Africa Outlook - Issue 64

www.africaoutlookmag.com

AFRICA ISSUE 64

TEMA PORT 20 Ghana’s gateway to the world

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 24 South Africa: Moving closer to a shared economy

ALSO FEATURING: A X X O N S O F T

|

WBHO WEST AFRICA

Leaving a lasting local legacy

72

T R I-S TA R CO N S T RU C T I O N

DALBIT PETROLEUM 136 Bettering lives and moving Africa forward

|

AFRICACOM

Business Travel Guides

A complete guide to Africa’s leading business travel destinations

S O U T H

B

A F R I C A

South Africa South Africa is striving to realise its own vast potential, with no shortage of help from SAACI; an association looking to capitalise on the ‘bleisure’ industry Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Joe Palliser

20

outh Africa has seen its share of ups and downs over the years; a fluctuation of economy, industries and reputation that is cast more vehemently into the spotlight as a result of its ‘gateway to the continent’ status.

In reality, the country still remains the leading light from a touristic, business and dynamism perspective.

And while it is by no means the complete article, there are still more than enough reasons to keep South Africa as your prospective gateway should you choose to visit the wonderful continent of Africa.

As ever, the prime concern surrounding the sustainability of this status revolves around economic stability. The cycle of a positive economic infrastructure, creating more opportunities, leading to a more advanced proposition, contributing to increased incomes from the rest of the world; hangs in the balance at all times. Africa Outlook spoke with the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)’s CEO, Rudi van der Vyver about the pitfalls that still remain, and – importantly – the vast opportunities that can still be capitalised on from a business development perspective.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

“The biggest stumbling blocks we have seen in recent years with the development of the country – and Johannesburg is a good example within the business events industry has been the vulnerability we have in Africa in terms of perception management,” he says. “Africa is still seen by the international market in many cases as one country. This may seem like a strange concept but is evident in the booking declines seen when there is media attention around instability on the continent or even health concerns with outbreaks like Ebola etc.

“This being said, Johannesburg has still seen consistent growth within the business events space. South Africa is a world-class destination and with the consistent development within the industry and especially from private sector investment, there continues to be a great pace of growth. We consistently see new venues being added to the stable and infrastructure

T

R

A

V

E

L

development also continues on an ongoing basis.”

Van der Vyver predicts that the conversation surrounding Johannesburg – as South Africa’s largest city and an indictment of trends across the rest of the country – will be very different in as little as five years’ time.

He adds: “I think we will see major improvements in infrastructure. Ease of access, public transport as well as safety will be items of top priority for us to continue growing the business events industry.

“I believe we’ll see more venues creating that immersive experience for delegates/travellers by linking our history and culture closely to their venues and using this concept to create a more collaborative business environment, as we are all moving closer to a shared economy, especially within the business events and business tourism space.”

AFRICA

FACTS & FIGURES

Capitals:

Pretoria; Bloemfontein; Cape Town

Area:

1.2 million square kilometres

Population (2018): 57.7 million GDP (2018): $742.4 billion Currency: South African rand (ZAR)

Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:

UTC+2 +27 .za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21

24 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, Ryan Gray or Jordan Levey to find out more. joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 668

W E L C O M E

AFRICA

Stay Connected AFRICA In the aftermath of this year’s extensive mining focus (and with next year’s Mining Indaba partnership already on the horizon), Africa Outlook has taken the chance this month to revisit the former flagship sector of technology.

In our early days, the likes of Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo, MTN and Oracle formed the front line of industry success stories, and in this August edition, we revert back to this innovative theme via CMC Networks; a Company that is reminding us to stay connected, and is facilitating the most advanced and efficient ways to do so.

Since a majority shareholding acquisition by The Carlyle Group last year, the continent-leading telecommunications specialist has been able to take its turnkey offering to another level in 2018 and I spoke with CEO, Maria Trisolino about the Company’s exciting and customer-centric evolution.

“The customer is King,” Trisolino states. “We cannot repeat this enough. We go the extra mile to deliver both simple and complex solutions. CMC is very agile from a process and delivery perspective meeting our customer requirements from design, to pricing, and final delivery.”

While mining is certainly still on the agenda across the remainder of our showcasing segment – virtue of African Mining Services and WBHO West Africa – we’ve also taken the opportunity this month to reconnect with more consumerfacing segments of industry in the form of retail and healthcare.

Home of Living Brands and ITL Group represent the former, while MedHealth and Selfmed Medical Scheme discuss their respective transformations in the medical space.

Dalbit Petroleum, Tri-Star Construction, FGG Architects and Storage Management Systems complete the assortment, and importantly introduce you to our new-look editorial team as Africa Outlook ushers in a new era of production.

As I sadly depart, new Editorial Director, Tom Wadlow and Deputy Editor, Jonathan Dyble will take the reins during the next phase of the magazine’s exciting development and I wish them, and Outlook Publishing the very best of luck for the future.

Thank you all for reading these past four years, and remember to stay connected. www.africaoutlookmag.com

ISSUE 64

TEMA PORT 20 Ghana’s gateway to the world

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 24 South Africa: Moving closer to a shared economy

ALSO FEATURING: A X X O N S O F T

|

WBHO WEST AFRICA

Leaving a lasting local legacy

72

T R I-S TA R CO N S T RU C T I O N

DALBIT PETROLEUM 136 Bettering lives and moving Africa forward

|

AFRICACOM

EDITORIAL Editorial Directors: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Tom Wadlow tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Jonathan Dyble jonathan.dyble@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Images: Thinkstock by Getty Images

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Project Directors: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Head of Projects: Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com Training Development Manager: Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Sales Managers: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Jordan Levey jordan.levey@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 Lewis Bush lewis.bush@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@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 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, and all the best!

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

3

C

O

N

T

E

N

T

S

In this issue...

8 F

12

NEWS

All the latest stories from across Africa

E

A T

U

R

E

S

ECONOMY Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential

Can South African trade deals keep up with Africa’s economic growth?

16

TECHNOLOGY Prevention vs. Poachers Revolutionising conservation on the continent

S E C T O R F O C U S

20

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS Ghana’s Gateway to the World

Tema Port’s $1.5 billion expansion is on track

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

4

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

24

SOUTH AFRICA

38

SANDTON

46

MADAGASCAR

Moving closer to a shared economy The beating heart of South African business Africa’s nature reserve

AFRICA 56

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

142

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

T E C H N O L O G Y

58 72

Emulating South African success in North America

CMC NETWORKS The Customer is King

148

Remaining current and competitive in a dynamic domain

MINING & RESOURCES WBHO WEST AFRICA Mining for West Africa

STORAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS The Strongest Link FP DU TOIT TRANSPORT GROUP Driven to Deliver

Homegrown quality and services

R

E

116

Leaving a lasting local legacy

T

A

I

L

HOME OF LIVING BRANDS Spearheading South Africa’s Retail Transformation Gaining an edge through forward thinking

122 88

ITL GROUP Growing in Style

Expansion through development, acquisition and innovation

E V E N T

AFRICAN MINING SERVICES Mining with Integrity

156

An honest approach to regional industry success

F O C U S

REGIONAL ENERGY CO-OPERATION SUMMIT (RECS): WEST

Exploring West Africa’s energy development potential

158

EQUATORIAL GUINEA GAS SUMMIT & EXHIBITION

Putting Equatorial Guinea’s gas industry on the map

H E A L T H C A R E CONSTRUCTION

100

TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION Powering South Africa’s Infrastructure Developments Driving growth through adaptability

106

FGG ARCHITECTS Built to Last

112

TUBULAR HOLDINGS Invigorating Construction Through Diversification

65 years and counting

Pursuing specialisation through variation

126

MEDHEALTH Transforming Malawian Healthcare Revolutionising national medical schemes

132

SELFMED MEDICAL SCHEME Redefining Medical Scheme Healthcare

Facilitating progression through innovation

O

I

136

L

&

G

A

DALBIT PETROLEUM Fuelling Regional Growth Bettering lives and moving Africa forward

S

160

ECOMOF 2018

162

FRANCOREAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT SUMMIT

Discover one of Africa’s fastest growing markets

Developing the property investment opportunity

164

5TH MOZAMBIQUE GAS SUMMIT & EXHIBITION

166

SEAMLESS WEST AFRICA

168

BIG 5 CONSTRUCT EAST AFRICA

170

AFRICACOM

Inside Mozambique’s gas and LNG industry

Delivering disruption to West Africa’s payments industry

Unveiling Africa’s latest construction solutions Digital on Display

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

5

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

CONTACT DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 959 656 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

E D I TO R I A L : Matthew Staff +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 959 661 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

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

N

E

W

S

TECHNOLOGY

Africa’s First Commercial 5G Service Launched by Vodacom South African telco Vodacom has revealed it has created Africa’s first standards-based, commercial 5G service in Lesotho.

The Company will follow suit in in its home country once the same 3.5GHz spectrum becomes available, claiming it will be able to deliver speeds in excess of 700 Mbps and latencies of less than 10 milliseconds.

Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Vodacom prides itself on being a market leader and we are extremely pleased to be first to deliver 5G

8

services to customers in Africa.

“What we’ve accomplished in Lesotho is an example of what can be achieved in Africa, should the requisite spectrum also be made available.

“Vodacom will be able to make 5G services available to its customers in South Africa once requisite spectrum is assigned.

“Global technological advancements are evolving at a rapid pace and South Africa can’t afford to be left behind, particularly when we look at some of the potential

use cases for 5G to support critical sectors of our society such as healthcare and education.”

As South Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, Vodacom has also been the first to deploy 2G, 3G and 4G in the country over the years, and is now looking to 5G as a means to provide fibre-like speeds to customers and commercial clients.

The spectrum should be available in the first quarter of 2019, with South Africa’s telecoms ministry stating in March this year that the allocation would happen after long delays.

5G is becoming a vital component of the much-cited fourth industrial revolution. In a recent story published by the Company, Vodacom said the barriers to entry for many South African businesses lies in the scarcity of digital talent.

“We desperately need to find a solution to this challenge, and establish our role in enabling digital transformation across all sectors,” the Company said.

According to Frost & Sullivan, South African telecommunications operators are currently in the early stages of digital transformation, more so when compared to the level of progress being made in more developed markets “For starters, we need to embed digital literacy in the school curriculum, essentially instilling digital skillsets at the very core of our primary education,” Vodacom added.

“The unwelcomed reign of digital illiteracy needs to come to an abrupt end. We need to do away with the inability hindering the average Joe’s ability to use a smart device, an issue that has plagued South Africa’s rural areas lately. That in itself, poses as a major barrier to digital progression.”

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

AFRICA TRANSPORT

PHOTO BY STEVE FITZGERALD

Zambia Airways Returns 24 Years After Shutting Down Zambia’s national airline has resurfaced after spending more than two decades in the shadows.

The southern African nation’s carrier, Zambia Airways, has received an initial $30 million financial injection from Ethiopian Airlines, which will receive a 45 percent shareholding in the newly-launched firm.

In a statement from Ethiopian and Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation, Zambia Airways will operate 12 planes in a decade’s time.

The statement read: “The initial investment as we start up the national carrier will be $30 million.

Obviously, as we operate the airline, we will facilitate the financing necessary to support its growth.”

Zambia Airways will launch local and regional routes while

A Zambia Airways Boeing 737-200 in Nairobi, February 1976

intercontinental routes including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will be added in the near future.

IDC added in the statement: “For IDC, this investment represents our commitment to deepening and strengthening Zambia’s industrialisation.

“The establishment of the national airline will spur growth in the tourism sector and will have a significant multiplier effect on job creation through the different businesses in the aviation supply chain such as

hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, publishers, and others.”

Originally state-owned, Zambia Airways went bust in 1994 with privately-owned Zambian Airways operating services to other airports in Southern Africa – however, in 2009 the business ceased operations.

Ethiopian Airlines has been buying stakes in other African operators, notably Malawi Airlines. It is also in talks to set up new carriers in Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Chas and Djibouti.

percent to a record 90.8 million tons despite the subdued economy.

“A number of commodities achieved remarkable growth: chrome improved volumes by 17.5 percent to 6.7 million tons, while grain and manganese

volumes also achieved double digit growth at 16.7 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively.”

Major outgoings include a large investment in the acquisition of rail freight trains, with Transnet eager to update its locomotive fleet in anticipation of a rise in general freight volumes. So far around 400 new locomotives have been worked into operation – just over a third of the amount which make up a R30 billion investment.

Other major investment areas include a R2.3 billion spend on rail infrastructure, a R4.5 billion upgrade programme for current rolling stock and a R2 billion project in the maintenance and acquisition of cranes, tipplers, dredgers, tugs, straddle carriers and other port equipment.

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

South Africa’s Transnet Records 11 Percent Jump in Full-Year Revenues Transnet, the state-owned South African logistics company, has reported revenues of R79.9 Billion in the year ending March 2018.

This represents an 11 percent rise on the previous period, driven largely by increasing coal exports. Rail and port container freight increases of more than six percent also contributed to the Company’s strong financial performance.

In a statement, Transnet said: “The general freight business grew by 3.1

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

9

N

E

W

S FOOD & DRINK

Java House Inks Tea and Coffee Export Agreement with China

OIL & GAS

Angola to Launch National Agency of Petroleum and Gas Angola’s new President João Lourenço has announced the creation of a new organisation to handle oil concessions in a bid to boost production.

The National Agency of Petroleum and Gas has been established to help diversify the country’s mainstay industry and reduce the monopoly status held by Sonangol.

