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

[Dr KF Lai] There are several key trends that will present themselves in 2013. Increasingly, we will see more and more innovative solutions to issues facing emerging countries being developed in-country and, while cost of smartphones is still hindering wide-scale usage of these handsets, the tide is turning as cheaper units enter the market. Marketers, too, are seeing their roles and responsibilities expand. 25 Jan 2013 10:57

Hilton plans to boost African presence

Hilton Worldwide has expanded its product offering in SA over the past six months and the US-based group intends to increase its presence in Africa‚ according to vice-president of operations for Africa and the Indian Ocean‚ Jan van der Putten. 16 May 2013 08:38

Time to unlock Africa's travel potential

The South African Tourism Indaba should expand its platform by attracting even more exhibitors and buyers from the African continent, Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said on Sunday (12 May). 14 May 2013 11:56

Bizcommunity.com

How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news

[Issued by Bizcommunity.com] Bizcommunity.com has now expanded its operations into 16 new sectors and will soon venture into another 17, providing a whole new range of target audiences for advertisers. The most critical aspect of this is the quality of content and this is a formal invitation to you to become a recognised contributor on Bizcommunity. 3 Oct 2011 14:57

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

Car manufacturing - Nigeria seeks guidance

[Alexander Parker] Nigeria is looking to South Africa's advanced motor sector for expertise and technical assistance as it seeks to create a new-car market in the continent's second-biggest economy. 9 May 2013 07:58

[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

iROKO to 'SPARK' Nigerian startups

Internet entrepreneurs of iROKOtv and Nollywood fame, Jason Njoku and Bastian Gotter on Wednesday, 8 May 2013, announced the official launch of SPARK, a $1m-backed company to support and develop aspiring Nigerian tech and internet entrepreneurs. 9 May 2013 13:26

[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. 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

Shoprite competition closes in

[Stafford Thomas] "Shoprite has taken advantage of the strong rand to invest in a lot of real estate in Africa by opening 16 additional stores in Nigeria this year and planning three new stores in Ghana," says Shoprite CEO Whitey Basson. 28 Feb 2011 09:30

Agriculture offers real growth potential

[Helmo Preuss] Although structural impediments such as poor logistics render the search for new avenues of deeper intra-African trade challenging‚ there is an immediate and compelling growth potential in the trade of agricultural products‚ Standard Bank research analyst Simon Freemantle said last week. 22 Apr 2013 13:24