Trane, a global provider of indoor comfort systems and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has entered into a new distribution agreement with JMG Limited in Nigeria, that will significantly expand and strengthen the distribution capacity of Trane in Nigeria.
The launch of Trane in Nigeria was at the MEGA CLIMA exhibition, dedicated to the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and heating sector, which took place in the Landmark Exhibition Center in Lagos from the 11th to the 13th of July 2019. JMG Limited and Trane exhibited the Trane brand and conduct a seminar for the professional in the HVAC market.
Under the agreement, JMG Limited will be the Authorized Distributor of Trane residential and light commercial systems in Nigeria through a dedicated team of experienced sales and services engineers. This Distributorship allows JMG Limited to complete its strategic development in the building infrastructure segment in order to offer a One-Stop solution to developers from power, electrical products, mobility equipment and now efficient air-conditioning systems.
Mr. Hazem Bouzaiane, Africa Distributor Management Leader, Trane, said “We believe in selecting a Distributor who reflects Trane’s commitment to environmental sustainability with a strong focus on understanding and delivering value to customers, and the region they operate in. We are pleased to begin this journey with JMG Limited and will be very proactive in working with them to deliver the Trane promise of energy efficiency and reliability to the region”.
Mr. Ramzi Dabaghi, Head of Power Solutions & HVAC Division Manager, JMG Limited, said, “The HVAC industry is a very large industry that covers system design, operation, and maintenance. Like most industries within the construction business, the HVAC sector has been gradually growing lately, with the end-user spending substantial business expansion plans and supporting new enterprises in the industry.
Our interest in the HVAC business arises after we have monitored the increasing market trend and identifying the areas/businesses that will benefit from our service. Add to this our concern to reduce energy consumption and to build a healthier environment.
We are quite aware that the success of any business lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, which is why we are confident enough that the JMG Limited – Trane partnership in the HVAC sector will succeed and develop rapidly.
JMG Limited has a dedicated team of professional engineers (Mechanical and Electrical), trained by Trane and specialized in Total engineering solutions and turnkey projects to delivering reliable and immediate results.
Thanks to the vast expertise and experience of our team, our aim is to provide the optimum solution, irrespective of category and scope of supply. We are always committed to providing high reliability with low maintenance, maximum safety, and great flexibility. With the expertise and experience of our team and the name Trane and not to forget the quality and innovation of Trane products, we simply offer the best solutions.
We can confidently say that our partnership will definitely be a success story within the HVAC business in Nigeria”.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
Egypt’s Swvl is coasting home big time. The startup is never looking back. Its next bus stop is Lahore, Pakistan ’s capital. Watch out for how the two-year startup is invading Uber, Careem and Airlift’s territories and raising huge funds to scale its operations. Mustafa Kandil is indeed never looking back. Swvl’s wind is gradually sweeping strong. The two-year-old startup is now in Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and counting.
An In-depth Look At The Momentum
This move by Swvl, the Cairo-headquartered app-based bus booking startup to Pakistan makes Pakistan Swvl’s third market after Egypt and Kenya.
Swvl had announced plans to expand to Pakistan earlier this month.
The Egyptian startup seems to have developed a habit of being secretive about their expansion plans (which makes sense).
In early 2018, when Swvl raised tens of millions of dollars in its Series B-1, the startup had said that it will use the money to expand to Southeast Asia, starting with Manila in 2019 Q1 but they actually expanded to Kenya which was never revealed previously.
Last month, Swvl said that it is planning to expand to Nigeria (by mid-July) but now we’re learning about their Pakistan expansion.
Founded in 2017, Swvl dubs itself as a private premium alternative to public transportation enabling riders to book seats on its network of “high-quality” buses (owned and operated by third-parties). The startup operates bus lines on fixed routes with customers boarding the buses from specific pick-up spots to be dropped at pre-defined (virtual) stations.
The Startup Is Fully On Ground In Lahore and Ride Sharers Are Invited To Place Bookings
Although Swvl has not shared the details about the number of lines and buses its operating in Lahore, Lahore city is, however, Pakistan’s second-largest home to over 10 million people and is similar to Swvl’s home market Cairo in many ways.
