Africa Outlook - Issue 54

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AFRICA ISSUE 54

AFRICA IMPROVED FOODS 76

Africa to feed Africa

AFARAK SOUTH AFRICA 86 A vertically-integrated specialist alloys company creating value for all stakeholders

WAICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION PLC 106

Africa’s ubiquitous reinsurance company

TWIGA CHEMICALS 124 Bringing organic products to Kenya’s manufacturing market

ALSO FEATURING: OCP AFRICA | AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES | PROCTER & GAMBLE

Business Travel Guides

A complete guide to Africa’s leading business travel destinations

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Rwanda Overcoming historic adversity, Rwanda is a country now full of hope and ambition for the future, building its economy through an ever-growing tourism industry and prudent investments Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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wanda has come a long way since the horrific genocide that struck the country in 1994, and today is recognised as a survivor and one of Africa’s most stable nations with a bright future ahead.

Tourism in the country has been a key contributor to rebuilding its economy, offering a multitude of incredible explorative trips into the mountains to get a real taste of Rwanda’s natural beauty. Even on the busiest of business trips, making time to track mountain gorillas through the Virungu volcanoes is a sight not to be missed and an incredible experience you will always remember.

Over the past few years in particular,

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the country has embraced a newfound optimism which is helping the country look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. With that in mind Rwanda has an abundance of sights to enjoy, from the Akagera National Park to Inema Art Center there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Home to a selection of large cities, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali is located at the central point of the country and spans several ridges and valleys. The perfect combination for a business trip of luscious hillsides and bustling streets, Kigali is one of the most beautiful capital cities in Africa as well as the safest and makes for an exceptional base for you during your time away from home.

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FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Area: Population (2015): GDP (2017): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: .

Climate:

Kinyarwanda 26,388km2 11,262,564 $24.717 billion Rwandan Franc (RWF) UTC + 2 +250 .rw Tropical highland

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26 See page

Our Business Travel section not only gives executives the complete guide to the world’s most popular and populous locations, but also gives said locations the perfect opportunity to showcase their own businesses, events, venues and services to a truly international audience and readership of more than 185,000 each month.

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put your own offering on our map, then please contact our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser or Ryan Gray to find out more.

joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

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AFRICA

Bound by Excellence AFRICA Much like our showcasing assortment in this month’s edition of Africa Outlook, our headline act prides itself on being ‘bound by excellence’.

And in the same way that Mombasa Cement Limited strives to offer a turnkey service, we too have the full spectrum of industries on show this September.

The Kenyan construction specialist leads the way by example, virtue of its five core values: ‘Bound by Principles’, ‘Bound by Technology’, ‘Bound by Innovation’, ‘Bound by Brand Identity’, and - of course - ‘Bound by Excellence’.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast is made up of leading protagonists across areas of healthcare, food & drink, finance, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, technology, and mining; the latter represented by old friends and new.

African Underground Mining Services was one of our most fascinating profiles of 2016 and we catch up with COO, Blair Sessions one year on to find out how the Company has fared amid an unfavourable mining climate.

“I definitely think the industry has bottomed out, and the trajectory is now onwards and upwards,” he emphasises. “There are significant opportunities out there now that people are talking about and that will start before the end of the next 12 months.”

Afarak South Africa is another enterprise set to benefit from the imminent revival of the sector, and CEO, Bertus Van Der Merwe details the specialty alloy operator’s ambitions for the coming months which will see the Company “driving the basics and ensuring the focus on niche, value-added products”.

While the mining challenge has been inevitably severe for African industry of late, it is nothing compared to the challenge of poverty and malnutrition that is still all-too evident on the continent, and we also take the chance this month to speak with Africa Improved Foods, a business with social enrichment, rather than revenue turnover, at the top of its agenda.

Finally, this month’s instalment addresses the significant relationship between finance and technology courtesy of the International Data Corporation and WAICA Re, as well as the still untapped potential that African agriculture holds via interviews with OCP Africa and Twiga Chemicals. www.africaoutlookmag.com

ISSUE 54

AFRICA IMPROVED

FOODS 00 Africa to feed Africa

AFARAK SOUTH AFRICA 00 A vertically-integrated specialist alloys company creating value for all stakeholders

WAICA REINSURANCE

CORPORATION PLC 00 Africa’s ubiquitous reinsurance company

TWIGA CHEMICALS 00 Bringing organic products to Kenya’s manufacturing market

ALSO FEATURING: OCP AFRICA | AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES | PROCTER & GAMBLE

EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Phoebe Calver phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Mandy Farnell mandy.farnell@outlookpublishing.com Images: Thinkstock by Getty Images

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Heads of Projects: Arron Rampling arron.rampling@outlookpublishing.com Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Training Development Manager: Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Sales Managers: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com Project Managers: Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Richard Thomas richard.thomas@outlookpublishing.com Stuart Parker stuart.parker@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com

ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Office & Finance Manager: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com WEB DESIGN: Hamit Saka IT: James Le-May

OUTLOOK PUBLISHING Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Chairman: Mark Weaver CONTACT Outlook Publishing Ltd Woburn House, 84 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB, United Kingdom Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1603 959 655 Email: matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

www.africaoutlookmag.com Like us on Facebook - facebook.com/africaoutlook Follow us on Twitter - @Africa_Outlook

Matthew Staff

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

CONSTRUCTION

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MOMBASA CEMENT LIMITED Bound by Excellence

Cementing a market-leading status in Kenyan construction

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DSA ARCHITECTS Creative Concepts

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MUTISO MENEZES INTERNATIONAL (MMI) The Master of Development

Turning great designs into unique realisations

A new wave of development consulting

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NEWS

All the latest stories from across Africa

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AGRICULTURE Africa’s Agricultural Transformation

OCP Africa’s commitment to agricultural alteration

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TECHNOLOGY The Digital Transformation Opportunity

Can South African telcos capitalise on digitisation?

S E C TO R F O C U S

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ENERGY & UTILITIES African Energy, On Trend

Distributing power across Africa

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

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RWANDA The Perfect Combination

F O O D & D R I N K

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AFRICA IMPROVED FOODS Healthy Children, Healthy Nation, Healthy Africa Africa to feed Africa

MINING & RESOURCES

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AFARAK SOUTH AFRICA Delivering on a Promise

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AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES (AUMS) Onwards and Upwards

A vertically-integrated specialist alloys company creating value for all stakeholders

Africa’s underground mining specialists

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GAUTENG The Urban Heart of South Africa

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AFRICA F

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SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

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WAICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION PLC Surely Reinsured

Africa’s ubiquitous reinsurance company

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AFRO-ASIAN INSURANCE SERVICES LIMITED Simpler, Faster, Better

Professionalism and excellence redefined

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AAR HEALTHCARE As Human As You

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PZ CUSSONS Enhancing Lives with Extraordinary Products

MANUFACTURING

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SACOS INSURANCE GROUP Here for You

BLUE NILE ROLLING MILLS Meeting Kenya’s Steel Demands Stepping into the global steel manufacturing market

For all your insurance needs

T E C H N O L O G Y

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Energising Southern Africa through sustainable innovation

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TWIGA CHEMICALS Surpassing Expectations

E N E R GY & U T I L I T I E S

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THE OIL TRADING AND LOGISTICS (OTL) AFRICA DOWNSTREAM WEEK

AQUA SERVICES & ENGINEERING (ASE) Experienced, Expert Engineering

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AFRICA HEALTH BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM (AHBS) Transforming PPPs for health in Africa

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PRACTICAL NIGERIAN CONTENT FORUM

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WORLD MARKETING CONGRESS

Thriving where global competitors don’t and local competitors can’t

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FUTURE ENERGY EAST AFRICA

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC AFRICA Advancing Science for Life

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GAS OPTIONS: NORTH & WEST AFRICA SUMMIT

H E A L T H C A R E

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F O C U S

The biggest platform for downstream oil & gas businesses in Africa

Bringing excellence to Kenya’s manufacturing market

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SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Access to Energy for Everyone

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A G R I C U L T U R E

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Ensuring the economy, society and the environment work in harmony

Open to all; with quality, innovation and excellence

Celebrating innovative products across the continent

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DB SCHENKER KENYA Delivering Solutions

PROCTER & GAMBLE EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA Igniting African Potential

Transforming lives through dedicated medical solutions

Customising the latest water treatment technologies

Spend three days with local content leaders as they address today’s most pressing challenges

Discussing how businesses can grow, thrive and win by being a positive force in the world

What does the future hold for the East African energy market?

EnergyNet’s Morocco Energy Week gets underway this November

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Outlook Creative Services Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

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Phoebe Calver +44 (0) 1603 959 660 phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

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The new project, Tongo-Tonguma will be the region’s second biggest, Smithson said.

In an environment in which small players can struggle to raise cash following the 2015-16 commodity crash, Smithson abandoned the reverse takeover plan in favour of a revenue-sharing deal.

That means Stellar will pay a 9.3 percent gross royalty to Octea, which continues to own the Tonguma prospect, while Stellar keeps the adjacent Tongo acreage and operates both.

Between them, Tongo-Tonguma should produce 200,000 carats per annum over the 21-year mine life and generate gross revenue of $45 million annually.

For a small-cap, the advantage of the deal is it gets rid of the need to raise all the money upfront and means work can begin quickly MINING & RESOURCES Smithson hopes next year.

To provide working capital, meanwhile, the Company this week announced a share issue and an open offer to minority shareholders to raise roughly £500,000.

Its share price, which was suspended for half a year while the reverse takeover was considered, has fallen more than 50 percent this Stellar Diamonds, a London-listed small-cap, is seeking funding for a $45 million year.

Stellar Diamonds expects to raise diamond project in Sierra Leone it says will be the first major mining project cash from a deal agreed earlier since the Ebola crisis rocked the country’s economy this year to sell its assets in Guinea to BDG Capital Limited, although Diamonds and other forms of mining “This is the first large-scale Smithson said the final price would are central to an economy hard hit mining licence to be issued by the be less than the $2 million figure by the 2015 Ebola epidemic.

Government since Ebola, creating initially announced.

Trade in diamonds helped to fuel up to 1,000 jobs,” Stellar CEO, Karl BSG Resources (BSGR) said it the decade-long conflict that ended Smithson said in an interview. could not comment as the Octea in 2002, but since the lifting of a Initially, Stellar Diamonds planned deal was still being finalised. ban on exports in 2003 and strict to buy the diamond prospect through The group was founded by Israeli international rules, the industry says a reverse takeover to acquire acreage Sierra Leone’s exceptionally high from private firm, Octea, which already billionaire Beny Steinmetz, who is now an advisor and not involved in quality diamonds have become a operates Koidu, the biggest diamond daily business. force for good. mine in Sierra Leone and West Africa.

Stellar Diamonds Seeks to fund First Post-Ebola Mine in Sierra Leone

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AFRICA CONSTRUCTION

sending PPC shares 5.5 percent higher to R6.29.

PPC’s local rival, AfriSam launched an all-share merger proposal for South Africa’s biggest cement maker

last week and PPC said it also had a third offer that was “credible and potentially value-enhancing for shareholders”.

“From the previous offer that was made, it was agreed in the investment community that it was undervalued.

So now when the next bidder makes an offer and doesn’t put a price, there can only be speculation to the upside,” said Afrifocus Securities equity analyst, Tinashe Kambadza.

“Economic rationale aside, it will all be about the bid premium.”

The expansion of Dangote and the entry of new firms across Africa has led to an oversupply of cementbased products and competition as companies try to win market share. In February, former PPC Chief, Darryl Castle said PPC would be the “architects” of consolidation in the industry.

sharp capacity to aggregate what exists in South Africa so we don’t duplicate,” said Robert Nkuna, director-general at the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

Nkuna told a parliamentary committee the law would need

to be amended to allow for the establishment of a National Broadband Network Co (NBN) by around 2020.

Responding to a question, Nkuna said the department was not in favour of selling off Sentech, which carries more than 90 percent of South Africa’s radio and television signal, to the private sector to help fund the new Company.

Major telecoms firms in South Africa include the continent’s top mobile phone operator, MTN, Vodacom and unlisted Cell C. The five main firms in the wireless broadband market account for more than 70 percent of the market.

According to a World Bank report released last year, South Africans paid around $14.10 for one gigabyte of data, the fourth highest out of 17 African countries, compared to lowest-rated Cameroon, where the same bundle cost around $2.10.

Africa’s Richest Man Joins Race for South African Cement Firm Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has joined the race to buy South African cement maker, PPC, which is already the subject of a takeover bid valuing the Company at $700 million.

Dangote Cement, which is controlled by Dangote and is the biggest cement maker in Africa with a capacity of nearly 46 million tonnes a year, said in a statement that it was interested in buying all of PPC’s shares.

The expression of interest from the Nigerian Company with a market capitalisation of $12 billion raised market hopes of a bidding war,

Aliko Dangote

TECHNOLOGY

South African Cabinet to Review Plan to Merge State-Owned Telecom Firms A plan to merge two of South Africa’s state-owned telecom firms into a single broadband network company will be reviewed by the cabinet in December, a senior government official told lawmakers.

The Government hopes to combine the fibre network and high-speed bandwidth capacity of Broadband Infraco with Sentech’s satellite capability, boosting connections to remote areas as it aims to lift mobile broadband coverage to 80 percent of the population by 2019.

“We don’t want a top-heavy company, but a company that has

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TRAVEL & TOURISM

Kenya Airways asks State for Help amid Growing Competition Kenya Airways has started talks with the Government, seeking its help in coping with competition from foreign carriers operating flights to its Nairobi hub, its chairman said.

The airline, part-owned by the state and Air France-KLM, is restructuring its finances to cut huge debts and reduce finance costs to help it return to profitability after years of losses.

The losses, caused by a slump in tourism due to frequent attacks in Kenya by militants from neighbouring Somalia, came at a time when the airline was taking on debt to buy new planes and as Gulf-based rivals ratcheted up competition.

“We started out these negotiations both with KAA (Kenya Airports Authority) and ourselves and the Government to see how we can better protect us,” Kenya Airways Chairman Michael Joseph told reporters.

Some of the foreign competitors enjoy massive state support including subsidies, Joseph said, without providing names.

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Zambia State Power Firm to End Emergency Power Imports Next Year Zambian state power Company Zesco Ltd expects to end emergency power imports from Mozambique in the first quarter of next year.

Zambia’s power generation had improved and it will largely manage to meet its electricity requirements, Zesco Director of Transmission, T E C H N O L O G Y

Vodafone Sells Down Shareholding in South Africa’s Vodacom Vodafone has sold down its stake in South African subsidiary, Vodacom by 5.2 percentage points, sending the African mobile firm’s share price down by more than six percent.

The sale of 90 million shares for R14.85 billion ($1.15 billion) in a private placement reduces Vodafone’s stake in Vodacom to 64.5 percent.

The sale follows Vodafone’s move to consolidate its African holdings by

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Webster Musonda told reporters.

“By and large we will be able to meet our own demand and firm imports will end by the first quarter of next year but we are still in a position to procure on a non-firm basis,” Musonda said, meaning the Company would still have the option to import power if necessary.

Zambia’s finance ministry expects the economy to rebound this year and in subsequent years after GDP growth was limited to 3.6 percent last year by low copper prices, power shortages, inflation and a Government cashcrunch that restricted investment into new projects. selling most of its holding in Kenya’s Safaricom to Vodacom in exchange for a larger stake in the South African Company.

That deal pushed the proportion of the South African firm’s shares that are traded on the Johannesburg Security Exchange below the JSE’s minimum threshold of 20 percent.

“As part of the Safaricom transaction, Vodafone therefore committed to Vodacom that it would sell down a sufficient number of shares to ensure that Vodacom will meet the 20 percent minimum free float requirement on the JSE,” Vodafone and Vodacom said in a combined statement.

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AFRICA TRAVEL & TOURISM

RETAIL

South African Airways Won’t Cut Internal Routes in CostReduction Plan South African Airways said its plan to fly 23 percent fewer flights by the end of the year as it retires five aircraft will not include cutting local routes, the Company’s Chief Executive said in a radio interview.

“No we are not going to do that (cut internal routes), we are looking at the numbers, and the numbers will be the deciding factor,” acting Chief Executive Musa Zwane said in an

South Africa’s Shoprite Fined for “Reckless Lending”

interview on Talk Radio 702.

Zwane said the loss-making airline, which depends on Government debt guarantees of about R20 billion ($1.5 billion), would look at trimming overseas flights as well as routes to East and Central Africa.

South African retailer Shoprite has been fined R1 million ($77,500) for failing to assess properly whether consumers could afford its loans, at a National Consumer Tribunal.

The Company, which had a turnover in its last financial year of R141 billion ($11 billion), was also ordered to appoint a debt counselor at its own costs following what the regulator called “reckless lending”.

Unsustainable levels of household debt, especially in lower-income brackets, is a pressing social and economic problem in South Africa, which has just emerged from a recession but remains saddled with high levels of unemployment and poverty.

A G R I C U LT U R E

Top Cocoa Producers to Create Buffer Stock to Influence World Prices Mozambique capital, Maputo

E N E R G Y & U T I L I T I E S

Mozambique Hopes to Raise $500 million for Renewable Energy Projects Mozambique offered a portfolio of small renewable energy projects to foreign investors which it hopes will attract $500 million in investment and give everyone in the Southern African country electricity by 2030.

Around 60 percent of people living in Mozambique, which is highly indebted, have no access to electricity.

“The initiative is intended to ensure that within a 15-year horizon the Mozambican population has access to electricity outside the national power grid, thanks to small autonomous systems,” the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy said.

It plans to do this by providing electricity to some 332 villages around the country using hydro and solar power.

Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s top cocoa producers, plan to create a buffer stock of beans with the aim of exerting more influence over world prices, a senior Ivorian Government official told Reuters.

The two West African neighbours produce more than 60 percent of the global supply of the chocolate ingredient but have been hit hard by a sharp drop in world prices caused mainly by a glut resulting from bumper crops this season.

“The countries agreed that we needed specialised warehouses to allow us to conserve cocoa so that we can regulate supply and push up prices,” Narcisse Sepy Yessoh, Chief of Staff to Ivory Coast Trade Minister, Souleymane Diarrassouba, told Reuters.

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TELL US YOUR STORY

AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD AFRICA OUTLOOK is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of Africa.

We reach an audience of 185,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from FREE coverage across both digital and print platforms, a FREE marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for free, in one of our upcoming editions.

W W W. A F R I C A O U T LO O K M A G . C O M Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650 Email: ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

A F R I C A’ S

A G R I C U LT U R A L

T R A N S F O R M AT I O N

AFRICA’S

Agricultural Transformation Karim Lotfi Senhadji explains how OCP is dedicating its work to the transformation of a continent Writer: Karim Lotfi Senhadji, CEO, OCP Africa hen we started our activities in 2016, we were well-aware of the great untapped potential of our continent. As most Africa-followers know, the continent holds about half of the world’s fertile and as-yet-unused land, in addition to large volumes of unused water sources. We believe Africa is ready for a major agricultural transformation capable of meeting the global food challenge of feeding more than nine billion people by 2050.

Granted, this is no easy task; African agriculture faces considerable challenges. Climate change affects soils - two thirds of which are located in arid or semi-arid zones - and human activities contribute to deforestation and desertification.

Africa also has the youngest population of any continent, which now faces increasing unemployment and demographic pressure on food security.

While this may seem daunting,

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OCP Africa believes it is by no means insurmountable. We believe that by working closely with smallholder farmers and agri-business, we can facilitate the investment needed to unlock Africa’s massive potential and sustainably feed the world.

As only one of many actors dedicated to transforming African agriculture we also know that increasing cooperation and building partnerships to promote modern and responsible farming methods

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across the continent are central to achieving our goals. We have therefore chosen to focus on four key areas to drive the continent’s agricultural transformation; smallholder farms, investments, improving farm yields through technology, and youth.

Smallholder farms

Helping smallholder farmers succeed is our lifeblood. Smallholder farmers make up 70 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa and without them this transformation cannot happen. However, low productivity among these farms is a major barrier and a recurring theme caused in part by inadequate fertilizers and poor agricultural practices. OCP believes that we can help farmers overcome this barrier and shift from simple subsistence to true agribusiness by seeking to guarantee that wherever we operate - farmers can access the right customised fertilizer product for the right price, at the right place and time.

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Improving farm yields through technology

In order to provide farmers with the perfect product, OCP has also prioritised investment into soil mapping and agronomic tests. So far, we’ve had good success with crops in Côte d’Ivoire (cocoa), Nigeria (maize and rice) and Ethiopia (maize and rice). Soil mapping programmes have already been carried out in Morocco, Guinea, Togo, and Madagascar, and we plan to expand to Burkina Faso by the end of 2017.

However, it is unlikely that true agricultural transformation will take place unless all stakeholders in the sector are committed to building a thriving agricultural economy. Farmers need tangible opportunities to be part of lucrative value chains where they

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personally can benefit. To this end, we created Agribooster; a farmer-centred market funding model aimed at supporting small farmers. Agribooster provides access to good quality inputs, financial services, and enhanced market linkages, as well as training and extension services centred on good agricultural Practices (GAP).

The goal of the programme is to secure higher yields and sustainable profitability for African farmers while also improving post-harvest profits with access to real-time product price information and greater market access.

Investments

Transformation doesn’t happen without resources, specifically investment spending. In addition to

our investments in technology and crop yields, over the past year we’ve established nine new subsidiaries which created employment opportunities across the whole of Africa. Today, we directly employ people representing 17 nationalities in 15 African countries.

Encouraging investment is the key to developing African agricultural systems. From scaling up, to improving quality and facilitating market access, a wide variety of investments are needed. However, given the current global economic situation, and the situation in many African countries, investors are understandably cautious. We see opportunities for technology and data-gathering to help investors get over their hesitation, especially

‘OCP Africa believes that... we can drive investment and begin treating agriculture like the business it deserves to be - and needs to be - to succeed’

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when looking at smallholder farms.

We believe the gathering of reliable data can play an important role in overcoming financial institutions’ reluctance to invest in the farming sector by moving away from guesswork and towards a more predictable business-like approach.

AFRICA ‘Encouraging investment is the key to developing African agricultural systems’

Youth

Africa has the youngest population of any continent, but unemployment has increased among the 60 percent of the population aged under 24.

Only three million jobs are being created for the 11 million new job seekers annually. We are committed to investing in Africa’s youth. We are recruiting 5,800 young employees based on the skills required to support OCP Group’s growth strategy. We are also organising career training of 15,000 young people. These training activities, tailored to the profiles and career aspirations of the beneficiaries, aim to develop the employability of candidates and contribute to their professional success.

‘Farmers need tangible opportunities to be part of lucrative value chains where they personally can benefit’

...“as long as we treat agriculture as a poor man’s occupation, the farmers will be poor; we need to treat farming as a business.”

A bright future

At OCP Africa, we are proud to be working with African growers, using African resources, farm by farm, to unlock the continent’s vast potential in sustainable agriculture. We hope that our practices will be a beacon for other stakeholders to follow, and will contribute to the continued transformation of the agricultural sector.

To quote former IFAD Chairman Dr. Kanayo Nwanze: “as long as we treat agriculture as a poor man’s occupation, the farmers will be poor; we need to treat farming as a business.”

OCP Africa believes that, together with our partners throughout the value chain and across the continent, we can drive investment and begin treating agriculture like the business it deserves to be - and needs to be - to succeed.

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O P P O R T U N I T Y

The Digital Transformation Opportunity International Data Corporation’s George Kalebaila explains why telcos need to turn their business models on their heads in order to recapture consumer trust Writer: International Data Corporation (IDC)

outh African telcos must start focusing on four key ingredients if they are to successfully own their part of the future telco market. The telco that successfully prioritises these four elements first, will also set themselves up for huge successes. This is the view of George Kalebaila, Research Director for telecommunications, media and Internet of Things at International Data Corporation.

“The telco is no longer the same business it used to be. Telcos must start focusing on adjacent opportunities that come along with digital transformation if they are to survive the commoditisation of their existing products, yet the telcos still seem to be experiencing an issue in getting customers to take them up on those opportunities. I believe the core issue here is trust.”

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New opportunities are emerging

Kalebaila believes that digital transformation has several adjacent opportunities that any business that has the existing capability, can easily monetise.

“We have seen this in other sectors where companies have used their existing high brand equity in one particular line of business to diversify into another,” he says.

One of the key brands, to have done this successfully, is Woolworths.

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“Woolworths has diversified from clothing retail into food and their customers moved with them because they trusted that they would still get the premium service they originally received. Discovery is another example of a company that has diversified from mainstream medical insurance to offer a whole range of other financial services products through leveraging their brand equity and trust,” says Kalebaila.

Pick ‘n Pay, for example, has moved from groceries into clothing and pharmaceuticals, showing that there are a number of companies moving into adjacent opportunities and making a success of it.

“When we flip the coin to the telco side, especially in our region, they have, however, not been that successful,” he says. “We haven’t seen that monumental shift in them successfully monetising adjacent

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opportunities. Even in digital services, such as music streaming, they are acting more as an intermediary and not really taking the lead. In the UK, for example, we have seen BT competing successfully with Sky in digital content, but we haven’t seen that happening here, even though the telcos have the same infrastructure that the BTs of this world have. So, I keep asking myself: why is this the case?”

The impact of trust

The South African Top 50 most valuable brands for 2017, coordinated

by Brand Finance and Brand Africa, in partnership with Brand South Africa, saw the top 10 lists dominated by financial and telecommunications brands. On the top 50 list, telecommunications brands combined were second only to banking.

“So, the telcos’ brands are very visible, but somehow, they seem to fail to use that brand visibility and equity to do other things,” says Kalebaila. “The first thing that comes to mind is that perhaps we underestimate the impact of trust, particularly trust that is transferable.

So, the telcos have very high visibility, but most of their customers do not trust that the telcos act in their best interest and so they’re not willing to transfer that trust to the other services which are not directly in the same line of business.”

There is no telco in South Africa, possibly even Africa that has not faced billing issues at some point.

“Billing transparency has been a key issue for many telcos over the years. Most consumers don’t believe that they are getting value from, and have a clear understanding of, what they are paying for. So, transparency and flexibility are key issues,” says Kalebaila.

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“...we have seen BT competing successfully with Sky in digital content, but we haven’t seen that happening here, even though the telcos have the same infrastructure...”

Disappearing data, not being able to carry over services to the next month, being forced to pay for services as part of a package while you do not need them, and roaming, are also big issues for the customer.

“We’ve seen the activism around #datamustfall because inherently

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consumers don’t believe “We’ve seen the activism that they are getting value, around #datamustfall or that the telcos are fair.

We cannot do without the because inherently telco services, so we buy consumers don’t believe them, but we don’t trust that they will give us the that they are getting best option to suit our value, or that the telcos requirements,” he says.

These factors, as well are fair” as customer service, are preventing customers from transferring trust. forced to buy another, because the clothing store believes you should,” How do telcos recapture says Kalebaila. “In the telco industry, that trust? however, there is no choice and as The four key ingredients consumers, we buy things even when to recapture that trust are we don’t need them. Today, most transparency, flexibility, packages, for example, include an customer service and allocation of SMS bundle and if you providing for customer don’t use it during a certain period it needs. vanishes, despite you having paid for it.

“It’s about being If you go to a restaurant and you order transparent, particularly a pizza, but you don’t finish it, do they in billing and the tariff tell you, you’re not allowed to take it structure of the services. home?”

