In a recent interview with How we made it in Africa, Sango Capital co-founder Richard Okello outlined the countries where he sees the greatest investment potential. Okello points first to Egypt, which he describes as “very intentional about becoming a middle-income country”. A key advantage is its population of some 120 million. For businesses, that means a vast…
The CPA amendments introduced in 2026 significantly change how property practitioners approach cold calling and direct marketing in South Africa, introducing stricter compliance obligations and consumer protections. For property practitioners who rely on cold-calling and any other methods of direct marketing, including SMS campaigns, canvassing of neighbourhoods, or making use of outsourced lead generation services,…
The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) is a leading platform connecting African music professionals with the global music industry, and the sixth edition returns to Constitution Hill on 22–23 May 2026, bringing together music industry leaders, artists, technology innovators, and rights organisations to explore the future of music, innovation, and creator rights in the age…
In 2024, private equity firm Verod Capital invested in i-Fitness, a Nigerian gym chain founded in 2015 by the entrepreneur Foluso Ogunwale. Verod co-founder Danladi Verheijen describes the business as one of his favourite investments. Despite operating only around 30 outlets, i-Fitness is already seven times the size of its nearest competitor in West Africa…
The 2IC strategy is becoming one of the most effective ways for South African businesses to reduce staff turnover, retain institutional knowledge, and build long-term employee loyalty. High staff turnover is one of the most significant hidden costs in modern South African business. When a key employee resigns, the financial impact is staggering – it…
Transferable skills are becoming one of the most important factors employers consider when hiring, promoting and developing talent in today’s fast-changing workplace. Having a relevant qualification and experience in your profession can help you to land an interview for your dream job. But showing that you have the skills and qualities to thrive in a…
Youssef Elgonaid Interview with Youssef ElgonaidCO-FOUNDER and CEO, AFRICAN RAIL COMPANY For decades, South Africa’s freight rail network has been tightly controlled by the state. Youssef Elgonaid, CEO of African Rail Company (ARC), describes the recent move to grant private operators wider access to the system as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”. Founded in 2013, ARC recently…
Youssef Elgonaid Interview with Youssef ElgonaidCO-FOUNDER and CEO, AFRICAN RAIL COMPANY For decades, South Africa’s freight rail network has been tightly controlled by the state. Youssef Elgonaid, CEO of African Rail Company (ARC), describes the recent move to grant private operators wider access to the system as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”. Founded in 2013, ARC recently…
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…