Both the cities have a poor public transportation system (things in Lahore have improved lately with the government-run bus rapid transit service but it only covers a specific part of the city), long commute times, and traffic congestion is some of the similarities the two cities share.
And that is why both the cities offer a great opportunity to startups like Swvl to solve some of these issues.
Expect A Stiff Competition But An Easy Triumph
Swvl is not the first player in this category in Pakistan. Airlift, a local startup that was launched earlier this year and is in the process of closing their first investment round has already gained decent traction in Lahore (and is apparently available in Pakistan’s largest city Karachi as well).
But Swvl obviously has the resources to take all these players on. Backed by some of top regional VCs including BECO Capital, Raed Ventures, Oman Technology Fund, and global names like Endeavor Catalyst, Swvl has raised over $80 million in VC money to date which makes it one of the best-funded startups in MENA and the best-funded startup in this category.
Pakistan might be a new market for Swvl but having worked there earlier, their team has enough know-how about the dynamics of local transportation ecosystem. Mostafa Kandil, in his previous role as Market Launcher for Careem, has launched different cities in Pakistan. Swvl’s Head of Global Expansion Shahzeb Memon, a Pakistani national, was previously with Careem (Pakistan) serving them as Supply Manager before joining Swvl in 2018.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based Lawyer with special focus on Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Entertainment and Technology Law. He is also an award-winning writer. Working for notable organizations so far has exposed him to some of industry best practices in business, finance strategies, law, dispute resolution, and data analytics both in Nigeria and across the world.
Take it or leave, innovative startups are never retiring to sleep soon. The game of disruption is hitting hard. Sooner or later, everything would soon be stretched to its limits. Pundi X has taken the first bold step.
Now in Rwanda, it has launched the first-ever Blockchain-powered smartphone on the African continent. The Singapore based technology company says the new phone blockchain mobile phone will allow everyone to make a phone call on the blockchain.
Here Is How The Whole Thing Works
The blockchain-powered smartphone is to be known as XPhone, and very much unlike many phones powered by android, IOS and Windows systems, the XPhone is powered by Function X (FX) operating system — a blockchain system.
According to Pundi X, a blockchain phone uses blockchain technology which powers many things like bitcoin, digital land titles, and medical records.
With XPhone, users are connected to the blockchain — everything they do from texting and calling to taking photos and browsing is transmitted via the blockchain.
In this sense, users are in control of their data.
In a case of Rwanda, for instance, if you had an XPhone, MTN or Airtel would not be able to access your information.
Blockchain as an emerging technology is increasingly becoming popular with many applications being invented every day.
The technology is mostly known for financial services. This is the technology that powers bitcoin and ethereum (the world’s top digital currencies).
The technology enables people to own digital money and transact between themselves without the presence of intermediary or central authority like financial institutions.
In some parts of the world, people are already using bitcoin (a form of electronic money) to make transactions without the need of banks, purchase goods and services and buy music online.
But blockchain technology is generally considered to have other real-life applications like helping in designing smart contracts, enable digital voting, create digital Ids, and enhance supply chain management, just to mention but a few.
The startup unveiled the phone, XPhone, at the GSMA Mobile 360 Africa and it said it was the first blockchain mobile phone launched in Africa.
“The XPhone allows everyone to make a phone call on the blockchain,” Zac Cheah, the company’s chief executive officer said while unveiling the phone.
Xphone Is Out To Confront Data Mining By Mobile Network Providers
Here is why Xphone is the deal:
XPhone will have no centralized service provider, making it secure as consumers are in charge of their own data. Very much like no MTN, or Vodafone or Orange.
The XPhone has an open-source which means that anyone that is interested to build applications and services can do it easily.
The blockchain smartphone will enable you to make a smooth transition between blockchain and traditional Android mode.
The company says it plans to produce only 5,000 XPhones in late 2019, but that it was looking to partner with telecommunication companies to produce more blockchain phones.
This is a huge moment for all the stakeholders in the mobile telephone industry. Blockchain phones would definitely serve some purposes: eliminate data mining by spy groups; store information permanently into the blockchain; (making it easier to retrieve information on occasions of lost phones)as well as have access to normal phone services.
Now, here is one problem Zac Cheah and his startup would have to face: Zac Cheah and his startup are likely to face quite some questions regarding whether the new phone could be easily commercially and widely accepted as people take a while to adopt some of these complex technologies. To put the question succinctly, how many people know what blockchain technology is?