Angola is the second-largest oil economy in Africa, and President Lourenço wants to speed up the pace at which investments can be made in the country, not just in oil but other sectors.

Other measures include tax breaks for organisations aiding the development of non-oil industries and the processing of new legislation regarding gas rights.

Oil output is predicted to fall to a daily production of 1.5 million barrels, a 25 percent drop on 10 years ago.

The National Agency of Petroleum and Gas is expected to be up and running by January 2019 and is expected to take over various functions form Sonangol, which the ministry says will be able to focus on its core activities.

10

Kenyan coffee chain Java House has landed a deal to export coffee and tea to Chinese ecommerce firm Green Chain, a subsidiary of C.J. Smart Cargo International.

It is an important landmark in Java House’s growth journey, the Company expanding from a single Nairobi shop in 1999 to 57 across the wider East Africa region.

Boss Paul Smith said the agreement involves the export of 10-15 tonnes a month of Kenya AA Arabic coffee and Gold Label Tea, each sold in 375-gram bags.

Many companies are beginning to take advantage of China’s increasing

FINANCE

Estonia’s Taxify Plans Big Investment in East African Motorcycles and Rickshaws Taxify, the Estonian ride-hailing rival to Uber, has said it plans to invest millions of euros in East Africa.

The Company already has operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and now plans to expand its footprint by investing in popular modes of transport like motorcycles and rickshaws, collectively known as boda bodas.

Karl Aru, Taxify’s Expansion Manager for Africa, said: “Our focus is on providing the most appropriate means of transport for the customers and in East Africa we can see that boda bodas are getting the highest value for us.”

Taxify is now valued at around $1

love of coffee – traditionally a nation of avid tea-drinkers, the likes of Starbucks and Costa Coffee have enjoyed growing revenues in the country.

Asides entering China, Java House also plans to double its domestic network of stores over the next two years.

billion following a recent funding round which saw German automaker Daimler invest. It has beaten Uber to significant chunks of business in its native Central and Eastern Europe and major African cities.

The Estonian company claims to offer a better deal for drivers, taking commission of around 15 percent.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

AFRICA OIL & GAS

TECHNOLOGY

Tanzania Lines Up Uganda Gas Pipeline

Absa Enables Banking via WhatsApp

State-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said it wants to build a gas pipeline to transport gas into neighbouring Uganda.

Starting at the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam, TPDC’s pipeline would pass through Tanga Port and Mwanza before crossing the border.

The Company is looking to bring in a contractor to carry out a feasibility study, which will look at current and future demand for natural gas as well as the most economically viable route.

TPDC is yet to disclose estimates relating to volumes of gas it expects to transport.

South African bank Absa has launched a new service which allows customers to perform simple banking functions on WhatsApp. Named ChatBanking, the service is also available on Facebook’s Messenger.

Arrie Rautenbach, CE of Absa Retail and Business Banking, commented: “Customers will now be able to connect with Absa in a similar way that they chat with their friends, family and business associates.

“ChatBanking on WhatsApp will enable cost-effective, safe and easy digital interactions, and offer more accessible and efficient engagement with our customers through a secure interface.”

Tanzania is home to sizable gas reserves – an estimated 57 trillion cubic feet that mostly lies off the country’s west coast.

FINANCE

FINANCE

IMF says ‘Significant Progress’ Made in Talks with Kenya The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made headway in its bid to assess the Kenyan economy following a two-week visit to Nairobi which concluded at the start of August.

Initial signs look promising.

Kenya’s economy has continued to perform well, with real GDP growth accelerating to 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2018, from 4.9 percent in 2017.

Discussions focused on macroeconomic policies and structural reforms aiming to ensure the sustainability of investmentdriven, inclusive growth.

Benedict Clements, who led the IMF delegation, said: “The acceleration of growth is being

Egypt Seeks $11 Billion in Foreign Direct Investment in 2018-19

International Monetary Fund building, Washington DC

driven primarily by strengthened confidence following the conclusion of the prolonged election period, favorable weather conditions, and a continued recovery in tourism.”

As part of its 2022 economic development plan, Egypt is targeting $11 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

This represents a marked increase on the previous period, which saw companies from abroad inject $7.9 billion into the country.

The FDI target has also been made against the backdrop of the International Monetary Fund’s austerity plan which has seen sweeping reforms made since 2016 in a bid to balance Egypt’s finances.

In terms of employment, the latest figures show signs of recovery.

Unemployment fell to 9.9 percent in Q2 of this year, a drop of two percentage points on the same period in 2017.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

11

U N L O C K I N G

A F R I C A’ S

T R A D E

P O T E N T I A L

Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential Greg Cline of Investec Import Solutions analyses the continent’s trade credentials in the current business landscape Written by: Dr Greg Cline, Head of Corporate Accounts at Investec Import Solutions Edited by: Matthew Staff

12

T

rade is the lifeblood of growing economics, and trade projects that knock down barriers and improve efficiencies can go a long way to strengthen cooperation between countries. This cooperation is needed to maintain competitiveness and drive GDP. Such trade agreements and projects also contribute to transparency and certainty in the global economy – which, at times can be turbulent.

And while the trade and logistics market itself is growing at a rapid pace, it still faces a number of challenges

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

such as currency and market volatility, price instability, increasing global freight rates and of course, political decision making – all of which is compounded by unpredictability and tightening of operational costs in a very challenging global economy.

What’s more, given globalisation and the entwined nature of the markets, trade agreements and trade wars can have massive impacts on countries outside the direct setting – where they either benefit from such negotiations, or face collateral damage.

E

C

O

Looking at Africa trade

N

Despite US Congress’ 10-year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to 2025, there is still concern that the Trump administration could change its approach to African trade. Ostensibly designed to give African countries easier access to American markets by scrapping import duties on certain goods, AGOA has had a great impact on the continent since it was first enacted in 2000.

For South Africa alone, the act has resulted in exports to the US totalling approximately R92.9 billion and imports from the country reaching

O

M

Y

‘Ostensibly designed to give African countries easier access to American markets by scrapping import duties on certain goods, AGOA has had a great impact on the continent since it was first enacted in 2000’

approximately R85.2 billion as at the end of 2017. And research by the Brookings Institution shows that AGAO has created 100,000 jobs in the US and 350,000 direct and 1.3 million indirect jobs in sub-Saharan Africa.

But given how the Trump administration has adopted a more restrictive foreign policy, and the tendency for the US to penalise countries that appear to vote in contrast to US-tabled resolutions at UN, the concerns around African trade appear to be valid. Additionally, amid a recent decision to impose import duties on steel (25 percent) and aluminium (10 percent), the US has also decided to investigate whether it should do likewise with regards to vehicles and car components which adds impetus to the school of thought that the continent has come to rely too heavily on imports from America for economic relief. If that trade is negatively impacted by the new US leadership, the pressure will be on boardrooms across Africa to find alternative avenues for growth.

However, for all the doom and gloom that has been building in recent months, there are positives to be taken from these scenarios. For one, it will force governments and businesses to re-evaluate their import and export strategies with America. This could likely lead to an environment where more trade is happening between countries on the continent and other untapped territories.

According to the World Economic Forum, seven of the 10 fastestgrowing economies globally are in Africa. This urbanisation is creating significant opportunities for social and economic development and more sustainable living. In turn, this could revitalise trade across the continent as countries seek to

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

13

U N L O C K I N G

A F R I C A’ S

leverage each other’s respective strengths in infrastructure and resource development. And this is exactly what we are seeing with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) agreement which is aimed at facilitating a single market for goods and services on the continent. Experts believe the agreement will benefit the continent and enhance intraAfrican trade as tariffs will be reduced, benefitting entrepreneurs as well as small to medium business.

It’s difficult to determine what the impact of such trade agreements and discussions will be, but one thing is certain – getting the value chain right will be critical. Various strategies will be deployed by different businesses with some having a rigid and consistent policy while others looking to manage their risk on a more ad hoc basis in conjunction with the market at a point in time. Ultimately, importers need to do what is right for their business based on the current market conditions, and the only way to do that is to ensure that they have greater visibility to make the right decision something that is very much needed in the current business landscape.

Moving beyond tariffs

Managing the import process, and associated finance component, effectively within the overall supply chain cycle can go a long way to saving businesses not only money, but endless frustrations, delays and implications that could have a negative

14

T R A D E

P O T E N T I A L

effect on the business, in a time that they cannot afford one.

Trade finance is, thus, gaining popularity among importers and funding options need to be carefully considered; as while it is often noted that companies require debt to grow, they also need to be cautious about accessing too much debt.

The emergence of fintechs have contributed to a more innovative approach when it comes to financing.

Companies are no longer limited to waiting for weeks while banks approve additional credit. Finance as a high touch service is becoming the new norm. Customers are best served with flexible facilities where the limit is dynamically increased to meet seasonal demands. Clients are choosing the right partner with their finance providers and expect to go to credit once and the partnership is such that the bank understands the commercial and operational dynamics of the business and the industry.

Traditionally, customers opted for debtors’ book factoring. But with times becoming tougher, banks are not making the entire facility available. This is resulting in a drive towards funding where the customer has a guarantee that the total amount is available to finance imports. And where organisations manage the movement of goods, they can place value on the stock of the items in transit. This means that it can offer more in terms of financing as it looks at assessing risk differently than the banks.

By financing the cost of goods as well as the forwarding, clearing duty and other local costs involved in the import transaction, working capital that is tied up in imports is able to be released with payment terms

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

‘...transparency in the supply chain and unlocking the value chain through information, up-todate dashboards and industry insights have become paramount for businesses trying to navigate a difficult trade environment’

that closely match the cash-flow cycle.

What’s more, having a company that facilitates every aspect of an import transaction - from order placement, confirmation and tracking to the hedging of foreign exchange risk and the management of import logistics until delivery to the client’s warehouse - can go a long way to mitigating risks and saving costs.

The global trade war will decrease exports, and in effected countries, impacts on related employment in

E

C

O

N

O

M

Y

capital. Finding the right business partner who understands the business requirements and is committed to being a partner in growth is also essential.

In addition, transparency in the supply chain and unlocking the value chain through information, up-to-date dashboards and industry insights have become paramount for businesses trying to navigate a difficult trade environment. Understanding the production and import cycle and using technology that is geared to assist in decision-making is also important for facilitating better planning around lead times, shipment quantities and mitigating risks and delays.

Ripe with opportunity

The South African and African market is ripe with opportunity, investment and innovation. Greater visibility for the strategic management of the import supply chain will open up massive growth possibilities for importers in a resource constrained economy. Couple this with positive trade agreements and intra-African trade as well as transparency around trade policy means visibility, which means less risk and better forecasting - something that is very much needed in the current business landscape. those respective sectors will ultimately increase pricing. Companies will look to manage their supply chain costs even more efficiently. In addition having the ability to access funding terms to either increase supplier payment terms or decrease inventory levels (more frequent orders and more frequent supplier payments) is critical to being competitive.

If you are in the import business, it is important to look for options that allow you to alleviate pressure on the business, such as using the import processes to free up working

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

15

P R E V E N T I O N

V S .

P O A C H E R S

Prevention

P achers vs.

Coming from South Africa, growing up surrounded by majestic animals and the exquisite plains of the African continent, seeing the destruction that poaching has imposed on my country and the region is a gruesome atrocity.”

Colleen Glaeser, Head of Global Marketing and the southern African region at security and intelligence company AxxonSoft, is a leading advocate of the increasingly prominent anti-poaching campaign.

“Our beautiful wildlife is intertwined in our African heritage and identity,” says Glaeser, also the owner of a luxury safari lodge. “Indeed, the protection of wildlife is very close to my heart.”

Despite increasing efforts to tackle poaching by raising investment and awareness, incidents have soared in the past decade, particularly evident in the increasing attacks on rhinos.

In 2007, when just 13 rhinos were killed for human benefit in total across

16

Combining a love of country and technological expertise, AxxonSoft’s Colleen Glaeser reveals how the Company is using AI to proactively prevent animal poaching Written by: Jonathan Dyble

AxxonSoft’s Colleen Glaeser

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

South Africa, it seemed that poaching was on its way to being eradicated.

However, driven by a resurgence in demand for rhino horn, now three times more valuable than gold, more than 1,000 rhinos have been killed in each of the previous five years across South Africa alone.

Shockingly, the world’s total Black Rhino population is now down by 97.6% since 1960.

With South Africa home to about 80 percent of the world’s 29,000 remaining rhinos, these numbers are unquestionably unsustainable, and at current rates, these animals and other critically endangered species that are also subject to the brutality of poachers will be extinct within our lifetime.

T

E

C

H

N

“If we don’t do something drastic soon, the fate of these magnificent animals is worrisome,” Glaeser warns.

A proactive approach

With extensive expertise in the security and surveillance industry, and a working knowledge of the revolutionary capabilities that emerging technologies have to offer, Glaeser is leading AxxonSoft’s efforts in tackling the poaching endemic across Africa.

AxxonSoft is renowned as one of the world’s leading visual management solutions (VMS) and physical security information management (PSIM) solutions within the security market, having established such a status through its continual pursuit of innovation.

As a result, the Company’s extensive

O

L

O

G

Y

development of security-centric disruptive technologies has ideally positioned it to tackle this problem – something that Glaeser saw the opportunity for.

“As I have been in the security and surveillance industry for the past 25 years, I knew that I had to use my knowledge and expertise to create proactive technology that can aid and impact the antipoaching initiative”

“With the backing of AxxonSoft, I decided to implement advanced technology to provide a safer environment for these animals across the region,” she says. “As I have been in the security and surveillance industry for the past 25 years, I knew that I had to use my knowledge and expertise to create proactive technology that can aid and impact the antipoaching initiative.”