Telcos also need to give the consumer He says the challenge for the the flexibility to choose what they telcos is that their business model want to pay for. If you purchase hinges on recurring business, so they one item of clothing, you are not cannot run the risk of the consumer

not purchasing that SMS bundle the following month. That is why post-paid is the holy grail for telcos because it is annuity income. If you sign a contract they know that for 24 months that revenue is assured.

“The traditional model of the telcos is that they sell the consumer what telcos think users want. We have seen this where even though most users have shifted to data, most consumers are still saddled with voice minutes that they barely use. That already leads to the consumer thinking that the telco doesn’t have their best interest at heart,” says Kalebaila. “The only way to turn this around is for the telcos to turn their business models on their head, put the customer first and start providing those customers with what they want. The telco that does this first will likely emerge as the strongest player in the market.”

When the consumer trusts that the telco is acting in the consumer’s best interest and providing them with services that are aligned to their behaviour and need, they will easily transfer this trust to other services that the telco might offer them.

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC’s analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. www.idc.com

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African Energy

ON TREND Africa is currently experiencing a rebirth in the way it thinks about energy demand and distribution on the continent, investing time and money into new technologies Writer: Phoebe Calver

frica has recently witnessed vast developments in its power and energy sectors, becoming a major focus across the continent.

It is becoming increasingly important for local businesses and producers to tap into this and as it is such a critical driving force for growth at present, enabling them to reach full potential.

In doing this, businesses will be able

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to keep up-to-date with the rapidly changing landscapes that Africa is faced within the energy industry.

There are numerous existing trends that are taking over the continent’s energy sector, with a particular emphasis on finding new ways to distribute the energy demand placed upon the continent.

Battery storage development

Recently there has been a massive

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investment in the research & development of battery storage.

Leading companies that are recognised all over the world such as Samsung and Total are taking part in this development, which looks set to continue to grow.

It is expected that over the coming years the cost of battery storage will drop dramatically which should drive growth, particularly when it is paired up with photovoltaic plants to store energy.

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Distributed power generation

With more than 600 million people in Africa, it is no surprise that the continent has been known to struggle when it comes to providing electricity to all and perfectly demonstrating how the gap that still needs to be bridged over the coming years.

Through distributed generation many more citizens are able to access energy, showcasing the positive impact of building smaller power stations instead of building large and centralised stations that are pushed to their limits when needing to transmit power over long distances.

Through the introduction of small grid systems, power is then transmitted to all the required areas with ease while simultaneously reducing the amount of people without electricity.

Financing coal power plants

It is to be expected in this day and age that countries across the continent and all over the world are focusing their efforts on green energy and advancing low-carbon technologies.

This has been compounded by the commitments made in 2015 at the COP 21 United Nations Climate Change Conference, enabling a focus on advancements in green energy.

‘...at the moment there is increasing pressure for green energies to become the go-to choice, and subsequently financing coalpower plants in Africa as time goes on’

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‘Due to the abundance of natural resources available in Africa, renewable energy is readily available to be connected to the grid and at a very affordable price’

The desire to work with coal is declining across the continent, however, it is particularly noticeable for the member states involved in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The majority of organisations working in these countries have cut investments into coalpowered plants, which makes a bold statement about the movement towards low-carbon energy usage.

Of course at the moment there is increasing pressure for green energies to become the go-to choice, and subsequently financing coal-power plants in Africa as time goes on.

Renewables in emerging markets

Similarly to the pressures of utilising

green energy, there has been increased stress for African countries such as Morocco and South Africa to make a move from using coal to gasfuelled power plants.

In addition to this, the options available in renewable energy sources have dramatically increased, including solutions in solar and wind. Matched with the decreasing cost of utilising these technologies, renewable energies are becoming the outstanding favourite for companies to use on the continent.

Alongside the renewable energy choice, gas is now outshining clean coal technologies having become increasingly competitive over the past few years.

Due to the abundance of natural resources available in Africa, renewable energy is readily available to be connected to the grid and at a very affordable price.

This has resulted in excellent use of solar power and wind resources, with some of the best solar sites located in the Northern Cape in South Africa where it enjoys more than 2,500Kwh/m2 of sunshine every year.

Moving forward it is expected that this will hugely impact the power landscape in Africa, where in the past it has dramatically lagged behind when it comes to utilising renewable energy sources.

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R W A N D A

Rwanda Overcoming historic adversity, Rwanda is a country now full of hope and ambition for the future, building its economy through an ever-growing tourism industry and prudent investments Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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wanda has come a long way since the horrific genocide that struck the country in 1994, and today is recognised as a survivor and one of Africa’s most stable nations with a bright future ahead.

Tourism in the country has been a key contributor to rebuilding its economy, offering a multitude of incredible explorative trips into the mountains to get a real taste of Rwanda’s natural beauty. Even on the busiest of business trips, making time to track mountain gorillas through the Virungu volcanoes is a sight not to be missed and an incredible experience you will always remember.

Over the past few years in particular,

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the country has embraced a newfound optimism which is helping the country look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. With that in mind Rwanda has an abundance of sights to enjoy, from the Akagera National Park to Inema Art Center there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Home to a selection of large cities, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali is located at the central point of the country and spans several ridges and valleys. The perfect combination for a business trip of luscious hillsides and bustling streets, Kigali is one of the most beautiful capital cities in Africa as well as the safest and makes for an exceptional base for you during your time away from home.

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FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Kinyarwanda Area: 26,388km2 Population (2015): 11,262,564 GDP (2017): $24.717 billion Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Time zone: UTC + 2 Dialling code: +250 Internet TLD: . .rw Climate: Tropical highland

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The Business End OVER THE PAST two decades, Kigali has played a pivotal role in the country’s rebuilding efforts, which have subsequently; encouraged an influx of FDIs into Rwanda.

Subsequently with that investment, the capital city has witnessed a cosmopolitan rebirth which has seen the arrival of an array of new skyscrapers, international hotels and an incredible selection of dining options.

Business in Rwanda has been on an upward trajectory in recent years and

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with that has seen an introduction of many prominent companies housed within the ever increasing range of new buildings across the city, including the BCDI Tower, Centenary House, Kigali City Tower and Kigali Convention Centre.

Tourism has and will always be an incredibly important part of the economy for Rwanda and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.

The boom in tourism came when the Rwandan Government identified the

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industry and a large influx of funds was spent on renovating the existing facilities available.

The country’s capital Kigali has been split into three administrative districts which include Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. Gasabo is home to both the presidential office and a large amount of the ministry offices, while the Kicukiro district serves as the meeting place for a large number of NGOs.

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Out & About THERE ARE NUMEROUS enticing places to see when it comes to exploring Rwanda, but no trip would be complete without spending time in the capital city. The Country’s centre of politics and commercial life is the developing show-piece of Rwanda’s rebirth, designed specifically to impress visitors ranging from tourists to foreign businesses.

Alongside the city’s enticing business district which you will undoubtedly spend time in during your trip, there are many sights to see within the city

to pay homage to its rich history.

Chief among them is the Presidential Palace Museum - the formal abode of President Habyarimana - where you can get a guided tour to provide an insight into life as an African dictator.

Perhaps if you are looking for something a little more light-hearted to do in your spare time then ten-pin bowling could provide an evening’s entertainment for you and your colleagues and of course not forgetting the numerous wonderful dining options to enjoy.

There is a particularly interesting mix of influences in the food you will find in the country, particularly in Kigali where there is a strong Belgium culinary influence which includes plenty of beef, freshwater fish and endless fresh vegetables. You will find it is a particularly relaxed dining experience in Rwanda, with most places taking approximately 45 minutes for your food to arrive. However, if you are looking for a quick snack, there are several African buffet style restaurants located all over the major cities.

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Rwanda Convention Bureau RWANDA HAS PUT measures in place to develop new infrastructures and renovate its existing facilities, particularly in the tourism and conferencing industry. In order to aid this development the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) was launched in May, 2014, starting with the purpose of conducting meetings, incentives, conventions, conferences and exhibitions under the tourism department within the Rwanda Development Board. Here, the Bureau explains the exciting developments in place to make Rwanda one of the preferred MICE destinations within East Africa.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has Rwanda Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key

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objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB): RCB has played a crucial role in the growth of the economy of Rwanda.

Since its beginning, MICE tourism has contributed to the overall tourism receipt as follows: US$29 million in 2014, $38 million in 2015 to $47 million in 2016.

The objective of being a preferred MICE destination in East Africa has been successfully reached by hosting high level conferences such as African National Championship(CHAN), World Economic Forum on Africa, Africa Union Summit, The Global Africa Investment Summit, Africa Hotel Investment and Aviation Development Forum, 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and so many others.

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AfO: To this end, how would you say Rwanda has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

RCB: Rwanda has developed in a remarkably good way. To emphasise the situation, in 2014, the International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) ranked Rwanda on the 13th position in terms of a MICE destination’s in Africa. In 2015, Rwanda climbed to the 7th position and now we are proud to see that Rwanda is the third highest ranked MICE destination in Africa, after South Africa and Morocco.

The country has significantly invested in MICE infrastructure with several meeting venues with capacities ranging from 50 to 2,600. In terms of hospitality, a mixture of international

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with the opening of new routes by RWANDAIR will allow Rwanda to stay competitive in the market place.

The Rwanda Convention Bureau will also attend renowned exhibitions in the MICE sector such as IMEX Las Vegas and IBTM Barcelona to promote Rwanda as a MICE destination.

hotels such as Marriott, Park Inn and Radisson BLU has been launched in the past year together with some local hotels brands such as Ubumwe Grande Hotel.

Another key reason behind the growing appeal is that Rwanda offers a high level of safety and security. The World Economic Forum report of 2017, ranked Rwanda as 9th safest country in the world and 1st in Africa. Rwanda is also a clean country located in the central part of Africa with streamlined on arrival visa policies which makes accessibility more lined.

AfO: What is in store for Rwanda over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

RCB: In the coming months, Rwanda will host some important events like Africa Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) which will bring in, a total of more than 1,000 delegates. In addition, meeting venues under construction and ease of access

AfO: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five year’s time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to the Rwanda Convention Bureau as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in Rwanda as a whole?

RCB: I hope in three years time Rwanda will have many international hotels brands with meeting and exhibitions facilities which will allow us to host a growing calendar of international events.

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R W A N D A

Outlook Recommends “A front-row seat to the jungle” - Lonely Plant

MUSEUMS

RESTAURANTS

National Museum of Rwanda Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum of Natural History Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel Brachetto Restaurant L’epicurien HOSPITALITY

NATIONAL PARKS Nyungwe Forest National Park Volcanoes National Park Akagera National Park

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Hotel Karisimibi Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre 32

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RETAIL Rwanda Clothing Store M Peace Plaza Kigali Heights

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Welcome to Karisimbi Hotel, a 3 star contemporary stylish hotel situated in a quiet suburb of Kiyovu. We provide all the comfort, convenience and efficiency our customers expect.

AIR-CONDITIONED ROOMS GALAXY BAR CHATEAUBRIAND RESTAURANT CONFERENCE HALL

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THE HOTEL ALSO OFFE R S OUTSIDE CATE RING.

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Your unforgettable experience, starts upon arrival Stylish modern, comfortable and conveniently located in the up and coming suburb of Remera, Grand Legacy Hotel is your ultimate choice for your stay in Kigali. www.grandlegacy.rw | (+250)-788303483

Gorilla trekking Golden monkey Trekking Volcanoes hiking Chimpanzee trekking Nature walks Hot springs visiting Caving tour +250788508228 Skype: hakireginal Wildlife safaris sales@rwandaecocompany.com www.rwandaecocompany.com and more!

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R W A N D A

Landmark Attractions National Museum of Rwanda

“The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) is a government institution, which was inaugurated in September 18, 1989 with one ethnographic museum based in Huye district-Southern Province officially known as the National Museum of Rwanda. Since 2004 other museums have been opened countrywide… Today INMR is positioning itself as a core stakeholder in promoting Rwandan Cultural tourism, with the aim of national economic development.”

- museum.gov.rw

Nyungwe Forest National Park

“Quite simply, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity. It has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa and its protected area covers one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Despite

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

“The most famous destination in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park has become synonymous with mountain gorilla tracking safaris and no visit to the country would be complete without visiting these majestic primates… Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan section of the great volcanic massif called the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.” - expertafrica.com

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its huge biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa and remains overlooked by many tourists. This is a shame as the park offers some superb hiking and the chance to track chimpanzees that have been habituated to human visits.” - Lonely Planet

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Get the best discounted Rwanda self-drive rentals and car hire deals

Take a tour to the major attractions of the city including the cultural centers and museums. Visit historic landmarks, indulge in a bit of retail therapy, and dine on local specialty dishes in Rwanda. Whether you prefer to travel alone or with the whole family, we have the best budget rates for your trip on both Car Rentals and Safaris to Rwanda and Uganda.

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WHEN IT COMES to travelling around Rwanda, there are an abundance of options that will allow for a relatively relaxed trip when it comes to navigating your way around the country. With a reasonable road system – due mostly to its small size – the only major unsealed roads you will encounter are those running along the shoreline or Lake Kivu, which are currently in the process of being sealed.

You will find the privately run buses incredibly well organised, better so

than any you will find in the rest of East Africa with regular and scheduled departures. It is advisable to buy your bus tickets at the available bus offices prior to travelling, as you will be guaranteed a seat. Rwanda prides itself on offering efficient and reliable public transport to take you from A to B and with the privately run buses covering the entire country, you won’t find yourself waiting for long to start your day.

When you have a little more spare

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time for exploring, you will find most towns small enough to negotiate by foot, however, when in Kigali and Huye both are set across several steep hills so perhaps consider a bus or taxi for the cities.

You will find taxis are readily available in Kigali, with moto-taxis providing a cheaper and faster service.

You will only really need to make use of them in the capital, however they are available in most other major towns should you need them.

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G A U T E N G

A trip to the province of Gauteng will provide you with an unforgettable chance to experience the astonishing rebirth of Johannesburg, exploring every aspect of what this vibrant place has to offer its newcomers Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

he province of Gauteng is the beating heart of South Africa - as well as the well oiled economic engine of Africa - and with the country’s largest and perhaps most dynamic city, Johannesburg at its centre, it is becoming ever more popular.

With the impressive rebirth of Johannesburg, the province is becoming a culturally dynamic epicentre. Having once been considered a place to avoid, now it is one of the most inspiring metropolises in the world and the perfect hot-spot

for business travel.

It is likely that you will spend a lot of your working hours in Johannesburg, however, there are plenty of spectacular sights to explore in your free time slightly further afield.

Pretoria is a short drive out to the north and will provide you with the perfect respite from busy Joberg. As South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria will provide a slightly grander experience, with a plethora of stately buildings and museums to wind away your hours.

A business trip in Gauteng provides the perfect setting, with the province

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being South Africa’s centre for both the industrial and commerce sectors, subsequently being very well connected. Gauteng is considered the gateway to Southern Africa, with the majority of destinations easily accessible by either a short flight or drive.

Despite the fact that Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa making up only 1.5 percent of the land area - it is one of the most urbanised areas, containing the country’s largest city and therefore an endless array of opportunities for exploration in this rejuvenated area during your travels.

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FACTS & FIGURES Capital: Languages:

Johannesburg Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Sotho

Area: 18,176 km2 Population (2016): 13.5 million Currency: rand Time zone: UTC +2 Internet TLD: . .za Climate: subtropical

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SEE MORE OF GAUTENG WITH GAUTRAIN! The Gautrain connects you to your places of interest around the Gauteng province.

Hop on to explore fascinating places, attractions and tourist destinations along the Gautrain and bus routes.

Tshwane Ekurhuleni Johannesburg

OR Tambo International Airport

NORTH - SOUTH All trains stop at every station.

COMMUNTER

Hatfield

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Tshawne Metrorail

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Find your nearest station and bus stops on the Gautrain app.

Call Centre: 0800 Gautrain / ww.gautrain.co.za

G A U T E N G

The Business End GAUTENG IS CONSIDERED by South Africans as the economic hub of the country, massively contributing to many sectors in the industry such as financial, manufacturing, technology, transport, telecommunications as well as a wide variety of others; while also hosting numerous large overseas companies that are in need of a commercial base and a gateway into African business.

Not only is Gauteng the economic hub of Africa, it is also home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the largest of its kind in Africa, making the province a particularly attractive area to

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large businesses and similarly appealing as a business travel destination.

Mining was actually the foundation from which a large amount of economic prowess was formed, however, in recent years the mining sector’s importance has gradually began to dwindle with other sectors taking the lead to become the most significant to the economy of the province.

Johannesburg in particular is a growing hub for the media, housing several media groups that own a number of newspaper and magazine publications, with two of these publications being

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Independent Newspapers and Naspers (Media24).

Alongside its bustling business activities, Gauteng is becoming a renowned centre for learning in South Africa, housing many universities as well as a variety of other higher learning institutions.

The province is not traditionally known as a tourist favourite - more often than not it acts as a pass through point - which in many ways makes it the perfect destination for business travel. It is well connected and has just enough sights to see to keep you entertained in your free time.

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International

Convention Centre

naturally hospitable • globally accessible

Pretoria/Tshwane | www.csiricc.co.za

INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE CONFERENCE

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Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre; a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups and leisure travellers.

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The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people. Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements.

MOWANA SPA

Phone: +27 11 840 6600 | Email: indaba@indabahotel.co.za Website: www.indabahotel.co.za

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Out & About ALONG WITH ITS business prowess in Africa, Gauteng offers an endless array of activities to keep you occupied while working away from home.

The province has everything you could possibly need for your business travels when it comes to providing a peaceful base, including the Maslow Hotel, located in Sandton, Johannesburg and widely known as the premier accommodation for business travellers - partly due to its prime location in Sandton’s financial district. Another perk of staying in a hotel located in this area is the proximity to the station, city mall and Nelson Mandela Square, providing the perfect base for

exploration in your free time.

In the evenings similar to many cities that open the doors to business travellers, there is a plethora of food & drink choices to play with. If you are up for trying something a little different with your evening then Johannesburg has an array of distilleries to wind down in after a long day of work.

Of course, Gauteng is steeped in history around every corner and you won’t have to travel far to discover a monument

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

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or museum to amaze you on a free afternoon. Alongside the museums, Johannesburg offers up some incredible art to enjoy, including Wits Art Museum; home to an incredible collection of African art, including contemporary as well as historical art from South Africa.

You will also find a plentiful supply of nature to wind away a few hours away from the office, including Pretoria National Botanical Garden, one of South Africa’s nine botanical gardens and a truly special place to escape the bustle of the city.

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The rail network is one of Jo’berg’s most advisable modes of transport

TRAVELLING TO GAUTENG will be a relatively simple process, taking the stress away from the bookends of your trip; with almost all international flights arriving at Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport.

The public transport you may have become accustomed to during European business trips will be relatively non-existent, so if your work requires extensive travel or you plan to explore, it is advisable to rent a car.

This is easily done with all national car rental agencies being well represented in Gauteng.

Getting around by train is perhaps one of the most advisable modes of transport after renting a car.

With the rapid rail link - Gautrain completed that allows travel between Johannesburg, Pretoria and Tambo International Airport. Travelling on the rapid rail system enables you to travel between the major centres, while also having a sizable bus route which supports the stations and covers the majority of suburban and business districts in the province. The service is affordable, particularly if you have to use it on a regular basis, while also

being convenient in both business and tourism hours.

If you aren’t confined by a tight schedule at any point, then there is also the option of the slightly less formal minibus taxis - of which there are thousands roaming around Gauteng - which a large proportion of the local population makes use of.

However, for those travelling, it is worth noting that these taxis are often unsafe as drivers will ignore the rules of the road; in some cases the vehicles won’t even be road worthy, so use with caution when travelling around.

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G A U T E N G

Outlook Recommends “If you’re in search of urban vibes, Gauteng will enthrall you. This small province is the throbbing heart of the South African nation and the economic engine of Africa.”

- Lonely Planet

NIGHTLIFE

MUSEUMS Hector Pieterson Museum Wits Art Museum Arts on Main

HOSPITALITY

Mad Giant

CSIR International Convention Centre

The Griffin

Indaba Hotel The Maslow Hotel

Time Anchor Distillery NATURE

LEISURE The Joburg Theatre Benoni Country Club Bruma Lake Flea Market

FOOD & DRINK The Grillhouse

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Kream Restaurant

Cradle of Humankind

Pachas Restaurant

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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㜀㌀ 䔀渀 猀甀椀琀攀 刀漀漀洀猀

㈀ 䌀漀渀昀攀爀攀渀挀攀 嘀攀渀甀攀猀

㈀ 䘀甀氀氀 愀 氀愀 挀愀爀琀攀 刀攀猀琀愀甀爀愀渀琀猀

吀攀愀洀 戀甀椀氀搀椀渀最 倀愀挀欀愀最攀猀

圀攀 漀昀昀攀爀 最爀攀攀渀 挀漀渀昀攀爀攀渀挀攀 瀀愀挀欀愀最攀猀 簀 䌀漀洀瀀氀椀洀攀渀琀愀爀礀 猀栀甀琀琀氀攀猀 琀漀 愀渀搀 昀爀漀洀 琀栀攀 䌀攀渀琀甀爀椀漀渀 䜀愀甀琀爀愀椀渀 匀琀愀琀椀漀渀

Apartheid Museum Mandela House Constitution Hill

⬀㈀㜀 ⠀ ⤀㄀㈀ 㘀㘀 ㌀㌀ 簀 攀渀焀甀椀爀椀攀猀䀀氀攀爀椀戀愀⸀挀漀⸀稀愀 簀 眀眀眀⸀氀攀爀椀戀愀⸀挀漀⸀稀愀

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

RETAIL Sandton City Shopping Centre Melrose Arch Braamfontein

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

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G A U T E N G

Landmark Attractions Freedom Park

“Freedom Park celebrates South Africa’s heritage. It is a centre of knowledge aimed at deepening the understanding of the nation and strives to accommodate all of the country’s experiences and symbols to tell one coherent story.”

- freedompark.co.za

Sterkfontein Caves

“An hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Sterkfontein Caves are world famous for their fossil finds and a well-known visitor destination.

After an extensive face-lift in 2005, the Sterkfontein Caves site is home to a top restaurant, conferencing facilities, easy access to the caves themselves, modern walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where world-acclaimed fossils have been discovered.” - maropeng.co.za

Apartheid Museum

“The Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see. It uses film, text, audio and live accounts to provide a chilling insight into the architecture and implementation of the apartheid system, as well as inspiring stories of the struggle towards democracy.” - Lonely Planet

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“Inspiring Constitution Hill is one of the city’s most important attractions.

It offers travellers interested in the modern South African story an integral understanding of the legal and historical ramifications of the struggle.

The development focuses on South Africa’s new Constitutional Court, built within the ramparts of the Old Fort, which dates from 1892 and was once a notorious prison – many of the country’s high-profile political activists, including Nelson Mandela and Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, were once held there.” - Lonely Planet

Voortrekker Monument

“The majestic Voortrekker Monument is situated in the northern part of South Africa in the Pretoria (Tshwane) region in a nature reserve. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting.”

- vtm.org.za

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

“The reserve comprises endangered Bankenveld grassland and is home to approximately 2 000 animals including cheetah, leopard, buffalo, white rhino and a host of buck, making it one of

the better populated game reserves in Gauteng. The bird watching is remarkable with two dams on the reserve with bird hides which provide open water and wetland habitats.”

- Gauteng.net

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AFRICA is a leading business-to-business publication promoting and showcasing the leading companies across an array of sectors on the continent.

Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching more than 185,000 business executives.

Each month we feature leading companies and business executives by profiling their operations and success stories. Covering areas of best practice, capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is good about the industry and the region, with your company taking centre stage throughout it all.

Producing business profiles across the full range of sectors and every corner of the continent, Africa Outlook is the platform to promote your business success.

Read on for this month’s profiles.

Phoebe Calver, Deputy Editor phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

If you want to enjoy the exposure and coverage we can offer, please feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunity further.

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world.

Matthew Staff, Editorial Director Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

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Bound by

Excellence Mombasa Cement Limited’s core foundations of operational excellence, product quality and CSR continue to result in large-scale industry success Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

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ombasa Cement Limited has leveraged its personable and reliable family-owned culture to become a construction operator bound to succeed.

Headquartered in Mombasa, Kenya, the Company’s almost unrivalled acumen in manufacturing and marketing quality cement at affordable prices has taken the business to the very top of its field over the past 10 years, but while its products’ quality speaks for itself, it is actually the internal principles of the business that continue to set MCL apart.

Bound by principles, bound by technology, bound by innovation, bound by brand identity, and bound by excellence; the business can celebrate a decade of development as one of East Africa’s top cement manufacturers.

“Founded to cater for the building construction segment, MCL currently sells 95 percent locally into Kenya,” the Company’s CEO, B.T. Shah introduces, emphasising MCL’s ongoing commitment to its origins. “Cement is a very bulky product and difficult to transport over large distances thus sales are mostly limited to around 500 kilometres from our plants.

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SALZGITTER MANNESMANN INTERNATIONAL Need a reliable partner?

Salzgitter Mannesmann International is a 100 percent subsidiary of Salzgitter AG. We are part of the Trading Business Unit with representations all over the world.

Salzgitter AG ranks among the leading steel technology and industrial groups in Germany with around €10 billion in external sales, a crude steel capacity of almost nine million tons and a workforce of 25,000 employees. It is one of Europe’s largest steel producers.

The Group operates cutting-edge and resource-efficient production sites in Germany and abroad. It consists of more than 200 subsidiaries with activities ranging from steel production, trading to machinery business.

Sales are mostly limited to within 500 kilometres of MCL’s plants

“By introducing bulk cement we could sell directly to contractors’ sites and offer better logistics and customer service. By increasing the proportion of sales to distributors we can capture a larger retail market.”

The products referred to comprise three offerings which are sold both in bags and bulk.

Its KP Silver and KP Gold products concern Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), which cover all general purpose applications, while its KP Diamond Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) product hones in on the high strength sector.

“In the beginning, only bags were offered but due to demand from customers we started bulk deliveries and offered bulk silos to customers who only used our products; and this really pushed bulk sales,” Shah explains. “We have since increased the number of packers to load more trucks and this has helped customer trucks’ turnaround times.”

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Within the trading organisation the Africa Department is active on the continent for more than 40 years and is using their expertise to offer the whole product range and services in many African countries.

We offer deep knowledge of market conditions and focus on long-term partnerships.

By increasing the proportion of sales to distributors we can capture a larger retail market

The Patel Family and Salzgitter Mannesmann International have been co-operating for almost 40 years and the Group (Corrugated Sheets, Mombasa Cement, Standard Rolling Mills as well as Tororo Cement) is one of Salzgitter’s most important customers in Africa.

Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH - Department Africa Schwannstr. 12 40476 Düsseldorf Germany T +49 211 4300 453 F +49 211 4300 257 SMID-Afrika@szmh-group.com

www.salzgitter-mannesmanninternational.com

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THYSSENKRUPP

Core Values • Bound by Principles • Bound by Technology • Bound by Innovation • Bound by Strong Brand Identity • Bound by Excellence “MCL is bound by strong principles of integrity and trust which is reflected through our mission and vision statement. Our plant is a modern plant with state of the art technology and is environmentally friendly with all dust control equipment in place and maintains a clear production process with 100 percent involvement of all staff and management.

Mombasa Cement’s aim to be at the top as a leading cement company is intertwined with our need to deliver efficient products that satisfy our customers’ needs. To this extent, we have ensured production is top-notch by operating two plants; one in Athi River and the other at Vipingo in Kilifi County.

