, Afrikanswiss, to introduce a collection available in select retail outlets in both countries by the spring of 2017.



Milcos Badji, founder of Dakar-based footwear brand Nio Far, gained recognition for his sneakers crafted from traditional Malian fabric called bogolan in 2014.



While selling at New York’s Marche Rue Dix, he primarily expands his international presence through trade shows, art conventions, and pop-up events in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, Paris, and Lagos. A fortuitous encounter with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats led to widespread celebrity endorsement, attracting a diverse clientele including Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, NBA stars Chris Bosh and Luol Deng, Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, activist and actor Kendrick Sampson, and French football icon Djibril Cissé.



Cameroon is also not left out, as it presented its first locally designed sneaker brand, ICE, launched in 2021 by Ayissi William.

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The African Sneaker Market Is Stepping Up

An exclusive interview with renowned Kenya-born land- scape architect and pioneer of sustainable tourism Hitesh Mehta. His other fascinating career? Representing East Africa and Kenya in first-class cricket and playing in three ICC World Cup tournaments in the late 1970s and 1980s.



A global authority on sustainable tourism, including the planning and design of eco-lodges in Africa, Hitesh Mehta wears Africa on his sleeve. He is also credited with creating environmental- and social- friendly master plans for many national parks and protected areas on the continent.



This writer first met Mehta at a lecture, Africa–The First World, in Miami, Florida, where he spoke about the achievements of Africa and its inhabitants over the course of several millennia.



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Mehta with the Batwa tribe of Semiki forest in western Uganda (image supplied)
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Mehta was born in Nairobi of Indian parents, and attended the University of Nairobi where he obtained a degree in architecture in 1985. After receiving the Aga Khan Scholarship, he attained a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989. Furthermore, he also represented East Africa and Kenya in first- class cricket and played in three ICC World Cup tournaments in the late 1970s and 1980s as an all-rounder. Mehta has consulted in 67 countries across six continents and is a recipient of multiple international awards for the physical planning of protected areas, for building design, site-planning, and landscape architecture. He shares more highlights in this interview with FORBES AFRICA:



Q. You have had an amazing career as a landscape architect especially working in Africa with national parks to create a sustainable tourism environment. How do you define landscape architecture?



A: Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management and nurturing of built and natural environments in an eco-friendly manner. Everything outside a closed environment, for example, a building, is landscape architecture: plazas, gardens, campuses, national parks, and other protected areas.



Q. What inspired you to choose this profession, which is relatively a new profession compared to the architecture of buildings?



A: Typically, training in architecture schools involves the design of buildings, interiors, and elevations. I realized that it was important for me to understand ‘outside’ areas to be a conscious designer. My education in Berkeley, a leader in the field at that time, helped me become a holistic designer where I could design the inside and outside at the same time.



Q. Has growing up in Africa had an impact on your work?



A: Tremendously! I grew up close to a forested area in Nairobi where visits from small mammals and sightings of leopards were common. Growing up in Africa, I was exposed to material poverty and that made me truly understand what it took to survive and live off the land. Five years after starting my office, I realized that architecture is not about building glitzy structures for the rich but about creating sustainable livelihoods for those who are marginalized and underprivileged. This realization has led me to work with over 30 indigenous peoples the world over.



Q: You have worked in many countries on behalf of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), National Geographic, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), African Wildlife Foundation, to name a few. What projects have you done in Africa lately?



A: I am currently working on several projects; in Liberia and in Kenya. My firm HM Design is creating a protected area master plan for the East Nimba Nature Reserve, in northern Liberia. 



The key aspects of the projects include the protection of endangered species such as the western chimpanzee, the sustainable development of local people, and ecotourism. In addition, we are designing ‘One Health’ centers, a concept initiated by One Health Alliance and the Food and Agriculture Organization, for the stewardship of the health of humans, animals and plants.



We are also working with USAID on a master plan for the Sapo National Park in Liberia, one of the most biologically-rich rainforests in the world.



In Kenya, we are working with the Maasai communities and conservation NGOs to create a Visitor, Research, Information and Sustainability Center in the two most important ecosystems – the Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Currently, we are also creating a Maasai Mara Sustainability Center with support from the Oliveseed Foundation to educate Maasai women by creating a library and a sustainability center in Kenya. We are also creating a community center for the Noonkotiak Maasai community in partnership with the African Conservation Center headed by Dr David Western, the former head of the Kenyan Wildlife Service.



Q. You were given an outstanding achievement award by United Nations’ bodies for the alleviation of poverty and for protecting sensitive environments. Can you please tell us about some of your work in that respect?



A: In my work around the world, especially while working in protected areas, the people who are most impacted are the local communities whose needs must be met in any such projects. The award that you mentioned was for my work in protected areas, especially in Africa, such as in the Nyungwe National Park, Africa’s largest montane forest, in Rwanda and the Virunga Massif, shared by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.



Q: I understand that Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda and Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia have been recently named as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). What was your contribution to these projects?



A: I am so thrilled that these parks have been recognized by UNESCO. I prepared the physical master plans for both places. In Nyungwe, this included the protection of mammal species such as chimpanzees and helping benefit local communities by creating an investment apparatus for local entrepreneurs. The Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is high plateau at over 11,000ft which I refer to as the Tibet of Africa. My company HM Design prepared the ecotourism master plans which were part of the World Heritage Site package that was submitted to UNESCO. Both Nyungwe and Bale are amazing natural treasures, and I am so proud to be associated with these parks.



Q: Your book Authentic Ecolodges published by HarperCollins is a coffee-table publication; how did you manage to compile material for this project?



A: It all began with me preparing a ‘how to’ technical guidelines book on eco-lodges in 2002. This book, International Ecolodge Guidelines, was widely received by the ecotourism community, so I set about using the criteria set in the book to publish visual, exemplary examples of authentic eco-lodges around the world. The book highlights 36 properties from the 46 countries that I visited and evaluated for publication.