Another thing: government regulations and approvals! This could be another puzzle for the entrepreneurs since most governments across the world have been less responsive to large scale adoption of blockchain technology.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based Lawyer with special focus on Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Entertainment and Technology Law. He is also an award-winning writer. Working for notable organizations so far has exposed him to some of industry best practices in business, finance strategies, law, dispute resolution, and data analytics both in Nigeria and across the world.
The French start-up kwik announced today that Olatowun CANDIDE-JOHNSON, a Nigerian lawyer and businesswoman, has officially been appointed Chairwoman of its supervisory board. kwik, which aims to become the number 1 provider in the Nigerian last-mile delivery market, was founded by a French National, Romain Poirot-Lellig.
A Nigerian lawyer and businesswoman specializing in Oil and Gas Law and Governance for multinational companies, Olatowun CANDIDE-JOHNSON have several years of experience in senior management roles within the Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria as well as in the Total Group. Her last role as at the end of 2016 was General Counsel; Chief Compliance Officer & Executive General Manager, Management Services.
Ms. CANDIDE-JOHNSON earned an MBA from the TRIUM Global Executive MBA program in 2016. TRIUM Global Executive MBA is a joint award from the LSE, NYU Stern, and HEC Paris.
She is the Founder and CEO of GAIA Women Club, a members-only business & social Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, whose goal is to encourage women in business to connect more deeply, gain each other’s trust and do more business together.
She is also a Founding parent and director of the Lagos Preparatory School, located in Ikoyi, Lagos (economic capital of Nigeria), one of the leading preparatory schools offering the British curriculum in Africa. Olatowun CANDIDE-JOHNSON also sits on the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (NNCC).
In joining Africa Delivery Technologies, Olatowun brings her experience, know-how and deep knowledge of the Nigerian economy and society to kwik, guiding the company in its ambition to become the # 1 in last-mile delivery in Africa’s largest market.
kwik was developed by Africa Delivery Technologies, a young French start-up with a simple vision: large African cities are facing major challenges (demographic, infrastructure, socio-economic …) all of which can be, if not definitively solved, at least partially addressed through the use of new mobility technologies.
Under the brand name kwik, Africa Delivery Technologies has been developing, since the summer of 2018, an urban mobility platform which will initially focus on delivery services in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital with approximately 22 million inhabitants. It is targeting the B2B market with a series of new features and an adapted commercial approach.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
Edgy and innovative hotel brand comes to uMhlanga Ridge.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge officially opened this month, making it the first Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in South Africa. A highly anticipated addition to the brand’s fast-growing portfolio, it joins Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Menlyn (Pretoria).
A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban, uMhlanga Ridge is nestled along the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal coastline in the sought-after seaside town of uMhlanga, just north of Durban. In close proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful uMhlanga Rocks Beach, the Gateway Theatre Mall and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it provides easy access to the region’s resplendent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage as well as its burgeoning energy and vibe.
Featuring the hallmarks of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brands such as comedy and DJ nights, bold décor, and associates who go the extra mile, it is set to transform the hotel scene in uMhlanga and emerge as the new coolest hotspot. A Durban-inspired menu, a retro VW combi, DJ booth, and design elements linked to a beach and surf theme, lend the hotel its own unique flavor and twist.
“Durban is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with a need for a hotel brand that matches its spirit. We are thrilled to introduce Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand with its trendsetting aesthetic fused with local influence to the thriving town of uMhlanga. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban, uMhlanga Ridge will provide the quirky, modern vibe that guests and locals in this area are looking for. The property reflects our agility and adaptability to identify and transform a property to suit an evolving destination,” said Volker Heiden, Area Vice-President for Marriott International.
Previously a Protea Hotel by Marriott, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban, uMhlanga Ridge has been rebranded after a complete transformation
“This entailed heavy-duty renovations, an aesthetic metamorphosis, and a complete change in operations. Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels dare to be different − they are progressive and fun, and while each hotel is individual in its personality, it is this edge that unites them under the brand. We had to balance that in creating this beautifully sassy hotel,” said the designer of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge, Peter de Klerk.