Healthy growth rate

Recent strives for innovation have included the testing and development of 52.5MPa grade cement, also known as KP Platinum.

Not only does this represent the latest in a long line of continuous improvement strategies for MCL’s product range, but it also serves as the latest significant milestone in the overall rise to prominence over a relatively short space of time.

“We started cement manufacturing with a grinding capacity of 800,000 tonnes per annum in 2009 at our Athi

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We have installed dust collectors at every stage in the process to keep our plant operations dust free. In addition, our efforts to stay ecologically aware have seen us plant trees all over our surroundings and keep stringent standards to stay ‘green and clean’.

Our efforts to ensure we serve our customers with the best cement quality have not gone without notice; and as a result of our effort we have been duly certified from the Kenya Bureau of Standards by receiving the diamond mark.

We are using our existing infrastructure and dealers for our other building materials to distribute the cement throughout the country, but we are also providing the necessary logistical and customer support. Our technology, quality control, efficiency and professionalism are our recipe for success and that is why we are now ‘Bound by Excellence’.”

- Mombasa Cement

River plant in Machakos County, using imported clinker,” Shah recalls. “We then started clinker manufacturing with a capacity of one million tonnes per annum in 2011 at our Vipingo plant in Kilifi County to substitute the imported clinker.

“In 2012 our Athi River plant’s grinding capacity was doubled, and in 2013, we started grinding cement at our Vipingo plant with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum. This was a first of its kind containerised mini ball mill plant.”

By 2016, MCL had tripled its cement

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he cement division of thyssenkrupp Industries India was established in 1980 in technical collaboration with erstwhile Polysius AG, now thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG, Germany. Backed-up by state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Pune and Hyderabad and with subsidiary firms in all 5 continents, and more than 5,500 employees all around the world, the Company is one of the world’s foremost cement and mining technology companies.

The Company has a track record of being a trusted partner in building complete cement production lines, and providing necessary technical assistance and guidance during erection and commissioning and after sales service, as well as comprehensive service activities for complete cement production line, individual products, plant upgrades and conversions.

Excellent technological competence is the key to the Company’s success, and the ability for developing first-class and innovative solutions for every application is valued and trusted by customers all over the world.

The Company have supplied and successfully commissioned several integrated cement plants of capacities ranging between 650 to 10,000 tonnes each day in India and overseas. In addition, split located clinker grinding units and various equipment & machinery for cement industry have been supplied by the Company.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Cement plants with state-of-art technology from thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions are in operation across the length and breadth of India, running at more than their rated capacities, and are distinct on account of their sustained efficiency and output levels.

www.thyssenkrupp-industriesindia.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

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ockplant’s aim is to bring to the markets it serves Hitachi’s wellrenowned, powerful construction machinery that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.

Established in the United Kingdom, the Company started off as a source and supply of high quality, new and used construction equipment, commercial vehicles and spare parts to the wider East and Central African markets, with a base and hub in Nairobi, Kenya.

Consistent growth means today the Company has a global network in the sourcing and supply of high-quality, maximum efficiency equipment, served through friendly and professional suppliers and contacts.

MCL has earmarked numerous plant expansions by 2020

grinding capacity at Vipingo with the help of another market-first in the form of a modular mini vertical roller mill. And one year on, the business still refuses to rest on its laurels as it turns attentions towards an expansion across all aforementioned plants by 2020.

Shah continues: “MCL has also invested in state-of-the-art technologies which allows for very efficient and safe operations.

Continuous monitoring of product quality and plant equipment is at the core of our business.

“At this moment, most cement producers are expanding in the EAC region as it has achieved a healthy growth rate for cement sales due to the Government’s commitment to develop infrastructure and the vibrant private sector.”

However, while more aggressive expansion isn’t a differentiator or a sole trait, MCL is setting itself apart through the manner in which it is

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The Company’s high level of product and market knowledge enables it to analyse and better understand each customer’s unique requirements.

Where applicable, operating parts, safety manuals and training is provided, depending on client requirements.

All supplied equipment is checked and tested prior to delivery and in most cases, warranties are offered on used machinery.

Additionally, the Company undertakes all shipping, insurance and transportation to and from most seaports and deliver equipment onsite.

The Company envisions a future role in building a better and powerful new Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx world, while keeping the environment clean, green and self-sustained for the benefit of our coming generations. The Company actively deploy its skills and passion in the evolution of machinery to create a synergy between man and machine.

This powerful combination is what steers the Company towards the creation of rich living spaces that set the highest standards in comfort, innovation and efficiency.

T +254 20 354 43 29

www.rock-plant.co.uk

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

We are Hitachi’s sole distribution agents in the East African region, supplying from medium-sized and mini excavators to over 800-ton ultra-large excavators.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT BUCKET REPAIRS BUCKET ALTERATIONS ENGINE REBUILDS HYDRAULIC REPAIRS FINAL DRIVES REPAIRS / REBUILDS TRANSMISSIONS REPAIRS / REBUILDS

www.rock-plant.co.uk

Contact a us by e-mail, phone or mail with comments or questions regarding our products or services, or simply to drop by and have a lively chat with us.

Tel +254) 020 354 43 29 Fax +254) 020 354 43 19 Mobile +254 714 791 854 / +254 725 998 395 Email sales@rock-plant.co.uk

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TAIHEIYO CEMENT CORPORATION / MARUBENI CEMENT & CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS CO., LTD

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aiheiyo Cement Corporation and Marubeni Cement & Construction Materials Co., Ltd are pleased to help celebrate Mombasa Cement Ltd’s 10-year anniversary.

Thriving under the NYUMBA umbrella

The Companies have supported Mombasa Cement since the production launch of Nyumba brand cement at Athi River, which was the first footprint in Kenya in 2007, and also through the building of a big clinker plant in Vipingo.

Both Companies will continue to provide support to Mombasa Cement Ltd with their Japanese advanced technology.

www.taiheiyo-cement.co.jp www.marubeni-cement.com/en/

TEITA ESTATE LIMITED

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eita Estate Limited is the world’s single largest natural fibre sisal estate, located in the coastal region of Taita-Taveta County. The Company produces sisal fibre sold on the world market for industrial and commercial use.

growing; expanding its remit in line with its role under the ‘NYUMBA’ brand which means ‘house’ in Kiswahili and revolves around a quality product and long-term customer relationships.

Continuously improve

The Company’s role under the NYUMBA umbrella, and the subsequent, groundbreaking introduction of its 52.5 MPa grade cement has allowed MCL to enter the premium high strength market, and on

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to the radar of numerous large-scale infrastructure projects.

Similarly optimising its production processes and sustainability factors such as energy consumption; the business also sources the best quality raw materials in order to achieve excellence at every stage of the value chain.

“It also ensures consistency in our final products,” Shah adds.

“Currently we replace part of our coal consumption with cashew nut

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The Company’s spinning division, located in Nairobi, produces various products from natural sisal including: • Twines 155MKG up to 500MKG runnage in spool sizes of 1kg, 2kg AND 9kg • Ropes 3 and 4 strand of 6mm up to 40mm diameter • Baler and binder twines • Sisal sacks • Coffee drying cloth Along with these services, the Company’s transport & logistics division offers transport with loading capacities from 5mts up to 28mts.

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Proud to help celebrate Mombasa Cements 10 year anniversary!

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Taiheiyo Cement Corporation and Marubeni Cement & Construction Materials Co., Ltd. have been supporting Mombasa Cement Ltd. since their foundation in 2007 by supplying Japanese high-quality cement clinker and advanced technologies

www.marubeni-cement.com/en/ | www.taiheiyo-cement.co.jp

One of the largest producers of: Sisal fibre | Sisal twines | Ropes

Teita Estate Ltd. P O Box 18488, Nairobi 00500 T: +254 20 6559755 E: info@teitaestate.co.ke

PROUDLY KENYAN

TEITA Estate Ltd congratulates Mombasa Cement Limited on their 10th anniversary. We are proud to be associated with Mombasa Cement Limited and wish them continued success in the future developments of their new cement plant.

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STANDARD CHARTERED BANK Here for good Standard Chartered Bank congratulates Mombasa Cement Limited (MCL) on their 10th anniversary.

One bank connects you to more countries with more convenient and accessible financial services than any other. Standard Chartered Bank.

The award-winning Bank supporting your financial success across the Middle East and Africa.

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Facilities and machinery are upgraded regularly

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd is regulated by Central Bank of Kenya.

shells as alternative fuels in the clinker manufacturing process. We are also looking into the generation of power by renewable means - mainly wind and solar - and have been planning to integrate waste-heat recovery into our system once our project is complete.”

The modular mini vertical roller mill, new quarry mining equipment, a new pre-crusher and the implementation of an ERP system address power consumption, excavation, grinding capacity and internal project managing improvements, respectively. It also sets the tone for a vast array of skilled, local, business partners who have enjoyed positive working relationships with MCL over the years.

“We outsource our entire logistics requirements to local contractors.

Since we have our own mines, most of the quality raw materials are sourced with the help of local mining contractors and medium sized enterprises. All our distributors and customers are locally based,”

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Africa and the Middle East’s No.1 Bank is powering your ambition.

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Turning aspirations into reality for millions.

From financing major energy, telecom, mining and infrastructure projects to growing businesses and building communities, one bank is powering your ambition in more places across the region than any other. Our award-winning capabilities are designed to meet your every banking need.

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sc.com/number1 Copyright 2017 Standard Chartered Bank. All rights reserved. Not all products and services are provided by all Standard Chartered branches, subsidiaries and affiliates. Some of the Standard Chartered entities and affiliates only act as representatives of Standard Chartered Bank, and may not be able to offer products and services, or advice to clients. This information is intended to be general in nature only. Professional advice should be sought before making financial investments.

First auto, First partner

UNDISPUTED

CHAMPION

Prime Bank congratulates Mombasa Cement Ltd as they celebrate their 10th anniversary

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BRANCHES Biashara Street | Capital Centre | Eldoret | Garden City | Gigiri | Hurlingham Industrial Area | Kamukunji | Karen | Kenindia House | Kisumu | Mombasa | Nakuru Nyali | Parklands | Riverside Drive | Thika | Two Rivers | Westlands

290Hp NAIROBI: Kampala Rd, Off Enterprise Rd.Tel: (020) 6550695 / 0717-550 333, MOMBASA: Jomo Kenyatta Ave. Tel: (041) 2491720/30Mob: 0724-999 222, NAKURU: Nakuru - Eldoret Highway. Tel: (020) 8068884 Mob: 0717-106 420, ELDORET: Kenyatta Street. Tel: (053) 2032525 Mob: 0775-550 450, KISUMU: Obote Rd. Tel: (057) 2026386 Mob: 0704-506 895, MERU: Makutano. Tel: (020) 2100929 Mob: 0796-345 484.

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Shah says. “We only use local civil and steel contractors for upgrades and enhancements. Whichever parts we cannot source locally we import through the traders.

“We have long-term suppliers of materials, parts and services and prefer to deal with honest and straight forward suppliers. We regularly do plant audits in various fields to continuously improve.”

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Skills and experience

The final piece of the puzzle revolves around human resource optimisation, and the formulation of a loyal, experienced and skilled workforce.

Once again showcasing strong levels of localisation, MCL offers intensive and extensive onsite training so that each individual is equipped to manage the delicate processes of a plant, while staff are also sent for local and

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www.eapi.co.ke A member of Canadian Overseas Packaging Industries limited group(COPI)

THE PREMIER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS PROVIDER

IN EASTERN AFRICA

Manufacturers of Corrugated Cartons and Paper sacks.

regional seminars on new products, technologies and maintenance requirements.

“95 percent of our staff are local employees and our first priority is to source qualified local staff; but if that’s not possible then we can think about recruitment of an expatriate who will, in turn, train more locals. We also work with interns to develop their skills and experience,” Shah says.

Local adherences and commitments contribute to a much wider sense of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the Company; Shah earmarking the concept as one of the core foundations of the business’s progression since inception.

“We have feeding programmes which distribute bread, juice and water to the hungry and poor. In the rural areas during the drought times we distribute water through the “Water is life” programme, and bread to all villages and schools in

95 percent of our staff are local employees and our first priority is to source qualified local staff...

NAIROBI Tel: +254 (0) 20 395 5000 sales@eapi.co.ke MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0) 41 222 5157/8 sales.mombasa@eapi.co.ke

the neighbouring areas of the plant.

To date, we have distributed millions of litres,” he lists. “We built and now sponsor one of the largest disabled schools in the region - Sahajanand Special School - and we also built a large primary and secondary school as part of our CSR. “We have helped build infrastructure for some of the educational institutions in the region.”

As one of the previously attributed “core foundations” of Mombasa Cement Limited’s success, CSR will continue to play a large role in the Company’s growth moving forward as well, alongside other core foundations of quality, value for money and excellent customer service.

And with these staple elements cemented, and with the new plant expansions on the horizon, MCL can look forward to an increased market share and a more diversified portfolio in the years to come.

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D S A

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Creative

CONCEPTS

Torres Rani Towers

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he origins of DSA Architects International dates back to 1985, with the establishment of RSL (Ridler Shepherd Low) Architects in Johannesburg, South Africa. Historically, the focus of the practice was on hospitality, leisure and high-end residential projects, but over the years - upon the formulations of DSA Architects International SA (Pty) in 2001 - the business has extended the scope of its portfolio to encompass retail, commercial and industrial projects.

DSA Architects International SA (Pty) was set up as the Holding Company with offices in Johannesburg, Dubai and Lisbon, and since then, DSA has designed and completed projects in 28 countries around the world.

“With multiple award-winning projects to our name, we are committed to delivering exemplary designs which embrace sustainability, technology and high levels of service,” explains the Africa Managing Director, Zinon Marinakos.

The African and Indian Ocean Islands Region is led by Marinakos together with fellow Directors, Beata Kaleta, Rob Low and Ian MansonKullin with a staff of 34; headed out of the Company’s head office in Johannesburg. The Group then has two well established, branch offices in the Middle East and Europe. The Dubai office is managed by Steve Kelshaw, (MD Middle-East), with a staff of 90.

The European office, which is based in Lisbon, is run by Mike Scott, (MD Europe) with a staff of 14.

“Also based in Johannesburg are our Group Chairman, Clive Shepherd and our Group FD, Pierre Deckers are responsible for global operations,” Marinakos continues. “The overall experience and knowledge accumulated over the years is extensive and integral to the practice.

This has also forged a strong set of values, which are central to DSA’s work ethic.”

Africa Outlook (AfO): Throughout the Company’s evolution, what have been the Company’s main continuous improvement strategies?

Zinon Marinakos (ZM): We concentrate on building teams of highly motivated, experienced and creative architects, designers and technicians, with a proven ability to conceptualise, design, manage and deliver exciting, space-efficient and viable developments; to nurture innovative thought, design flair and technical excellence; and to maintain empathy and respect for the environment and local conditions.

Our business structure and strategic office locations not only facilitate our access to key clients, but an understanding of the commercial and economic conditions and any other influences that are specific to this type of design and development that will influence the delivery of the final product.

We also incorporate green and sustainable principles in our designs to minimise environmental impacts. DSA is committed to delivering ecologically responsible and environmentally responsive projects that accomplish optimised boundaries between the built and natural environment.

As such, our international offices are members of the Emirates Green Building Council (LEED) and Green Building Council of South Africa (Green Star) networks. Through this affiliation, DSA is able to collaborate with recognised industry specialists and accredited professionals to deliver complete green building solutions that are both pioneering, and complementary to our clients’ visions.

DSA applies a holistic approach to solving our clients’ sustainability challenges by intimately understanding their environmental objectives and operational requirements. Together, we strategically evaluate areas of environmental impact, building

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Four Seasons, The Westcliff Johannesburg, Johannesburg

performance, operational dynamics and budget; to develop clear and tailored solutions that deliver unique designs which benefit both the developer and operator.

AfO: Testament to these strategies of course are the projects completed over the years, so can you please talk me through some of the most iconic examples that you believe signify DSA’s strengths?

ZM: I think the reflection of DSA’s strengths is the number of local and International property awards which we have received over the years: these have been for - to name a few The Fairmont Zimbali Resort Hotel in KwaZulu Natal; the Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff, in Johannesburg; The One & Only The Palm and the Old Town in Dubai; and more recently the Torres Rani Residences and Office Towers, in Maputo Mozambique.

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front we have historically been involved in the Grandwest Complex in Cape Town, Carnival City in Gauteng, and Sibaya Casino in KwaZulu Natal.

More recently, we have completed the Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre at the Casino Entertainment complex in Port Elizabeth (all in association with Northpoint Architects) and are presently involved in the Menlyn Maine Casino and Entertainment Complex in Pretoria (in association with LYT Architecture) for Sun International.

Currently we are excited by the various commercial projects that we are working on, both on our doorstep in Sandton, Johannesburg and further north in Africa.

AfO: Across how wide a footprint does the Company currently work, and what is DSA’s strategy when it comes to identifying potential projects in new regions?

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Proposed residential tower, Sandton

‘Torres Rani’ Towers, Mozambique Group Five Waterfall City Group Five Waterfall City Group Five Waterfall City

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Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Dubai Sandton City Sandton City

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Tel: +27 11 217 7300 Fax: Tel:+27 +2711 11 217 7300 Tel: +27 11217 2177335 7300Fax: +27 11 217 7335 e-mail: office@ckr.co.za e-mail: office@ckr.co.za Fax: 11 217 7335 website: www.ckr.co.za Tel: +27+27 11 217 7300 website: www.ckr.co.za e-mail: office@ckr.co.za The Oval, Ground Fax: +27 11 217 7335Floor, East Block The Oval, Ground Floor, East Block website: www.ckr.co.za Wanderers Office Park, 52 Corlett Drive, Illovo, South Africa e-mail: office@ckr.co.za Wanderers Office Park, 52 Corlett Drive, Illovo, South Africa

The Oval, Ground Floor, East Block website: www.ckr.co.za

D S A

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ZM: At present, DSA is working in a number of countries including Rwanda, The Ivory Coast, DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles and Nigeria.

Generally our policy is to be led by opportunities introduced by operators and developers in the various African countries. When working outside of South Africa we work in association with local architectural practices rather than opening offices in these countries. This policy has proved to be beneficial in terms of understanding local cultures and building regulations, whilst bringing international expertise to local practices, to form meaningful partnerships.

AfO: On a more internal note, what significant investments have been made to help facilitate these projects in recent years?

ZM: Our design and management teams are led by experienced industry staff and we have successfully delivered diverse and large projects over the years. Our design teams direct, lead and manage the whole process utilising various methods as part of our overall quality management system to ensure that the project is delivered on time and to budget; all to the satisfaction of our client.

We are also firm believers that the key to the success of our

Old Town, Down Town, Dubai, UAE

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teams is communication. We have much experience in this area in managing such a task remotely and have procedures and protocols to implement and manage the situation, all as part of our quality management systems.

The design process needs to be controlled very closely, which is achieved via a series of documentation management tools and established systems across areas of planning, technical scope documents, responsibility statements, risk management, and quality control systems AfO: From a personnel perspective, what is the Company’s approach to the hiring, training and retention of key skills?

ZM: DSA is continuously improving its internal structures to ensure that the Company maintains its high standards going forward. Succession into the next generation is paramount, and we are continuously introducing new ‘young and dynamic’ blood into the business. It’s critical to not only keep up with the evolving design and construction industry, but also to be aware of the progressive structures within our client organisations.

It is also always a priority to retain a local participation in respect of material and staff in the supply chain management and we endeavour to do this whenever possible.

AfO: This brings into mind areas of CSR so to what extent does DSA Architects involve itself in corporate social responsibility initiatives?

ZM: DSA Architects has an ongoing charity portfolio, whereby we raise funds and necessities that might be needed by the numerous charities we support.

The main charity supported by DSA in Johannesburg is Abangani

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Proposed Commercial Head Office, Johannesburg

One & Only The Palm, Dubai, UAE

Vertical Transportation Consultants Projitech is a lift and escalator consulting firm offering professional advice on all matters relating to vertical transportation matters nationwide.

Enkosini, a home in Alexandra, near Johannesburg, which looks after 250 orphaned and vulnerable children together with elderly and HIV positive women. We also support Angels Baby Sanctuary in Gauteng, an orphanage for abandoned babies.

AfO: On a general note, what would you say defines DSA Architects and differentiates it from others within the sector?

ZM: We believe that our international experience and working on substantial projects such as The Madinat Jumeirah and The Old Town precinct in Dubai are some of the key factors which differentiate us. Another is probably the geographic spread of our projects around the world. We believe that it’s important to ensure that each project is unique in itself, and designed appropriately for its location.

DSA Architects International is a leading ‘Architectural Design Services Business’, delivering iconic buildings

Head office Located in: Johannesburg, South Africa Office +27 11 609 4977 Email: admin@projitech.co.za Web: www.proj-i-tech.co.za

and environments from our strategic global locations in South Africa, the UAE, and Europe.

We follow the philosophy that “magnificent buildings are the result of creative architects turning great concepts into unique realisations”.

Our drive is to make an impact on the developing African market where there is enormous potential and growth

AfO: Finally, if we were to speak again in three-five years’ time, what would you hope and expect to be able to report back in terms of future Company development?

ZM: Our drive is to make an impact on the developing African market where we see enormous potential and growth. We are constantly in the process of forming strategic partnerships with key role players in the property development industry to expand further into Africa.

We also firmly believe in growing our ‘home base’ and being more aggressive in our immediate surroundings in South Africa.

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M U T I S O

M E N E Z E S

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

( M M I )

The Master of

DEVELOPMENT Mutiso Menezes International is at the top of its game in Nairobi’s construction industry, achieving excellence in a wide range of developments and expanding on its design philosophy Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Kane Weller

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utiso Menezes International (MMI) has been firmly established and operating in the Westlands area of Nairobi since 1974, specialising in architectural work, project management and interior design consulting.

Over the years MMI has gained vast amounts of invaluable experience in the ‘built environment’ as well as being involved in all aspects of architectural design, tender documentation, site planning and interior design creation.

“In both our overseas work and local associations, we have built incredibly strong working relationships with the other independent professional consultants operating in our industry,” explains the Company. “We have honed our ability to provide - at short notice - any of the requisite additional capacity and expertise to offer an extensive range of multi-disciplinary services.”

Mutiso Menezes International specialises in a wide range of services and provides extensive expertise to go with each of the aforementioned disciplines.

The Company’s current range of services includes: • National and regional planning • Rural and urban planning and development • Land use planning • Sectoral planning • Environmental Impact assessment studies • Tourism and Wildlife • Site selection • Feasibility and pre-investment studies • Preparation for master development plans • Project definition and appraisal and evaluation

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( M M I )

Architectural ingenuity

When it comes to architectural design, the Company’s reputation is second-to-none within the industry and over the years the firm has built a widely recognised reputation.

MMI is known for its professional integrity, particularly when it comes to production planning and creating design solutions of high quality.

The Company adds: “We have worked tirelessly to build this reputation and it is something that we all cherish within the Company, and subsequently we aim to maintain this in the interest of our clients as well as our current and future projects.”

The predominant bulk of architectural work for MMI is centrally around project implementation and commissioning, including site investigation, building surveys, environmental protection, landscaping, energy conservation, acoustic design, interior and furniture design, renovation and restoration works.

Areas of specialisation

Planning and development is a huge part of the everyday goings on at MMI and since its inception, the Company has been engaged in both urban and rural planning projects.

Through carrying out work on these projects, it has established a worldwide reputation for innovative and imaginative work in the industry and particularly in the field of low income shelter provision and squatter upgrading.

“This work is a huge point of pride for our company and within the greater Nairobi area alone, we have been able to identify affordable shelter solutions for numerous income groups,” affirms the Company. “This has included the preparation of structure plans, undertaking detailed planning and the sub-division layouts for more than 20,000 housing plots.”

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MILICON’S LTD

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ilicon’s is a leading building and civil engineering Company in Kenya registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA1), offering comprehensive solutions and services in the building and civil engineering fields.

Since the Company’s inception, it has aimed to provide complete construction related services and over the years its core competence has lied in its expert planning, accurate execution and timely completion of all projects. It is this very quality that has enabled the Company to gain prominence in a very short space of time.

In the past two decades, the Company’s portfolio encompasses construction of a wide variety of commercial buildings including administration offices, auditoriums, hostels and sports pavilions. In addition, other renovations have been undertaken including concrete tanks, oxidation ponds and construction of transportation links.

To ensure the complete satisfaction of its clients, consultants and end users, the Company is making a continuous effort to keep its products, services and technology current. The Company’s experienced and well-qualified team is aiming to improve the quality of life of Kenyans by providing ideal solutions in construction and in effect, help enhance its reputation.

The Company is firmly of the belief that excellence is the only indicator of Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx performance, whilst also ensuring that quality and timely completion always remain the top priority.

T +254 20 6008584 / +254 705 167161 E info@milcons.com

www.milicons.com

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MILICON’S is a Leading Building and Civil Engineering Company in Kenya

Proposed Leadership Centre for College of Insurance

New Kitchen & Dining at K.N.A.

Proposed Headquarters for K.I.S.M.

Pope’s Papal Dais

C.O.I. - Machinery

Office Complex for N.A.C.O.S.T.I.

Senate Chambers

MILICON’S LTD. excellence, by excusion

East End Plaza, Bukani Road, Nairobi West, Nairobi, Kenya P.O. Box 4546, 00506, Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 20 6008584 / +254 705 167161 E: info@milcons.com W: www.milicons.com

The Company’s experienced and wellqualified team is aiming to improve the quality of life of Kenyans by providing ideal solutions in construction and in effect, help enhance its reputation.

M U T I S O

M E N E Z E S

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

( M M I )

Undertaking commercial as well as industrial projects

As well as its work in planning and development, MMI has carried out a large number of industrial and commercial projects in its time.

“We have undertaken a considerable number of industrial projects within various commercial administrative buildings, some of which include high-rise office developments for the United Nations complex in Nairobi,” adds the Company. “We respond positively to the particular requirements and operational needs of each of our clients, providing them with a service that is both cost efficient and designed with true quality.”

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Meeting changing demands

We respond positively to the particular requirements and operational needs of each of our clients...

The Company covers a wide scope of projects, one of the many aspects that sets it apart from its competitors within the industry. Some examples of this range of activities include plans for schools in nomadic and semi-arid areas, to the development plans for entire college campuses.

The Company explains: “We have found that we need to be flexible for future expansion, particularly in response to the changing demands we are faced with which are an integral part of MMI and our design philosophy for buildings of this kind.”

Alongside the larger educational

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Catering for a wide scope of projects

complexes, MMI’s experience has also stretched into the health sector. Its speciality in possessing an inherent sensitivity to its customer and user needs has enabled its popularity in the health sector to soar.

“This appeared to be a hugely important factor and has been especially noticeable in the projects we have been selected for recently,” the Company describes. “Some of these projects have included a maximum security mental hospital in Nairobi, type-designs for outpatient departments and lastly nurse training schools for some of the provincial hospitals in Kenya.”

Through the Company’s extensive

We are proud of the developments we have made in planning and designing developments of all kinds...

work in this array of sectors over the years, it has developed experience that places it ahead of its competition in the industry. MMI shows no signs of stopping when it comes to finding new markets and new developments to branch into.

The Company concludes: “We are proud of the developments we have made in planning and designing developments of all kinds, ranging from low income sites to large international developments. Moving forward we hope to continue on in this manner, paying close attention in all our projects to environmental challenges and customer needs.”

