As the global gemstone market becomes increasingly complex with fraud on the rise, The Gem Lab is setting a new benchmark for trust, transparency, and authenticity with the introduction of its “Gem Lab Approved” standard. Founded and led by Jeremy Rothon FGA, one of South Africa’s most experienced and respected gemmologists, The Gem Lab has…
Finfluencers are reshaping how consumers engage with financial information – and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is paying close attention. Here’s what financial service providers (FSPs) need to know about the risks, regulatory boundaries and how to approach influencer partnerships responsibly. Social media has changed how South Africans engage with financial information. Increasingly, consumers are…
The first Thursday of May each year marks ‘World Password Day’, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of securing passwords and following the best online security practices. With cyber-attacks and data breaches an almost daily occurrence globally, Brett Russell, Head of Product and CISO at MetroFibre, provides a sobering reality check…
The way people search for information online is changing, and the best practice you built your SEO strategy on is no longer enough. Here’s how brands need to expand their thinking about search in 2026 and beyond. Someone wants to know which running shoe works best for flat feet. Another person is trying to figure…
The AI cost for SMEs is rising rapidly, but for many South African businesses, the real challenge is not adoption—it’s achieving a clear return on investment. With nearly 60% of African businesses prepared to commit over $50 million to AI initiatives in 2026 according to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), investment appetite is clearly rising….
Hadija Jabiri The following article is a slightly edited excerpt from our new book, How we made it in Africa II: Real stories of entrepreneurs turning opportunity into profit. The publication was recently launched at Harvard Business School. The ebook and paperback versions are available here. When Tanzanian agribusiness entrepreneur Hadija Jabiri launched her enterprise,…
What if small businesses could advertise like big brands? Prism, a soon-to-launch self-service platform designed to simplify digital out-of-home (DOOH) media for small businesses, is hosting a pre-launch competition that aims to put SMEs on the map. It’s 7am, and Viktor is unlocking the doors to his coffee shop for the day. He knows his…
Persistence rewarded: 2024 Grand Prize Winner Henri Ousmane Gueye reflects the power of reapplying, refining, and ultimately winning. Partner Content: Africa’s Business Heroes Every year, thousands of African entrepreneurs ask themselves the same question: Is my business ready? Am I good enough? Is it even worth applying? And every year, too many stop there. They hesitate….
MSMEs are the backbone of South Africa’s economy, contributing over 60% of employment and a significant share of GDP, yet many still face barriers to market access, funding, and digital integration. As Africa’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion, the next phase of growth will be driven not only by large enterprises, but by the…
Danladi Verheijen Interview with Danladi VerheijenCO-FOUNDER and CEO, VEROD Lives in: Nigeria In 2008, Danladi Verheijen co-founded Verod Capital Management, a private equity investment firm focused on West Africa. How we made it in Africa editor-in-chief Jaco Maritz interviewed him about his journey as an investor and the lessons he has learnt along the way….