Guests are welcomed into a refreshed lobby that brings to life the vibe of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand, with mixed seating, a DJ booth, and a TV wall. The new reception area features three pods and a dedicated guest relations desk. The outdoor deck features a retractable awning, three exterior pods for relaxing and dining, and a swimming pool. The VW combi completes the Fire & Ice! by Marriott atmosphere.
205 completely renovated chic and stylish guest rooms offer both comfort and thoughtful amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Breakfast Room on the first floor and choose indoor seating, one of the two private dining rooms or the outdoor deck.
Whether you’re swinging by for a crafted cocktail or looking for an indulgent delicious meal, the stylish restaurant, which features sophisticated neutral décor and delicious global cuisine prepared in an open kitchen offers the ideal venue with both indoor and a scenic outdoor patio seating option.
The new menu reflects a strong African focus rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary specialties. Guests can expect a fresh take on the likes of bunny chow and curry, with a Fire & Ice! twist and elegance as well the brand’s signature (egg-ceptional) Fire & Ice! By Marriott breakfast options.
No Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel would be complete without a strong link to music. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will host Friday DJ nights, featuring top local and national DJs. The hotel will also share the brand’s renowned sense of humour, with regular comedy nights playing host to South Africa’s top comedians.
“We have put considerable thought into making this property utterly unique, while still retaining the high standard of guest experience and professional and efficient service for which Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels are known. This hotel will do more than just provide a room or a place to eat. We’re a lifestyle hotel that curates experiences and we look forward to welcoming guests and visitors and showcase this new-age take on hospitality,” said Thuthukile Moloto, General Manager of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
With the latest investment coming from Rand Merchant Investment Holdings (RMI), South Africa’s ‘crowd farming’ startup, Livestock Wealth is now worth more than $7 million dollars ( R100 million), far surpassing the goal it set for itself at its launch far back in 2015.
Agri-tech entrepreneur and CEO of Livestock Wealth Ntuthuko Shezi is confident that this is just the beginning. His may have a point here. His startup has just further landed a business deal with retail giant Woolworths which it is supplying free-range beef.
A Look At The Funding
Although the terms of the funding were not disclosed, Ntuthuko Shezi hinted RMI’s investment is a big boost both in terms of capital to grow the business and from a profile perspective.
“Livestock Wealth now has more than 2 000 cattle on several farms in different parts of the country and about 1 000 investors currently. Now that we’re gaining traction, our target is to have about 10 000 investors by the end of our financial year in February.
“Late last year, we secured a lucrative agreement to supply Woolworths with free-range beef and we sent through our first supplies in April. In the last three months we have supplied Woolworths with around 64 tons of beef. Woolworths is a great brand to be working with and it naturally has strict supplier protocols, which we must adhere to.”
Here Is Why Shezi’s Livestock Wealth Is Not Just Your Regular AgricTech Startup
Livestock Wealth was only started in 2015 when Shezi realized there was an untapped commercial opportunity around livestock farming in South Africa that could leverage the African community’s close links to cattle.
The KwaZulu-Natal-born electro-mechanical engineer Ntuthuko Shezi’s Livestock Wealth offers people with no access to land, time or skills the opportunity to own livestock within a professionally managed farming operation.
The Web and mobile application allow investors to invest their money in cows rather than in unit trusts, shares or exchange-traded funds.
Through connecting its network of small-scale partner farmers to investors, the business model allows farmers who cannot afford to scale their business to access capital, while offering the investor an opportunity to invest in assets which are not influenced by financial market trends.
Potential investors can buy online, from the partner farmer, while Livestock Wealth facilitates and manages the assets like an investment portfolio.
In fact, Shezi did his research well: Cattle farming in South Africa is estimated to be worth around R142 billion, behind poultry, with the local beef industry generating an estimated $144 million in exports in 2017, according to data from Trade Map. This is the opportunity he pounced on.
The growth in the livestock business was so overwhelming that the investment startup says it has now expanded its offerings to include an array of agricultural assets that can be owned by potential investors, including sugar cane plants, macadamia trees, and maize plants, and a separate option of investing in a connected garden system which grows all types of organic vegetables.
The new offerings give investors who lack the time and farming expertise the opportunity to own tangible, high-value, growing assets.