Previously used anti-poaching technologies focused on protecting the external perimeter of wildlife parks where endangered species reside using more traditionally applied security systems. However, with animals frequently bumping into these monitored fences, triggering false alarms, such defences proved to be inaccurate, often resulting in the real threats being missed.

Glaeser is looking to apply AxxonSoft technology to antipoaching efforts

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

17

P R E V E N T I O N

V S .

P O A C H E R S

Protecting South Africa’s wildlife with technology has become a key passion for Glaeser

“We really believe this anti-poaching solution can aid in the war against poaching and drastically bring down the upsetting statistics” However, through the implementation of machine learning-powered deep learning capabilities and the creation of neural networks, AxxonSoft’s new technology is able to identify the difference between animal and human activity.

Using cameras and systems that are adept with this technology,

18

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

surveillance teams are notified with precise information in a more efficient manner. With improved insights, antipoaching teams are able to readily and accurately prevent poaching attacks and detain criminals using AxxonSoft’s AI systems.

“Due to expansive plains and limited resources, anti-poaching programmes in the past have normally been very reactive, with devastating results,” Glaeser explains. “However, by incorporating deep learning and neural networks into parks and reserves across southern Africa, we have been able to take a proactive approach, identifying the threat in a real time situation.

“We really believe this anti-poaching solution can aid in the war against poaching and drastically bring down the upsetting statistics.”

T

E

C

Reducing the risks

H

N

Whilst anti-poaching initiatives are centred around saving the animals that are put at risk, this risk is transferred to those spearheading the movement on the ground who jeopardise their own lives on the front-line day in, day out.

Tragically, between 2009-2017 a total 740 fatalities of anti-poaching rangers occurred in the line of duty.

However, Glaeser explains that this technology will aim to help protect not only the animals, but also the rangers themselves by reducing error and providing greater specifics.

“Due to the expansive and often dense terrain in which these animals live, it can be very difficult to monitor poaching with rangers alone,” she says. “However, this new technology will be not only fundamental in

O

L

O

G

Y

Using AxxonSoft technology, rangers will be able to tell whether perimeter breaches are triggered by humans or animals

“We can attest to the fact that we have seen great success in curbing poaching by utilising this technology”

targeting poaching rings, but also for the safety of our rangers.

“It is quick, efficient and safe.”

In summary, both Glaeser and AxxonSoft are hoping to see major improvements in all aspects of the battle against poaching through the use of this technology. Working with multiple game reserves and parks across Africa, the technology is already paying dividends and is expected to continue to do so moving forward.

“We can attest to the fact that we have seen great success in curbing poaching by utilising this technology thus far and look forward to seeing great results as we take this programme forward,” Glaeser concludes.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

19

S E C T O R

20

F O C U S

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

Ghana’s

Gateway

TO THE WORLD

Tema Port, just 30 kilometres from Accra, the country’s capital, is in the middle of a $1.5 billion expansion designed to serve shipping needs for the next 100 years

S

ome 85 percent of Ghana’s trade passes through Tema Port. Sitting just 30 kilometres from the country’s capital city and economic heartland Accra, around 1,500 vessels a year connect Ghanaian business with the world by calling at Tema.

Crucially, these ships are getting bigger. Although the 1,557 that passed through last year is down on the 1,787

Writer: Tom Wadlow handled in 2010, container traffic grew enormously – more than 956,000 TEUs were processed in 2017 compared with just over 590,000 seven years ago.

And this figure is set to skyrocket once Tema’s latest expansion project is complete. Costing $1.5 billion, a consortium of companies known as Meridian Ports Services began work in October 2016 and is set to finish by Q4 of 2019. Once fully open for business, the port will be able to handle 3.5

million TEUs, an increase of around 350 percent.

It is the most significant investment in the port since it was built in 1962.

Initial funding of $667 million was secured in 2016 by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), which itself invested $195 million, the rest coming from Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Standard Bank, and Dutch bank FMO.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21

G H A N A’ S

G A T E W A Y

T O

Speaking at the time, Philippe Le Houerou, IFC’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, said: “This investment will have significant ripple effects on trade, economic growth, and job creation, and is an example of how private sector engagement can open doors for transformative improvements in transport infrastructure.”

22

W O R L D

Tema expansion by numbers • $1.5 billion total project cost • $667 million invested

by IFC, Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Standard Bank and FMO

Stimulus

According to a study by QBIS Consulting, the new port at Tema will improve cargo handling services and facilitate an increase of imports and exports moving through Ghana.

QBIS estimates this boost in trade will increase the revenues of Ghana’s import and export companies, which is forecast to add $1.1 billion to the Ghanaian economy and as many as 450,000 new jobs.

Around 5,000 direct jobs at the port are expected to be created by the MPS expansion works. The consortium has pledged to create a highly skilled, invested Ghanaian workforce equipped with the latest technology and equipment.

For example, in February it announced a $36 million investment

T H E

• 23 new berths • 400 hectares of land reclaimed • Capacity to handle vessels up to 360 metres in length • New 1,400-metre wharf • Quay wall weighing 192,400 tonnes • 5,000 direct jobs created once fully operational

in a range of state-of-the-art cargo handling cranes. On revealing the news, CEO Mohamed Samara said: “This investment is aimed at modernising our facility to achieve the Company’s shared ambition with

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to make Tema the ‘port of choice’ in West Africa.”

MPS has also committed to procuring 95 percent of the materials required locally, with 1,000 local managers, engineers and craftsmen to be employed during the construction phase alone.

External expertise is also being drafted in to support the works, including American engineering giant Aecom, which will provide design and procurement management services.

China Harbour Engineering has also been contracted work, this time for the provision of marine services.

China’s interest in West African ports has significantly ramped up in recent months, highlighted by President Xi Jingping’s state visit to Senegal in July to push plans to incorporate the region into its Belt and Road Initiative. In Mali, for instance, the country agreed a deal to finance an $8 billion rail link to the Guinean port of Conakry.

Multifaceted

Back in Ghana, Tema’s ambitious expansion comprises several separate projects, beginning with the building of a 3.5-kilometre-long breakwater.

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

‘Around seven million cubic metres of sand and rock will be dredged from the existing entrance channel, harbour basin and quay wall to allow access for larger vessels’ This involves handling up to 3.5 million cubic metres of rocks and carefully placing them on the seabed surrounding the harbour, ensuring its waters remain calm.

Around seven million cubic metres of sand and rock will be dredged from the existing entrance channel, harbour basin and quay wall to allow access for larger vessels, and will be used to fill reclaimed land needed for other parts of the port.

The quay wall itself represents an enormous construct. More than 70 caissons filled with 1,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used, each weighing 2,600 tonnes and floated into position on inflatable airbags.

In terms of buildings, three major developments are taking place, including the construction of offices for port authorities and supporting services, MPS and a workshop for equipment maintenance and repair.

The expanded site will create room for 23 new shipping berths and a

contract to plan the project alongside local firm Runji & Partners.

The joint venture’s work will include technical studies, trade forecasts, site selection, environmental impact assessments and recommendations on public-private-partnerships and other means of financing.

Expansion in the east Like the expansion at Tema, this While Ghana’s investment will make it series of developments is designed a vital West African shipping conduit, the eastern side of the continent is also to help Kenya accommodate larger witnessing substantial development of vessels and reduce congestion in its waterways, with smaller ships heading its port infrastructure. for different ports and freeing up Kenya, for example, recently space. announced its intention to build and In Lamu, a small island just off the renovate 11 ports as part of its Vision northern half of Kenya’s coastline, 2030 framework. At the beginning a new port of 32 berths is being of August, Kenya Ports Authority built in order to boost trade with (KPA) awarded Dutch firm Maritime neighbouring South Sudan and & Transport Business Solutions a Ethiopia by providing them a gateway to the sea.

Shimoni Port in Kwale, just outside of Mombasa, is subject to an upgrade as part of KPA’s plan. The port authority wants to transform it from what is a small setup with limited connectivity into a vibrant fishing and tourist transport hub.

With numerous port expansions and upgrades taking place on Africa’s east and west coasts, the continent is building vital trade capacity that will see it able to import and export larger varieties and quantities of goods.

1,400-metre wharf which will allow the port to handle ships 360 metres in length. Transport links, including rail and road, will also be upgraded to improve access to and from the industrial city of Tema.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

23

S O U T H

A F R I C A

South Africa South Africa is striving to realise its own vast potential, with no shortage of help from SAACI; an association looking to capitalise on the ‘bleisure’ industry Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Joe Palliser

24

outh Africa has seen its share of ups and downs over the years; a fluctuation of economy, industries and reputation that is cast more vehemently into the spotlight as a result of its ‘gateway to the continent’ status.

In reality, the country still remains the leading light from a touristic, business and dynamism perspective.

And while it is by no means the complete article, there are still more than enough reasons to keep South Africa as your prospective gateway should you choose to visit the wonderful continent of Africa.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

As ever, the prime concern surrounding the sustainability of this status revolves around economic stability. The cycle of a positive economic infrastructure, creating more opportunities, leading to a more advanced proposition, contributing to increased incomes from the rest of the world; hangs in the balance at all times. Africa Outlook spoke with the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)’s CEO, Rudi van der Vyver about the pitfalls that still remain, and – importantly – the vast opportunities that can still be capitalised on from a business development perspective.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

“The biggest stumbling blocks we have seen in recent years with the development of the country – and Johannesburg is a good example within the business events industry has been the vulnerability we have in Africa in terms of perception management,” he says. “Africa is still seen by the international market in many cases as one country. This may seem like a strange concept but is evident in the booking declines seen when there is media attention around instability on the continent or even health concerns with outbreaks like Ebola etc.

“This being said, Johannesburg has still seen consistent growth within the business events space. South Africa is a world-class destination and with the consistent development within the industry and especially from private sector investment, there continues to be a great pace of growth. We consistently see new venues being added to the stable and infrastructure

T

R

A

V

E

L

development also continues on an ongoing basis.”

Van der Vyver predicts that the conversation surrounding Johannesburg – as South Africa’s largest city and an indictment of trends across the rest of the country – will be very different in as little as five years’ time.

He adds: “I think we will see major improvements in infrastructure. Ease of access, public transport as well as safety will be items of top priority for us to continue growing the business events industry.

“I believe we’ll see more venues creating that immersive experience for delegates/travellers by linking our history and culture closely to their venues and using this concept to create a more collaborative business environment, as we are all moving closer to a shared economy, especially within the business events and business tourism space.”

AFRICA

FACTS & FIGURES

Capitals:

Pretoria; Bloemfontein; Cape Town

Area:

1.2 million square kilometres

Population (2018): 57.7 million GDP (2018): $742.4 billion Currency: South African rand (ZAR)

Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:

UTC+2 +27 .za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

25

www.coastlands.co.za

nds Umhlanga Hotel Coastla

oastlands Hotels and Resorts is Kwa-Zulu Natal’s leading innovative hospitality company that prides itself with 4 and 3 star hotels, restaurants and conference venues.

The group was founded in 1993 when a number of entrepreneurs including investor, and Chief Executive Officer of the SNG Group Mr. Saantha Naidu acquired a holiday apartment building on Durban’s Golden Mile, Coastlands Durban Hotel and Self-Catering apartments.

Situated on Durban’s Golden mile, and walking distance to the beach, Coastlands Durban offers 224 self-catering units and 28 hotel rooms. Large conference and banqueting venues are available, with ample secure parking. This hotel is ideal for holidaymakers whom are looking for comfortable accommodation at an affordable rate and is the perfect place for larger groups such as school groups planning excursions to Durban.

During 2007, the SNG group identified an area in Musgrave to develop upmarket residential apartments, however during the construction phase it was decided to adapt this building according to the requirements of a hotel, and Coastlands Musgrave opened its doors in November 2009.

ds Musgrave Hot el Coastlan

This hotel offers 101 beautifully designed and well-appointed bedrooms comprising of Executive suites, Deluxe rooms and Standard rooms. Our experienced chef’s serve delicious buffet-style and A-la-Carte cuisine in our 315 Restaurant and our Seafood Buffet on weekends is very popular amongst our guests.

Our 6th floor convention centre with beautiful views of Durban, the harbor and Indian ocean offers a variety of event venues which are perfect for conferences, private functions and weddings.

Coastlands Hotel Umhlanga, another four-star hotel was launched in 2010 on the popular Umhlanga Ridge. With its unique cube-like black glass design, this 11 floor high-rise building has become a landmark in Umhlanga and offers exceptional inland – and sea views from its 136 luxurious bedrooms and 180 degree view of the Indian ocean from the 11th floor Sky venue which is the ideal venue for conferences, events and weddings.

Guests are accommodated in Presidential suites, Executive suites, Junior suites and Deluxe rooms. Mouth-watering dishes are served in our Saffron restaurant and ample secure underground parking is available.

Large event venues are available in our 2nd floor convention centre and our banqueting team will assist you in tailor design your conference, private function or wedding to create memorable experiences for you and your guests.

Te Royal Hotel

In 2015, Coastlands Hotels and Resorts added iconic Royal Hotel to it’s portfolio and is hard at work to resorts this ‘old lady’ to its former glory. This 207-bedroom, 3-star hotel offers great harbour views from its upper floors and is the perfect hotel to stay at if you choose to be in the immediate Durban business district or Our coffee shop offers light meals and is a popular lunch meeting place for businessmen in the area.