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F O O D S

Healthy Children, Healthy Nation, Healthy Africa Africa Improved Food’s inclusive business model and ongoing dedication to regional enrichment has contributed to the Company’s reputation as East Africa’s “social enterprise” Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

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s an innovative social enterprise focused on improving nutrition in East Africa, Africa Improved Foods’ (AIF) mission to curb malnutrition by making high quality, affordable and locallysourced nutritious foods is becoming a reality.

Incepted just three years ago, the Company’s aim from day one was to find a solution to malnutrition in the region, and soon after - with the Government of Rwanda quickly onboard - the construction of a stateof-the-art manufacturing facility in Kigali got underway.

Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali picks up: “By December, 2016, construction was completed and since then the fortified foods that we produce have fed more than one million children. As a next step we are looking to expand our operations to Ethiopia and other East African countries in the near future.

“Our products are presently available in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. We are currently also exploring distribution options in Kenya and Tanzania. For now, our goal is to gain a strong foothold in all East African countries by becoming a trusted supplier of both government programmes and commercial distributors. However, we are ambitious; if good opportunities arise in other African countries we will definitely consider them.”

A public-private partnership incorporating DSM, FMO, CDC, IFC and the Government of Rwanda (for that country specifically); AIF works alongside these partners to represent the overall shareholders of AIF Holding.

In Rwanda, this has already manifested in the production of fortified blended foods (FBF) in terms of product

innovation; a blend of cereals fortified with vitamins and minerals.

“Special variations, such as those intended for infants, may contain milk powder,” Commercial Director, Darshana Joshi adds. “We currently produce Super Cereal Plus for WFP, Shisha Kibondo for the Government of Rwanda and a commercial range of nutritious porridges under the Nootri brand for consumers in East Africa.

All our products are fortified and thus contribute to reducing micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population - pregnant and breast feeding mothers and children aged six months to two years.”

This has been a concerted goal since inception for AIF, with its first products targeting infants as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Joshi continues: “This was chosen because improving nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life can significantly improve growth and cognitive development. However, our marketing team soon understood that older children and adults were asking for a product adapted more to their specific needs.

“As such, we are about to launch a series of multigrain family porridges in larger, more affordable bags. Like all our other products, these family porridges will be enriched with vitamins and minerals.”

The nutritious Nootri porridge range

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F O O D S

AURORA Satisfying Demand The Zambian Government, in fulfillment of its policy to improve agricultural trade, has put in place mechanisms and structures that encourage local Zambian companies such as Aurora to participate with ease and efficiency in the export of agricultural products.

With Zambia, producing an estimated 3.6 million tonnes of white non-GMO maize for the 2017/2018 season, while national consumption until the next farming season is estimated at 1.8million tons; there is surplus maize product readily available for export. In addition, the ease of export is magnified by Zambia’s central location, strategically placing Zambia in proximity with SADC member countries and consequential access to ancillary markets, which markets include countries in the COMESA region.

Its manufacturing plant is already at 90 percent capacity

Africa to feed Africa

Despite being a very young company, AIF has already diversified and expanded its product range exponentially, while achieving several key milestones on a broader note.

After just six months of production, its manufacturing plant had already reached 90 percent operational capacity; a testament to the speed at which employees have mastered operating procedures, which Joshi describes as “truly unique”.

“We are also proud about the fact that AIF has recently been awarded the FSSC 22000 certification, which is the highestlevel Food Safety System Certification a food manufacturer can have,” she says. “A key pillar of this success was the investment that AIF made in education and training of its staff.

“For example, plant operators and shift leaders went on training excursions to plants in Singapore, Switzerland and Kenya to observe and

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We are also proud about the fact that AIF has recently been awarded the FSSC 22000 certification, which is the highestlevel Food Safety System Certification a food manufacturer can have

The Company’s ability to deliver and its reliability has allowed for it to develop key partnerships with its trading partners. Noteworthy is its business relationship with Africa Improved Foods (“AIF”) and ProDev/ Minimex, two of Rwanda’s largest grain importers, which has seen the Company maintain a steady supply of maize to AIF and enhances the credibility of Aurora; not only in Rwanda, but in the East African region as well.

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Address No. 10 Matandani Close Rhodes Park PO Box 34972, Lusaka T +260 979 318703 +260 969 030556 E info@auroragp.com andreasimbwae@auroragp.com

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AURORA

COMMODITIES LIMITED Introduction

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urora commodities limited (“Aurora”) is a Zambian commodity supply company that is specialized in the supply of agriculture commodities such as grains and beef products.

Aurora provides commodities to Zambian and regional customers spanning from Central, southern and east African markets.

Locally Aurora supplies over 10,000 tonnes. True to its vision of striving to be the market leader in the provision of high quality grain products to Zambia and beyond, Aurora supplies both the private and public sectors.

Aurora's strengths lie in its

Aurora's strengths lie in its quality products and the efficient and reliable delivery of its commodities. This strength is drawn from Aurora's network of reliable farm producers, finance houses and transportation companies to ensure timely delivery of commodities to clients. The strong networks within the supply chain has enabled Aurora commodities to grow its commodity business exponentially resulting in the supply of Non-GMO Maize and Soya beans to major local millers and exports to neighboring countries within SADC and COMESA regions.

Expansion into Africa Having steadily established itself on the local Zambian market, Aurora has turned its focus to firmly establishing its presence in the Pan-African region.

With this focus in mind, over the past six (6) months, Aurora has supplied and continues to supply grain as follows;

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Over 10,000 tonnes of maize and 8,000 tonnes of Soya Beans into Zimbabwe;

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Over 6,000 tonnes of maize and 5,000 tonnes of soya into Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; and

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Maize meal in excess of 3,000 tonnes into the Democratic Republic Congo.

Aurora anticipates to deliver at least 90,000 tonnes of maize and 20,000 tonnes of soya beans in the next twelve (12) months through out the above mentioned countries

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BUHLER Working for a cause Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) is a non-profit organisation that supports African food producers and millers with technical and economic knowledge and expertise thanks to the voluntary work of employees from the partner companies.

PFS was founded in 2009 by General Mills and includes several leading companies from the global food industry as partners. Bühler became a partner in 2013. Since then, employees have supported projects in Africa and in October 2016, a meeting of the founding partners took place at Bühler in Uzwil, and in addition to projects already running, the Company will support more local training courses for food processing.

The Company also joined the organisation “One Young World” in 2016. This non-profit organisation brings together young leaders from all over the world in order to develop solutions for the most pressing challenges worldwide.

The Company supports the nonprofit organisation Partners in Food Solutions with its vision to improve food security and nutrition to enrich lives around the world, together with some of the world’s largest food and agricultural companies.

Capital investments affirms AIF's pioneering status

learn how to implement high quality manufacturing standards.”

AIF has never been afraid to invest where necessary, whether that’s into product development or human resources, and so far, €60 million has been spent on capital expenditures in Rwanda alone. Covering elements of packaging lines, new technologies or manufacturing processes, AIF remains a truly pioneering venture.

“Our vision is for Africa to feed Africa,” Ali emphasises.

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Country Manager, Prosper Ndayiragije adds: “A lot of the food aid and commercial food products that are distributed in Africa are still imported from abroad. By upholding the highest quality standards and sourcing ingredients locally, we are hoping to boost the local economy and contribute to sustainable development.

“From a commercial perspective, this translates into making available a local product that is as good as

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As of today, Partners in Food Solutions have helped strengthen the xxxxxxxxx capacity Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx of more than 600 food companies in Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ethiopia, impacting nearly 829,000 local smallholder farmers who support an estimated 4.9 million family members.

Bühler is proud to contribute to this great cause with financial support and skilled volunteers.

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Every day, billions of people come into contact with BĂźhler, be it to cover their basic needs for food or for mobility.

With our industrial process technologies and solutions, we contribute significantly to feeding the world’s population, as well as reducing carbon emissions of cars, buildings and machinery. As a global Swiss family enterprise, we are committed to a sustainable future. www.buhlergroup.com

Dedicated to healthy nutrition and energy efficiency.

Innovations for a better world.

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EAST AFRICAN PACKAGING INDUSTRIES LTD (EAPI)

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ast African Packaging Industries Ltd (EAPI) was established in 1959 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then EAPI has been one of the leading manufacturers of products made out of corrugated cardboard.

To keep up with the demands of modern packaging and in order to maintain service levels of the ever increasing volumes of our customer base, EAPI is investing heavily in upgrading our machinery; including state-of-the-art multi-colour printing presses.

These investments will help to service one of our major long-term customers and one of the world leaders in horticulture, Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd.

www.eapi.co.ke

or better than any of the imported brands. To compete with those premium brands, we are looking into introducing both instant flavoured cereals in packaging ranging from tins to large family packs.�

AFGRI AFGRI & AIF partner to ensure food security

Improving livelihoods

In order to achieve local sustainability throughout the value chain, it has also been a concerted strategy of AIF’s to hire 100 percent locally. Naturally, when this becomes a challenge, the search becomes regional rather than national, but as a Greenfield project, there is a lot of space for personal development; and the Company has quickly established itself as an employer of choice.

In the past nine months alone, many employees have risen through the ranks of the Company, and AIF is proud of the opportunities it is able to offer young people as they look to unearth their own talents and begin their own professional journeys.

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AFGRI has been in grain management since 1923 and set up its operation in Uganda in July 2013 to contribute to food security in the country.

The Company operates in each region of Uganda as they source, maintain and store for food & feeds manufacturers both locally and regionally.

Africa Improved Foods (AIF) manufactures high quality and nutritious complementary foods, thus deserves high quality grain especially for the infant and a strategic partnership of AFGRI and AIF will strengthen food security within the region.

Equipment to facilitate competition with premium brands

T +27 11 063 2347

www.afgri.co.za

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AFGRI is a leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of your agricultural enterprise.

AFGRI, your partner for life.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENSURING FOOD SECURITY FOR OUR CONTINENT, ON WHICH OUR BUSINESS HAS A MORE THAN 90 YEAR HERITAGE IN GRAIN AND AGRICULTURE. IT IS THIS PASSION THAT DRIVES OUR VISION INTO AFRICA. AFGRI Grain Management 12 Byls Bridge Boulevard, Highveld, Ext 73, Centurion 0157 | PO Box 11054, Centurion 0046 | T: +27 11 063 2347 | www.afgri.co.za

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denakie is a Zambian company trading in agricultural commodities, supplying fertilisers and is a leading storage provider in the country.

The Company is very active in supplying grains and oil seeds in the SADC region and expanded recently in the East African region including working with organisations such as the World Food Program.

The Company has also partnered with Africa Improved Foods in Rwanda to supply some of AIF’s maize requirements.

We are very proud to be associated with a Company such as AIF that makes a meaningful contribution in reducing malnutrition in Rwanda through their highly nutritious range of products and a Company who seeks out for the best quality of raw materials for its products’ .

www.zdenakie.com “For some positions we work exclusively with interns who go through training in different departments based on their interest and potential,” Joshi details. “With the right training, mentoring and feedback some of them have secured permanent positions in the Company.”

A similarly local commitment is evident across AIF’s pivotal supply chain management too. With an annual maize demand of approximately 28,000 metric tonnes, the Company is by far Rwanda’s biggest maize procurer. Local supply is therefore the only sustainable method to keep up with such demand in the long-tem.

“As maize is an important staple crop in Rwanda, AIF is in a unique position to improve local farmers’ livelihoods,” Ndayiragije explains.

“AIF is committed to paying farmers a premium price for high quality maize. To help farmers improve their yields and quality standards, we are partnering with CHAI, World Vision

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International, Technoserve and One Acre Fund.

“We are currently working with about 9,000 local farmers and are looking to increase this number next season.”

Another element of AIF’s cooperation with farmers has been the value-added option of quick cash payments and on-farm transport services.

Ndayiragije adds: “We work with Kumwe Logistics - a Rwanda-based start-up - to deliver this. Unlike maize and soya, ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and milk powder are hard to find in the region. These products we import either from South Africa or Europe.”

Creating shared value

As a result of AIF’s all-encompassing devotion to local and regional upliftment, the Company is often referred to as a ‘social enterprise’.

On the supply side of the value chain, it works with partners to improve

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Zdenakie trades in agricultural commodities, supplies fertilisers & storage in Zambia.

G R A I N T R A D I N G | F E R T I L I S E R S U P P LY | T R A N S P O R T & L O G I S T I C S | W A R E H O U S I N G

smallholder farmers’ production, while on the demand side, the business is equally adept at working alongside governmental institutions and sector associations in order to work towards a common goal: “to ensure the poorest of the poor have access to subsidised nutritious food”.

“To ensure long-term access to affordable, nutritious foods, we are also working hard to reduce the prices of our commercial products, albeit without compromising on quality, so that all segments of society can fulfil their micronutrient requirements,” Ali notes.

“It is perhaps fair to say AIF is more involved in ‘creating shared value’ than ‘corporate social responsibility’.”

The scale and social mission associated with the shared value being generated makes AIF unique. It is the largest producer of FBF in East Africa with an annual capacity of 45,000 metric tonnes, which is impressive in itself. But in then focusing that capacity towards plugging societal

To ensure longterm access to affordable, nutritious foods, we are also working hard to reduce the prices of our commercial products, albeit without compromising on quality...

cracks, the ambition veers from being financially-driven to being more broadly significant.

Ali concludes: “The focus is on reducing malnutrition and sourcing maize and soya from local smallholder farmers as much as it is on getting a return on investment. And in the future I would like to see a significant reduction in malnutrition in line with this focus.

“That would mean AIF has contributed to the improved wellbeing of an entire generation of children, and that achievement would be priceless.

“Secondly, I would like to see AIF become a trusted supplier of NGOs and Governments in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC and Kenya. And thirdly, I would like to see our Nootri products listed in the shops of these same countries.

“Finally, I’d also like to see an improvement in local sourcing. With nutritious locally-sourced foods, it would be great if we could truly get Africa to feed Africa.”

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Afarak South Africa’s international expertise is being balanced with local trend adherence and corporate social responsibility commitments in order to create ultimate value in Africa Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Arron Rampling

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s a vertically integrated producer of specialty alloys, Afarak is recognised as an international leader and a critical ferroalloy producer.

Supplying the cream of the industry crop across the UK, US, Japan, Germany, Finland, South Korea, Sweden, and South Africa; the latter African venture in particular epitomises the growth that Afarak has achieved, and the trends it is able to both adhere to and dictate.

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“Afarak is a growing global organisation that supplies world leading companies with speciality alloys; charge chrome, plasma chrome and medium carbon ferrochome from South Africa, as well as low carbon ferrochrome from Germany,” introduces the Afarak South Africa (SA) Chief Executive Officer, Bertus Van Der Merwe. “Chrome ore is mined in Turkey and South Africa and beneficiated to metallurgical grade and chemical grades. Refractory and foundry grades are also being investigated.”

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In South Africa specifically, Afarak Mogale has a host of operational plants, four furnaces, a convertor, and two active mines, Mecklenburg and Stellite.

Supported by administrative offices in London, Helsinki and Malta, Afarak sells its resultant products through Afarak Trading Limited; these products incorporating world-leading portfolios across automotive, aerospace, nuclear and luxury consumer goods. “In all its operations, Afarak is committed to a zero-harm policy

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METIX (PTY) LTD

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etix (Pty) Ltd is a leading provider of process plants, specialised patented technology equipment and engineering services for pelletising, sintering and smelting in the ferroalloy and non-ferrous industry. The Company has developed in-house expertise on all formats of project execution ranging from professional studies to Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects.

Our trust and confidence lies in our people and the professional services that they have provided to our valued clients over the last 14 years. To improve its offering, the Company joined the worldwide SMS Group in 2011 with its more than 100 years of experience in submerged-arc furnaces, steelmaking and associated services.

and has placed health & safety at the core of its working programme,” Van Der Merwe says. “The Company is a firm believer in technology and is engaged in numerous investment and development projects for chrome ore production and beneficiation which has led to improved production efficiencies.”

Afarak is currently listed on the NASDAQ OXR Stock Exchange in Helsinki as well as on the London Stock Exchange, while it is also staunchly committed to creating value for communities via a wider all-encompassing corporate social responsibility ethos.

The latter has served as a natural progression for the business since its entry into South Africa back in 2009, as Van Der Merwe recalls.

“Afarak acquired Mogale in 2009, providing it with access to the bulk minerals processing sector in South Africa. The acquisition marked a strategic step forward for the Group

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by providing access to direct current (DC) furnace technology, which has been in operation at Mogale since 1983 and is considered to be a centre of excellence.

“DC furnace technology is approximately 20-30 percent more cost efficient than traditional furnace technology. Mogale operates four furnaces; two submerged arc furnaces and two DC furnaces, with a total production capacity in excess of 130,000 tonnes per annum.”

Value addition

The end result emanating from these furnaces include four key products: silico manganese, plasma ferrochrome, charge ferrochrome and stainless steel alloy (chromium-iron-nickel alloy).

And as of 2017, Afarak has converted all its furnaces to Cr as a consequence of being a fully-integrated producer containing Cr mines that can supply lump and fines to both ACs (alternative current) and DCs.

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The broad experience and knowhow of SMS has extended our ‘tool box’ with exciting technologies in various shaped AC and DC furnaces, gas cleaning, cogeneration, water treatment, raw material handling & drying and intelligent power systems.

Other developments include ILTEC, Urbangold and Cu/Pt non-ferrous applications. ILTEC is a revolutionary cooling liquid that improves safety by limiting explosions with liquid metal and slag. Urbangold is the recovery of precious metals and alloys from electronic scrap.

SMS’ leading technologies and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx commercial backing has secured various new contracts including a 6-in-linerectangular matte furnace in Zambia, big EPC orders and a new blast furnace stove.

The Company’s latest successful EPC project was a US$330m FeMn/SiMn smelter complex in Malaysia with 2 x 81 MVA closed furnaces. The plant was commissioned in 2016 and are setting production and environmental records on a day-to-day basis.

T +27 (0) 11 676 2300

www.metix.co.za

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State-of-the-art facilities enable quality end products

This latest innovation and strategic advantage comes less than three years after the Company announced that Mogale Alloys had completed the installation and activation of its ferroalloy refining and granulation plant.

“The total cost of the investment was approximately R185.1 million and the monthly production capacity of the plant is expected to be 1,500 tonnes of medium carbon ferrochrome,” Van Der Merwe notes. “This allows Mogale to further optimise the quality products it produces. Further optimisation includes production of high carbon ferrochrome which will make Mogale the only producer of HCFeCr in South Africa.”

And with each new strand, plant, product and innovation, the Company stays true to its overriding commitment which revolves around its people and their safety. Zero harm is strived for on a continuous basis, and this in turn is facilitated through the utilisation of modern technologies and processes.

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Van Der Merwe continues: “This includes throughout metallurgical recoveries at beneficiation plants as well as using the DC and AC technology at Mogale to its potential. Adding the granulator and convertor has made Afarak South Africa the only medium carbon producer and also allows for a wider range of alloys to be granulated.”

The aforementioned converter and granulator amounted to investments in excess of R150 million for Mogale, and aided in focusing on the medium carbon market while also being able to granulate FeCr to full capacity.

“On the mining side an additional plant to upgrade to chemical grade as well as a small PGM plant are just a few of the exiting new equipment / technologies the mining division is adding,” the CEO adds in regards to the Company’s capital investment approach. “This will all be further value addition to the existing shaking tables which have been hugely successful in increasing yields from ultra fines.”

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On the mining side an additional plant to upgrade to chemical grade as well as a small PGM plant are just a few of the exiting new... technologies the mining division is adding

We use precision GPS with VRS technology and state-of-the-art laser (reflectorless) theodolites. These enable accurate and fast measurements. We have a Knowledge of mining and surface infrastructure erection as well as constructions experience.

OPENCAST MINE SURVEYING UNDERGROUND MINE SURVEYING STOCKPILE SURVEYING G P S SURVEYING MINE PLANNING

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MMTI

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he Mineral Mining Training Institute has consistently provided innovative training solutions and high-quality training services to its clients. The Company is constantly growing throughout South Africa and Africa’s training sector in the mining, manufacturing, lumber and metal industries.

As one of its leading customers, the Company provides Afarak with smelter operating training programmes, legal compliance training and skill development strategies to continuously improve the economical sustainability of its employees.

T +27 16 454 0464

www.mmti.co.za

Sustainable returns

Over the years, the Group has leveraged a very strong marketing team which has been established with expertise in western hemisphere specialties and the stainless steel market in mind. Through understanding customers’ varying needs in different domains, Afarak has been able to drive aforementioned Cr units as well as trace elements to ensure that these market needs are being met.

“In doing this the convertor allows carbon to be minimised,” Van Der Merwe explains. “The DC technology produces a higher Cr and low Si material and by granulation a very specific size fraction of 95 percent 3x40 millimetre is produced with very little dust and fines. Further focus is placed on trace elements critical for the market.”

Subsequently establishing itself as a quality producer differentiating itself in a big market, the Company has looked

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to compound its Cr unit advantage via an optimisation programme titled ‘Letsema’ which means ‘a group of people working together’.

This was initiated by Afarak Mogale this year and testifies to a vision of maximum possible quality volumes produced within a safe and sustainable environment; by focusing on employees, measurements, achievable goals, and KPIs. “The drive to maximise Cr units is relentless, while minimising usage of raw materials and electricity remains a focus at all times,” Van Der Merwe continues. “This is done through welltrained and experienced employees utilising assets to the fullest. In doing this, there is always a drive to improve.”

Afarak will continue to utilise its unique market understanding, technological knowhow and drive to ensure that an environment of continued improvement is created in the years to come.

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The CEO adds: “In doing this, ensuring sustainable returns to shareholders in a safe environment is critical. Agility in today’s ever-changing markets is of utmost importance and the ability of the Group to ensure good communication and decision making will also remain critical.”

Enable differentiation

South Africa in particular is and will remain the biggest hub for Afarak in the years to come and is the region where the Company’s sources are most aptly displayed via the Bushveld Igneious complex; where 75 percent of the world’s Cr ore reserves can be found.

In order to capitalise on such potential though, it has been important for the international heavyweight to achieve strong levels of localisation; balancing a plethora of experience and expertise within the business’s workforce, with a strong South African identity.

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Directional Survey & Mapping 014 592 0260 • 074 603 9307 directionalsm@gmail.com

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“We are constantly thriving to retain and develop that talent to ensure depth in human resources,” Van Der Merwe says. “A lot of the leveraging of knowledge occurs between our worldwide operations where worldclass operational expertise exists.

“However, in the challenging mining and metallurgical environment of today key skills are critical to ensure safe and low cost operations by utilising our most important assets: our people.”

Similar levels of strategic consideration are seen throughout Afarak’s supply chain too where BBBEE is driven concertedly as part of a wider CSR ethos which sees local development programmes a constant among the Company’s activities.

And in stabilising the Company’s influence within South Africa, it remains best equipped to react effectively and efficiently to any industry trends and sector fluctuations on the horizon; one recent occurrence being the stainless steel industry’s significant growth over the past decade, and the subsequent rise in demand for Cr grades (Cr puts the ‘stainless’ in ‘stainless steel).

“By understanding the full value chain from resource and reserve, to mining, to beneficiation, and to smelting; FeCr Afarak is able to adapt and push the VIU (value in use) of Cr and to exploit quality to enable differentiation,” Van Der Merwe adds. “With a strong balance sheet and a good credit rating Afarak is well poised to grow. Afarak is a fully integrated producer of Cr starting from resource and reserve to mining and beneficiation.”

He concludes: “Driving the basics and ensuring the focus on niche, value-added products have been embedded, will help to produce extra volumes in the future while optimising costs of production too. And of course, this is achieved while ensuring product quality and zero harm during operations.”

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“Afarak is a fully integrated producer of Cr starting from resource and reserve to mining and beneficiation.”

“Afarak is able to adapt and push the VIU (value in use) of Cr and to exploit quality to enable differentiation.”

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“...ensuring sustainable returns to shareholders in a safe environment is critical.”

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AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES (AUMS)

Onwards and

Upwards AUMS has bucked the African mining trend over the past 12 months, achieving substantial organic growth in a sector on the cusp of a revival Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Arron Rampling

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mid an Africa mining industry that has challenged the majority of the continent’s protagonists, African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) has once again demonstrated its flexibility, resilience and marketleading status in order to achieve substantial organic growth.

While consolidation has inevitably been par for the course, growth is what the Company has been able to score; largely virtue of its Subika operation’s progression in Ghana (for Newmont Ghana Gold) but also via concerted organic growth at each of its other complimenting sites in Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

And now, with this stable if not revolutionary footing to launch from, AUMS is pinpointing the green shoots of potential in the sector over the coming 12 months to fully capitalise on its healthy industry position.

“I definitely think the industry has bottomed out, and the trajectory is now onwards and upwards,” enthuses the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Blair Sessions.

One year ago, Sessions had emphasised the potential that was available for AUMS as the continent began to come around to a contractormodel way of thinking (as opposed to the owner-operator model it was used to), and with this model now fully trusted and utilised in the region, these intervening 12 months have allowed the Company to prepare for the demand that will come once the sector kicks into gear.

“We have taken the opportunity to take stock, but at no point did we stop or have to tread water. Every month we kept growing organically, while also taking the opportunity to consolidate a few internal aspects, such as equipment,” he explains. “In terms of our contractor model now, I certainly don’t see any negative reactions to it anymore, and the slowdown will have

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A U M S

Wherever There Is Mining, Mantrac Your Caterpillar Authorised Dealer is There to Support.

Wherever there’s mining, you’ll find Mantrac your Caterpillar authorised dealer in Kenya, Tanzania, Liberia, Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Iraq and West Siberia, Russia. Cat products are hard at work, drilling and digging, loading and hauling, grading and dozing. And our people are there, to support our products, train operators, help customers mine safely, more profitably and actively participate in the mining industry.

Mantrac offers integrated mining solutions for enhancing efficiency and maximising profitability. With 12 offices, 44 branches spanning across three continents, more than $100 million total parts inventory value, 866 service engineers, 346 field service trucks, and five component rebuild centres (one in Egypt, two in Ghana, one in Nigeria and one in Tanzania) to ensure that your Cat equipment are operating at peak productivity. We offer the Cat range of surface and underground mining products to meet your high production demands and lower your cost per tonne. Our product range includes hydraulic excavators, hydraulic mining shovels, offhighway and underground mining trucks, underground mining loaders, and support equipment.

and supporting them since they first came to Africa, initially in Ghana with various Caterpillar mining and support equipment being supplied to several projects such as the Subika UG mine located in Kenyasi, Paboase Underground located in Chirano, and The Akwaaba Deeps project in Chirano as well, and more recently in Tanzania with several projects on hand such as the Geita Mine in northwestern Tanzania being supplied with underground CAT loaders and trucks. Our support to AUMS goes beyond providing them with equipment to encompass providing on site stock & component inventory, on site field service engineers, on site hose & couplings facilities, a comprehensive component rebuild centre, and last but not least access to our full range of CAT technology solutions and Mantrac’s online parts portal.

We remain committed to providing AUMS with the ultimate support for their equipment for it to operate at peak productivity and performance.

Mantrac is making exceptional headway in the mining sector and is now ranked as one of the largest Caterpillar dealer for mining equipment in Africa and the Middle East.

AUMS is one of Mantrc’s valued customers and we are happy to have been supplying

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www.unatrac.com

Mining Safely. Mining More.