“For instance, macadamia trees, the most lucrative crop in SA, can cost around R20 000 per hectare for the investor, but after a few years of growth, one tree can reap rewards on a minimum investment of around R80 000.”
The South African macadamia industry is the largest producer of macadamia nuts worldwide. According to the 2018 World Nut and Dried Fruit Conference, an estimated yield of 53 500 tonnes of macadamia trees reaped a sales value of well over R3.2 billion in 2018.
The connected garden system, a pool-table-sized garden which grows any vegetable crop, including spinach, lettuce, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, is managed around the clock by an experienced partner farmer.
Investors can own several smart garden systems, which are connected to an Internet of things monitoring system, allowing the farmer to track the environmental condition of the plants, while the investor can view and track the plants at almost any time via the app.
Livestock Wealth has previously partnered with financial institution Fedgroup, through its Impact Farming mobile app, which allows investors to endow in blueberry bushes, beehives, and other plants, which are farmed and managed on their behalf from as little as R300.
It has also partnered with MTN Connected Livestock, which helps monitor the livestock online through a tracking device, providing investors with data about the condition of their animals, through the app.
The crowd farming company has also partnered with Woolworths and wholesaler Cavalier Foods, to provide them with free-range beef, which is free of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Shezi says the startup is also engaging potential partners such as restaurant chains, public hospitals, prisons and retailers to connect them to its farmer partners who will then supply them with fresh produce on a regular basis.
“Typically, we are looking at supplying institutions such as Johannesburg General Hospital with onions or lettuce on a daily basis and also supply some retailers and restaurants with a few kilograms of veggies on a daily or weekly basis. The farming systems are not limited to vegetables, but also include growing plants that will be used to make food spices, such as seeds, buds, fruits, flowers, bark and roots of plants.”
A Profitable Business?
Shezi says around half of South Africa’s 14 million cattle are still owned by black South Africans — largely in rural areas — who do communal farming without access to markets.
“Livestock Wealth bridges that gap. It gives communal farmers access to markets, while offering investors a chance to invest in cattle. They [investors] can chose to invest in cattle that will be grown on the farms we work with to supply either meat or cows that produce offspring,” he says.
Things have however progressed significantly since then; Shezi says the business is now an R100 million enterprise with its eye on further investments into SA’s agriculture sector.
This is good news for a business that started out with only 26 cows in 2015 and currently manages a herd of around 2 000 cattle at four farms across the country.
These have a total value of over R20 million and are managed on behalf of 800 investors who are not only South Africans but include Germans, Americans, Canadian, Irish, English, and Chinese.
The company says since inception, it has paid out almost R5 million in dividends. Its business model works like a bank fixed deposit, where the client would invest in a cow for a six- or 12-month period with an option to re-invest.
The 12-month option means investing in a pregnant cow (R18 730) and the six-month option is investing in a calf (R11 529), which will eventually be sold for free-range beef with an average return on investment of about 12%.
Another alternative is the shared-investment option (R576) where the investor buys a portion of a cow together with other investors.
For An Electromechanical Engineering Graduate, This Is A Major Achievement
Shezi graduated as an electromechanical engineer from the University of Cape Town and is no stranger to tech start-up innovation. After leaving professional services heavyweight Accenture in 2006, he launched Scratch Mobile. He was born in rural Ndwedwe on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, which he says has influenced his rural-urban agri-tech innovation.
“Government can’t give us all a farm divided into small amounts. We need to move away from the old farm model of one person owning land, having all the skills and farming their own product,” says Shezi.
“With crowd farming, one entity owns the land, and the farmer who loves farming and has the skills continues to farm, and then others invest in the production. Whether it is cattle or blueberries or veggies, other people can be involved in production without the investors getting their hands dirty.”
“We are hoping that our business model will be a game-changer in lowering the barrier to entry for millions of aspirant farmers. The main definer is that the two parties each have what the other wants, and we are committed to managing the relationship between the investor and the farmer, by giving the farmer the option and the ability to unlock the hidden value in their crops and livestock,’’ he says.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based Lawyer with special focus on Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Entertainment and Technology Law. He is also an award-winning writer. Working for notable organizations so far has exposed him to some of industry best practices in business, finance strategies, law, dispute resolution, and data analytics both in Nigeria and across the world.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to strengthen education, training, and research in mathematical sciences in Africa.