A variety of conference rooms are available for events and The Royal Grill is a beautiful multi level venue which is perfect for various events.

Coastlands Hotels and Resorts offer Corporate travellers, Travel agencies, Government departments and Leisure guests facilities that are managed by top hoteliers.

Coastlands Hotels and Resorts is a people focused business based on relationships, which are fluent in integrity, filled with passion and systematically guided with expertise and driven by excellence.

The credibility of Coastlands Hotels and Resorts is based on its proven senior management’s credentials, which bring innovative and entrepreneurial skills to each hospitality product through the use of trusted business relationships.

rban Hotel and Self catering apar nds Du tments a l t s a o .

C

All areas of our businesses are fully fitted with modern technical equipment to produce efficient results and all departments are fully computerized. Each member of our staff complement is trained to execute duties by using these facilities to give efficient service and prompt responses to the service demands of our guests at any given time.

We continually participate in training programs to develop and improve our skilled staff and our recruitment process ensures that we employ staff that is passionate about their careers within the hospitality industry.

Our dedicated Marketing and Sales team is focussed on implementing the latest marketing trends, resulting in new business and to maintain the already well-established business relationships with our clients while our operations team drives the retention of clients and guests that are introduced to our hotels.

It is evident that Coastlands Hotels and Resorts is one of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s leading privately black owned hotel groups and we look forward to welcoming you to any of our hotels.

For more information, visit our website www.coastlands.co.za, contact our Central Reservations office on +27 31 271 8 271 or e-mail marketingmanager@coastlands.co.za

S O U T H

A F R I C A

The Business End

AS THE COUNTRY’S biggest urban hub, van der Vyver pinpoints Johannesburg as an apt sample of what to expect across the rest of the country’s economic strongholds in the years to come. The rise in events and expos; the increase in event facilities being developed; and the amount of new businesses setting up shop in the city are alluded to as primary indicators of the country’s progression.

“As this is the core business of our members within the business events space there are many exciting projects on the go in this specialised area of events and expos,” he opens.

“SAACI utilises the services offered by our stakeholders like the Gauteng and Johannesburg Convention Bureaus to assist our members when bidding on international events coming to the province and specifically coming to Johannesburg.

“This assistance is offered in the form of bid support. This translates into financial support, public services support as well as support and guidance to put together the bid documents required for these types of international events. We as SAACI also have a focus on interAfrican business, to encourage business operations between African

28

countries and to increase support of African events across the continent.”

From a physical infrastructure perspective, the extent of new constructs, buildings and facilities is an area of constant change. A stream of new business-centric centres continue to enter what is widely considered to already be a congested space. But as long as the demand is there, van der Vyver is confident that there’s no such thing as having ‘too many facilities’.

He continues: “Even in an environment where it is seen to be a rather saturated market we see our members re-investing into the future of their own brands through innovation and infrastructure creation, as well as investing in the sustainability and growth of the business events market by upgrading their established venues with technology; as well as increasing the functionality offered by their venues and the services that go along with such upgrades.”

And the same upward trajectory can be seen in relation to the final strand of consideration – new businesses and international business migration to South Africa.

“Here again, we see Johannesburg as an ever-evolving market place

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

with constant change, movement and upgrades. This is most evident when using Sandton as a case study.

Even while we see constrained growth estimates for the country’s GDP, we are consistently aware of the development continuing to take place at some incredible pace in this economic hub within Johannesburg,” van der Vyver explains. “We are also seeing a much more diverse business landscape moving into Johannesburg which offers our members operating within the business events industry a constant renewal of the potential client base they have within the boundaries of Johannesburg.

“Many of these businesses within Johannesburg have an international or African footprint which again speaks volumes to the potential for players within the business events industry to maximise on.”

S O U T H

A F R I C A

Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)

THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR the Conference Industry (SAACI) was formed in 1987 with the aim of maintaining and improving standards of efficiency and professionalism in the conference industry in Southern Africa, and to seek ways of actively expanding the industry. SAACI is the recognised umbrella body of the Conference and Meetings Industry in Southern Africa. In fact, SAACI membership is a vital recognition of professionalism practice. SAACI has a national board, five regional branches, and a host of international members; making it one of the most knowledgeable and invested bodies regarding South Africa’s role in the global business climate.

Van der Vyver introduces: “With SAACI celebrating 31 Years of serving the industry in 2018 we have seen the association progress and evolve with the industry. As the industry body our aim remains focused on being relevant and providing our members with the best possible value. We have evolved into being a voice for our members.

The collective power we have as an industry body allows us to partner with

industry stakeholders - both private and public sector - to encourage collaboration throughout the industry and thus create growth platforms for both the industry, as a whole, and more specifically SAACI members within the industry.

“We consistently review our strategy on order to serve our members and address relevant issues they are experiencing in the day-to-day as well as strategic running of their individual businesses. With the most recent strategy review for the association we have made a clear decision to remove clutter and ‘politics’ as much as possible. We want to focus on what our members truly need, what

The SAACI Manifesto We are a professional association that promotes sustainability within the business events industry in Southern Africa.

We facilitate an enabling environment for learning, growth and collaboration. Our goal is to be the recognised professional association of the business events industry of Southern Africa.

PHOTO: GIRISH POONYTH

30

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

creates direct and tangible value to our members and to do these things really well. We also relooked the SAACI mission, vision and purpose statement and combined all of these into one, easy to digest SAACI Manifesto, which will be our focus for the foreseeable future.”

Africa Outlook (AfO): Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Johannesburg and South Africa now compared to its condition when SAACI began?

Rudi van der Vyver (RddV): To be honest, there is no comparison between the tourism sector in Johannesburg now versus when SAACI began working within the industry 31 years ago. As a country we have totally reinvented ourselves and the same can be said for Johannesburg as a destination. The beauty that Johannesburg offers as a destination is a true ability to offer almost anything to the business event delegate or business traveller. We have seen the business sector in Johannesburg explode since the inception of SAACI and unfortunately with recessions

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

implode to an extent as well, although the business events industry has survived all these challenges and today this industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. We are also now starting to measure and see the effects business events have on the larger economy as well as the residual benefits this industry offers to all other GDP contributing sectors.

The benefit Johannesburg has is the ability to host events or travellers in a very corporate fast-paced environment in the city itself but on the flipside also have the ability to offer venues (a mere 30-minute drive outside of the city) which provide a completely different atmosphere and addressing totally different needs and event objectives to delegates and clients alike. We have also seen Johannesburg embrace the heritage of the country and the city and promote this as additional tourist destinations not only relevant to leisure travellers but also to business events and business travellers.

Johannesburg has evolved into a world-leading destination within the business events industry.

AfO: Looking forward, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to SAACI as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in South Africa as a whole?

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

“We not only believe in the abilities of our members to offer world-class services but also their ability to thrive, innovate and truly put our stamp on the international business events stage�

RddV: From a SAACI perspective we are firmly focused on our three key strategic drivers over the next five years, these being Learning, Growth and Collaboration. We will be introducing some exciting and innovative learning/training interventions not only for the benefit of our members but also with a massive focus on creating sustainability within the business events industry. We have identified training as a key area for us to create platforms with meaningful and measurable effects on the industry. Our training and drive to professionalisation of the business

events industry is not only aimed at South Africa but rather at upskilling the African continent as a whole.

We are leading by example in terms of collaboration and we firmly believe we need to work closely together with our stakeholders and members to increase the effectiveness of the platforms we provide to our members and the industry to increase market access, experience, potential for business and the ever-growing need for a safe and trusted business environment, driven by collaboration.

SAACI also has its eyes focused on the international market and we are consistently driving collaboration and knowledge sharing in this arena, through various partnerships with other international bodies. We believe we have world-class facilities and expertise in South Africa and Africa alike and we need to be the first to stand behind what our members have to offer the world in this regard.

We not only believe in the abilities of our members to offer world-class services but also their ability to thrive, innovate and truly put our stamp on the international business events stage. Africa hasn’t just arrived, we are here to be seen and take the world by storm. SAACI will remain dedicated to the industry and our members, and will continue to create platforms for our members to drive the industry forward at a freshly energised pace.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

31

S O U T H

A F R I C A

Out & About ONCE IN THE country, and outside of the boardroom, SAACI has gone to great lengths in facilitating a pleasurable stay, as well as just a convenient or business-conducive one.

To this end, there has been a strong focus on fostering more culturally significant experiences for delegates and professionals during their trip.

Once again using Johannesburg as an example, a plethora of new and exciting venues are being introduced but these aren’t solely convention centres or expo halls. Rather they have honed in on areas of hospitality, leisure, and the tour scene to show visitors the very best of South African history and culture.

“We are seeing more and more

that a business event is no longer just arriving and sitting in a venue for hours on end; rather it becomes a completely immersive experience into the business at hand but also experiencing and exploring what the country or city is truly about. This is the “Bleisure” concept (a mix of business and leisure activities during a single trip),” van der Vyver explains.

“This is achieved through innovative and collaborative venue design as well as collaborating much closer with auxiliary service providers like tour operators to allow delegates to experience as much of the culture and hospitality a destination has to offer and potentially turning them into repeat guests through a subsequent

leisure tourist visit with their family or friends.”

And as more and more people flock to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Durban or Pretoria, major infrastructural developments await. From a transport perspective, this is epitomised by notions of innovation and sheer scale.

Van der Vyver adds: “There are various initiatives to be excited about.

One of the biggest projects is the potential further expansion of the Guatrain to service key areas like Lanseria International Airport. Ease of access is always a top consideration when looking at the suitability of not only a venue but also a city or destination for a specific event.”

Gautrain is an 80-kilometre (50 mi) commuter rail system in Gauteng, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and O. R. Tambo International Airport.

32

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Local Excellence Global Appeal

So much more than merely a multi-purpose conference and exhibition destination, the iconic Cape Town International Convention Centre combines flexible venues, impeccable service, cutting-edge technology and the finest global cuisine to transform your event into an extraordinary experience. So, whether your attendees are from around the world, or around the corner, give them the world-class experience they deserve with the uniquely African flair they desire, at the CTICC. For more information, or to book your event, exhibition or convention at CTICC, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za.

S O U T H

A F R I C A

Outlook Recommends “…there is no comparison between the tourism sector in Johannesburg now versus when SAACI began working within the industry 31 years ago.”

– Rudi van der Vyver, CEO, SAACI

HOSPITALITY

EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Coastlands Hotels & Resorts

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Across the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel, Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, The Royal Hotel, and Coastlands Durban Hotel and Self Catering Apartments; innovation remains the recurring theme. Present and evident across not just each hotel’s facilities, but also its design and its concepts, the Coastlands portfolio has subsequently affirmed its status as one of the country’s foremost four and three star hospitality operators.

With each new hotel’s inception, a raft of advanced technologies, considered options, enhanced luxury, and refined business functions are implemented and as such, the chain has successfully bridged the businesspleasure divide. For more than 25 years, Coastlands has helped to boost KwaZulu-Natal’s hospitality scene and the Company is now looking forward to maintaining utmost standards for the next 25 years.

34

Situated in the hub of Cape Town’s central business district, the Cape Town International Convention Centre has become a figurehead for the city’s business and entertainment crossover.

Answering a call for such functionality back in the late 1990s, the Centre has gone on to “transform the ordinary into the extraordinary”; leveraging a purposeful flexibility to facilitate events of all sizes.

Circa “Circa is a fresh and innovative company, compiled of industry stalwarts, with team experience spanning over 120 years in the events, infrastructure, and rental service and hospitality industry.” This statement best sums up the expertise of an events company that has served Sandton and indeed Johannesburg for a number of years. Affiliated with high profile events including the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and the British & Irish Lions rugby Tour of 2009, Circa is a go-to provider on both a domestic and international scale.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

MUSEUMS Apartheid Museum Robben Island Zeits MOCAA Museum NATURE Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Cape Winelands Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park EDUCATION The University of the Witwatersrand - Sport

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

THE TRAMWAYS CATERS FOR: CONFERENCES • EXHIBITIONS • MUSIC EVENTS • CRAFT SHOWS FOOD MARKETS • NIGHT MARKETS • PRODUCT/ SERVICE LAUNCHES ART EXHIBITIONS • COCKTAIL EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE...

TO BOOK THE TRAMWAYS EMAIL: tramways@mbda.co.za

The newly revamped historic and iconic building is now ready to host your bespoke events.

The Tramways offers more than 1000m2 canvas to create your own masterpiece, a secure and guarded parking lot and easy access at market related rates. We are less than 10 minutes from the Port Elizabeth International Airport, Beach Front, City Centre and Heritage routes criss-crossing Nelson Mandela Bay. 1st Floor, Tramways Building, Cnr Valley Road & South Union Street Website: www.mbda.co.za Tel: +27 41 811 8200

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

B

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

35

SC O A P U ET HT OA W F RN I C A

Landmark Attractions Constitution Hill

“Constitution Hill represents South Africa’s dark past and its bright post-apartheid future.

Johannesburg’s most notorious historic prisons (all of them now museums) sit side by side with the home of the Constitutional Court, a symbol of South Africa’s triumphant democracy. The site is located on the ridge between two city neighbourhoods, Hillbrow and Braamfontein, overlooking central Johannesburg, and is one of the most important tourist attractions in South Africa.” –gauteng.net

Cape of Good Hope

“This 77.5 square kilometre section of Table Mountain National Park includes awesome scenery, fantastic walks, great birdwatching and often-deserted beaches. The reserve is commonly referred to as Cape Point, after its most dramatic (but less famous) promontory.” – Lonely Planet

Kruger National Park

“Kruger Park is South Africa’s most exciting African safari destination. Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is waiting for you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife.”