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Mantrac Your Caterpillar Authorized Dealer Mantrac offers integrated mining solutions for enhancing efficiency and maximizing profitability. We offer the CAT range of surface and underground mining products to meet your high production demands and lower your cost per ton. You can therefore acquire all your mining requirements including Hydraulic Excavators, Hydraulic Mining Shovels, Off-Highway and Underground Mining Trucks, Underground Mining Loaders and support equipment from a single source.

CAT Underground Loader R2900G Designed for maximum power and durability in the most demanding underground mining applications, Caterpillar LoadHaul-Dump (LHD) machines deliver the performance you require. Various bucket sizes and configurations are available to match with both truck-loading and ore-pass loading applications. A variety of Ground Engaging Tools, wear plates, and heel shrouds are available to keep buckets productive and reliable even in the most abrasive materials.

CAT Underground Truck AD60 Are the most reliable, productive, and safe trucks. Various body sizes (regular or wide) and configurations (dump or ejector) are available to match with light or dense material. CAT ACERTTM-series engines are used to minimize underground emissions and lower your customer’s mine ventilation costs.

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(Mansour House) 188 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire. SL 1 3GA, United Kingdom Tel: +44(0)1753695555

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Ring Road West 6-8 Blackhall Road North Industrial Area P.O. Box 127, Freetown P.O. Box 5207, Accra-North Tel: +232 22 250228 Tel: +233 30 2213777

Liberia Equipment Ltd.

Somalia Drive, Bushrod Island, Monrvoia, Liberia Tel: +231777137646

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JA DELMAS

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he JA Delmas network, Cat® (Caterpillar) dealer in West Africa since 1932, is now proudly represented in 11 different countries, with thanks to its long heritage and commitment to customer excellence and service.

With its slogan ‘Wherever you are’ the Company has built a reputation for quality and this is especially true in West Africa.

Caterpillar has a wide product range that covers the vast majority of your construction, mining and agricultural needs. Currently West Africa is recognised for its expansion into one of the most exciting mining destinations, and subsequently underground mining is also a vital sector in this industry.

facilitated it if anything.

“It’s a great way for companies to establish an operation with low risk capital before moving into production in the years ahead. Most clients are now aware of the benefits we can offer them: we can mobilise quickly, get operations started efficiently, and get the job done.”

Full automation

As testament to the Company’s strong internal growth, and very strong comparable industry growth, 2017 is likely to result in year-on-year revenue growth of around 30 percent, while the employee count will have also risen to around 1,000 personnel by the end of the calendar year.

And as ever, this progression is spread on a continental scale, not just in West Africa where the Company incepted. Tanzania’s Geita operation for AngloGold Ashanti has proved integral to these recent growth figures and AUMS still finds itself in

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Of course, Caterpillar has a longstanding legacy in this domain, offering a wide range of solutions to perfectly respond to mining needs. Apart from the conventional hard rock load-haul dump applications, Caterpillar has also developed solutions for underground coal applications with its Longwall products.

A key initiative for AUMS since its inception in Africa has been not to just hire local when possible but to partner local as well; and one such partner - Ja Delmas - has matched their own philosophies with those of AUMS over the years. West Africa’s CAT dealer has similarly been looking to apply its international expertise on a localised level on the continent and has subsequently aided AUMS’ operations via the ongoing supply of world-class mining equipment, solutions and services.

At JA Delmas, the Company has a dedicated team that relies on close collaboration with its customers to develop customised equipment and support systems to meet their requirements.

The Company’s main focus is to help its customers mine safely and productively Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx every day, with high quality Cat products built in its facilities around the world. JA Delmas has its eye firmly on the future, looking into new products, new ways of mining and new ways to get the most out of technology. These products and technology solutions are fully supported by its global network.

www.jadelmas.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

The JA Delmas network is proud to celebrate 8 5 y e a r s o f p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h C a t e r p i l l a r.

We t h a n k a l l o u r c u s t o m e r s f o r t h e i r l o y a l t y.

YOUR CAT DEALER IN WEST AFRICA ®

OUR SCOPE OF OPERATIONS · Construction & Infrastructures · Mining · Energy, Manufacturing & Services OUR EXPERTISE · Equipment & Spare Parts · Training · Maintenance Contracts · Technical Consulting & Support · Funding · Used & Rental Equipment · New Technologies OUR NETWORK · Benin · Burkina Faso · Cote d’Ivoire · Gambia · Guinea · Guinea Bissau · Mali · Mauritania · Niger · Senegal · Togo

Visit us on www.jadelmas.com © 2017 Caterpillar | All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress and Product Link, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillarand may not be used without permission.

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a positive position in terms of being selective over potential projects and prospective new countries.

“In Tanzania, we started the mine in 2016 and have already expanded and doubled the scope there,” Sessions says. “We’ve carried out a lot of work on our underground projects for AngloGold including the addition of three more portals to the mining operation in 2017.

“Similarly in Burkina Faso with Roxgold there are definite expansion opportunities coming up in the nearterm at the Yaramoko site. Our Subika operation in Ghana for Newmont also has significant growth potential moving forward.”

In optimising both these existing locations and any future opportunities, AUMS has spent the past 12 months addressing process improvement, mainly in the form of automation.

As the biggest step-change in the Africa underground mining space of recent times, the switch from

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semi-autonomous operations to full autonomy is a concerted strategy for many operators in the coming months and years. But for AUMS, that reality is already here.

“We’ve been running a semiautonomous production fleet for a while now like most players in our space, however, the option of full automation is now upon us, and our fleet that we’ve started to roll out onsite has that capability already,” Sessions notes. “All the trucks have semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous operational capability, as do the loaders which we will be rolling out as and when the scope allows at Subika.”

Quick, safe, efficient

In terms of general capital expenditure, US$35 million has been spent over the past 12 months to facilitate opportunities such as that posed by automation, but this is safe in the knowledge that AUMS will be able to strike while the iron is hot once the

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industry picks up in earnest.

Until that point, it will also allow for the Company’s employees to get ahead of the game with the upgraded equipment and trends; training and skills development remaining AUMS’s number one goal in Africa.

“That is still why we’re here in Africa!

We want to remain competitive but through ensuring that we develop the national workforce as quickly and safely and efficiently as possible,” Sessions affirms. “To that end, the new equipment injected into the group will help as far as automation is concerned. And the other big change is digitisation.

“All of the data that this equipment gives you allows people to identify gaps in processes, and to then plug those gaps.”

The unveiling of two new simulators has aided this ongoing ethos, in upskilling and developing the workforce in accordance with the latest industry trends and approaches.

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mining condition in Africa over the coming 12 months.

“I’m seeing it everywhere,” he emphasises. “There are significant opportunities out there now that people are talking about and that will start before the end of the next 12 months. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if I had another project or two to report for AUMS a year from now.”

And when the moment arises, AUMS will be leading the pack, courtesy of its solution portfolio, its productivity, its capacity, its flexibility, and - perhaps most impressively - its safety record.

“Our biggest achievement to underline is that we are now more than three years LTI (lost time injury) free, which is in excess of five million hours without losing any time to an injury,” Sessions continues. “And this time next year I’d want to see that figure turn to four years LTI free and seven million man hours, as the number one focus for us is to look “We are able to provide after the safety of our people.” a quick step-change for Sessions also expects to see clients who want to up production in the mine continued organic growth across thanks to our fleet and current operations over the same people, and this is a timeframe, with a couple of additional massive competitive advantage...” projects a distinct possibility as well, depending on the speed of discussions and approvals.

Of course, it is speed which has made AUMS such an attractive proposition in the first place though: speed of mobilisation, speed of initiation, and speed to production. people in Tanzania die every year due “If we’ve got the equipment and to infected teeth, so an association like people to take on a contract as an this is great in helping to train people so they can set up clinics and carry out immediate start-up then it’s certainly something we look to offer as we have basic dentistry work.” the flexibility to do so. We are able to provide a quick step-change for clients Competitive advantage who want to up production in the mine Ongoing charitable work is also evident across numerous scholarships thanks to our fleet and people, and this is a massive competitive advantage,” and sponsorships of orphanages and schools, giving hope to underprivileged Sessions concludes. “It also allows us to be selective with the projects we areas of society. pick up, ensuring they are of sufficient And speaking of hope, Sessions value to us so that we continue to believes there is plenty of reason for grow ahead of the industry curve.” optimism when evaluating the overall “...we are now more than three years LTI (lost time injury) free, which is in excess of five million hours without losing any time to an injury.”

“There are significant opportunities out there now that people are talking about and that will start before the end of the next 12 months.”

Most importantly though; these areas of automation and digitisation are in place to complement the workforce, not to replace it. Local enrichment of individuals remains one of the key pillars facilitating long-term sustainability for the Company, bringing to mind equally significant notions of corporate social responsibility.

“For example, we have an association with Bridge 2 Aid, an Australian dentistry programme that is rolling out training for locals in Tanzania for them to become dental technicians. It’s amazing how many

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WAICA Reinsurance Corporation PLC was described as a “dream come true� upon its inception in 2011, and has strived to live up to its billing via a concerted dedication to strong market growth and significant regional socio-economic upliftment Writer: Matthew Staffi | Project Manager: Stuart Parker

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AICA Reinsurance Corporation PLC (WAICA Re) has thrived over the past six years to become one of the continent’s leading ubiquitous reinsurance providers.

Incepting in Sierra Leone in 2011 and still based out of Freetown alongside offshore contact offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Tunisia - the business has become a reputed and reliable providerof-choice across non-life and life

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reinsurance services catering for Anglophone, Francophone, African, Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

“The Company has recorded very strong financial growth during its operational years, consequently expanding its market share and positioning itself as a force to be reckoned within the global insurance and reinsurance industry,” further introduces WAICA Re’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abiola Ekundayo. “WAICA Re transacts non-life (general) and life

treaty and facultative reinsurance businesses with its partners based in Africa and beyond. These are the two main business lines of the organisation which have contributed immensely to our premium income production and collection over the years.”

From this turnkey standpoint, the Company conducts business across marine hull, marine cargo, motor, accident, property, engineering, bond, liability, agriculture, aviation, oil & gas, and life classes of insurance.

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n the years following the creation of West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) in 1973, the founding fathers had the desire to establish a reinsurance organisation to help mitigate the effects of the lack of reinsurance capacity within the West African insurance industry.

To fulfil this ambition, the founding fathers considered it prudent to start off by creating a reinsurance pool which hopefully will someday metamorphose into a fully fledged reinsurance corporation.

The WAICA Reinsurance Pool has turned into WAICA Reinsurance Corporation Plc, a dream come true.

There is no gain in saying that there is lack of reinsurance capacity in the West African sub region, a situation which is compelling insurance companies to seek reinsurance protection in other parts of the world where the treaties offered are not exactly competitive and affordable and the service sometimes almost nonexistent.

And across the board, WAICA Re has effectively demonstrated its expertise via the provision of substantial technical training and support for all valued cedents and brokers.

“Having provided five annual international training programmes in Sierra Leone (2012), Gambia (2013), Ghana (2015), Nigeria (2016) and Liberia (2017), WAICA Re has carved out a unique image in the African insurance market as a highly competent provider of technical knowledge and skills for the empowerment of the African insurance industry; with a view to enhancing Africa’s competitive standing in the global insurance market,” Ekundayo emphasises. “And overall, we believe there are four key differentiating elements which give our corporation a competitive edge over our rivals in Africa and these global markets: our people, core values, technology and geographical dispersion.”

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A dream come true

While the WAICA Re that is so trusted and loved today can be traced back to 2011, its actual origins delve much further into history, beginning with the creation of the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) in 1973.

Ekundayo recalls: “In the years following, the founding fathers had the desire to establish a reinsurance organisation to help mitigate the effects of the lack of reinsurance capacity within the West African insurance industry.

“To fulfil this ambition, the founding fathers considered it prudent to start off by creating a reinsurance pool which would hopefully someday metamorphose into a fully-fledged reinsurance corporation. Today, the WAICA Reinsurance Pool has turned into WAICA Reinsurance Corporation PLC: a dream come true.”

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The current WAICA Executive Council looked to give impetus to the development and realisation of the idea of establishing a fully fledged reinsurance institution then embarked on revitalizing and implementing the idea of establishing the WAICA Reinsurance Corporation (WAICA Re).

To that end, the Executive Committee reconfirmed and endorsed the age old Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx decision to locatexxxxxxxxxxx the headquarters of WAICA Reinsurance Corporation in Freetown, Sierra Leone and to have major operating centres in Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria.

The Corporation has an authorised share capital of US$100 million and a paid-up share capital of approximately US$50 million, which is expected to soar to US$75 million, thanks to the recently executed Equity Capital subscription exercise.

www.waicare.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

WAICA Re Capital provides investment banking services in Africa and beyond.

Clients benefit from the experience and expertise of an integrated team of seasoned specialists.

FUND MANAGEMENT | PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT | PENSIONS | CORPORATE FINANCE & ADVISORY | RESEARCH

Why Choose Us? • Highly experienced team • Strong research capabilities • Timely execution • Access to a vast network of capital providers • Excellent client service

Suite No 10 2nd Floor, Movenpick Emporium, Accra, Ghana P. O Box AN 5042, Accra, Ghana +233 302 631164 | +233 244 734534 | +233 501 577546-8 info@waicarecapital.com | www.waicarecapital.com www.facebook.com/waicarecapital

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The evolution and flexibility in line with industry and national needs has been similarly evident since 2011; its life arm only incepting in mid-2015, and subsequently boosting the Company’s financial posture. Geographical diversification and expansion has also become a concerted focus in recent times, with Tunisia and, imminently, Kenya being added to the evergrowing repertoire.

“Undoubtedly, our Corporation carries out lots of research and analysis work before implementing big decisions like these,” Ekundayo explains. “Under the supervision of a sterling Board of Directors, our team of seasoned chartered insurers, chartered accountants and information technology personnel conduct research and feasibility studies within the bounds of our custom-designed development methodology, in a bid to achieve sustainable operational expansion and business growth while creating value for our shareholders.”

Strategic objectives

Every strand of R&D and every decision reached is also done so with the current climate in mind,

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and with the latest industry trends and requirements as a dictator. This was especially true of the Company’s foray into life assurance, while the geographical expansion to the north of the continent has also been driven virtue of perceived market opportunity.

In order to react so effectively and sometimes rapidly to these opportunities though, WAICA Re has to ensure it has an internal footing conducive to such agility. In recent years, aspects of digitisation have aided this ethos significantly.

Ekundayo notes: “One of the Corporation’s strategic objectives is to invest in and utilise unparalleled digital technologies in order to support our operations and attain production targets. WAICA Re recognises the profound importance of missioncritical IT systems which are crucial to the success of our operations.

“In our six years of existence, the Company has invested heavily in software, hardware and networking infrastructural assets in order to establish the best digital environment to power our execution of reinsurance businesses.”

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quity Savings & Loans (ESL) are licensed by the Bank of Ghana to operate as a savings and loans Company in Ghana. The Company is one of the strongest and fastest growing companies in the Ghanaian financial industry, indicated by the steady growth in our clientele base and the continuous increase in the number of enquiries and interest expressed by prospective clients.

The Company’s strong and healthy financial status, with strong backing from its shareholders enables it to offer products and services beyond its initial savings and loans offering.

The core values of the Company are encapsulated in the acronym P.A.I.R: Passion The Company’s employees offer enthusiastic service to its clients, ensuring that the satisfaction and delight of its customers is a high priority.

Aspiration The Company aspires to be among the top 5 savings and loans institutions in Ghana and employees seek professional development to enhance quality service delivery to the customer.

Integrity It is our hallmark to be honest in all our dealings with all stakeholders and we will uphold fairness in all our transactions with customers.

Respect Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx The dignity of all xxxxxxxxxxx human beings is upheld by staff of the Company. We do not discriminate against any persons and believe that all must be treated and held in high esteem.

T +233 302 541 449 E fabenefo@equitygh.com

www.equitygh.com

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Together, we’re investing in a better future Put your future projects into reality, at Equity, we understand your business needs thereby helping you financially achieve results.

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LOAN PRODUCTS SME loans Be assured of finance, the way it is best suited to your business, through hassle-free credit and trade services.

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The MD is all too aware of the investment-to-profit correlation that can and has been achieved in order to remain ahead of the industry curve, while similar adherences to sustainability can be found across WAICA Re’s localisation strategy.

Ekundayo continues: “As much as possible, we maintain a strong emphasis on the formulation of localised business partnerships across the supply chain, while we also strongly believe in the implementation of local human capital development. “[Regarding the latter], WAICA Re’s employment strategy entails the recruitment of talented employees and the retention of such employees by providing continual motivating factors such as training and development opportunities; strong monetary and non-monetary compensation; remuneration packages; and different forms of employee engagement practices which ensure that our staff members consider WAICA Re as “a family, rather than an office”.”

Fundraising Our Corporation successfully executed its fund-raising programme, spanning mid-August to mid-September, 2017, with a view to strengthening its capital base for business growth, expansion and investment in high-value projects. This Equity Capital subscription scheme represented an opportunity for investment by both existing shareholders and prospective investors. It is expected that once the full statistics of the Private Placement are analysed, the paid-up share capital of the Corporation would leap by a margin of approximately US$25 million to a new height of US$75 million, and may probably rise well above that figure in the event where the over-subscription option is invoked.

WAICA Re will continue opening avenues for investment by prospective investors through future Private Placement Equity subscription schemes. We therefore request investors to watch our corporate space, invest in our Corporation and reap due dividends from their shareholding.

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Competitive edge

As such, the Company’s workforce is considered as one of four key differentiating elements within the Company, both in terms of its African ambitions and its global goals.

The second element refers to five core values of speed, professionalism, commitment, integrity and teamwork, as Ekundayo details: “These five values represent the cornerstones which guide our approach to conducting business transactions with our cedents, brokers and other business partners. As a result of holding the

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firm to these five core values, we have registered an increased advantage over our competitors.

“Thirdly and importantly, our Corporation recognises the profound positive impact on our net profit bottom-line as a consequence of investing in high-end, modern information and communication technologies.”

The final differentiator harks back to the aforementioned dedication to geographic dispersion.

The MD continues: “We are proud to state that WAICA Re is increasingly becoming the reinsurance Company in Africa which is, to a large extent, ubiquitous in terms of our geographical dispersion across the continent. We now have a strong and growing market presence in

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Anglophone and Francophone West, North, East and Southern Africa, as well as our market penetration in the Middle East and some parts of Asia.

“Our operational distribution has no doubt given us a competitive edge and we hope to capitalise further on existing and emerging opportunities in the years that lie ahead.”

Those “years ahead” are set to herald the construction of a new headquarters in Freetown which the Company states will be a source of pride for Sierra Leone and West Africa as a whole. And more important than that, it will be the host to a continuously evolving pillar of continental reinsurance that has earmarked exponential credit rating, market share and sustainability development over the years to come.

Thank you!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of WAICA Re, I would like to thank His Excellency, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the good people of Sierra Leone for the support we have continued to receive since the establishment of this Corporation in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

- Abiola Ekundayo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

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SIMPLER, FASTER,BETTER fro-Asian Insurance Services Limited will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, and will do so safe in the knowledge that its brokering services are simpler, faster, and better than most in the sector.

Formed in 1988, the business incepted as a reinsurance agency before evolving and diversifying over the years to now be a proud Lloyd’s of London broker that handles multiline

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Afro-Asian Insurance Services’ new motto and structure is driving even more concerted reinsurance saturation across Africa and Asia on the eve of its 30th anniversary

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Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Stuart Parker

reinsurance business across 28 countries on the continent.

Refusing to settle at any point of its progression, the Company’s entrepreneurial and customerfocused commitment to continuous improvement has recently culminated in a major restructuring. The 2015 initiative signified the formulation of three distinct profit centres, and two years on, all three are making waves on a pan-African scale. “[Firstly], Afro-Asian Insurance

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Services Ltd. (Lloyd’s Broker) continues to 100 percent focus on reinsurance business emanating from Africa,” Managing Director, Udai Patel explains. “This Company manages three regional business development hubs in Africa; Nairobi in Kenya for East and Central Africa, Harare in Zimbabwe for Southern Africa, and Accra in Ghana (license pending ) for West Africa. “[Secondly], Afro-Asian Insurance & Re-insurance Brokers (India) Pvt. Ltd focuses on insurance and reinsurance

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business emanating from India, and reinsurance business from the rest of the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East. “[Finally], Afro-Asian Insurance Brokers (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan focuses on insurance and reinsurance business in Pakistan only.”

The restructuring didn’t simply entail diversification and expansion of business units, however, but rather a redefinition of products being offered across these footprints.

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CR is the first reinsurance company in the Moroccan market, with more than 70 percent of the market share.

The Company has more than 300 customers and 50 markets in Africa, the Middle East and Turkey and the Company is always on the lookout to expand into new markets.

The Company’s engineers and actuaries offer reinsurance coverage for all risks (all P & C, life, aviation and marine) and with excellent ratings the Company is well placed to cater for the insurance needs of clients now and into the future.

T +212 522 46 04 01 F +212 522 46 04 60

Celebrating 30 years at the top

www.scrmaroc.com

ZEP-RE

The whole team throughout the Afro-Asian Service chain is encouraged to practice ‘Simpler, Faster, Better’

Patel continues: “The Management of the Company concluded that the ‘product’ was nothing as mundane as “reinsurance broking” or “efficient and professional service” or “excellent claims management services”. The ‘product’ encompassed all of this and should simply be stated as “SFB”.

Essentially: Simpler, Faster, Better.

“The whole team throughout the Afro-Asian Service chain is encouraged to practice ‘SFB’. Whether they work at the head office in London, or one of the regional hubs in Africa, or even in the

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dedicated back office administration unit in Mumbai, India; the focus is on consistent delivery of ‘SFB’.”

New product lines

The leading products now thriving under the delivery of ‘SFB’ include proportional and non-proportional treaties, including retrocession; facultative risk reinsurance including mega-risk reinsurance; and specialist risk products such as political violence and terrorism, specialist liability covers including environmental

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he business relationship between ZEP-RE and Afro-Asian goes back to 1992 when the Company started operations.

The Company chose Afro-Asian as its broker partner of choice to help launch its operations and access markets and to also help structure its reinsurance programmes. The Company has also partnered with Afro-Asian in training workshops for insurance and reinsurance personnel in various regions.

It is pursuant to this relationship that the Company is most honoured to be associated with Afro-Asian during their 30th anniversary celebrations and ZEPRE looks forward to many more years of co-operation with Afro-Asian and wishes Mr. Udai Patel and his team continued prosperity.

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Société Centrale de Réassurance Tour Atlas Place Zellaqa, BP13183 Casablanca, Morocco T : +212 522 46 04 01 | F : +212 522 46 04 60 www.scrmaroc.com

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Quick settlement of claims Provision of technical support Promotion of inter-regional trade and cross border investment opportunities Enhancement of regional retention capacity and development of local insurance Capacity building and Reinsurance training

ZEP-RE’s operational activities are driven by the desire to provide excellent reinsurance services, effective technical support and to develop the region’s insurance industry for the benefit of all our clients.

ADDIS ABABA – ABIDJAN – DOUALA – HARARE – KHARTOUM - NAIROBI – KAMPALA – LUSAKA

www.zep-re.com | Phone: +254-020 4973000/2738221

As we mark 25 years of dedicated service to the region we are proud to be associated with the Afro Asian Insurance Services on the occasion of their Anniversary!

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Recognised uniqueness and quality

liability, oil & gas, and aviation risks including unmanned aerial systems (uas) operators. The service delivery package includes reinsurance consultancy and reinsurance training.

The Company’s business portfolio information as of March, 2017, was 60 percent treaty and 40 percent facultative reinsurance business. The purely African content of the business portfolio was 91 percent for treaty and 99 percent for facultative business, making the Company unique in Lloyd’s as a geographical specialist. The Company has evolved from its early days of handling reinsurance business from East Africa, to its development as a Lloyd’s broker, and growth in the spread of products and services offered including analytical and financial modelling resources to large clients.

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The Company is also in the process of becoming a Lloyd’s coverholder; once again emphasising Afro-Asian’s flexibility when it comes to managing customer needs against delivery of ‘SFB’ in a very competitive environment.

“Demand for new product lines is being driven by business horizonscanning carried out by the African regional hubs, and their regular interaction with insurance and reinsurance companies in their territories,” Patel details. “For example: the efficient collection of claims following the Westgate attack in Nairobi, Kenya has been responsible for Afro-Asian successfully promoting political violence and terrorism reinsurance business in the region.

“Also, the increasing use of drones for a variety of purposes in East Africa has led to the Company providing fast and competitive quotations to clients

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through its Drones (UAV) Facility.”

Increasing cases of computer crimes in an environment relying ever-more on the internet and cloud-based transactions has similarly resulted in a reaction from Afro-Asian who now collaborates with relevant companies on the ground to promote cyber liability reinsurance products.

Professionalism and Excellence Redefined

The business has instilled an efficient, integrated environment, driven by skilled local personnel within its African hubs and at Head Office in London, where employees are encouraged to buy-in to the Company’s overall vision and goals.

From an IT perspective, this includes operating on a hosted IT platform to allow for rapid upscaling and the flexibility of remote accessibility, while

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Employees at all levels buy into the Company’s vision and goals

maintaining the highest data integrity through the use of the latest security protocols.

From a human resource point of view, “Afro-Asian believes that one of the major contributors to the Company’s growth is the quality of the staff employed at all levels of the organisation, and employees buying into the Company’s vision and goals”, Patel emphasises. “Loyalty from employees is rewarded by management in both financial and non-

financial terms, and the Company’s policy is to employ local staff in the African regional hubs, in order to manage diverse cultures, languages, tribal traditions and conflict.

“Afro-Asian encourages staff to develop professionally and financial assistance is provided to whosoever wishes to advance with their professional insurance studies.

Other internal and external training is also provided to members of staff, including through the London School

of Insurance, which is a company partly owned by Afro-Asian.”

The Company’s commitment to local enrichment of individuals inevitably overlaps with an equally concerted corporate social responsibility ethos which has long seen Afro-Asian actively participating as a Chair sponsor of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and as a supporter of events organised by charities including the Global Give Back Circle, Cancer Research UK, and the MacMillan Trust.

Ultimately though, it is the Company’s products, model and market saturation that continues to set it apart from competitors; capitalising now on its ‘SFB’ approach.

“This is not merely a marketing label, but is an ethos that all employees are encouraged to follow in whatever role they play in the Company. They are expected to take this, and the Company’s longstanding motto, ‘Professionalism and Excellence Redefined’, very seriously,” Patel affirms.

And in adhering to both facets of the Afro-Asian vision, the Company will edge nearer to its overall ambitions to be the broker of choice across its regions; while also accounting for more immediate requirements driven by the wider industry.

The MD Concludes: “The Regulatory framework of the African Insurance Market is constantly changing, with local regulators responding to currency devaluations; foreign exchange shortages; new local mineral wealth discoveries; and the call from local insurance bodies to develop local capacities and talent, by passing regulations that restrict the exporting of reinsurance business outside their jurisdiction.

“As a company committed to Africa in the long-term, Afro-Asian is constantly looking at ways to respond to these changes and to create a network of production units that will help it achieve its goals.”

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acos Insurance Group has achieved numerous accolades since inception and this August the Company celebrated its 37th anniversary, quite an accomplishment for a business operating in the Seychelles.

Its longevity in the industry emanates from an in-depth knowledge of insurance solutions and products, as well as an ability to continuously provide solutions that meet the requirements of clients.