Speaking at the signing, African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture and Human Development, Jennifer Blanke stressed the strong partnership between the Bank and AIMS-NEI. “The MOU gives us a framework for the operationalization of the partnership,” she said.
The partnership sets the framework for collaboration between the two institutions on enhanced mathematical research and innovation in key areas of the continent’s development challenges. It will also facilitate the design and implementation of new projects and programs and further cooperation in events related to science and technology.
Thierry Zomahoun, President and CEO of AIMS said: “Africa must not sit on the sidelines as others create technology and we consume it.
If we want to leverage AI and other cutting edge technologies and compete globally, we must train researchers and engineers who create the equations and algorithms that create transformative technologies. That’s what we are doing at AIMS and we look forward to operationalizing this partnership with transformative projects to serve African countries and industries,” said Mr. Zomahoun.
Since its inception in 2003, AIMS has graduated close to 2000 students from 43 countries (32% women) from its six centres with a master’s in mathematical sciences. AIMS is unique in that 70% of alumni remain on the continent. Thirty-five percent of graduates are pursuing further studies with 253 having completed a doctorate (307 in progress).
Fifty percent of alumni are working in the ten critical fields of education, ICT, data science, engineering, finance and statistics, trade, commerce, energy, and entrepreneurship. In 2018, AIMS launched a one-of-its-kind masters in machine intelligence that gives students the foundational tools to create technology for today and tomorrow.
Founded in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a Pan-African network of centres of excellence for post-graduate training, research and public engagement in mathematical sciences. The AIMS network has five centres of excellence teaching a Masters in Mathematical Sciences, including a co-operative option with a direct link to the industry in three centres.
Currently, the network has close to 2000 alumni from 43 African countries. The network also includes research centres and programs with 108 researchers including six prestigious Chairs currently across the network.
In Cameroon and Rwanda, AIMS is running a gender-responsive teacher training program. As well, AIMS created two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa to prepare Africa for the coming quantum revolution, and the Next Einstein Forum to propel Africa on to the global scientific stage.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
In order to strengthen cooperation amongst African companies, encourage the development of strong African content and promote joint-venture opportunities, Malabo will be hosting the Oil & Gas Meeting Day on October 1-2, 2019.
The summit is part of Equatorial Guinea’s Year of Energy and will focus on exploring opportunities and deals amongst services companies, which are central to the development of strong African capabilities across the oil & gas value chain.
The African Energy Chamber strongly supports the National Alliance of Hydrocarbons Service Companies (NAHSCO) in the organization of this upcoming Oil & Gas Meeting Day.
We invite all our partners, especially national oil companies and public and private services companies, to come to Malabo in October. This will be a key platform for dialogue and deals with international, technology and services companies.
“Equatorial Guinea is rapidly becoming a hub for African service companies, driving a regional approach to local content based on partnerships and oil industry cooperation,” said Nj Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group.
“The development of a strong African oil services industry is crucial if we want to get value out of our natural resources and create jobs. The way to build African capacities is to work together and create jobs, and we are happy Malabo is bringing everyone together.”
The Oil & Gas Meeting Day will offer opportunities for African services companies to make deals with regional and international partners and drive global transformations within the oil services industry.
More importantly, it will provide a platform to share experiences on local content and advocate for regionalization of local content development within African oil markets. “With this meeting, African services companies and national oil companies have the chance to not only be part of the game but change it to their benefits,” added Nj Ayuk.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
Ghanaian international banker Mr. Peter Akwaboah will be among other notable Africans who will be honoured with a special leadership award by the FACE Africa.
Prior to joining the Firm, he worked at Royal Bank of Scotland for 10 years with his most recent role in the Asia Pacific as Chief Operating Officer responsible for Operations, Technology and Corporate Services across the region.
Prior to RBS, Peter has held a number of senior roles in both Operations and Technology at Deutsche Bank, KPMG and IBM.
Peter holds BEng (First Class Hons) and MSc (Eng) in Civil Engineering from The University of Birmingham, the U.K. He is also on the Board of Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), a charity organization with sole mission to provide comprehensive, affordable orthopedic care to those who would not otherwise have access to such treatment.