Q: You have designed many of the properties that I have visited by chance the world over. But what fascinates me even more is your life as an international cricketer. What were some of your crowning moments?



A: I first started playing cricket for East Africa at the age of 17, even before I played for my country, Kenya! All this was whilst still in high school. My crowning moment was when I captained the Kenyan team in 1987.



The first cricket bat (Slazenger) that Kapil Dev owned was given as a gift to him from me in 1977. He later signed a huge contract with the bat manufacturer and used a Slazenger bat during India’s successful run to win the World Cup in 1983.



In a three-day game in 1977 and before Kapil Dev had played for India, he borrowed my bat and then proceeded to hit me for three sixes&#8230; I also bowled five consecutive maidens against Sunil Gavaskar but he went on to score a double-century!

Working with the Maasai communities and conservation NGOs; image supplied

On Conservation And Cricket: The All-Rounder In African Ecotourism

Chess unveils a boundless realm of imagination and possibility — a canvas where each match paints a unique tale of conflict and conquest, where kingdoms clash in a dance of uncertainty until the final, decisive moment. FORBES AFRICA takes a look at an NGO championing the game on the continent.



In the heart of the continent beats a timeless rhythm, a symphony of intellect and strategy that has resonated throughout the ages. In one West African nation, chess, a masterpiece of human ingenuity, transcends mere gameplay to become a captivating dialogue between minds, where moves speak volumes and every piece carries the weight of strategy.



And this Nigerian group is keeping the game alive. Chess In Slums Africa, a non-profit organization based in Lagos, uses an impact model to empower their champions, through several programs.



Regarding STEM education, robotics and digital skills, Tunde Onakoya, founder of the chess group, says, “This program aims to provide children with an immersive, hands-on learning experience in slum communities. It focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, particularly robotics, computer programming, coding, website design, graphic design, and animation.”



“Project C.A.S.T.L.E is a program that uses the game of chess to engage children from marginalized communities. It&#8217;s a game and a strategic tool that teaches critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving. The program is structured to take children from the basics to advanced levels, fostering intellectual growth and strategic planning,” Onakoya adds.



Beyond the confines of the chessboard, the initiative extends its reach to encompass the cultivation of essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Its overarching objective is to establish an educational haven, using chess as a vehicle for personal growth and empowerment. Through Project C.A.S.T.L.E, the aspiration is clear: to revolutionize lives, one strategic move at a time.



“LIFELINE is a dedicated initiative to promote long term personal and professional growth for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The program offers comprehensive support by providing educational scholarships and practical vocational training,” says Onakoya.



“It helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills. By empowering participants with mentorship, civic education, and financial literacy training, LIFELINE ensures well-rounded development and enables them to pursue their aspirations confidently. The program aims to nurture future leaders and innovators who drive positive change in their communities.”



When it comes to the academic, educational, and critical thinking skills cultivated by Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya underscores the tailored approach of their program to address the unique challenges faced by the children they serve.



“Our program aims to address challenges stemming from limited access to quality education and resources by focusing on skills that are academically enriching, practical, and relevant to their daily lives,” he says.



Additionally, Onakoya highlights the ‘mental maths’ component, which enhances arithmetic skills and fosters quick thinking and mental agility.



“Through mental maths, children can rapidly perform complex calculations, strengthening their mathematical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities.”



The incorporation of tech programs also introduce essential digital literacy skills such as computer proficiency and coding fundamentals. This, he states, prepares the children for success in an increasingly technology-driven world, opening doors to future educational and career opportunities in STEM fields.



The program equips children with academically beneficial, culturally relevant and empowering skills, enabling them to overcome obstacles, pursue aspirations, and succeed not only in chess but also in life&#8217;s challenges.



Central to Chess in Slums Africa’s methodology is community engagement, actively involving local stakeholders to ensure programs are contextually relevant and responsive. Moreover, the importance of innovation and creativity, advocating for approaches that transcend traditional classroom settings to foster independent thought.



Onakoya highlights sustainability, emphasizing the need to address both immediate needs and ensure long-term impact through sustainable partnerships and by empowering children as agents of change.



Emerging from an initial disinterest in the Chess in Slums Africa program in the Majidun community, Jamiu Ninalowo surpassed expectations, becoming a leading player who outperformed his earlier-starting peers. Under the nurturing umbrella of the Chess in Slums Africa Scholarship and child development unit, Ninalowo blossomed. Completing his secondary school education, he begins a new chapter at Nexford University as a freshman, pursuing a Business Administration degree, specializing in Product Management. He is simultaneously taking courses in cybersecurity, and his chess prowess is improving by the day.



Another player – Miriam Kayang, born in the local government area of Obanliku, is the eldest of six children and a local footballer in her community. Kayang was encountered during a project in the country’s Cross River State in November 2022, among over 50 girls to whom the game of chess was taught. She was placed under a scholarship program to complete her secondary school education in 2023, and is currently a linguistics (French) student at the University of Calabar.



Overcoming initial dismissal from the Chess in Slums Africa training sessions in 2019, Fethina Maumo, a child with cerebral palsy, was born into the bustling Makoko informal settlement. Unyielding, Maumo’s determination won him a place in the sessions. His first step in English was memorizing the chess pieces and his triumph as the junior category winner forever shifted his narrative. Now, under the full sponsorship of Chess in Slums Africa, he is enrolled in school, competes in tournaments, and has received widespread recognition.



Chess, in all honesty, is like any other game at first glance. However, the beauty of it is its ability to build a mental toughness in its players akin to no other, much like the game’s own stand against the test of time.

Category: Life