In August, 1980 Sacos began work as a parastatal company, acting as a reinsurer until it was ready to launch itself as a separate insurance entity. After entering the market, life assurance was added to its portfolio and from that point an extensive range of products has been added to the Company’s repertoire.

“We take a lot of pride in the range of services offered at Sacos,” explains John Esther, Chief Executive Officer at Sacos Insurance Group. “Beyond our insurance, we have also taken the time to engage in property management of both residential and commercial complexes.”

Being adaptive - despite fierce competition all around - the Company has remained the dominant player in the market, as well as obtaining a name for itself as one of the strongest corporate entities in the Seychelles.

In recent times, the Company has embarked on a different and exciting strategic direction in attempts to simplify both its structures and procedures.

“We conducted an extensive review and evaluation of all our operations

Sacos Insurance Group has established itself as the leading insurance provider in the Seychelles over the past 37 years, offering an expansive range of services to rival competitors all over the world Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Stuart Parker

and have since used the collated information to embark on a process of amalgamation, improving efficiencies across the board,” continues Esther.

“It is our aim to create one company trading as Sacos Insurance Group and a second separate Sacos Life Assurance Company Limited, as life business needs to be separated.”

Market-leading insurance solutions

Sacos has built up an extensive range of products with a mission to provide market-leading insurance solutions to the country, continuously working to identify products that meet specific needs.

“We have progressed tremendously over the years from our starting point offering motor insurance to the people of the Seychelles,” states Esther. “Today we are able to offer far more complex solutions, including credit protection insurance, liability insurance, engineering, fire and special perils, marine

insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, householder’s insurance and personal accident.”

Of course at the centre of all this product development, Sacos is always searching for innovative ways to adapt its products further in order to better meet its clients’ demands. In this respect, the Company is introducing a tiered motor comprehensive insurance product.

“The tiered product we are putting in place will not only offer our clients a broader range of options, but also give our clients the flexibility to tailor their policies,” states Esther. “All of this is happening whilst our clients are comforted by the knowledge that they are adequately covered at all times.”

Fully-functional research

As a whole the Seychelles has a relatively small insurance industry, especially when you compare it to many developed countries located around the world. Subsequently, the possibility for the Company to have a fully-developed research unit locally is a challenge.

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“We have had to make frequent use of the services available to us from many of our regional partners,” Esther explains. “They have been able to assist us in developing and introducing new products. Of course in the long run we intend to develop our departmental facilities to respond faster to market needs.”

Both Sacos Insurance Group and its subsidiaries have invested in a large number of commercial and residential properties, enabling it to balance its investment portfolio in line with strategic diversification guidelines.

When taking into account the huge demand in the Seychelles for land, office space and accommodation, investing heavily in property has been a wise investment for the Company.

“However, we want to ensure that our properties provide us with competitive returns, as well as our policy holders,” adds Esther. “Bearing that in mind - alongside our drive in

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optimisation - we have conducted a wholesale revaluation of our properties which allowed us to make any relevant adjustments.”

Local workforce

In order to remain fully up-to-date with the goings on in the Seychelles and to act as a truly Seychellois company, the majority of the workforce is local. Currently only one expatriate is working in the Company’s finance department, in which very specific skills were required that were not readily available locally.

“One of the things that we strongly believe within this company is in the capability of the local people surrounding us to deliver good work, which of course is of an international standard,” explains Esther. “The local people have also been strengthened by the continuous improvement of the Seychelles economy, making our

QED ACTUARIES & CONSULTANTS (PTY)

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ith a team of 44 staff and 120 clients across 17 countries, QED is one of the largest independent actuarial consulting firms in Africa. We have been in operation for over 80 years – previously as Hymans Robertson in the UK and more recently as QED from South Africa & Mauritius.

We offer actuarial, risk management, analytics and strategic consulting services to: • Life, general and health insurance companies; • Medical schemes; • Insurance and industry associations, and, • Government and regulatory bodies.

We are passionate about service and our cornerstone approach – Professionalism, Excellence, and Insight – enables us to constantly exceed our clients’ expectations.

local business environment more competitive.”

Not only does the Company have to compete for its clients in the market, but also sourcing the best talents that are available locally; and subsequently, to aid that, Sacos has introduced an employee value proposition including a salary and reward structure.

“Through introducing this programme we have strengthened our management team thanks to bringing in new talents, while also retaining our well-established staff,” adds Esther. “Of course when we have found the right staff, we then need to continuously look to improve our skills and services through providing our staff with training opportunities to harness their skills.”

Over the years the Company has placed a lot of importance on developing local partnerships, building a strong legacy in the Seychelles through strong bonds with local businesses.

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We are proud to be SACOS’s actuarial partners and wish them continued success in future. With QED having recently opened offices in Mauritius, we look forward to even closer collaboration with SACOS in future.

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Client relationships

Having been in operation for more than 37 years in the Seychelles, Sacos has many longstanding relationships with its clients and continues to explore the best possible ways to offer new products and delivery channels that will better meet their needs.

“It is pivotal to our business and business relationships that we ensure investments are safe with us,” affirms Esther. “In order to achieve this we are supported by world-class reinsurers, while regularly conducting an internal review of processes to see how we can improve our services.

“During our time in the industry, we have weathered a number of tumultuous times economically, but we have always come out stronger than before. We believe our longevity within the industry is a true reflection of the commitment we have shown to our clients over the years.”

Although the Company is well

During our time in the industry, we have weathered a number of tumultuous times economically, but we have always come out stronger than before

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INSIGHT

info@QEDactuarial.co.za

established within the Seychelles insurance industry, Sacos isn’t afraid to make changes to the business and has recently engaged in a comprehensive rebranding process. The aim of this most recent rebranding was to achieve an international-standard brand that can easily stand on-par with the best in the world.

“We believe we have successfully achieved this through thorough research of what was required in order for us to continue competing in the Seychelles, while also analysing systems and processes with thanks to feedback from our clients,” concludes Esther. “Currently we are in a reconfiguring stage with this rebranding, but once we achieve this I believe it will drive expectations across the rest of the industry and enable us to be at the forefront of understanding the ever-changing expectations of our clients moving forward.”

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Surpassing

EXPECTATIONS

Twiga Chemicals is planning to change the face of Kenyan agriculture by bringing global trends to the country’s farmers Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

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wiga Chemicals has a reputation amongst its customers as one of the most professional and reliable sellers of good quality products, living by its word in all aspects of trade.

Although Twiga is known for its many business divisions, approximately 80 percent of its annual turnover comes from farming related business including toll manufacturing. Farming related businesses have a long lifecycle due to the constant need for food and therefore, activities that support farming will only continue to increase.

“Of course in a country like Kenya - where the farming is predominantly rain-fed - we have been adversely affected by climate change and consequently businesses such as ours can be seen as being at risk,” explains Anantharaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director at Twiga Chemicals.

“Although this is true in one sense, looking at it from our perspective and the evergreen nature of the farming business, we don’t see it as a longterm issue but instead a short-term phenomenon.”

In response Twiga will perhaps have to change the products that it has on offer, moving with the times in order to serve its customers needs. This response is already being seen in the Company’s businesses largely focusing on the crop protection (CP), animal health (AH) and toll manufacturing areas.

“We have worked hard over the years to achieve an enviable reputation amongst the rural households of Kenya,” affirms Ramamurthy. “However, we need to be better known in Nairobi where our manufacturing facility, one of the best of its kind in Sub Saharan Africa and a centre of excellence, is located and of which we are incredibly proud.”

SAFEPAK LTD

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afepak Ltd, based in Nairobi, has partnered with Twiga Chemical Industries Ltd for over 20 years to provide packaging solutions for its agrochemical, industrial chemicals, animal health & toll manufacturing divisions across East Africa.

Over this period the Company has observed a complete transformation of TCIL, with complete modernisation of its manufacturing facilities and automation of its business operations, giving it a strong leadership position among its peers. Safepak has taken valuable lessons from this innovative approach.

The Company is probably the most accomplished convertor of plastics in East Africa, if not Africa, encompassing the latest technologies in pet preform manufacture, pet bottle blowing, injection molding of closures and other packaging accessories, compression molding of closures, and printing of closures.

The Company works with a broad spectrum of customers from the smallest companies to the largest global brands across the widest diversity of industries engaged in still and carbonated beverages, edible oils, agro chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care, household chemicals, foods and dressings, confectionary, agro chemicals, spices and condiments, sauces, and spreads.

The Company offers the most extensive range of preforms suitable for the smallest to the largest containers, the most extensive range of bottle designs and sizes, and the most extensive range of closure solutions.

The Company is most renowned for developing and delivering bespoke packaging solutions for the most discerning domestic brands in our region enabling the brand owners compete effectively against global brands.

T +254 20 240 3222/240 3223 E admin@ke.safepakgroup.com

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Manufacturers of quality

PET Bottles, Jars, Preforms & Closures Mineral water | Carbonated drinks | Squashes | Alcoholic beverages | Flavourings | Honey | Jams | Peanut butter | Sauces | Edible oils | Confectioneries | Pharmaceuticals | Argo-chemicals | Household chemicals | Cosmetics

t e p a h s g n i Giv

! s a o i de SAFEPAK LTD P.O. Box 63150 - 00619. Muthaiga, Nairobi, Kenya, Maasai Raod, Behind Libra House, off Mombasa Road Tel: (+254) 20 2403222/2403223 admin@ke.safepakgroup.com

SAFEPAK LTD., P O Box 63150 - 00619, Mutha Tel: (+254 20) 2403222/2403223, (+254) 724

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TWIGA CHEMICALS Twiga Chemicals and Borax Europe: Partners in helping growers treat boron deficiency in crops.

Twiga Chemicals and Borax Europe have a long partnership in helping Kenyan growers identify and treat boron deficiency in crops with high-quality refined borates.

“Boron deficiency is the second most common micronutrient deficiency problem worldwide,” said Mr. James M Mwangi, National Sales Manager, Twiga Chemicals.

“Our research shows a direct correlation between the solubility of the boron and the amount the plant uptakes during critical stages of development,” said Ian Adams, Regional Manager for Borax Europe Ltd. Excellent product performance and service quality

https://agriculture.borax.com

The Company is particularly driven in increasing its visibility in the aforementioned areas, wishing to grow into a well-known and respected one across the whole region. It is this drive that Twiga hopes will inspire and encourage other companies in the area to undertake a similar journey of excellence.

Having been incorporated in May 1949 as AECI (East Africa) Limited, Twiga Chemical - as it is now known - has its main business in the areas of commercial explosives, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. In 1964 the Company changed its name to Twiga Chemical Industries Limited.

In 1999 the Company commenced offering toll manufacturing services that would better utilise its manufacturing capacity and take it towards the current service offering.

In the present day Twiga’s major business lines include crop protection chemicals, animal health products,

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commercial explosives, industrial chemicals, consumer products and tolling services.

Business divisions

Constantly improving presentation, delivery and quality

Owned by the AJ Group of Companies that is headquartered in Tanzania, Twiga has developed its services into six separate business divisions as above. Crop Protection is Twiga’s biggest business.

“Crop Protection has made Twiga a household name amongst the farming community,” continues Ramamurthy.

“Farming is an occupation for the majority of Kenyans, many of who are small-scale farmers and therefore, we have become a widely recognised brand.”

The Company’s Crop Protection division promotes its products that utilising a variety of methods, including demonstrations, field days, farmer meetings, distributor and re-seller training. This area of the business currently has six Area Sales Managers

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Resolving challenges

Twiga Chemicals is driven by its company values, including customer orientation, professionalism, positive attitude, integrity and teamwork, continuously using customer feedback to improve upon the presentation of its products.

“Listening to our customers needs is a key requirement for us and it will often be used to improve upon product presentation, delivery, pricing and quality of technical services within the field,” explains Ramamurthy. “We pride ourselves on being quick to resolve both challenges and problems in our work, always ensuring we deliver on our promise for excellent product performance and service quality.

“We have invested copious amounts of time, money and effort on entering new markets and trying new products

We have invested copious amounts of time, money and effort on entering new markets and trying new products while still striking a balance between distributing suppliers’ brands as well as our own

while still striking a balance between distributing suppliers’ brands as well as our own.”

Twiga has maintained its attitude of supporting farmers, recently taking this one step further through the consideration of new inputs such as seeds, biological pesticides and fertilisers.

Organic products

The Company’s toll manufacturing facility is used by many multinationals for formulation and re-packing of products. Of course, the facility also does Twiga’s own products and brands. We have focused relentlessly on quality since 1999 when we first got ISO certification and have continued the journey over the years. As a direct result the Company has attained several awards for Quality, culminating in 2016 with the Company of the Year Award for Productivity and Quality.

On a world-wide stage CP products are under increasing pressure due

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Twiga CSR - neighbourhood cleaning gets underway

to the toxic chemicals used in the process, and subsequently Twiga is looking into the merits of moving into biological products.

“In line with this trend we have worked to develop biological pesticides and fertilisers for our clients,” Ramamurthy describes. “We have also moved to less toxic chemical molecules which have the acceptance of the authorities within Europe - the main export market for Kenya’s fresh produce.”

It is important when going through these major changes as a company to have a solid and trusted workforce behind it and Twiga Chemicals has just that. With approximately 400 staff - of which 190 are full-time employees - the Company prides itself on its people and being a Kenyan company.

“Our main approach in HR is around finding the right person to fit each job separately, building confidence in the people that are able to meet the stringent requirements in

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We believe that through employing the right people and continuing on with our current improvement strategies, in three to five years time we will have experienced tremendous diversification...

place for each position,” continues Ramamurthy. “Each employee is trained on the technical aspects of their job and in addition we also hold behavioural training to improve time management, be more effective in the workplace and provide overall better customer service.”

Employees at Twiga are allowed considerable freedom within their work and are provided with the tools required to achieve goals both personally and for the Company. This ensures that performance for each individual is far better than would be found elsewhere, while also ensuring that the high performers stay within the business.

Ramamurthy concludes: “We believe that through employing the right people and continuing on with our current improvement strategies, in three to five years time we will have experienced tremendous diversification into other farm inputs which we are incredibly excited about moving forward.”

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Igniting African

POTENTIAL Procter & Gamble is celebrating quarter-century milestones in both Kenya and Nigeria with an enhanced focus on localisation and continental enrichment Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Callam Waller espite enjoying a successful and lucrative presence in Africa for 50 years - and in East Africa for 25 - the Company has self-admittedly only become entirely localised in the region in more recent times. And with a concerted locallydriven enrichment initiative now firmly in place, the Company is striving to make its sustainability philosophy every bit as triumphant as its products have been.

Currently thriving across East and Central Africa with seven globallyrenowned, leading consumer goods brands, much of P&G’s operations are driven out of Nairobi by a group of 850 direct and indirect employees from agencies, to distributors and a host of local business partners continue to share in the glory of one of international industry’s biggest names.

Products like Vicks, Always, Pampers, Ariel, Gillette, Pantene, Head and Shoulders, and Oral B are household names on every continent, of course, but the ability to make such esteemed international brands locally applicable is another challenge altogether.

The Company’s MD for East Africa, Vivek Sunder explains: “In some cases it has not just been about introducing a product but introducing a market

concept. People will have been washing clothes with generic soap for years, so won’t have the same reaction to the idea of washing powder as in other markets. It’s the same with diapers too.

“It’s also a challenge therefore to understand their concerns and their pain points. In the UK or US, a wine stain or a grass stain may be a concern, whereas in Africa it almost certainly wouldn’t be, so the way we market products has to be different. Similarly, most consumers love the Ariel brand, but many in Africa may not be able to afford a one kilogram box of washing powder. So, instead, we offer smaller sachets to the market at an affordable price to more specifically meet the demographic and their needs.”

It certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all notion within the region either. The Nairobi office is the hub for P&G operations in Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Senegal, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire. In each nation, there is once again either some market or consumer nuances or regulations to consider before launching a product; no matter how renowned the brand has become elsewhere.

To combat this challenge, P&G has paid increasingly concerted attention to aspects of localisation in each presence point, beginning with the most

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YDX AGENCY YDX Agency is a proud partner of P&G. Its experience with P&G spans over five years, and throughout our relationship, YDX have been able to deliver world-class below-the-line marketing experiences which have seen the business grow throughout the years.

We have worked across different P&G brands including Ariel, Gillette, Always, Pampers, Duracell, Oral B and Downy.

YDX CAPABILITIES Experiential/Below-the-line Marketing 1. Experiential marketing • Mall activations • Schools & universities • Hospital activations

A local outlook driven by global understanding

important facet: the Company’s people.

“I’d say the one aspect that characterises us in comparison to the many other good companies out there, is our long-term focus and drive for sustainability on a local scale,” Sunder emphasises. “We always look to hire local people from universities and then develop their skill-sets to complement their natural local understanding and expertise.

“They give us a local outlook, and we give them an understanding of how global companies can work. It’s a longer-term approach but it’s the better approach.”

And of course, there are still large swathes of people who go on to management positions within the Company too, helping to facilitate an enhanced local influence on P&G’s prime concern: its clients.

“It is far more important for us to say that we’ve produced the best talent in the market, than to say we’ve produced the best diaper in the market,” Sunder says. “And this helps to achieve our mantra that guides all our operations: ‘The Consumer is Boss’.

“This means that we must go to great lengths to reach the consumer, to understand them and to make products that deliver value to them.

The Consumer is Boss In turn, the consumer rewards us with As such, P&G has become one of the market leadership.” leading exporters of talent in the Buzzwords such as innovation are region. Even though this means losing key to meeting this goal, but innovation individuals they’ve invested a lot of is not just a buzzword at P&G. It is time into, the Company sees it as a something that is genuinely practised positive statistic overall, in contributing and honed, courtesy of investments in to the wider enrichment of African research & development that reach $2 industry. billion each year.

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2. Retail marketing • Retail & supermarket activations • Merchandising programs • Roadshows • Direct market & Community sales • Sampling • Consumer education 3. Event Marketing & Management • Product launches • Conferences • Music concerts • Sports events • CSR events (marathons, runs, sponsorships)

Youth Consumer Research 1. Qualitative Methodology • Consumer immersions • Friendship & clique hangouts Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx • Interactive focus group discussions • Chama/family groups • Concept ideation and testing 2. Quantitative Methodologies • CAPI interviews • CATI interviews • Online panels 3. Digital Methodologi es • Mobi-Qual panels (e.g. WhatsApp platform) • Internationally viewed focus groups 4. Syndicated Studies (Youth age 0-24yrs.)

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“Again, we believe that innovation starts with the consumer. We gain insights into their everyday lives so we can combine what’s needed with what’s possible,” Sunder explains.

“Today we know that consumers are busy and so we ensure our products allow them to have a positive experience. For example our diaper brand, Pampers doesn’t need changing for up to 12 hours which allows babies to sleep undisturbed.

“Addressing digital trends, consumers can also buy our products via online platforms such as Jumia. We are leading the industry in this respect and our Pampers brand in particular is now acknowledged as one of the fastest selling online brands in Kenya.”

Internal improvements

As a result of digitisation and general economic growth, the region’s retail segment is experiencing faster than average growth of late, which

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inevitably encourages more and more industry competitors to the forefront of the domain.

It is therefore vital for leaders like P&G to not just hone its products through innovation, but to also perfect internal facets, across capital expenditures, human resources and the supply chain.

Regarding the former, products, facilities, warehouses, storage, distribution channels and management processes are all upgraded on continuous cycles; each of these cycles intertwining strategically in order to ensure the best products, being unveiled at the right time, and to the correct specifications for each customer demographic.

On the aforementioned human resource front, procedures are similarly being improved upon each year so as to create heightened flexibility, entrepreneurialism, remuneration incentives and socially responsible

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frica’s leading youth market specialist agency, HDI Youth Marketeers and Proctor & Gamble, have, over a quarter-century spectrum touched the lives of many.

Over the years, the duo have gone on to change the lives of young girls in Africa through the Always Puberty Programme, which educates grade 6 girls about the physical and emotional changes that take place during puberty.

The programme has propelled the two companies to change not only the young girls’ lives, but the lives and fortunes of new mothers in South, East and West African hospitals and gynea rooms, providing them with the tools for success as they make their way through parenting.

We are proud to be part of P&G’s success stories in East Africa.

perks for the workforce.

P&G consequently enjoys tremendously low attrition rates and staff turnover, emphasising an element of longevity that can also be found across the Company’s value chain.

“It’s more of a combination here where we can leverage the wider Company’s global partners, while obviously looking to partner locally from a supply chain perspective where possible,” Sunder states. “Through the local partnerships, we get a better understanding of local practices, local standards and local governance and are repaid with relationships that have been fostered over the course of 10-20 or even 25 years.”

Do the right thing

“...CSR activities are not just a good thing to do but the right thing to do.”

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Taking one step further and the Company looks to instil itself deeper into community enrichment via an extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Sunder continues: “As a company

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CELEBRATING A 25-YEAR PARTNERSHIP i n S u b - S a h a r a n A f r i c a SOUTH AFRICA Catherine Bothma, MD | +2711 706 6016 | catherine@hdiyouth.co.za

EAST AFRICA David Malonza, MD | +254 20 239 6605 | david@hdimarketeers.com

we believe CSR activities are not just a good thing to do but the right thing to do. Examples include our Pampers Hygiene Education programme which has reached and educated more than three million new mothers who have given birth in private and public hospitals across Kenya.

“Another is the Always Puberty & Hygiene programme which continues to touch the lives of more than 100,000 girls with the provision of sanitary pads and underwear, as well as education.”

The Always Keeping Girls in School and the Children’s Safe Drinking Water programmes offer further evidence of healthcare and education commitments outside of P&G’s core product portfolio; while the Kibera Town Centre serves as a first-of-its kind community centre located in one of the region’s largest slums to provide support, amenities and services to the population.

“At P&G, integrity is one of our main principles. We ensure that we always do the right thing and even if this will lead to losses or delays we stick to the rules - no shortcuts,” Sunder emphasises. “Additionally though, we ensure that our products remain of high quality in the understanding that - no matter how cash strained the region is - they still want that renowned P&G quality.”

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Science ADVANCING

for Life

Boston Scientific continues to prove that it takes imagination to make science more transformative, with Africa one of the core benefiting markets of such an ethos Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Callam Waller oston Scientific has been a global medical technology leader for more than 35 years.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, United States, the Company currently enjoys a presence in more than 100 countries worldwide making it a leading player in seven major businesses worldwide: Endoscopy, Interventional Cardiology, Structural Heart, Neuromodulation, Peripheral Interventions, Rhythm Management, and Urology and Pelvic Health.

The Boston Scientific office in South Africa is located in Johannesburg and has been operating since 1997. Today, the Company continues its legacy of offering meaningful innovation that meets patient needs around the world while delivering value to customers.

Country Director, Andrew Sartor introduces: “At Boston Scientific, we are advancing science with innovative

medical technologies that are used to diagnose or treat a wide range of medical conditions. In South Africa, we started with offering core products in Cardiology and Endoscopy, followed

by Urology products. By the end of 2011, Boston Scientific was fully represented in all regions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology were launched in the region in 2013, Men’s Health in 2016 and our most recent introduction expands our product portfolio to include Neuromodulation.

Today, Boston Scientific is offering direct distribution in South Africa to better meet our customers’ needs.

Country Director, Andrew Sartor

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Africa Outlook (AfO): Throughout the Company’s evolution, what have been the main continuous improvement strategies and philosophies of Boston Scientific Africa to achieve the success it has?

Andrew Sartor (AS): The Boston Scientific strategy of category leadership and strong culture has enabled us to achieve strong growth and exciting milestones across businesses and regions, including here in Africa. We’re focused on delivering a comprehensive, innovative and cost-effective portfolio of products and solutions within our served markets, while expanding into new, high-growth adjacent markets.

We’re also driving global expansion and further improving profitability so that we can invest in our future portfolio and consistently deliver durable long-term growth.

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Boston Scientific has also developed strong partnerships with academic societies, to support healthcare professionals through various educational initiatives.

AfO: To this end, how has your business strategy evolved to promote growth and meet customer demand?

(AS): Boston Scientific has established a set of strategic imperatives that guide our growth strategy, including: • Strengthening our category leadership and strategically adding capabilities and technologies to deliver high quality performance.

• Entering new and faster growing markets that we believe will propel future growth.

• Driving global expansion through a

strong focus on building scale and capabilities, including in emerging markets.

• Taking a disciplined approach to profit optimisation, capital allocation and cash generation.

• Developing key capabilities, including digital health, health economics and services to support our customers in key product areas.

(AfO): What significant industry trends have you been monitoring and subsequently adapting to in recent times to ensure you are keeping ahead of the industry curve?

(AS): We recognise Africa as a high priority market, both in terms of potential demand for our products, and access to new innovative therapies that can improve quality of life for African patients. We also recognise

IAS facilities serve as physical learning centres of excellence

Through IAS, we trained approximately 16,000 healthcare professionals in the AMEA region in 2016

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Novel, modern technologies require heightened procedural expertise

the importance of procedural skills development and capacity building.

In Africa, there is a real need for practical hands-on training for both newly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals. There are many novel technologies that are now available which require a high level of procedural expertise. We believe that we have a responsibility to contribute to skills development and capacity building. Ultimately, African patients will benefit from access to newer treatments which can enhance their quality of life and save lives.

(AfO): On a more internal note, what significant capital investments have been made in recent months to help facilitate such turnkey solutions in the industry?

(AS): The Boston Scientific EDUCARE initiative leverages the development and coordination of our Institute for Advancing Science (IAS) facilities and the online training platform across

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We believe that as healthcare professionals continue to train and expand their skills, patients in Africa will stand to gain

all therapeutic specialties - the Virtual Training Institute (VTI).

The IAS facilities are physical learning centres of excellence. Boston Scientific has nine Institutes for Advancing Science (IAS) globally that provide hands-on training in new technologies and emerging therapies, of which six exist in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region. In November, 2015, we officially opened the South African branch of the IAS in Johannesburg.

Through IAS, we trained approximately 16,000 healthcare professionals in the AMEA region in 2016. It is complemented by the VTI, an online, interactive and non-promotional physician e-learning platform for minimally invasive therapies that has been endorsed by medical professional societies.

EDUCARE shows our commitment to serve our customers and provide value beyond our products. We believe that as healthcare professionals continue to train and expand their skills, patients in Africa will stand to gain.

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(AfO): From a personnel perspective, what is the Company’s approach to the hiring, training and retention of key skills?

(AS): To grow the business, we must grow our people. Boston Scientific is a place where all employees can grow, be inspired to do their best work and meaningfully contribute to our mission of transforming lives. Coaching and development is a top priority and each employee is supported and given every opportunity to succeed and progress in their career. Therefore, we invest in new technologies as well as access to training, development and experiential learning opportunities to ensure each employee is able to realize his or her career goals. ((AfO): And; how much of a local emphasis is placed on Boston Scientific Africa’s employment strategy?

(AS): All employees are important to the success of Boston Scientific, including our employees in Africa. They play an important role in developing and contributing to our culture and our mission of transforming lives. Boston Scientific is dedicated to promoting a rich and diverse employee population in a highly inclusive work environment. ((AfO): Similarly, in regards to the supply chain, what is the overall approach to procurement, logistics and distribution in terms of operational efficiencies and establishing business partnerships?

(AS): We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products coupled with exceptional customer service. A well-designed and established supply chain helps make that possible by leveraging global partners, ensuring supply and demand exist in perfect harmony.