He is also a keen sportsman having represented Great Britain in Track and Field on a number of occasions. Join Face2Face Africa as we honor Peter Akwaboah and other distinguished global leaders at the 2019 FACE List Awards Gala on Saturday, July 20, at Edison Ballroom in New York City. Visit panafricanweekend.com to see our full list of honorees, speakers, etc., and to register. For corporate tables, contact info@f2fafrica.com.
The FACE List Awards are a prestigious celebration of pan-African achievement that honor the black diaspora’s most influential pioneers and trailblazers, while providing an opportunity for the business community to connect and celebrate our success stories. The black-tie affair includes pre-reception, live performances, a full-course dinner, and award presentations.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
On the 11th of July 2019, more than 20 African countries brought into effect what is going to be the largest Free Trade Area in the world. A free trade area means an agreement between several countries to allow the free movement of goods and services across their respective borders.
Trade between African countries is at 15%, compared with 20% in Latin America and 58% in Asia, according to the African Export-Import Bank. This could increase by 52% by 2022.
Once passed by all countries it is going to cover a combined market of 1.2 billion people with a GDP of $2.5 trillion. Attention! all entrepreneurs this is surely not an opportunity to miss. The opportunities that are going to be unleashed are enormous for SMEs and startups alike.
Some of the key benefits include:
Newmarket access: access to markets of over 20 countries is no joke, the potential is huge for an SME
New supplier access: just as there will be access to markets there will also be access to new suppliers possibly cheaper and more effective especially if one plans to scale their business!
Opportunity to relocate your business: this is bound to happen when one gets to explore new markets within the Free Trade Area.
Opportunity to diversify/expand product range: as business owners get to study and analyze new markets there may be also potential to offer other services and products apart from the traditional offering.
Opportunity to leverage on technology: business will need to leverage on technology to advertise and draw in new customers for example due to the explosion in cellphone ownership in particular smartphones, smart low-cost marketing like using Whatsapp groups may be done.
Times are changing all the time!
By leveraging on technology for product development, marketing and even for better business systems, SMEs have a chance to grow their businesses exponentially!
Some of the technologies one can leverage to expand market share include:
E-commerce: which is more or less the sale of goods and services online represents a golden opportunity. As more Africans become comfortable buying and selling goods online, this has been seen by the success of online stores like Jumia, and more that are coming up all over the continent.
social media marketing:
informatics:
Going digital to grow your business!
With the internet having become the trigger to accessing new technologies to grow our business and also becoming very much a part of our lives; one just can’t simply ignore its potential for business growth. Having the right partner is therefore critical to harnessing the true potential of the Internet and the new doors (countries) that have been opened.
An effective digital strategy that combines a use of ICT technologies such as setting up an eCommerce store or using ICT as a natural extension of your business to rapidly expand and exploit new markets requires a partner who not only appreciates the role of ICT, can offer funding opportunities but can also drive your business to potentially become a 21st Century leader.
As a startup trying to scale or as an SME trying to grow your business with a digital slant into the Free Trade Area or internationally generally, FasterCapital has a lot to offer!
FasterCapital can be the ideal partner in the following ways:
An incubation program that lasts 5 years
Funding for startups starting from a minimum of USD$10, 000.00 up to $2 million if admitted into our virtual incubation program.
Mentoring opportunities from world-class experienced mentors
Opportunity to partner with other startups in the program
Opportunity to access new markets beyond just Africa
Opportunity for FasterCapital to help in the development of your eCommerce or digital platform whilst you as the entrepreneur get to focus on marketing and pushing sales.
As a budding entrepreneur walking the road alone and trying to seize the new opportunities on the horizon be it the new free trade area or other international markets does not have to be an arduous journey; when the right digital partner is there to help the journey become easier and faster.
FasterCapital’s new application round for entrepreneurs and startups and other SMEs planning to scale their business with a digital focus opened on the 15th July 2019.
To apply you can get in touch with Tawanda Mutukwa — FasterCapital representative through his email: tmutukwa@gmail.com.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based Lawyer with special focus on Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Entertainment and Technology Law. He is also an award-winning writer. Working for notable organizations so far has exposed him to some of industry best practices in business, finance strategies, law, dispute resolution, and data analytics both in Nigeria and across the world.