– Siyabona Africa

36

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AFRICA

Table Mountain

“Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa. It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top.

Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon to not only our people, but travellers from all over the world. But this mountain hides many surprises that wait to be discovered. It is much more than a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take a breathtaking photo of Cape Town.” – Table Mountain

Your Corporate And Conference Venue On The West Coast Phoenix ICE Solutions is a one stop Incentives, Conference & Events Solution Enterprise. We are a 100% Black Female Owned Enterprise with a Level 1 Rating.

Our services include: • Magical Venues • Event Communication • Dynamic Speakers • End to End Conference and Event Management • State of the art technical equipment • Group Flights, Accommodation and Ground Logistics • Latest RSVP management system • Out of the ordinary Teambuilding • Guaranteed cost savings on your events • Customised Travel Incentives • Year End Functions • Gifting

manisha@phoenixice.co.za +27 (0) 83 680 7166 +27 (0) 11 024 2565 www.phoenixice.co.za

022 707 7000 info@clubmykonos.co.za clubmykonos.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

37

S A N D T O N

Sandton

World renowned as the richest square mile in Africa, the financial hub of Johannesburg is one of the most prestigious destinations to visit across the continent Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Jordan Levey

38

onsidered to be at the very heart of South Africa’s financial industry, Sandton, Johannesburg has become the continental home of many of the world’s leading investment banks and financial institutions.

Since the 1990s when this shift began, Sandton’s local tourism has become increasingly driven by this businesscentric culture, attracting entrepreneurs and major corporations from all around the world to South Africa.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

As the leading professional district of not only South Africa but arguably the wider region as a whole, Sandton features premier office space and towering structures that include the iconic Michelangelo Towers and Sandton City Spire.

Further, the influx of major corporations and wealth has so too brought with it a thriving commercial sector, with Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square both posing as two of Africa’s most illustrious retail complexes. Combined, the two consist

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

of 200 shops and 59 restaurants, whilst Sandton City also offers an 11-screen cinema complex.

Presenting a vast variety of some of the country’s best hotels alongside this, Sandton has just about everything South Africa has to offer in the way of an upmarket lifestyle.

In fact, the city was recognised as Emerging Destination of the year in the 2017 Luxury Travel Guide Awards for the African and Middle East region.

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AFRICA

FACTS & FIGURES Sandton

Country: Languages: Area: Population (2011): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Highest recorded temperature:

South Africa English, Afrikaans, isiZulu 143.54 square kilometres 222,415 South African rand (ZAR) GMT+2 +27 .za 38 degrees Celsius

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

39

S A N D T O N

The Business End STANDING AS THE country’s financial hub, the likes of Investec, EY, Deloitte, Alexander Forbes, Thomson Reuters, PwC, KPMG, Citi and Barclays all occupy Sandton with their own regional offices, highlighting the bustling professional scene.

Such a crowd of big name companies has brought with it a flourishing technology scene, evident with the presence of IBM, Huawei, HCL Technologies and Hewlett Packard, amongst others.

With such a substantial presence of the world’s largest firms across some of the most influential sectors, it is easy to see why Sandton is renowned as the richest square mile across the whole of Africa, having gradually been transformed into a trendy and

40

prestigious global business hub.

Such status is no better reflected than in the Sandton Convention Centre – one of the continent’s premium international conference centres.

Fittingly, the centre is set to host the upcoming Leaderex expo on 4 September, the largest gathering of corporate leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs across Africa.

Further, according to AfrAsia Bank’s 2018 South Africa Wealth Report, Johannesburg accounts for 20 percent of South Africa’s total GDP, much of which is derived from Sandton itself. According to New World Health, the city, inclusive of Sandton, has approximately 18,400 residential millionaires.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Michelangelo Apartments in Sandton

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AFRICA

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

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

41

S A N D T O N

Out & About SANDTON OFFERS SOME of the widest choices of cuisine across South Africa.

Johannesburg airport is one of the entire continent’s key international hubs, helping to facilitate and promote a multicultural society, reflected amongst Sandton’s broad range of international choices and big brand restaurant chains.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng province also boasts of some of the best in Sub-Saharan cooking, with Sandton offering a colourful and vibrant street food scene that specialises in local delicacies such as boerewors rolls, morogo, chakalaka, trip and amadumbe for those looking to

42

immerse themselves in the country’s wider culture.

In fact, 2016 saw Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre in Sandton became the home of Johannesburg’s first food truck park.

In the way of things to do, Sandton is in close distance of both central Johannesburg and Pretoria, providing visitors with access to a variety of activities and excursions around the region. Alongside a host of museums, its just a short trip away from the Neighbourgoods Market, Rosebank Sunday Market and African Craft Market of Rosebank in Johannesburg.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Sandton offers colourful and vibrant street food

South Africa is a country often famed for its beautiful scenery – evident with the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, whilst a truly insightful and heartfelt history lesson can be learned through a visit to the Liliesleaf Farm & Museum – all places that are in and around Sandton.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

ELEGANT & intimate

ACCOMMODATION IN SANDTON The Quatermain and Falstaff Faircity Hotels are intimate and elegant hotels hidden in the peaceful suburb of Morningside in Sandton. The beautiful gardens and sparkling pool provide a surprising escape just a stone’s throw from the Sandton Gautrain station, Sandton Convention Centre, major highways, shopping centres and restaurants. c en t r a l r e servat ion s : +27 ( 0) 10 001 9495 • r e servat ion s @ fai rc i t y. c o . za w w w. fa i rc i t y. c o . za

Transport Links SANDTON IS A major stop on Gauteng’s state-of-the-art rapid rail network, the Gautrain. The renowned metro line connects Sandton with efficient and regular access to Pretoria, Johannesburg city centre, and Tambo International Airport, travelling at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour and operating 18 hours per day.

Alternatively, the region has a substantial taxi industry that includes the presence of Uber, alongside dedicated cycling routes that were newly introduced in 2015 during the EcoMobility Festival.

Sandton will also soon be provided with even better access to public transport through the Rea Vaya transport project, an initiative that is being run by the City of Johannesburg

Gautrain, high speed train traveling from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria, South Africa

and has been endorsed by South Africa’s National Department of Transport.

Rea Vaya will see buses running along dedicated routes to ensure a more efficient services, encouraging people to use public transport more readily to create more jobs, reduce the city’s carbon footprint and congestion on public roads.

Further, three more bridges are being constructed to better connect Sandton Central with the region’s surrounding areas.

The plan is for the project to cover 330 kilometres of routes, providing a minimum of 80 percent of Johannesburg’s population with access to buses.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

43

S A N D T O N

Outlook Recommends “Just 50 years ago Sandton’s Central Business District was little more than rolling farmland. Nowadays however it is the economic hub of South Africa.” - Gauteng.net

HOSPITALITY

CULTURAL SITES

Faircity Quartermain Hotel

Constitution Hill

FOOD & DRINK Asanka Hilton Sandton

Epicure Pigalle

The Michelangelo Hotel ACTIVITIES Montecasino Nelson Mandela Square Johannesburg Botanical Gardens 44

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Liliesleaf Farm & Museum

Apartheid Museum

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

Landmark Attractions

Liliesleaf Farm & Museum, Constitution Hill epitomises much of South Africa’s history – a history that has been pivotal in defining social trends globally during the past 70 years.

Nelson Mandela himself and many other freedom fighters served some of their sentences here, whilst the city’s Apartheid Museum provides an indepth look at one of the most defining times in South Africa’s history.

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

ALONGSIDE SANDTON’S STANDOUT structures that include the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Michelangelo Towers and Sandton City Spire, the city has a host of iconic landmarks.

One example of this is the Montecasino. Standing as an impressive structure stretching across 26 hectares of land, the building is home to one of Gauteng’s most impressive entertainment centres with a 1,700-slot machine casino, 40 restaurants, three nightlife venues, a 15-screen cinema and two top class theatres all contained within its walls.

From its high-end commercial city centre, Sandton has the cultural prestige to match. Alongside the

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

45

M A D A G A S C A R

MADAGASCA adagascar is the fourth largest island on the planet and among the most unique places in the world regarding its habitation of people and wildlife.

Situated around 400 kilometres to the east of the African continent, the country’s population is primarily related to Indonesian peoples, 4,800 kilometres away, rather than their closest neighbours. Further complicating the picture is a noticeable

46

Madagascar’s 150,000-plus unique wildlife species are a major draw for visitors, with tourism set to continue increasing its contribution to the country’s GDP

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Jordan Levey

French influence resulting from the colonial era.

Madagascar’s incredible wildlife is a huge draw for visitors, the island home to around 150,000 unique species found nowhere else on earth.

The country is awash with national parks and nature reserves, offering awe-inspiring views and glimpses of its biodiversity.

Tourists can obtain visas on arrival for a small charge, these covering periods of either 30, 60 or 90 days,

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AFRICA

AR

with three months the maximum limit and non-extendable.

Madagascar’s climate is clearly divisible into two seasons – a hot and rainy period lasting from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May through to October. Much of the island was covered in deciduous forest, but this has been steadily retreating and now predominantly lies in the east and in sporadic pockets in the west.

Bamboo trees and prairie grasses dominate much of the country’s land.

FACTS & FIGURES

Capital: Languages: Area:

Antananarivo

Population (2017): GDP (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:

25,054,000

Malagasy; French 587,295 square kilometres $9.9 billion ariary (MGA) UTC+3 +261 .mg

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

47

M A D A G A S C A R

The Business End UNTIL THE 1970S, much of Madagascar’s economy was driven by France, which supplied more than half of all imports and received almost half of the island’s exports.

Agriculture forms the backbone of the nation’s economy, with strongly emerging sectors such as mining, textiles and tourism aiding its diversification. In 2016, the World Bank measured Madagascar’s GDP at approximately $9.9 billion.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that around 6.3 percent of Madagascan GDP is derived directly from travel and tourism, rising to 16.6 percent if you add in indirect contributions. In

terms of employment this equates to 287,500 direct and 797,000 total jobs being supported by the sector, and the WTTC predicts investment in the industry will rise by 4.1 percent a year over the next decade.

‘The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that around 6.3 percent of Madagascan GDP is derived directly from travel and tourism...’

48

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

Out & About AROUND 94 PERCENT of tourist spending in Madagascar falls under leisure, and much of this derives from visits to Madagascar’s bountiful nature reserves and wildlife parks.

Given the country’s huge variety of unique species, it is perhaps surprising to discover that the only large or dangerous animals are crocodiles, with native reptiles such as snakes deemed as harmless.

Madagascar is also home to some of the world’s most striking plant life, a must-see example being the Avenue of the Baobabs, a promenade of baobab trees lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region in the west. It is one of the most raved about sights when seen at sunset.

A trip to Isalo National Park is also a highly-rated activity, so much so it has received an average 4.5-star rating

‘Madagascar is also home to some of the world’s most striking plant life, a mustsee example being the Avenue of the Baobabs...’ from 500 reviews on TripAdvisor.

Lucky explorers will spot some of Madagascar’s chameleons and 40-plus species of lemur when walking the trails, which can occupy a whole day.

Also noteworthy is Madagascar’s cuisine, encompassing many diverse cultures and traditions brought in from Southeast Asian, African and Chinese populations who have moved to the island since it was inhabited by humans in from around 100 AD.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

49

M A D A G A S C A R

The Madagascar National Tourism Board THE MADAGASCAR NATIONAL Tourism Board, or ONTM for short, was established out of the private tourism sector with the simple aim of promoting the country as a global visitor destination.

Now, having been validated as a public utility by the Tourism Ministry, the organisation’s vision remains very much the same – to develop a sustainable industry and put Madagascar on the tourism map.

Vola Raveloson is an Executive Director at ONTM, and tells us more about the tourism board’s work.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has ONTM developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

Vola Raveloson (VR): Ever since it was set up, ONTM has always tried to highlight the comparative advantages of the Madagascar destination, i.e. nature via the wildlife and plant life, culture, nature-related sports activities and of course, the seaside and related activities. ONTM has always tried to adapt the messages it conveys to target audiences in order to attract more tourists to enjoy travelling in Madagascar. In this way ONTM is helping towards the government’s goal of 500,000 tourists by 2020.

AfO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Madagascar now compared to its condition when ONTM began?

VR: Ultimately, there are two indicators for measuring tourist development. The first is income from tourism: since 2003, there has been an average increase of 30 percent in absolute value in millions of SDRs. The second is the number of tourists, which was 61,674 in 2002. This reached 375,010 in 2008 but decreased to 255,460 in 2017.

These falling statistics were due to different crises, but, despite these crises, the tourism sector has always been able to cope and press ahead. In addition, most major international tour operators have kept this destination in their catalogues, thus expressing their confidence in the development of the destination.

AfO: What are the core industry trends dictating ONTM ‘s investments and initiatives at present?

VR: The Madagascar destination is one based on highlighting nature.

So, it is important for ONTM to promote initiatives leading to nature conservation and sustainability in this destination. These concerns are not only understood as industry trends but PHOTO: GIRISH POONYTH

50

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“ONTM is focused on reaching a 15 percent annual increase in tourist arrivals for the next five-year term” also and especially as acting principles for all ONTM activities.

AfO: What is in store for Madagascar over the course of 2018 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?

VR: At a local level, some major events planned for the end of the year include the VEZ’TIVAL, a festival organised around various cultural and sports events aimed at publicizing the Tulear region with its habits and customs, the International Tourism Fair of Madagascar (ITM) and the Madagascar Carnival.