By utilising a robust global supply chain, we promote best practice sharing, delivering the right product, at the right time, at the right place; while

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(AfO): Outside of your core healthcare affiliations, to what extent does Boston Scientific Africa We pride involve itself in corporate social ourselves on responsibility (CSR) initiatives? delivering high quality (AS): Boston Scientific is passionate about the community, the places products coupled with where we live and work. Our priorities exceptional customer include improving educational service opportunities, promoting volunteerism and helping underserved populations gain access to healthcare. However, in many places the lack of physicians and healthcare workers can be an continuously driving cost efficiencies. issue. South Africa is one of the regions Demand and supply planning is based where we believe our community on the total end-to-end supply chain investment and volunteerism can requirement, thereby reducing waste make the greatest impact. throughout.

In support of the non-communicable By carefully selecting third party diseases (NCD) goal announced by logistics partners, we ensure continuity the Minister of Health in South Africa in terms of the quality of our customer and joint efforts with the World Health offering. Stringent service level Organisation and the United Nations agreement and regular engagement to improve global health through a enforce our pro-active mind-set, as we variety of efforts, the Boston Scientific continuously strive for improvement in team’s approach is focused on all that we do. increasing the number of healthcare

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“The Company expects to be able to continue to diversify its portfolio away from low growth markets...”

“Meaningful innovation” stands as one of Boston Scientific’s core values

workers. We identified Project HOPE, a US-based non-profit organisation that has been part of the South African healthcare landscape for nearly 10 years, as a strategic partner and awarded a grant to them.

Our grant to Project HOPE enabled the creation of new NCD screenings protocols, which were approved by the Department of Health in 2017.

Our investment in Project HOPE has led to training nearly 100 community health workers on the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Diabetes and Hypertension - two major NCDs - in two districts in South Africa. There are plans to roll out the programme in one more district by year end.

Boston Scientific employees also actively participate in other projects, such as a water drive to bring relief to drought-stricken areas in South Africa and countrywide drives to collect clothes, toys and grocery vouchers to support South Africans in need in observance of Mandela Day.

(AfO): On a general note, what would you say defines Boston Scientific in Africa and differentiates it from others within the sector?

(AS): Boston Scientific has worked to improve the Company’s culture over the past several years, with a focus on strong leadership and a common mission and set of core values that engage employees and help them feel proud of the work they do. Meaningful innovation is one of these core values, and employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo to better respond to the needs of today’s changing healthcare environment and find new ways to create value for customers and patients with less invasive, more effective and more accessible therapeutic options.

(AfO): Looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five years’ time, what would you hope and expect to be able to report back in terms of Company development?

(AS): Boston Scientific’s products

reach more than 24 million patients around the world annually, and address global markets that total more than $40 billion today and are expected to reach more than $50 billion by 2020. Boston Scientific has plans to launch innovative products into high growth adjacent markets that are expected to address an incremental $13 billion in market opportunity by 2020. The Company expects to be able to continue to diversify its portfolio away from low growth markets, which represented nearly 50 percent of sales in 2012, to moderate and high growth markets, which represented approximately 60 percent of sales in 2016 with a goal to reach an estimated 75 percent of sales by 2020.

Our investment strategy has focused on diversifying our portfolio and shifting the growth profile of the Company towards higher growth markets and focusing on globalisation.

For example, years ago we were heavily concentrated in stents, pacemakers and defibrillators, and our pipeline wasn’t as robust as it is today. While these businesses are still very important and provide needed therapies to patients, they now make up roughly half of our company, and by 2020, we expect that to be about a third as we continue to grow with our robust pipeline. Also, today our geographic mix is strong with nearly half our sales coming from markets outside the US. In 2017, Boston Scientific also initiated our strategic intent to activate and support the commercialization of Nigeria and Ghana, given the immense need for industry support in these densely-populated regions with minimal infrastructure and limited healthcare services. We aim to offer the same value-added partnered initiatives in these regions and strongly believe Boston Scientific can make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector in both countries.

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s one of the leading medical service providers in East Africa, AAR Healthcare continues to serve as a pioneer of private healthcare to the middle to upper income bracket.

As one of the largest providers of outpatient healthcare services across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - with a network of 36 outlets at present more than 700,000 clients are served on an annual basis, with no social segment excluded.

Primarily targeting individuals with medical insurance, private cashpaying clients, corporate companies and Mpesa users, AAR Healthcare accepts all medical insurance covers and different modes of payment; subsequently positioning itself as an inclusive brand that prides itself on the human element of healthcare.

“Across our network we abide by the slogan: ‘we are as human as you’,” affirms AAR Healthcare’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Indren Poovan.

“We are open to all, and AAR Healthcare has been on the front line of welcoming all people of all medical covers and cash and credit choices since the launch of the KAARIBU Campaign.”

Over that tenure since 1984, AAR Healthcare has become renowned for its differentiating outpatient centres, both in terms of their capabilities and designs. All are located on-site where adequate ventilation, clean water and hygienic sanitary facilities are readily available. Facets of privacy, comfort and close collaboration with staff members are also facilitated in order to create an ambience befitting of its KAARIBU message.

“The KAARIBU message is that we are ‘open to all’ medical insurance covers and also accept all major forms of mainstream payment methods,” Poovan clarifies. “And this is one of the key highlights of AAR Healthcare alongside the expansion of the outpatient centres to most areas of the region.

As HUMAN as You

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AAR Healthcare continues to serve as a one-stop shop that is open to all across East Africa, via a private outpatient service offering that continues to evolve Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Callam Waller

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“AAR Healthcare prides itself on the fact that all our outpatient centres are within close proximity to the major residential areas in Kenya, hence being accessible to customers.”

Other highlights include the growth implemented across specialist services on AAR Healthcare’s journey to becoming a one-stop shop. And in turn, market share has also grown, leading to numerous strategic partnerships with likeminded, major medical insurance providers.

“Today, AAR Healthcare is in all the East African countries, providing emergency rescue and a comprehensive suite of outpatient

Staff are trained with respective career paths in mind

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services,” Poovan says. “AAR Healthcare has grown and offers a diverse portfolio of services; and in line with this, while the Company’s name has changed more than once, it has always retained its values of quality, innovation and excellence.”

services over the years on its road to becoming a holistic healthcare services provider in preventive, curative and diagnostic domains.

Fast-forward to the modern day, and that same entrepreneurial commitment to continuous improvement is evident; as is Cater for the needs of the epitomised by AAR Healthcare’s population latest strategic plan. The strategy The significance of longevity should commenced - and is already in the not be overlooked in realising the advanced stages - of introducing a dreams of its founders, and AAR 100-bed secondary care hospital based Healthcare can consequently boast a in Nairobi. long, robust history of 33 years. This “The hospital will be a Greenfield began with the provision of emergency Project and will be a state-of-therescue services before adding health art facility offering a unique patient experience. We are aiming to break ground in January, 2018 and the duration of the construction is estimated at 18-24 months,” Poovan explains. “The Greenfield Hospital will provide outpatient services, diagnostic services, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics, ophthalmology, laboratory, physiotherapy, and neuro surgery.

“In addition, the new facility will provide approximately 400-500 job opportunities once operational.”

Simultaneously, the institution is also striving for enhanced processes and results across its bread and butter outpatient portfolio, with key areas of improvement being attributed to the overall management of chronic patients especially.

“We are currently working on a project to determine the make-up of the various pharmaceuticals that are prescribed for the various chronic ailments with a view to costing it and providing it at an affordable price,” Poovan continues. “We are also currently working with Ernst and Young to determine the latest healthcare trends in Kenya.

“The aim is to determine what trends are currently prevalent and how it compares to the global trend so that we ensure our strategic plan is

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Outlook Creative Services Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

appropriately aligned to cater for the needs of the population we serve as we move forward.”

In being made aware and preparing for such industry eventualities, AAR Healthcare can then react accordingly, as it has done through its KAARIBU wellness programme and indeed the opening of two dental units to once again broaden its patient reach.

Open to all

And as the business expands, so too does AAR Healthcare’s internal infrastructure, beginning with its staff compliment.

“We offer various staff training initiatives that are aligned to the respective career paths, and we also assist clients on a more personal level, offering first aid and life support courses; designed to ensure that lifesaving techniques and safety measures are embraced by rescue staff and the general public alike,” Poovan details. “We are registered as

AAR Healthcare prides itself on the fact that all our outpatient centres are within close proximity to the major residential areas in Kenya, hence being accessible to customers

trainers with the National Industrial Training Authority and Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health, and our training team is constituted by a well-trained team of paramedics, doctors and emergency medical technicians.

“All of which are supported by a wide array of advanced medical techniques and equipment to ensure course attendants are well prepared to cope with the worst imaginable situation.”

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Instilling a culture of care throughout the organisation

A human touch complemented by modern research

In total, more than 5,000 individuals are trained each year in East Africa, and Poovan attributes the resultant workforce as the institution’s strongest resource. In doing so, AAR Healthcare is able to tick off one of its core differentiating missions in instilling a culture of care that is integrated at all levels of the organisation.

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Via our KAARIBU campaign, we are open to all and in addition to this; our brand slogan - ‘as human as you’ affirms our promise to every client that we will consistently offer healthcare with a human touch at all our centres

“We differ significantly from other providers in the region, and not just because of our comprehensive value chain and a wide network of outpatient centres across East Africa,” the CEO notes. “AAR Healthcare has spread its wings across the East African region with 19 medical centres in Kenya, eight clinics in Tanzania, and nine in Uganda. In Kenya the outpatient centres are situated near every major residential area.

“Via our KAARIBU campaign, we are open to all and in addition to this; our brand slogan - ‘as human as you’ affirms our promise to every client that we will consistently offer healthcare with a human touch at all our centres.”

Risk management, preventive care, affordability, quality and vaccination pricing further separates AAR Healthcare from competitors in the private space, and have been recognised by numerous awards over the years; most recently being presented with the

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The Greenfield Project will be a state-of-the-art facility offering a unique patient experience

Launch of 19th OPC

“Our Sarit and Greenhouse outpatient centres in particular contributed to this performance and congratulations are in order”

Provision of Excellent Customer Service award by Resolution Insurance in the summer of 2017.

“Our Sarit and Greenhouse outpatient centres in particular contributed to this performance and congratulations are in order,” Poovan concludes. “My overall sense is that in a few years time, the current business

Award-winning healthcare

model will be completely transformed.

AAR Healthcare will be a more diversified business and the Company will have various portfolios other than the current outpatient services.

“The Company portfolio will also consist of various business verticals; namely outpatient services, secondary care services and standalone centres.”

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C U S S O N S

Enhancing Lives with

Extraordinary Products PZ Cussons has a long and illustrious history of delivering products to the world that will better the lives of its customers, after more than 100 years the Company remains as innovative as ever at the top of its game Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Callam Waller

alling on more than 130 years of expertise within the industry, PZ Cussons is one of the most dynamic consumer product groups and proudly sells some of the world’s most well-known and loved brands.

Operating across a wide range of markets internationally, each is carefully selected ensuring that the Company is branching into the right emerging markets for future development and growth.

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“Our world-class supply chain and distribution networks have enabled us to continuously meet our global consumer needs through the delivery of quality brands, adding value and enhancing everyday lives,” explains the Company on its website.

“The brands we work with range from Imperial Leather to Cussons Baby, Original Source and St. Tropez.”

Currently the Company operates in four main categories which

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include, personal care & beauty, home care, food & nutrition and electrical. In order to operate over all these markets, the Company currently employs 5,000 people across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

PZ Cussons’ history began in the 1800’s through the partnership of George Paterson and George Zochonis. The pair met in Sierra Leone and embarked on a journey of product exploration and opportunity.

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The Company continues: “We are incredibly proud of our long and illustrious history in the industry as well as being a strong business supporting some of the world’s most loved brands.

“We strongly believe in being good for businesses and leading by example in order to compete on a global scale, all of this has been achieved by thinking differently to your average multinational corporation.

Dynamic consumer products

With thanks predominantly to its

unique and focused strategy, PZ Cussons has achieved many great things in its time. However, the Company doesn’t ever stop and is renowned for always striving towards the next success, working with individuality and flexibility at all times.

“Our Personal Care & Beauty selection is our largest and most successful category and we have developed a solid portfolio of international family brands,” adds the Company. “These brands work

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MATRIX CHEMIE

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atrix Chemie specialises in the global sourcing and distribution of chemicals for the personal care, household & industrial sectors.

The Company is also an industry leader in global supply chain management delivering solutions for their esteemed clients. Playing a pivotal role in the supply chain ensures their multi-national customers and suppliers maintain their productivity and profitability without compromise.

After 10 years of close cooperation with PZ Cussons and a thorough understanding of their local businesses the Company continues to deliver key benefits to their supply chain.

T +44 113 271 2070 E enquiries@matrixchemie.com

www.matrixchemie.com

Lumina has worked on many award-winning projects Enhancing customers’ lives through great products

seamlessly across all of our markets, but of course we will also tailor local brands in specific geographies in order to cater for the more unique customer demands in certain markets.”

Specifically, the Personal Care range is dominated by homegrown brands and the Company has been striving to remain innovative in this category since its fruition. Enhancing its customers’ lives through great products is one of the main driving forces for PZ Cussons, consistently bringing first-to-market innovations to consumers.

“We are very proud of our bold inventions, such as the Foamburst shower range, as well as our antibacterial hand hygiene range, Carex and our bump to baby range called Mum & Me as a few examples,” states the Company. “Another particular point of pride is the fact we have our very own Fragrance House named Seven, who bring our products to life through imaginative and inspiring scents.”

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Innovative expansion

Branching into offering beauty products was a natural expansion of the Company’s personal care range, this was successfully achieved through acquiring brands that are already respected in their field.

The Company describes: “We were able to harness our strengths and expand into new territories with these brands and endorsed by leading beauty experts and prestigious brand ambassadors, our beauty brands are making quite the mark in the industry and of course a difference to our customers.”

At present the Company’s Beauty selection comprises four prestigious beauty brands, these include St. Tropez, Fudge Professional, Charles Worthington and Sanctury Spa. All of the aforementioned brands are both innovative and expanding at a rapid rate.

Alongside the Company’s expansion into beauty products, it is also working

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to build on its already highly successful Home Care range. The range currently includes Zip, Radiant and Morning Fresh, all of which are big favourites in Asia, Africa and Europe currently.

“We deliver innovative and accessible solutions when it comes to home detergents in a wide variety of formats that will suit the needs of our local market,” explains the Company. “At the Company we have ensured that we have taken on board the extremely diverse range of circumstances and challenges that home cleaning can present to us when used in developed and emerging markets, ensuring that we are able to deliver innovative products that have become a household must-have.”

Product development

The ability to offer a Food & Nutrition range of products has been particularly exciting for the Company and a great area of growth of the business.

“Not only do we already pride

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ourselves on the ability to develop both great tasting and nutritious foods, but also aim to make a difference to the communities that will choose to use our food products,” adds the Company.

“We are lucky to be working with a great selection of well-known brands and hope to continue to increase our offering in this area.”

The food & drink market is a big business to tap into for the Company and it is already working with some large names in the industry. Minerva is one of Greece’s largest companies operating in their food market and with an extensive range, it has been the perfect option for PZ Cussons.

With its range of quality olive oils, olive based spread and Mediterranean cheeses, the Company hopes to work with Minerva to introduce new and innovative food ranges such as organic or cholesterol lowering products.

“We are also working closely with Nutricima, a joint venture with Glanbia Plc, developing, manufacturing and

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We deliver innovative and accessible solutions when it comes to home detergents in a wide variety of formats that will suit the needs of our local market

distributing unique beverages in a range that will suit our consumers’ diverse range of tastes and needs,” the Company affirms. “Similarly we have been working closely on our PZ Wilmar range, together with Wilmar International Ltd, we have been able to develop a new range of edible cooking oils.”

PZ Cussons is a Company with a drive to constantly innovate and add new products to its selection that will truly benefit its customers and moving forward it is keen to branch into new markets to make even more of an impact.

The Company concludes: “Now we are focussing our energy on branching into the baby food market, with our entrance being led by the acquisition of Australian baby food brand, Rafferty’s Garden.

It is a real opportunity for us to grow in Asia and we are excited to see where else it can lead us in the future.”

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Meeting Kenya’s Steel Demands hen taking into account the relatively small size of Kifaru Steel, it has experienced a rapid expansion within Kenya, and subsequently the Company has experienced a very interesting history over the years.

Kifaru Steel ensures it never forgets the steps it took to get to this point of success within the industry and its history is an everyday discussion within the Company, from its humble beginnings with a small wire products division to its current production of

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Having established a reputation for itself as innovative and forward thinking, the Blue Nile Group is expanding its product offering this year with the building of a new galvanised steel plant

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Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

over 150,000 tonnes per year.

“It has been one hell of a journey for us and despite ups and downs, a very exciting time,” explains Kotni Rao, President at Kifaru Steel. “We began by purchasing an existing company that was in trouble back in 2007, enabling the start of Blue Nile Wire Products Limited. Since that point our product capacity has expanded from 1,000 tonnes per year - which for the steel industry is no size at all - to 150,000 tonnes.”

The aforementioned take-over came after the Group split from one of the

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“It has been one hell of a journey for us despite ups and downs...”

largest traders of building materials, forming its own manufacturing outfit in Kenya which now comprises two particularly diverse industries. Each of these divisions within the Company is independently managed and run, while being governed by common policies and goals.

Now in 2017, the Company’s main operating lines are steel manufacturing, real estate and exports and operations are showing no sign of decline as Blue Nile becomes one of the leading commercial business houses in Kenya.

Genting HK, Zouk Clark Quay, Singapore Kotni Rao, President at Kifaru Steel

“We are incredibly proud of the reputation we have established in such a short space of time, becoming a well-known success story among those operating in the steel manufacturing sector,” adds Rao. “In order to keep up with the demands upon our reputation, we are diligent in installing state-of-the-art technology while also upgrading machinery when it is required.

“This enables us to produce high quality steelwhile maintaining the relevant safety standards, with all of our products deemed fit for usage

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INDICAA GROUP

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ncorporated in 1993, Indicaa Group Limited operates from its head office in Dubai. Founded, promoted & headed by Mr Sanjeev Garg, the Company commenced commercial operations trading in finished steel & pipe products.

Shortly afterwards the Company shifted its focus to ferrous scrap metal trading between the Middle East & the Indian Subcontinent. Intent on consolidating its position within the marketplace, the Company kept spreading its wings and launched procurement operations from Africa, UK & Eastern Europe and the Americas (including North & South America). Further steps were made to also offer its products and services to the ASEAN region.

Today, the Company’s operations encompasses more than 160 cities and ports across 60 countries on six continents, making the Group a global leader & a most reputable brand in the recycling industry.

All products are deemed fit for usage by KEBS

by KEBS, the body responsible for maintaining standards within the country.”

Its director-based ownership has moved Kifaru Steel forward through the implementation of these technologies, something that it has done since the Company came to fruition.

Rao states: “If you were to look at our factories on a daily basis, things are always changing and developing and we are aware that there will always be improvements and changes that we can make to our offering. As soon as we find a more efficient way of doing things, we will ensure they are put in place.”

The Company has reached this point of success through careful selection of its management team, led by people with the best experience within the fields of engineering, finance, law and administration.

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The Company’s annually traded volumes are in excess of one million metric tonnes (MTs). Industry pundits say that as of today, the Company controls nearly one-eighth of the world trade in containerised recyclables.

If you were to look at our factories on a daily basis, things are always changing and developing and we are aware that there will always be improvements and changes that we can make to our offering

In FY 2017, the Company hopes to trade in excess of 1.35 million MTs which mean that it will handle over 55,000 twentyfoot equivalent units (TEUs).

Taking to heart the Company’s motto of Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx “Pursuit of Excellence”, recent product expansion includes offering backward integration with a view to trading in semi-finished steel, billets & DRI in collaboration with their partners in RSA & India. Sales currently exceed 100,000 MTs of billets annually to the East African and Southeast Asian regions.

T +971 4 351 1222 E webaccess@indicca.com

www.indicaa.com

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

World’s Leading Transnational in Recyclables FERROUS & NON-FERROUS SCRAP METALS RECOVERED PAPER STEEL BILLETS 3SP/4SP/5SP GRADE DRI (SPONGE IRON) & SILICO MANGANESE MINERALS (CHROME AND MANGANESE ORES)

T: +971 4 351 1222 • E: webaccess@indicaa.com • www.indicaa.com PO Box 16983, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Facilities befitting a force to be reckoned with

Development for future needs

During its time in the industry, Kifaru Steel has developed a large and regular client base which includes some of the top business houses in the country to rival any of its competition.

“Instead of assessing what is currently going on in the industry, we have found it more beneficial over the years to look at what can be done in the future,” Rao describes. “We believe it is the best way to stay one step ahead of the competition, people don’t always know what they want and therefore it is our job to enlighten them through offering the best products in the industry.”

Kifaru Steel has recently worked on creating products that are focused on longevity, with a guarantee to last at least 10-15 years. Customers currently want this longevity, instead of focusing purely on price and it is what they appear to be expecting from companies such as Kifaru Steel in the future.

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“We have already developed our offering into two divisions that are completely functional to answer to our customer’s needs, one of those being Blue Nile Wire Products and the other Blue Nile Rolling Mills,” continues Rao. “Looking forward we are currently in the process of creating a galvanising plant which will be installed next year, enabling us to move into the galvanising industry in a more decisive way.”

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Products derived from longevity

Already a force to reckon with, the Blue Nile group plans to go for its IPO in the next few years which will enable it to expand at double the current rate.

Galvanised steel plant

Work on creating a galvanised steel plant has been in the pipeline for the Company for some time now and if all remains on target, should be ready for production next year.

“It is a new and exciting investment for us at Kifaru Steel and leads us into what we see as the future

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for the steel industry,” states Rao. “No one else has done this in Kenya, so we see it as a breakthrough in our local market where we will be at a global standard.”

Kifaru Steel will be using world-class materials and techniques in its exciting first expedition into becoming a global player in this fast-moving market.

Rao continues: “Although we are well aware that it is an incredibly fast moving market we are moving into, we are going into it with our eyes open and looking at things from a wider perspective than simply what is in front of us.”

Emphasis on people

Of course with moving into bigger markets there is even more emphasis placed on hiring the right people to take the Company further. Currently it only has 12 to 15 high-level employees, demonstrating just how careful the Company is in this area.

“We don’t just look at what a person

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will bring to the Company for the next five years, we look at the next 15 years of their career with us,” affirms Rao. “We also like to hire from universities, as we have found in the past that young graduates are the key to new ideas for the industry.”

Recently Kifaru Steel has started offering placements to its recruits from some of the top colleges and universities in India and Kenya, sending them into relevant industries in countries that are perhaps slight more advanced.

This has been very beneficial for the

Company in terms of development of new employees, as well as the addition of knowledge to the business.

“Even though these young recruits are new to the industry as a whole, we have seen great results from them and strongly encourage this development when it comes to moving our Company forward,” concludes Rao. “I believe this way of thinking is one of our main differentiators and with the support of our widely experienced management team, it will continue to drive us on to success within the industry.”

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qua Services & Engineering (ASE) - the Namibian arm of Veolia Water Technologies - is the country’s most expansive water treatment company; thriving as a key supplier of turnkey water and wastewater treatment solutions.

The Company provides the aforementioned solutions to municipalities, industries and water utility companies in Namibia on both a large and small-scale.

“We have successfully utilised our experience and expertise within the region to enable the customisation of the latest water treatment technologies,” begins Luther Rukira, Managing Director at ASE. “Our solutions easily meet the needs of the country’s water challenges and we are committed to the continuation of optimising and maintaining Namibia’s water infrastructure, having played a central role in several of the region’s keynote water treatment installations.”

As part of its service, the Company offers on-site water analysis, planning, design and consultation work, turnkey engineering, project management and construction, commissioning, water lifecycle analysis and the operation and maintenance of plants to its clients.

Established in 1993 by Mr Christian Stock as Aqua Services & Engineering (Pty) LTD (ASE), the Company has been catering for the municipal water treatment needs of Namibia for nearly a quarter of a century.

Rukira explains: “Our business quickly grew to become a household name in Namibia, quickly developing systems that enable us to provide solutions ranging from the supply of chemicals, design and execution of water and wastewater treatment projects.”

Water treatment chemicals

Since 2008 ASE has been wholly owned by Veolia Water Technologies France and comprises three main

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EXPERT Engineering ASE is utilising its many years of experience in Namibia to create customised water treatment technologies, excelling in its field and expanding within its local market Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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departments dedicated to water solutions; these include engineered solutions, chemicals and operations & maintenance.

“Within our range of products we cover the entire spectrum of water treatment chemicals,” states Rukira.

“Our range includes disinfectants, coagulants and flocculants for both the municipal and industrial customers, all of which have led us to the position as the preferred agent and distributor for NCP, BASF, HACH, DOW and many others.”

The Company’s services have expanded dramatically over the years, especially from its initial municipal focus to more of an industrial and mining-based solution offering.

In the present day the Company designs and builds portable water and wastewater treatment plants, provides treatment plant operation and maintenance service while also selling instrumentation, dosing pumps and prepaid water meters.

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Skills development at ASE has always been a core focus for the Company, ensuring that its core technical staff always maintains the most up-to-date knowledge within the industry.

Alongside this knowledge base, ASE also creates the best cost-conscious designs within the industry that require very little maintenance and allow the Company to focus its efforts in other areas such as training.

“We have found a great need in the industry to create technological solutions at an affordable price, enabling us to keep lifecycle costs low,” comments Rukira. “All of our work in this area is ISO 9000 certified and puts a great emphasis on our ability to maintain quality through the entirety of our activities.

“We have successfully constructed hundreds of water and wastewater treatment plants across Namibia, aided by our skilled team and honed processes within the Company.”

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Modern system integration should enable robust systems that communicate their information for maximum uptime and real-time, relevant decision making across all hierarchies.

The PCS Global group of companies consists of multi-disciplinary teams which produce a variety of solutions to meet the needs of even the most demanding customer. With a presence in South Africa, Namibia, Ghana and Zimbabwe we aim to support Africa’s growth and industrial revolution.

PCS Global Namibia is at the forefront of integrating legacy industrial systems and modern information systems to achieve new heights in business performance and robustness against downtime. We achieve this by leveraging a combination of the following: • Legacy SCADA systems • Cloud SCADA systems and edge connectivity • Industrial IoT sensors and communication

A product range that covers the entire spectrum

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• Enterprise information systems integration

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In every town and city in Namibia there are signs of ASE’s presence, both in terms of the chemicals supplied to the area and the water and wastewater treatment plants located there. Alongside its original chain of operations, the Company’s reach is spreading to all the major mines as well as companies within the food and beverage industry.

Improving municipal services

The vast majority of ASE’s projects are won either through the route of formal tenders, or alternatively by invitation from a client where the Company will develop a suitable solution for the requirements.

Rukira comments: “We will always ensure we maintain close contact with our key clients within the industry and municipalities, enabling us to keep abreast of developments and be in a position to offer them solutions as and when they need them.”

Recently the Company has witnessed an influx in significant projects for governmental clients, as well as its municipal and industrial customers.

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Rukira states: “We have gained huge amounts of experience in potable water over the years through the generation of water from boreholes and freshwater sources and even by reusing wastewater, as seen in our work for the New Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant in Windhoek.”

