Mobile and digital trends in 5 African countries: a cultural interpretation

[Marcela Ospina] This piece addresses the intersections between technology and culture that I identified while doing fieldwork. Therefore, this is not the result of strict data analysis, but rather the outcome of an immersion in each of these cultures. 7 Feb 2013 12:15

[2013 trends] Africa's dynamic markets

[Obaika Consulting Team] The year 2013 for most brands, especially the ones coping with saturated markets in developed countries, will be a decisive one. Incorporating Africa into their corporate brand strategy, if they haven't done so, will be the better part of valour, so to speak. 31 Jan 2013 13:20

[2013 trends] Out-of-the-box branding

[HKLM Exco Team] No, the concepts of "tribalism", "gamification" and "engagement" aren't a promo for the latest computer game, but are in fact the trends that will characterise the way companies and consumers interact in 2013. The branding industry is constantly developing and. while the following trends are evolutions rather than dynamic, short-term changes, we believe there are 10 areas that will define the brandscape over the next year. 31 Jan 2013 12:33

[2013 trends] SA's youth trend-o-meter

[HDI Youth Marketeers Team] Young South Africa is savvier than ever before. If you are looking for a smart and discerning prosumer, this group of kids, teens and young adults will give you more kicks than you've ever bargained for. They know just what they are looking for from any brand, and this makes them that much more satisfying to please. Here are a few trends to look out for in 2013. 31 Jan 2013 11:30

[2013 trends] Africa poised for a great future

[Nandkishor Buty] As 2013 commences, afro-pessimism seems to cede to afro-optimism. There is a global consensus: Africa is poised for a great future. What will be the impact of Africa's growth on our industry? What will be the major trends of the year? In the business world, predicting the future is a crucial exercise. 30 Jan 2013 12:39

[2013 trends] Africa finding its own solutions using mobile tech

[Dr KF Lai] There are several key trends that will present themselves in 2013. From m-payments to HIV/AIDS prevention, emerging markets are leading the way when it comes to innovative uses of mobile technology. Marketers, too, are seeing their roles and responsibilities expand. 25 Jan 2013 10:57

Lagos to host Social Media Week

Social Media Week, powered by Nokia for a third year, will for the first time take place on the African continent in Lagos, Nigeria from 18-22 February 2013, under the theme 'Open & Connected: Principles for a Collaborative World'. 23 Jan 2013 15:41

Top Nigerian Bloggers 2013

Who are Nigeria's Top Bloggers for 2013? Since 2011, a list of Nigeria's top blogs/bloggers have been compiled. In the past two years, the Nigerian blog scene has grown in leaps and bounds. Part of our fascination with it is its rapid rise from relative obscurity on the continent to prominence. 11 Jan 2013 11:00

2013 at a glance: Five crucial consumer trends business leaders should know

[*David Mattin and Saint-Francis Tohlang] LONDON, UK / JOHANNESBURG, SA: Turbulent times were predicted on the back end of 2012. The ANC Mangaung conference precipitated very little stormy seas other than an anti-climactic conclusion. The Mayan apocalypse materialised into nothing but an ordinary day. In fact with so many forecasts for change and a chasm of chaos, one may tend to be a bit sceptical with further predictions of change. 8 Jan 2013 07:55

Expanding your brand across Africa

[Nonye Mpho Omotola] Many companies talk about expanding into Africa. It's the next obvious frontier. However, it would be wrong to assume that a week's visit to Nigeria for example, with a population of over 160 million and 350 ethnic groups with twelve languages, will give you a true understanding of how to operate your brand in that market. 8 Nov 2012 09:53

What trends will take African tech to the next level?

[Gareth Knight] Three years ago I decided to bring a major tech conference to Africa - Tech4Africa. The incredible personal journey that I have been on since the conference's inception has tested my resolve to the limits as there have been many obstacles to overcome and it would have been so easy to have compromised my ideals or given up altogether. 25 Sep 2012 12:14

Video streaming coming to Africa

[Russell Southwood] LONDON, UK: Video streaming will be the next big wave of online content use in Africa. There are still considerable network challenges but... the level of existing use shows that once these issues are resolved, the volume of users will be in the millions. Russell Southwood spoke to the biggest player in the market, Google's YouTube. Elijah Kitaka explained how it sees the potential of video streaming being realised. 16 Jul 2012 12:45

The role of email marketing in the multi-channel evolution: Part 1

[Wikus Engelbrecht] Email is still the most cost-effective marketing tool, enabling you to reach people who have actually given you permission to communicate with them and who are therefore more likely to pay attention to your message and respond to your calls-to-action. 21 Jun 2012 14:31

Nigerian lifestyle app re-released on BlackBerry App World

One Number, earlier this week announced the re-release of Nigeria's lifestyle app, Essential App. The free-to-download app is now a featured item on Blackberry App World and provides useful information such as cinema times, foreign exchange rates, flight schedules and business directories. 6 Jun 2012 10:02