On the international scene, the Madagascar destination will be attending the TOP RESA show in Paris on 25-28 September, via ONTM.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

A tropical island beach in Nosy Be, Madagascar

Madagascar is also a guest of honour at the Grand Pavois/La Rochelle International Boat Show on 26 September-1 October to present its tourism and boating assets. Roadshows are also planned in France and Germany by the end of 2018.

There are also airport and port upgrades. The new makeover for Nosy Be’s Fascene Airport will be inaugurated towards the end of 2018 with improved reception areas, new shopping areas and a longer runway. These new measures should enhance the attractiveness of Nosy Be, the leading tourist area in northern Madagascar and the second favourite destination for foreign tourists to the island.

Construction work on the new terminal at Ivato International Airport is well underway. The new facilities are expected to be commissioned in early 2020. The new terminal

will accommodate over 1.5 million passengers per year.

The Tamatave Port extension works began in 2018 to triple port capacity by 2026. As Tamatave is Madagascar’s leading port and a port of call for Indian Ocean cruises, this extension is a major development opportunity for tourism in general and business tourists in particular.

Andrafiamena Andavakoera protected area in the north, and the Simpona Ecolodge, in the heart of Makira National Park on the northeast coast of Madagascar, also serving as an operating research station open to local and international scientists wanting to study the unique Makira wildlife.

Another novelty is the Mantadia lodge nestling on the fringe of the primeval forest in the AndasibeMantadia National Park, which should delight travellers wanting to spend a holiday in communion with nature, as the property offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the forest thanks to rooms fitted with wide bay windows.

As part of the Indian Ocean ecotourism development programme, 10 inbound tour operators from the six member islands (Comoros, Reunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles) of the Vanilla Islands Association (VIO) have been selected by the Indian Ocean Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UCCIOI) and the VIOI to present 30 or so combined tours dedicated to ecotourism among the various islands at the 2018 ITM. Through these tours that leave from neighbouring islands, travellers will be journeying through different regions of Madagascar such as Nosy Be, Andasibe and the East region, Majunga, etc.

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

VR: ONTM is focused on reaching a AfO: What about new businesses setting up in the country?

15 percent annual increase in tourist VR: Several ecolodges have emerged arrivals for the next five-year term. this year and should represent a Several steps have to be taken in order significant attraction for Madagascar. to achieve this goal. All stakeholders, both private and public, are mobilised The concept common to these new hotel structures is combining natural and working together to take these heritage conservation, an ecological steps. approach and green tourism.

For ONTM, the objective is to For instance, the Fanamby NGO’s continually improve and professionalise promotion of the destination in the Friendly Camps include Black Lemur Camp, a ecolodge in the heart of the tourist source markets.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

51

M A D A G A S C A R

Outlook Recommends “The fauna and flora of Madagascar are outstanding riches.

They are considered by every scientist as being a nature sanctuary as well as the cradle of endemic species of the island.” – ONTM

ACTIVITIES

NATURE

Madabest (tour operator)

Tsingy de Bemaraha

FOOD & DRINK La Varangue Love Bubble Social Diving

Madagascar Touring

Chez Nono - La Rhum Riz Restaurant de Karibu Lodge

HOSPITALITY Laguna Blu – Resort Madagascar The Citizen Guest House Le Jardin de L’isle

52

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Isalo National Park

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

AFRICA

L

Transport Links

BY FAR THE most common way of getting around is by taxi-brousse, minivan-like vehicles which seat around 15 people. These will be able to get you to most places and are cheap to use, although journeys are often slow. This said, the network is well organised with drives belonging to cooperatives which have booths at stations where travellers can book tickets.

One piece of sage advice is to be prepared to buy extra seats if you don’t wish to wait around – taxi-brousses only depart when full. Fares are determined by the government and based on distance, duration and the condition of the route, with much of Madagascar’s road network unpaved.

Madagascar’s rail network is made of more than 1,000 kilometres of track,

though it is mostly used to transport freight rather than tourists. Those travelling to and from the regions to Tana and looking to save time may opt to travel by air, though this is much more expensive, and it is advised to leave time in case of cancellations.

Within cities, tuk-tuks are becoming increasingly popular as a quick means of getting from A to B. A more traditional mode of getting around is by pousse-pousse, or rickshaw, which unlike tuk-tuks base fares on distance, time of day and whether it’s raining.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

53

M A D A G A S C A R

Landmark Attractions Avenue of the Baobabs

“The dirt road linking Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina in Madagascar is framed by dozens of rare and ancient baobab trees creating a setting so beautiful and unique that it may become the country’s first official natural monument.”

– Atlas Obscura

Tsingy Rouge Park

“About 65 kilometres southeast of Diego lies one of Madagascar’s most awesome natural wonders, the Tsingy Rouges. These scraggly pinnacles, erosion’s work of art, are made of laterite, an iron oxide-rich soil with an intense red-brick colour.” – Lonely Planet

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

“The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site, and an ensemble of sacred places. It is associated with strong feelings of national identity, and has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years.” – Unesco

54

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AFRICA

Fianarantsoa

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

B

“Fianarantsoa is the capital of Haute Matsiatra Region.

It was built in the early 19th century by the Merina as the administrative capital for the newly conquered Betsileo kingdoms.”

– Discover World

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

55

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: agriculture, construction, energy & utilities, finance, food & drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & resources, oil & gas, retail, shipping & logistics, technology and travel & tourism.

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. www.africaout

FREE Mark

lookmag.com

AFRICA

eti

Opportu ng nity

ISSUE 64

C M C

N E T W O R K S

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

The Customer is

KING

CMC NETWORKS

Remaining current and competitive in a dynamic domain

CMC Networks’ customer-centric approach and global reach is set to strengthen its position at the forefront of technology deployments in Africa for many years to come Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Kane Weller

TEMA PORT 20 to the world Ghana’s gateway

ALSO FEATURI

24 TRAVEL GUIDE BUSINESSMoving closer to a shared

AFRICA WBHO WESTlocal legacy

72

Leaving a lasting

South Africa: economy

SOFT NG: A X X O N

|

TION CONSTRUC T R I-S TA R

M 136 DALBIT PETROLEU and moving Africa Bettering lives forward

|

58

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

59

M AFRICACO

+44 (0) 1603 959 650 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

www.africaoutlookmag.com/get-involved

C M C

N E T W O R K S

The Cust

KIN

CMC Networks’ customer-centric approach and globa technology deployments in

Writer: Matthew Staff | P

58

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

tomer is

NG CMC Networks’ customer-centric approach and global reach is set to strengthen its position at the forefront of technology deployments in Africa for many years to come Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Kane Weller

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

59

C M C

N E T W O R K S

or almost 30 years, global telecommunications carrier, CMC Networks has put the customer first, and as such has compiled one of the most globally advanced – yet locally considered – offerings in the market.

Incepted in 1989 by Grant Walker, its evolution over the years has been vast and ever-adherent to fluctuating expectations, but last year ushered in one of the Company’s most important milestones to date.

“Nasdaq-listed, The Carlyle Group acquired a majority shareholding in February of 2017,” shares CEO, Marisa Trisolino.

This latest investment compounded what was already the most extensive and largest managed pan-African network in operation today; CMC proudly boasting 78 points of presence across 50 countries. It is a committed enabler for the global wholesale carrier scene on the continent and overall representing a total of 104 points of presence around the world, incorporating the USA, Europe, UAE, India, Asia and Australia.

“In addition, CMC has an extensive Middle Eastern (MENET) and Western Asia (ASNET) network, which is extended via its wholesale partner programme,” Trisolino adds. “CMC delivers and manages a vast number of connections for our wholesale customers and is a carrier-neutral vendor, not participating in the enterprise space. This is a key and significant USP and as a result we service end-clients indirectly across every vertical and industry.”

Ultimately, CMC’s differentiator derives from putting the customer first across each applicable realm.

Listening to every requirement and formulating a bespoke solution accordingly has resulted in a host of longstanding relationships with in-country providers. This in turn aids final delivery according to what

60

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

CMC delivers and manages a vast number of connections for our wholesale customers and is a carrier-neutral vendor, not participating in the enterprise space

C M C

N E T W O R K S

each customer needs, irrespective of the geography, political situation or any other external complexity that threatens the situation.

“The customer is King,” Trisolino affirms. “We cannot repeat this enough.

We go the extra mile to deliver both simple and complex solutions. CMC is very agile from a process and delivery perspective meeting our customer requirements from design, to pricing, and final delivery.

“While our competition presents a challenge by engaging with in-country providers, we have already built a price book which most customers have at hand. Ultimately, we remove the complexities of conducting business in a very complex region, so that our customers can focus on their expertise.”

Future ready

CMC’s second core differentiator in Africa appears in its sheer scale and scope. Nobody in the market can promote the same extensive footprint

62

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We go the extra mile to deliver both simple and complex solutions.

CMC is very agile from a process and delivery perspective meeting our customer requirements from design, to pricing, and final delivery

as CMC and as a result, the Company becomes more of a local entity to prospective customers.

Improved cycle times, reduced risks and more turnkey operations are further benefits that come from being so vastly spread, and it then comes as no surprise that the business sits at the top of business partners’ and potential clients’ wish lists.

“CMC works with many of the world’s largest telecommunications companies who serve customers from every vertical, predominantly across Africa and the Middle East,” Trisolino says.

“CMC’s standing in the market is based on our ability and agility to deliver from a single circuit in a mature market, to a highly complex solution across several hard to reach geographies.”

In recent years CMC has strived for further diversification by pivoting from being an African provider to a global provider by establishing points of presence in Europe, the Americas and Middle East with operational and

N

OOR Data Network, SAE is a full-scale, Class A internet solution and networks infrastructure provider based in Cairo, Egypt. NOOR is proud to be known as the premium quality service provider with professional support and out-of-the-box non-traditional solutions.

With almost 20 years in the market, NOOR pioneered creative and advanced technologies for its clients, from the free internet dialup (0777) to ADSL Broadband and MPLS-VPN services.

Today, NOOR boasts a wide portfolio of clients from local, multinational and governmental organisations that span all sectors.

NOOR’s non-traditional, customer-centric style has resonated well and captured the attention and loyalty of many of the biggest corporations and brands in the region who can attest to NOOR’s attention to detail and technical command of the market.

According to NOOR’s CEO Basel Dalloul, “We are defined not just by what we say, but by what we do, how we do it and the challenges we overcome for our clients. NOOR combines world-class technology, experience, highly trained resources and the ability to truly understand and respect the exact needs of our clients. NOOR has an ongoing vision to enable people to connect and interact, creating infinite possibilities”.

NOOR President and COO, Fadi Jundi, further adds: “Today, technology touches every aspect of our lives; at NOOR we make sure our clients experience this with the greatest simplicity and reliability. NOOR continuously evolves its services and solutions to serve different technological needs in people’s lives,

leveraging resources and creative thinking to cater for tomorrow’s demands. Rather than being vendor oriented our team is technology driven allowing us to better evaluate vendors and custom solutions that are in the best interest of our clients, both technically and financially.”

Empowered by a strict regimen of in-house training, external vendor training and hands-on experience, NOOR engineers insist on going the extra mile in helping resolve customer challenges often exceeding the scope of contracted work to ensure the smooth and harmonic operation of our customer. “We work with clients to understand their goals and design service packages that take them where they want to go at every stage of their growth with us,” President & COO Fadi Jundi elaborates.

NOOR provides specific standalone services and complete integrated service packages that enables clients to use NOOR as a one-stop shop for both local and international services with a wide offering that includes data & internet connectivity services to DDOS & managed services cemented by partnerships with regional players most notable that with CMC Networks offering access to one of the largest pan African networks.

With two decades of unique customer centric experience, the NOOR brand cemented its position as a niche boutique provider for home users, businesses, and government agencies.

T +20 2 770 2260 E info@noor.net www.noor.net

C M C

N E T W O R K S

AIRTEL BUSINESS

A

irtel is the leading telecom operator in the world – third largest globally and undisputed number one in India. Overall, we have network presence in 18 countries across Africa with a cumulative investment of US$11 billion in the region. Airtel takes pride in serving more than 90 million subscribers in Africa with presence of 99 MPLS PoPs supplemented with 3 path connectivity from West & East Africa and Wireline & VSAT connectivity to landlocked countries in the region.

technical staff on hand to support similarly multinational customers across different time zones.

Trisolino continues: “Simultaneously, we have procured capacity across multiple undersea cables to improve our SLAs to support the needs of our wholesale customers. We have anticipated the shift from MPLS and Layer 2 services to internet services and as a result we have placed a significant focus on internet products and solutions to meet a growing customer demand.

“The move to SDN is yet another key focus for CMC, ensuring all our wholesale customers and their endcustomers are and will be future ready.”

Ongoing capital expenditures are a familiar and potent occurrence at CMC, primarily based around technological advancements. The adoption of an SD-WAN (software define wide area network) strategy has recently been complemented by an SD-WAN/NFV access strategy, while a partnership

64

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Besides, we are a major player in sub-Saharan Africa with partnerships with more than 60 major operators, carriers and OEMs in the region. With our investment in GBI, MENA Cable, Airtel has further consolidated its leading position as a global capacity provider. Our capacities in WACS, SAT3, MAINONE, ACE, GLO1 to connect West Africa to Europe and Teams, EASSY, SEACOM to connect East Africa to London and India. Our local and global presence coupled with innovative solutions gives us a significant reach in Africa and a brand name, which is synonymous with reliability & flexibility.