Services at a competitive price

The Aqua logo is synonymous with quality

“Some of the more notable projects recently have included sewage treatment works for the municipalities of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay,” continues Rukira. “We also worked on sewage treatment works for town and village councils located in Ogongo, Oniipa, Okongo and moving into 2018 will be working on upgrades to the sewage treatment works

When it comes to creating a value for money offering for its clients, ASE has found that the supply chain is a vital aspect in achieving this.

“We currently represent a large number of manufacturers in South Africa, Europe and the US for our chemical business,” explains Rukira.

“Many of these have been attained through leveraging global framework agreements between Veolia and international suppliers of equipment, two factors which have enabled us to continue to deliver services at a competitive price.”

This links in well to the international drive within Veolia to increase efficiencies through streamlining its processes, internally this will be achieved through a move into cloudbased systems in order to optimise performance. This will be carried out both on a company and employee level and ASE is already making progress in this area on a regular basis.

“We have developed knowledge of the Namibian water treatment business that is second to none in the industry and continue to establish and develop ourselves with the help of our skilled employees,” concludes Rukira. “I hope to be able to report and reclamation plant of the city of in the future that ASE has further Windhoek.” consolidated its market share in all With such prominent projects for the areas of the business, while also Company coming in on a regular basis, operating some of the larger potable it has worked tirelessly to improve water and wastewater treatment its municipal water services. Offering plants in the country. end-to-end for the provision of potable “This is something that is looking water, utilising a variety of treatment ever increasingly possible day-by-day techniques and technologies to and we are incredibly excited for what achieve the best possible solution. is to come.”

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Delivering

SOLUTIONS DB Schenker’s 2020 sustainability strategy is set to bring economic, social and environmental improvements to Kenya’s industrial fabric Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

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B Schenker continues to apply its globally-leading logistics expertise on a more local scale in Kenya courtesy of a socially responsible ethos that has helped ingratiate the heavyweight into the region for more than 50 years.

Incepting in the country back in 1966 as Schenker Ltd, last year saw the Company celebrate its 50th anniversary of being fully operational across all areas of international logistics as a functional subsidiary of Schenker AG. “We operate five offices within Kenya with a branch office in Mombasa, Malaba, Kisumu, Nairobi and a head office at Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” explains the Company. “Schenker Ltd presently offers the full range of international logistics services; besides having all required licenses such as Customs Clearance license, and IATA license. We operate import sea freight consolidations and airfreight consolidations from various European points of origin to Kenya. “[And] in the area of airfreight export of perishables, we are one of the largest IATA Cargo agents. We operate our own warehouses including three cold stores at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as we have additional warehouses for dry cargo in Nairobi and Kisumu and a further dedicated warehouse for removal goods.”

Always looking to diversify the remit and to meet more and more consumer demands in the country, DB Schenker Kenya has since expanded to offer international door-to-door removal services by both sea and air as a special service; including trucking across the wider East African region.

The Company adds: “Other services offered include: free pre-pack surveys and estimates, local house-to-house moves, office moves, long and short term storage, archiving and documents storage, special car clearance and

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MAKUPA TRANSIT Makupa Transit Shade CFS and Boss Freight Terminal CFS are 100 percent are Kenyan owned companies aiming for excellence in service delivery, ISO9002 accredited with processes directed by a measurement culture driving continuous improvement to benefit our customers.

Makupa Transit Shade CFS operates on a 12 acre site (soon to be 24 acres) adjacent to Port of Mombasa. Boss Freight Terminal CFS operates a nine acre CBD site next to Mbaraki Wharf.

Together they handle all import cargo, both local and transit, transhipment and export handling FCL and LCL containers, Ro-Ro, heavy equipment, break-bulk and project cargo.

Air transport is a core element of DB Schenker’s portfolio

transport. We boast of our own welltrained and experienced packing crew, clean branded trucks and a wide range of high quality packing materials, as well as a well-equipped carpentry department.”

Ultimately, the Company is able to offer the same market-leading products and services as it does across the rest of its global footprint; comprising air freight, land transport, contract logistics, ocean freight and eco solutions. And these are carried out across the full spectrum of relevant industries including aerospace, automotive, chemical, consumer, electronics, healthcare, retail and semiconductor/solar energy.

“Being part of the Schenker group with about 95,000 employees worldwide spread across 2,000 locations in more than 130 countries, we are in the unique position to handle most shipments from point to point under the DB Schenker umbrella,” the Company affirms on its website.

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www.makupatransit.com

Specialised industry expertise

...we are in the unique position to handle most shipments from point to point under the DB Schenker umbrella

Everything that has been achieved in Kenya reflects back to the wider DB Schenker brand and influence emanating from its headquarters in Germany. Its global network geared around customer service, quality and sustainability has been applied successfully in each new operating region and in Kenya where the country has enjoyed almost unparalleled levels of performance, service and safety.

DB Schenker’s HQ is in Frankfurt, Germany

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And this is regardless of complexity, despite the African business climate proving challenging on occasions.

Logistical obstacles are plentiful but it hasn’t deterred a Company that has become synonymous with problem solving and innovation.

“We are well equipped for any and all challenges thanks to our robust business model. Merging international markets and increasing flows of goods are challenges we face every day, and at the same time are what drives our business,” the business emphasises.

“Our customers, from regional familyowned companies to international corporations, must be able to act with increasing speed and flexibility, and on a global scale; whether in terms of procurement, production or sales markets.

“We have set out to link these markets using environmentally friendly, intercontinental and seamless logistics chains. To do so, we have developed appropriate door-to-

We are well equipped for any and all challenges thanks to our robust business model

door solutions and complex service packages covering the entire value chain.”

Kenya is just one of more than 130 countries around the world that have benefited from the DB Schenker experience, epitomising the Company’s ability to work as part of an international network, but to operate locally.

“We offer integrated services from a single source: seamless transportation chains across all carriers - whether freight train, truck, ship or airplane - combined with complex additional logistical services,” the Company continues. “Thanks to our specialised industry expertise, we have been a partner of the automotive, consumer goods and high-tech industries for years, just to name a few examples.

We offer our customers an increasing number of integrated industry solutions in these market segments.”

Ultimately, the balance between local and national allows the business to

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originate and to be successful anywhere.

And alongside its differentiators including diversity, logistics expertise and efficiency, its core advantage remains the Company’s people, and the enhanced levels of customer service that are produced.

“Providing world-class customer service is a DB Schenker key differentiator. Customer loyalty and partnership through innovative solutions is our ultimate goal. Our local customer service representatives combined with support from our global service centre, vertical market

teams and client services personnel ensure that you will always enjoy the best possible customer experience.”

Acting sustainably and successfully

By having these philosophies firmly in place, it also facilitates heightened adherence to fluctuating industry trends, and DB Schenker has become renowned for its ability to stay ahead of the sector curve over the years.

In recent times, much of this ethos has revolved around the growing awareness of and demand for climate protection.

Work on new design approaches is ongoing

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The Company details: “In a time in which environmental consciousness is increasingly becoming a social responsibility, we help our customers improve their environmental footprint.

DB Schenker’s climate protection activities are an integral component of DB’s Climate Protection Programme 2020. This programme aims to cut the DB Group’s specific CO2 emissions emissions from transport services - by an additional 20 percent worldwide between 2006 and 2020. This target is based on achievements made in recent years: DB has already reduced

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its specific CO2 emissions from rail transport by more than 40 percent since 1990.

“The logistics sector has defined specific savings targets in all business units, for example in optimising fleets and improving the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities.”

Sustainable freight forwarding is now the linchpin from which DB Schenker’s operations flourish; focusing on the sparing use of resources, energy efficiency and the aforementioned reduction of CO2 emissions as part of the Company’s 2020 goals.

“Our strategy sets the foundation for the sustainable success of DB Schenker. It encompasses every dimension of sustainability: economic success, social responsibility, and environmental protection,” the Company concludes. “By 2020, we will be a profitable market leader and hold top positions in our target markets.

Building on our long-term financial stability we will continue to invest in

Providing worldclass customer service is a DB Schenker key differentiator.

Customer loyalty and partnership through innovative solutions is our ultimate goal

growth markets, new business and the expertise of our employees.

We will deliver innovative products based on high performing processes and IT systems so that our customers remain completely satisfied with our leading-edge networks and industry solutions.

“By 2020, we will be the ecopioneer of our industry. Our green product portfolio and expertise in eco-consulting are at the heart of our strategy. They deliver a clear competitive advantage for our customers and for us. DB Schenker will be considered the benchmark in terms of carbon and energy efficiency.

“Our strategy for 2020 encompasses all dimensions of acting sustainably and successfully.

It will assure that economic, social, and environmental aspects are in harmony. With our strategy, we are well positioned and set to make our common vision a reality.”

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Access to Energy for

Everyone Schneider Electric’s influence across the SADC region has successfully infiltrated numerous industrial and energy domains over the years, but its more recent data centre efforts emphasise a more innovative facet of its operations Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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ased on Schneider Electric’s motto of ‘Life is On’ and its belief that access to energy is a basic human right, the organisation continues to diversify and migrate across sectors in order to diffuse its innovative solutions across as wide a spectrum as possible.

As the global specialist in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric creates connected technologies that will reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives.

Catering for all nations within the SADC region - from Angola, Malawi and Zambia all the way down to South Africa - its four pillars present in the current day set the tone for sustainable services, forward-thinking solutions and wider community enrichment; all with this common goal of energy accessibility in mind.

Often, these forays into new domains have been facilitated by strategic acquisitions to compound its successful organic growth, and this has certainly been the case in regards to its recent data centre drive; an area at the peak of development in Africa at the moment, crying out for a Company like Schneider Electric to apply its technical expertise.

“As part of our IT infrastructure business, our role in traditional date centres was enhanced via an acquisition of American Power Corporation (APC) which subsequently formed Schneider Electric IT Business Unit, enabling our penetration into the infrastructure markets,” explained the Company’s Vice President of the IT Business, Bruce Grobler in 2016.

“APC by Schneider Electric is divided into three main segments; distribution which looks after traditional singlephase backup power, home and network facilities, and office backup power. Then there is secure power, where we go to sectors such as mining and water and provide secure power for critical applications. And finally, we

have the traditional date centre and IT infrastructure business.”

As a clear market leader in the market, APC’s existing offering prior to the Schneider Electric acquisition was blessed with differentiators and unrivalled value, leaving the latter in an odd - yet comforting - position where it could both leverage the existing model, while using it as a platform to introduce its own expertise to add further value to the offering.

Through the secure power strand of Schneider Electric, the business was able to bring a new dimension to the APC structure, ultimately forming a best of both worlds where each business’ expertise, specialised business partners and reputation could flourish under one banner.

“Our data centre and secure power business is growing astronomically and it’s now a case of trying to rebrand ourselves in terms of retail to capitalise on APC’s role as market leader and to revolutionise ourselves from a brand awareness perspective in order to be strong in this space for a very long time,” Grobler emphasised.

Adding value

This most recent pillar epitomises the evolution of Schneider Electric over the years, in establishing a stronghold in a certain industry segment, optimising the knowledge already established

Bruce Grobler, Vice President of the ITB arm

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within the business, and making up for any shortfalls in the expertise-base through methodical acquisitions.

Its traditional partner pillar kickstarted this ethos in catering for the typical distributor, equipment and contractor space via its energy management solutions.

“So this included the panel builders, distributors, contractors, overloads and traditional switchgear equipment that we are specifically known for,” Grobler picked up. “The channels there are traditional distributors, electrical distributors, wholesalers, our electricians, our panel builders and those kinds of avenues.

“The next pillar is our industrial market, looking after various segments such as mining, water, and food and beverage; providing system integrators, industrial integrators and turnkey projects into these various segments.

“The third pillar is our traditional energy market, and that’s what we deem as our energy distribution segment. We don’t do the transmission of energy, but we do distribution, and that includes transformers, medium voltage switchgear and very much the distribution to power grids and smart grids across Southern Africa.”

As showcased by the APC acquisition, Schneider Electric’s success across each pillar has derived from not only its reputation within the wider industry, but its consequential ability to leverage this reputation to complete some of the most significant acquisitions in each respective sector.

From a partner project perspective, this has included the acquisition of a local panel making facility in South Africa to facilitate customised electrical panels three years ago. On an industrial scale, the same method was applied in acquiring multiple companies to

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enhance its standing in the market; resultantly being able to integrate a hybrid DCS system to boast a platform up there with any others in the surrounding sector.

Energy-wise, the acquisition of Ariva proved to be one of the business’ key investments of recent years from a distribution point of view, to add a further element of vertical integration to its manufacturing function.

Grobler continued: “What Schneider Electric does very well is not only bring in a company, but then adds value to

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that company. For instance, on the IT side, we were very much industrial but we were missing a key aspect of our world in terms of the IT infrastructure.

“Schneider Electric really wanted to get into that space and APC is the market leader in being able to create not just the backbone of a data centre but the entire infrastructure to build around that too.

So that’s really how this final pillar came to be, and Schneider Electric thought that would be a massive opportunity for us to grow in that world.”

Market maturity

Rather than simply taking on the best in the business and thriving under that guise, Schneider Electric has proven itself equally adept at reinventing each of its pillars over the years in reaction to various industry trends and consumer requirements.

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However, the main challenge derives not from sector trends, but the levels of maturity across the Company’s geographical footprint, as Grobler detailed: “You get South Africa which is one of the major BRICS and then you get the other SADC countries like Angola or Mozambique or Zambia who might be lagging slightly behind.

“So in regards to trends in South Africa, it’s a very mature market and I’m seeing South African institutions not wanting to build their own data centres, rather taking the prospect to a traditional colocation (colo) company and saying ‘you host it for me, I don’t want to hire people, all I want to do is hire space from you’.”

Global internet heavyweights are therefore coming into the country via a hosting partner, while players in peripheral industries such as telecoms are being presented the opportunity to branch out into new domains of the first time via the expertise that companies like Schneider Electric can offer.

Conversely, in the rest of Southern Africa, companies are still looking to carry their own burden - or flagship data centre, depending on the outlook - which in turn calls for heightened levels of education and support which can only be offered up by a business of Schneider Electric’s knowledge base.

“What we’re doing now is certifying and training our partners so they become an extension of me into Africa,” Grobler noted. “So we make sure that we train partners that are local to be able to give that support in the country.

“I am also opening up a training academy, which is very difficult normally for companies like us, which will train people across basic fault finding, partnership building,

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engineering certifications and technical is compounded by further charitable aspects; it will be in South Africa, for works that embrace areas of education Africa.” and practical application, to bring its CSR efforts full circle back to its core Energy for everyone operations.

Empowering individuals and “Our business aspirations are not enhancing skill-sets is one key facet just about continuing to be the market of the Company’s corporate social leader in transactional business, but responsibility plan too, with a skills are about launching ourselves into gap still evident across some areas of becoming smarter,” Grobler stated.

Schneider’s jurisdiction.

“We need to make sure that even However, its primary ambitions though we’re the market leaders now, remain intertwined in its strive towards we continue to keep growing with energy accessibility, and its BIPBOP the trends and revolutionising the initiative to create electrification for business. We will continue to provide Africa forms a pivotal part of this drive solutions to existing customers of the at present. business while striving to position and “We went to a village in Durban maintain ourselves as industry leaders. with plastic lights that you can charge “Overall, our key differentiator and put into your housing, and we has always been access to energy for pretty much installed all of these in everyone; from people in Africa to the houses, as well as a central battery industrial corporations, there needs charging facility,” Grobler explained. to be access to energy. And this Other insertions include solar street will continue to be the key driver of lamps and water purification plants everything that Schneider Electric does as part of its BIPBOP scheme, and this moving forward.”

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THE OIL TRADING AND LOGISTICS (OTL) AFRICA DOWNSTREAM WEEK

E V E N T

F O C U S including marketing, government regulation, trading, financing, risk management, pricing, refining, shipping, logistics and a host of others Speakers are selected from high-level industry practitioners representing market-leading organisations, together with experts, professionals and key government figures. This conference affords excellent one-on-one opportunities with some of the most sought after industry personalities and it is an unforgettable learning and business development experience.

Every downstream petroleum professional must endeavour to be part of this rare niche market event.

The biggest platform for downstream oil & gas businesses in Africa

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 22-25 October WHERE: Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria CONTACT: info@otlafrica.com WEBSITE: www.otlafrica.com

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THE OIL TRADING and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week is Africa’s intellectual forum for defining the value chain for midstream and downstream petroleum business on the continent.

Globally acknowledged as the biggest platform for downstream oil & gas businesses in Africa, the event enters its 11th edition this year from 2225 October, 2017 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

Conference

OTL AFRICA Downstream will be headlined by a strategic conference featuring more than 55 speakers.

Sub-themes and sessions cover salient parts of the industry value chain

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Exhibition

OTL Africa Downstream Exhibition is an excellent opportunity to showcase products, services and innovation relevant to the industry.

Arguably Africa’s largest pool of uniquely targeted markets for oil & gas products and services, the exhibition enjoys attendance of top executives from the largest and most successful downstream petroleum companies with the goal of improving their performance and identifying solutions to help them deliver.

OTL AFRICA Industry Dinner 2017

The OTL Downstream Industry Dinner and Awards is a unique and exclusive black tie event for the downstream oil & gas industry operators to relax, unwind and take stock of key milestones. It features the OTL Awards which celebrate excellence, innovation and value in industry, professional services and operations across the downstream oil and gas value chain. It also promotes research and development.

A F R I C A H E A LT H B U S I N E S S S Y M P O S I U M ( A H B S )

E V E N T

F O C U S

Transforming PPPs for health in Africa EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 6-7 November WHERE: King Fahd Palace Hotel, Dakar, Senegal WEBSITE: www.africahealthbusiness.com

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BUSINESS SPENDING ACROSS the African continent is expected to grow from US$2.6 trillion in 2015 to US$3.5 trillion by 2025. This trend is driving greater demand for quality, affordable healthcare services from the low and middle income households compromising 70 percent of Africa’s purchasing power.

Recognising collaboration as critical to meeting this demand, the private healthcare sector, governments, and development agencies are increasingly invested in public-private partnerships to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes.

Hosted by Africa Health Business

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Ltd. (AHBL), the Alliance du Secteur Privé de la Santé - Senegal, and the Ministry of Health - Senegal; AHBS II offers a platform to connect with thought leaders from the public and private sectors, iNGOs, academia, and development agencies to share lessons learned and catalyse collaborative action to strengthen PPPs focused on five key game-changers for health in Africa.

PRACTICAL NIGERIAN CONTENT FORUM

E V E N T

F O C U S

Spend three days with local content leaders as they address today’s most pressing challenges

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OVER THE PAST six years, the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum organised in partnership with the Nigerian Content and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has developed alongside the Nigeria Oil & Gas Content Development Act (NOGICDA).

In 2011, the first PNC Forum gathered industry stakeholders to explore the requirements of the NOGICDA. During PNC 2012 to PNC 2014, participants outlined the challenges being faced in compliance and explored potential solutions with representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC, the NCDMB and other government agencies. PNC 2015 and 2016 celebrated the progress made to date, re-examined the objectives of the NOGICD Act and reviewed the top priorities for compliance in the new

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economic climate of lower oil prices.

PNC 2017 will provide an update on the steps that have been taken by the Government and industry stakeholders over the past year to ensure the sustenance of Nigerian Content efforts in today’s operating environment.

The 7th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, officially supported by the NCDMB, will be taking place 6-9 November, 2017 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom for the first time.

Spend three days with the top leaders in local content as they address today’s most pressing challenges.

You’ll leave with new strategies on increasing Nigerian content implementation, and knowledge on Nigerian content initiatives being implemented by the Federal Government.

THE WORLD MARKETING CONGRESS

E V E N T

F O C U S Purpose vs Purposeful

Discussing how businesses can grow, thrive and win by being a positive force in the world EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 24-25 November WHERE: Taj Lands End, Mumbai, India CONTACT: aalok.pandit@ worldmarketingcongress.org WEBSITE: www.worldmarketingcongress.org

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A RECENT ARTICLE in the media reported the death of the ‘failed strategy’ of CSR. It argued that a new era of social purpose was emerging, with brands developing growth strategies geared towards a genuinely positive impact on society.

Sustainability reports, strategic CSR and even marketing campaigns were all bundled together claiming to be “purpose”.

If purpose is defined as so many different things, does it start to become a little meaningless? And are we in danger of a new kind of ‘purposewash’, where brands claim to be ‘benefiting the world’ then just carrying on with business as usual?

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Part of the problem is the seemingly interchangeable words of purpose and purposeful. We see a difference between ‘having a business purpose’ and ‘being a purposeful business’. The former outlines the reason a business exists over and above simply ‘making money’ and is also sometimes known as the ‘Why’ or ‘Core Ideology’.

A purposeful business is a business that exists primarily to tackle a problem or challenge in the world in some specific way, and sees the sale of products and services as a vehicle for this positive change.

For a purposeful business, money represents freedom; the freedom to pursue a mission, to make a difference, and to measurably and impactfully change lives. It is these businesses that tend to enjoy the biggest rewards of acting with purpose; higher staff productivity and retention, greater customer loyalty, improved regulatory relationships, etc.

Thus our questions are:

• What does purposeful look like?

• How important is the internal culture?

• How does commitment to their purpose impact influencing other stakeholders?

• Does a term like “The purpose journey” hold ground?

These are our thoughts for the future of business; one where businesses grow, thrive and win by being a positive force in the world. And the more they do, the better the world will be for all of us.

FUTURE ENERGY EAST AFRICA

E V E N T

F O C U S

What does the future hold for the East African Energy Market?

EARLY BIRD EXPIRES 30 SEPTEMBER REGISTER ONLINE

FUTURE ENERGY EAST Africa has evolved from the East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC).

After years of close collaboration with utilities, governments, regulators, large power users, consultants and Uncover the hot topics in East Africa’s energy sector as presented by the key solution providers it has become the stakeholders in the region number one power conference and E V EDevelop N long-lasting T D E T A I L S partnerships with the power players operating in the East African energy market exhibition in East Africa and will take WHEN:Gain insight into East Africa’s power sector place from 29-30 November, 2017 in 29-30 November Nairobi, Kenya. More than 45 suppliers from across the world will not only WHERE: 29 – 30 NOVEMBER 2017 exhibit their latest technology and Pre-conference: November 2017 | Site visit: 1 December 2017 Safari Park28 Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya solutions but will be waiting to share Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya CONTACT: their experience, case studies and best jason.zeelie@spintelligent.com practices with you. There is no better EAPIC place to be inspired by companies like WEBSITE: Alstom-Grid, KPLC and Kengen, just to For more information, please contact Jason Zeelie www.future-energy-eastafrica.com T: jason.zeelie@spintelligent.com I E: + 27 21 700 3557 mention a few. www.future-energy-eastafrica.com A core theme at the 2016 edition of the East African Power Industry Previously

East African Power Industry Conven on

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Under the auspices of the

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND PETROLEUM

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Convention was: “What does the future hold for the East Africa Energy Market?” This stirred a necessary discussion. It was decided that East Africa not only needs to address shortterm goals but to aim for longevity and sustainability. However, in order to look to the future, one has to adapt to an ever-changing market; a market that is constantly evolving due to innovative technologies and mindsets.

Future Energy East Africa is the largest and longest running regional power conference and exhibition in East Africa, making it a well-known and trusted brand. The event boasts both a strategic conference and a large trade exhibition which provides a platform for public and private stakeholders to engage in discussions around the future of the East African energy sector, giving stakeholders the opportunity to benchmark their operations, challenges and achievements against their peers and seek suppliers who are looking to gain access to projects across the region.

The event offers both dynamic roundtable discussions and dedicated technical workshops; with fringe events including investment breakfast briefings, Future Energy Leaders, CEO Forum, Women in Power luncheon, networking functions, off-site visits to installations and a black tie industry awards function. Future Energy East Africa is the only event that can boast high-level delegations from ministries, utilities and regulators from across the region.

EARLY BIRD EXPIRES 30 SEPTEMBER REGISTER ONLINE

Uncover the hot topics in East Africa’s energy sector as presented by the key stakeholders in the region Develop long-lasting partnerships with the power players operating in the East African energy market Gain insight into East Africa’s power sector

29 – 30 NOVEMBER 2017

Pre-conference: 28 November 2017 | Site visit: 1 December 2017

Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya Previously

EAPIC East African Power Industry Conven on

Under the auspices of the

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND PETROLEUM

For more information, please contact Jason Zeelie T: jason.zeelie@spintelligent.com I E: + 27 21 700 3557

www.future-energy-eastafrica.com

GAS OPTIONS: NORTH & WEST AFRICA SUMMIT

E V E N T

F O C U S

EnergyNet’s Morocco Energy Week gets underway this November LOCAL PARTNER:

Africa

GAS OPTIONS

NORTH AND WEST AFRICA 29-30 November 2017

HYATT REGENCY – CASABLANCA Investor Insights into Gas Economies and Projects of North and West Africa

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 29-30 November WHERE: Hyatt Regency, Casablanca, Morocco

‘Gas Options – North & West Africa’ will provide stakeholders a platform to engage governments and national utilities across the North & West Africa region, bringing together major developers, investors, IOCs and DFIs from across the world.

LEAD SPONSOR LNG SUPPLIER

STRATEGIC PARTNER

CONTACT: GO-NWA@energynet.co.uk

Gas-to-power will be the innovation that starts it all

WEBSITE: www.gasoptions-nwafrica.com Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet

#GONWA17 | WWW.GASOPTIONS-NWAFRICA.COM | GO-NWA@ENERGYNET.CO.UK

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ALONGSIDE OUR LONGSTANDING partners from the Kingdom of Morocco: the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development, ONEE and ONYHM, The Gas Options: North & West Africa Summit will take to Casablanca on 29-30 November, 2017. The investment summit will be co-located with the annual Africa Renewable Energy Forum as part of EnergyNet’s Morocco Energy Week.

Gathering some of the biggest global investors active in the gas market, the prestigious meeting explores gas development within the North and West Africa’s region and the positive economic and industrial impact the development of gas-to-

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power programmes will have on the Maghreb and ECOWAS region as a whole.

The trailblazing Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project will, of course, be at the heart of discussions, and the Summit will start the highly anticipated conversation regarding the economic and industrial opportunities to arise from this project. Furthermore, the meeting will address the most recent updates from the Kingdom of Morocco’s Energy Ministry and ONEE with regards to this new Gas-to-Power programme.

An assembly of updates and shared insight, the agenda will also delve into crucial discussion on privatesector engagement, regional gas development, and integrating the Moroccan energy market into the Euro-Mediterranean energy market.

In the spirit of progress and achievement, the investment summit not only provides a platform for the assembly of C-suite private sector participants, senior representatives from governmental, utility, and regulatory bodies from across Africa to engage in crucial discussion regarding regional gas development, it also constitutes as a celebration of these landmark developments and crystallises the monumental triumphs of the region.

LOCAL PARTNER:

Africa

GAS OPTIONS

NORTH AND WEST AFRICA 29-30 November 2017

HYATT REGENCY – CASABLANCA Investor Insights into Gas Economies and Projects of North and West Africa

‘Gas Options – North & West Africa’ will provide stakeholders a platform to engage governments and national utilities across the North & West Africa region, bringing together major developers, investors, IOCs and DFIs from across the world.

LEAD SPONSOR LNG SUPPLIER

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Gas-to-power will be the innovation that starts it all Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet #GONWA17 | WWW.GASOPTIONS-NWAFRICA.COM | GO-NWA@ENERGYNET.CO.UK

Outlook Creative Services

Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

DESIGN:

E D I TO R I A L :

Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 959 656 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

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