We have anticipated the shift from MPLS and Layer 2 services to internet services and as a result we have placed a significant focus on internet products and solutions to meet a growing customer demand

We have a seven-year-long partnership with CMC working together in various geographies including Gabon, Niger, Congo, Madagascar, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Croatia, Romania, Nigeria, Macedonia, Mongolia, Nepal, Srilanka, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Turkey, Philippines, and Cambodia. We join forces to deliver multiple enterprise grade services in Africa and Asia, harnessing bilateral opportunities that create business value for both the companies. Our offering includes IPLC, IP, MPLS, colocation, DIA, and more.

Our relationship is built on trust, and we depend on each other’s networks and working teams to provide an exceptional experience to the end customer.

E airtelglobalbusiness@airtel.com

www.airtel.in/business

C M C

N E T W O R K S

BANDWIDTH & CLOUD SERVICES

B

andwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS Group) is a wholesale telecommunications provider, operating under licenses in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and serving Burundi, DRC and South Sudan at their respective border points.

CMC Networks has been a customer of BCS Group since the Group’s inception in 2010, with BCS Group providing CMC Networks with local loop circuit services and colocation of points of presence in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. BCS also provides IPLC circuits from Nairobi to London, Nairobi to Kampala and Nairobi to Kigali. All services are all backed up by support services.

T +254 20 266 7249 E info@bcs-ea.com

www.bcs-ea.com with Kontron has facilitated the provision of an Open Source hardware platform which will be the basis of executing this implementation.

“CMC has partnered with 128 Technologies to enable our next generation, session aware vector based routing platform to provide our SD-WAN offering. the 128T platform provides lower bandwidth overhead, zero trust security and dynamic realtime traffic management for its Core and Access SD-WAN implementations,” says Geoff Dornan, CTO for CMC Networks. “This is a first for Africa and will be a game-changer for both CMC and our customers alike.”

Then, the Company also strives to upgrade and improve its core facilities on a regular basis.

Trisolino notes: “We built a new Network Operations Centre five years ago and now have all the Tiers in one location, ranging from Tier 1 basic support and call logging, to Tier 5 OPS engineering, fixing and resolving

66

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

CBINET

A

We built a new Network Operations Centre five years ago and now have all the Tiers in one location...

s a pioneer of the connectivity services in Burundi, CBINET has always worked to transform connectivity into a powerful tool for corporates and individuals. With highly skilled staff working in a multicultural environment, CBINET is also a major IT integrator in Burundi.

Moreover, with a strong reputation as a customer-orientated company, CBINET is the preferred partner for the key ICT players who want to extend their footprint in Burundi.

Therefore, we are proud to partner with CMC Networks in various IT solutions in Burundi since we share the same values.

T (+257) 22 24 17 06 | (+257) 76 18 10 10 (+257) 76 18 22 22 | (+257) 76 18 55 55 (+257) 76 18 58 58 | SMS 76 215 000 E info@cbinet

www.cbinet.net

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

Your Mission. Our Network.

BCS Group enables mobile network operators and internet service providers to reach millions of customers, providing secure and reliable bandwidth and connectivity services over their robust fiber network infrastructure. The Group operates under licenses in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and serves Burundi, DRC and South Sudan at their respective border points.

BCS Group services and solutions include: • IP Transit • Global and Regional Connectivity • Dark Fiber • Colocation • Fibre co-build • EPC contractor

info@bcs-ea.com | www.bcs-ea.com

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

67

C M C

N E T W O R K S

VIPNET

V

IPNET, the Ivorian telecom services provider, was formed 19 years ago and is a leading alternative operator in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Group is now able to deliver services to Burkina Faso through its subsidiary VIPNET BF and also has presence with the local partnerships in Mali and Senegal with plans for expansion into Niger and Mauritania.

The Company is a provider of data transmission services and IT solutions for: • Corporate clients (large enterprises, SMEs, NGOs, public administrations, multinational corporations, international institutions) and carriers, MNOS and telecom and digital service providers.

Xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxx

T +225 22 52 62 00, +225 22 52 62 01 E info@VIPNET.CI | vipnet@VIPNET.CI

www.vipnet.ci

the issue. This also included Projects Assurance in the same space, ensuring better visibility on the network and allowing issues to be resolved faster, leading to increased productivity.

“CMC has also built a new location to allow for the growth of our hosting facility and to accommodate our new satellite hub that was installed at our network premises. Meanwhile, internal office upgrades were done allowing the Sales and SCM teams to be in the same area. The ultimate goal is to have our teams integrated and accessible, so our clients’ requests and needs can be attended to in real time and efficiently.”

Best in class

Not only does enhanced streamlining aid internal processes, but it also helps the business to remain more attentive and vigilant to changing industry trends.

Trisolino has noticed three major industry shifts, in particular moving

68

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

CMC has also built a new location to allow for the growth of our hosting facility and to accommodate our new satellite hub that was installed at our network premises

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

WELCOME to our universe | Enterprise Dedicated Network | High-speed Internet | Telecommunication | Cloud Business Solutions | Integrated IT Services | Carrier Connectivity (IPLC, IP/MPLS, DIA, Colocation) | West Africa Regional PoPs

| VIPNET.CI

info@VIPNET.CI / vipnet@VIPNET.CI | www.vipnet.ci | +225 22 52 62 00 / +225 22 52 62 01

www.ipxeg.com

E: contact@ipxeg.com E: support@ipxeg.com T: +240 333 098 452 T: +240 333 093 828

Brilliant Solutions Co Ltd is a leader of IT solutions across the Eastern African Region bringing together a team of talented engineers and professionals to provide high quality service to our clients. We guarantee you that our skills,techniques and knowledge will provide the value added services you seek.

Services

• Data center design, implementation and improvement • Data center passive and electromechanical components • Network design, implementation, documentation & testing • Unified Communication System.

• IT end to end security solutions and audits.

• System Integration and IT equipment supply.

• Broadband Internet Services [WiMAX & 4G LTE] • Dedicated Business Internet • Metro-Ethernet Fiber Connectivity & National Fiber Connectivity • O3b Satellite Solution • Dedicated VSAT Service • Offshore Stabilized VSAT System • Networking Solutions • Wireless & Wired Infrastructure

Brilliant Solutions Co Ltd, Alriyadh, Block 7, House 184, Khartoum, Sudan Tel: +249155773917

• Unified Communication & Collaboration Solutions • IT Procurement Services • Facility Security Solutions

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

69

C M C

N E T W O R K S

from secure, predictable Layer 2 and MPLS services to a variation of internet solutions; the usage of SDN to manage the flow of traffic to the data centre or head office to drive out costs and improve efficiency; and the use of cloud services.

“To address the former, we have created a larger internet product offering providing the customer a choice from a contended unmanaged to uncontended managed service, where CMC can deliver the service in-country or internationally depending on the customer’s requirements,” Trisolino details. “CMC’s Supply Chain has a strong focus on obtaining and managing the best in class ISPs in the countries we operate.

“For the second trend, a number of our customers have adopted an SD-WAN strategy. With CMC’s broad basket of internet, MPLS and Layer 2 products, we are able to provide the customer a shopping list to choose

70

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

CMC Networks has a rigorous approach to attracting, developing and retaining talented people with the right skills and competencies to contribute to the attainment of our business strategies

from in order to build their SD-WAN service. We also engage with multiple in-country providers to ensure there is no single point of failure.”

Addressing the final – cloud-based – trend, CMC has positioned itself through its SDN/SD-WAN strategy to provide hosting facilities for software developers and/or customers, to create their own private cloud services in order to service their customers in that respective country or region.

By keeping ahead of the overall industry curve, CMC has affirmed its position as an entirely trusted provider and advisor, who can apply its “African expertise” to help walk its customers through upcoming regional or sector challenges.

Trisolino surmises: “Our commercial propositions factor in all these complexities, keeping the costs minimal and easy to track. CMC continues to develop and invest in an innovative product portfolio and we

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

TN Pop’s in Europe London and Frankfurt Direct Links from Europe to • Windhoek • Johannesburg/ Cape Town • Lusaka • Gaborone • Luanda Active Routes on multiple Submarine Cables • WACS • SEACOM • EASSy • SAT3 IP Upstream and Peering • Connected to DECIX • Multiple Tier 1 Provider • All Major South African Provider Flexible Offerings and Solutions • TDM Services • IP Upstream • Global IP VPN Solutions • Carrier Ethernet Multiple Connections to • Zambia • South Africa • Angola • Botswana • Zimbabwe

are currently executing our SDN rollout and team collaboration across multiple which will allow a variation of product geographies.”

Enveloping notions of CSR within its offerings and improved SLAs.” HR strategy, CMC goes on to ingratiate itself in each local region by offering Connecting the unconnected work experience to interns and NQFInevitably, it isn’t just potential aligned learnerships in the disciplines customers and business partners of supply chain, project management, who are attracted to CMC’s approach IT systems support and business either. Moreover, the business has administration for unemployed cemented its position as an employer youths. Bursaries are also on offer to of choice too – a responsibility which tertiary institutions for the Company’s is taken very seriously and rewarded via a host of training, development and employees.

And by ensuring the sustainability local initiatives. of its own talent pool and ongoing skill“CMC Networks has a rigorous approach to attracting, developing and retaining talented people with the right skills and competencies to contribute to the attainment of our business strategies,” the CEO confirms. “We have energetic, customer-centric individuals who are motivated by operating in a culture which encourages high performance, personal career growth

sets, the business looks to hold onto its number one position in Africa.

“We continue to introduce industry firsts including the deployment of a fully Open Source SDN network,” Trisolino concludes. “We can also provide end-to-end SD-WAN services with our agreements with multiple in-country service providers. With our SD-WAN services, we can provide various virtualised security, routing and Wan Optimisation Network Functions depending on customer needs and policies.

“We have also assisted private cloud developers and local ISPs to deploy cloud services in the countries they operate in, resulting in uplifting economies and connecting the unconnected.

“Through strategies such as these, CMC will continue to be at the forefront of the latest technology deployments across Africa in the years to come.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

71

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

MINING

72

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

for West Africa

WBHO West Africa’s Managing Director, Peter Raw discusses the Company’s growing presence in Ghana and the wider region Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

73

CUSTOMER SERVICE Quality customer service and professionalism from the Company’s commercial agents.

RELIABILITY Reliable and speedy order processing (invoice and delivery) FLEXIBILITY Flexible with payment methods and forward sales INSTALLATION Free mobile silos (35 and 70 tonnes) can be installed on large construction sites

Kissosso Municipality of Matoto BP 3835 Conakry Republic of Guinea T: +224 660 23 24 25 E: communications@guineeindustries.com

DELIVERY IN BULK Bulk delivery of all types of cement DISTRIBUTION NETWORK An extensive distribution network covering the entire national territory

www.guineeindustries.com

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

rowing a company’s revenue by a factor of eight in a completely new market is no mean feat. Add in the local challenges and nuances associated with establishing mining operations in African nations and WBHO West Africa’s achievements since 2005 appear all the more noteworthy.

A subsidiary of South African multidisciplined construction firm WBHO, WBHO West Africa formed through a $7 million contract win for mining giant Newmont in Ghana. Fast forward to 2018, and the Company is now turning over close to $60 million thanks to successful projects both in Ghana and the wider region.

Central to this longevity has been the establishment of relationships that place the development of local communities and populations at its core, built around the upskilling of locals and investment in surrounding infrastructure.

76

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Managing Director Peter Raw has witnessed this legacy building firsthand since the beginning. Against a challenging regional backdrop, Raw explains that WBHO has managed to drive positive economic and social benefit in Ghana and beyond.

“The construction industry in West Africa is currently highly stressed. This in my mind is driven by a combination of factors like the stability of the country for investment, availability of “cash” for further development as well as a fluctuating commodity prices.

“However, a key strength of ours which has allowed us to be successful is development of our people. We have built up relations with local communities and this has led to employees being with us in the long term.”

Strong foundations

WBHO’s evolution in West Africa has been focused on its core provision of civil and earthworks construction

C

reated in 1988, The Guinea Industries Group has been over the years a major player in the construction industry in the Republic of Guinea.

The Group has currently two different factories: Guinee Industries Toles • Annual production capacity: 50,000 tonnes • Market share: 50 percent • Number of employees: 250 • ProductsS:

- Transluicidal roofing sheets - Tiles roofing sheet - Sand blasted prepainted roofing sheet - Prepainted roofing sheet - BAC aluzinc roofing sheet - Channel bars Guinee Industries Ciments • Annual production capacity: 1,400,000 tonnes

Guinee Industries Group, because of its reputation of a company with a strong quality-oriented culture, has become the main supplier (more than 70 percent market share) of the major infrastructure and mining projects, including hydroelectric dams, roads and bridges, mine construction and extensions.

Our Major Clients: WBHO, Stefanutti Stocks, SOGEASATOM (Vinci Group) COBAD (Rusal Group), China Harbour and Engineering Company (CHEC), Shanghai Construction Group, China Water and Energy (CWE), CGC, Guinea Bauxite Company (CBG), Guicopres Group.

Certification: Our Company has been recently certified: • Environmental Management (AFAQ ISO 14001-2015)

• Market share: 40 percent

• Health and Security Management (OHSAS 18001-2007)

• Number of employees: 550

• Quality (ISO 9001-2015)

• Products:

-

CPA - CEM I 42.5 R CPJ – CEM II/A 42.5 N CPJ – CEM II/B 32.5 N CHF - CEM III/A 42.5 N CHF – CEM III/B 32.5 N T +224 660 23 24 25 E communications@guineeindustries.com www.guineeindustries.com

BLC: • Drilling and blasting (bench/open pit) services • Machinery rental (excavators, loaders, ADT’s) • Distributorships for wear parts and HARDOX™️ • Machining workshop BLC: Yorokoguiah Dubreka Guinea Republic PO Box 5737 Conakry T: +224 628 41 93 17 E: blastico@yahoo.fr MAG: Boké GuineA RepuBlic T: +224 662 44 93 93 e: magboke@yahoo.com MAG: • Largest aggregate quarry in Boké region (dolerite) • Supplying international construction & mining companies • Large buffer stock • Ability to produce any gradation requested

SAC: • Largest aggregate quarry in Guinea (granite) • 1,000 sqm spare parts warehouse • Fully equipped 1,000 sqm workshop: welding, machining (lathes, drilling, milling)

SAC: Yorokoguiah Dubreka Guinea Republic PO Box 5737 Conakry T: +224 664 35 35 30 +224 624 86 35 84 E: alameconakry@yahoo.fr

AMG: Tercet Dubreka Guinea Republic AMG: • Aggregate quarry (granite) • Supplying international construction & mining companies • Large buffer stock • Ability to produce any gradation requested

PO Box 5737 Conakry T: +224 669 63 88 88 E: amgguinea@gmail.com

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

“Depending on the territory we are working in, we always like to have a strong core team of WBHO people, plant and equipment that we structure the contract around” services, chiefly to privately-owned clients in the mining industry. This covers construction of tailings dams, water dams, roads and terraces, drainage, heavy civil works and pipelines.

Raw goes on to explain several factors that have contributed to WBHO successfully overcoming the remote challenges it faced.

“Over the years of service in Africa, WBHO has developed a great team that are focused on our service

80

delivery and customer needs on the projects,” he says. “We have built up a knowledge of the challenges of working in remote African countries.

With this experience, we have managed to develop our teams to adjust to these ever-changing environments. As anyone who has worked in these remote locations in foreign countries knows, every day has its surprises and how we overcome these challenges sets us apart from the rest.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

WHBO covers construction of tailings dams, water dams, roads and terraces, drainage, heavy civil works and pipelines

“In order to combat the challenges of working remotely, we have invested heavily in the plant and equipment available to the teams on the ground so that we can rely on our own means during construction. Depending on the territory we are working in, we always like to have a strong core team of WBHO people, plant and equipment that we structure the contract around.”

Further underpinning WBHO’s work is its ISO accreditation covering safety, quality and environmental bases, alongside key support from their structures in Ghana and other West African countries, as well as its parent company in South Africa. “At all times this support is only a phone call away with both resource support, technical support as well as financial support to make sure we can overcome any challenge thrown at us,” Raw adds.

AMG & Partners established itself in Guinea in the year 2000.

To date, the Group in Guinea consists of four affiliates: three aggregate quarries (SAC, AMG & MAG) and a mining services company (BLC). The quarry business has grown to be one of the largest aggregates suppliers in the country, participating in the development of the nation’s roads, infrastructure and mining industry.

Expanding over 100 hectares of land, the Group’s facilities include: • Warehouse for spare parts.

• Yard and wash bay for machines.

• Servicing warehouse: garage for electrical and mechanical repairs, a section for hydraulic repairs (pump rebuilds, hydraulic cylinder repairs, hose crimping machines, • Workshop: machining equipment to manufacture and repair parts and a section for welding wear parts and GET tools repair and reinforcement.

The Group’s quarries over the years have supplied: • International construction companies: SOGEA-SATOM & Eurovia (Parent: Vinci Construction), ASTALDI S.p.A, Groupe CSE (Compagnie Sahélienne d’Entreprises, WBHO Guinea.

• Mining companies: RUSAL and CBG (Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée).

BLC is one of the few companies that operate MMU trucks and adopt emulsion blasting.

Its expertise in laying out safe and effective drilling and firing plans has been exhibited.

The most recent blasting project in 2017 for Alufer’s bauxite mine, involved extracting armor rock for the causeway and port.

BLC’s excavators and dump trucks have participated in the construction of the Kaleta dam, overburden removal at Vale’s iron ore mine in N’Zerekore and the construction of a highway in Senegal with Groupe CSE. BLC’s fleet counts excavators, articulated dump trucks, dozers, drill-rigs, an MMU, bulldozer and a grader.

Additionally, the Group has the ability to supply wear parts for quarrying equipment.

The partnership with WBHO has involved all of the Group’s entities: • Aggregates have been supplied by SAC, AMG and MAG to WBHO’s entity responsible for the construction of housing for mining company GAC in the regions of Kamsar and Tinguilinta • BLC supplied plant for the construction of a 20km haul road for Alufer bauxite mine in the region of Bel Air.

• Local construction companies: GUICOPRESS.

Leveraging high expertise from the owners and professionals, the Group is well renowned for its high quality products and unmatched service with a zero Harm policy.

The Group’s rocks have been used at several landfill and pier projects (Petit Bateau, Noom Hotel) and its aggregates are laid out on the Coyah highway, the road leading to Bel Air beach, a highway in Senegal and the concrete foundations of the Kakimbo towers complex.

The Group highly contributes to the social and economic development of the local communities, though the construction of schools, mosques and hospitals, as well as the sponsorship of local soccer teams and prioritising employment: individuals and subcontractors.

Blastico BLC has shown great success since its inception in 2005, though its involvement in several mining projects. Its drill rigs have been adopted at the Kaleta dam (Client: CWE) and at Bel Air (Client: Alufer).

To date, AMG & Partners is well established in several countries on the African continent, including Malawi, Zambia and Ivory Coast.

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

B APPAH ELECTRICALS LTD

B

Appah Electricals Ltd (BAE) is an electrical engineering and contracting company that provides premier electrical services for building projects. The Company, since its inception in 1996, has experienced steady and continuous growth and has become synonymous with quality electrical works in Ghana and other African countries.

Aside the provision of electrical services, the Company also supplies and distributes quality yet affordable electrical products, undertakes electrical installations as well as maintenance services. The firm has accreditation for the distribution of several leading brands and is the distributor of Schneider Electric in Ghana.

Springboard

WBHO West Africa’s first project in Ghana is testament to its legacy building ethos, demonstrated by the fact it still provides numerous ongoing construction services for Newmont at its Ahafo mine.

Located in the Sefwi Volcanic Belt in the central-southern region of the country, Ahafo is a surface gold mining operation which produces 349,000 ounces a year and employs 2,500 staff and contractors, making it a vital socioeconomic driver in the

82

area. The site is also undergoing an expansion phase on the surface and underground, set for completion early next year, another project WBHO has been tasked with working on.

Described by Raw as a springboard into the region, the Company has not looked back, picking up further work for Newmont as the earthworks and infrastructure contractor on its Akyem project, another gold mine which began commercial production in 2013.

“Outside of the work WBHO does for Newmont, the presence in Ghana also opened the door to various other opportunities in the mining arena, most notably the construction of the Iduapriem Gold Mine’s tailings dam for Anglo Gold Ashanti,” Raw continues.

“We were also more recently involved in the construction of the greenfield development of the Asanko Mine.”

WBHO’s expertise has also been utilised on general building projects in Ghana through our Building Devision, while in the country’s capital, Accra, it has established a fully functioning regional office which supports operations nationally and regionally.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Over the years, BAE has undertaken several major projects in the building and construction industry in Ghana, completing projects for the likes of Standard Chartered (head office), West Hills Mall, Protea Hotel and Nestle Ghana (New Milling Factory).

BAE has received many awards for its quality works – underpinning the Company’s success has been the commitment to its core values of honesty, quality, teamwork, respect, fairness and total client satisfaction.

Our range of electrical installation services includes: • Electrical and electronic engineering services • Voice and data installations • Fire alarm installation • Power generator installation Head Office T +233 302 770178 / 2770155 F +233 302 768376 E sec@bappahelectricals.com No. 7 Patrice Lumumba Close, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana Showroom T +233 302 782787 Fax: +233 302 78278 E osu@bappahelectricals.com No. 23 Nyaniba Estate, Osu- Blorgodor Road, Osu Accra, Ghana

www.bappahelectricals.com

www.bappahelectricals.com

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

RANA MOTORS & METAL WORKS ENG. CO. LTD.

R

ana Motors & Metal Works Eng. Co. Ltd. was incorporated 40 years ago in Ghana by the Chairman Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Odaymat.

It is a diverse business group having interests in manufacturing & distribution. Goodyear & KIA Motors are flag ship brands of its automotive division.

“We also have a strong core of expats from the likes of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe who in turn have helped us develop a strong core of Ghanaians over the years”

from the likes of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe who in turn have helped us develop a strong core of Ghanaians over the years.

“Developing this team has allowed us to be a step ahead of competitors, for example other South African companies which may not have that local knowledge base. It is a key strength of ours.”

In terms of training, WBHO provides extensive in-house programmes covering skills and health and safety, including schemes of various levels conducted from its parent company’s Lasting legacy head office in Johannesburg. Much The strong foundations and learning also materialises on the job, springboard Raw refers to is the with the Company maintaining a product of a team made up of highly experienced expats and a vibrant pool healthy balance between practical and theoretical education. of well-trained regional employees.

Mentorship is another important Indeed, it is WBHO’s people which Raw aspect of employee personal believes differentiates the Company from other operators in the region. development highlighted by Raw, who describes how senior staff often pass “We have a lot of people who have down their knowledge and experience been working with us on numerous to those motivated to make it to the projects through the years,” he says.

“We also have a strong core of expats top.

84

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The Company has established supply & maintenance infrastructure for mining tyres across West Africa, and has presence in Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria and is known as West Africa Tire Service Limited (WATS Ltd) in these countries. Rana Motors Group today is a reliable supplier for Mining Tyres and is associated with most major mining companies and mining contractors in West Africa through supply and/or service contractors.

WATS’s Off The Road Goodyear Tyre Distribution Agreement, established with Goodyear about 15 years ago, has brought immense value to the mining companies and contractors in West Africa. It was the first tire company in West Africa to stock mining tyres locally in West Africa and provide mining clients with ‘just in time’ stocks.

In addition, WATS offers Earth Moving Tyre Consultancy & Management services to its clients, by which the customer gets the most suited tyre which would provide them with value returns for money invested on tyre resources.

WATS also has a strategic tie-up with REMA Tip Top, the leading mining tyre repair specialists in the world which has brought further value to the mining clients.

With a clear vision from its management, WATS professional team has – together with Goodyear - relieved many mining operations in West Africa of the challenges they face on the mining tyre front.

W B H O

W E S T

A F R I C A

WBHO provides key infrastructure to local communities

Aside upskilling local populaces, WBHO also contributes to community life through various physical projects, such as providing key link roads, schools and infrastructure in and around the areas covered by its commercial activities.

Beyond Ghana

WBHO’s longevity in Ghana has paved the way for it to move into other West African countries.

The most significant example comes in Sierra Leone, where the Company was involved in building a railway for African Minerals Limited, connecting its iron ore resource to vital trade links on the coast. What began as a conceptual haul road build soon turned into a rail project in order to navigate some of the challenging terrain covering the route. The contract extended to include delivery of a rail car dumper at the port and wagon repair workshop, among other contracts.

86

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“To be successful in West Africa you have to build up your relevant skills locally as well as build in the expertise of how to run business, and we have been able to do that and leave a legacy”

Successful operations in Sierra Leone opened doors in Guinea, where WBHO built a haul road for another iron ore client, a miner with operations in the Forecariah region of the country.

A further three contracts followed in Guinea, the most recent involving a bauxite mine for Alufer which was commissioned in August 2018.

Raw explains: “Towards the end of 2016 we were awarded a major infrastructure works project for this mine. It has been a very successful project and mining operations have already commenced with the loading of the first bauxite ore for shipment in early August. This project was completed without a lost time injury and on time, despite the various challenges we have faced in terms of operating in the country, such as climatic conditions and community disruptions.

“We have learned a great deal and are now well-placed to carry out further work in Guinea. The team has

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

ATLANTIC SERVICES

Guinee

CAR RENTAL

Avenue William Tubman Phone: +224 621 07 87 71 Email: mouctar.diallo@atlanticservicesguinee.net www.atlanticservicesguinee.net

WBHO building a key link road

done an amazing job on what has been a tough assignment in a difficult environment.”

Burkina Faso is another country

where WBHO has broken ground, this time involving a civil construction contract for Semafo on its new Natougou gold mine. Further tenders

in the country have followed, and Raw believes the Company can replicate the success it has seen in Ghana to date.

And it is continuing exploration of new markets, especially in the southern area of West Africa, that represents a key priority for Raw in coming years. Built around its established core of mining construction experience, WBHO looks set to leave a lasting legacy beyond Ghana.

Raw concludes: “We will continue to chase projects in the region, while always looking at expansion not only into new countries, but while drawing on our knowledge in the mining sector, expanding into other sectors as well.

“To be successful in West Africa you have to build up your relevant skills locally as well as build in the expertise of how to run business, and we have been able to do that and leave a legacy. We want to be welcomed back with open arms when we return.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

87

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

Mining with

Integrity African Mining Services has blended Australian industry practices with a dedicated localisation focus to become one of West Africa’s primary sector operators Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

88

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

89

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

o achieve long-term, sustainable and ethicallysound success in West Africa is no mean feat for some of the region’s leading industrial operators, so to do so as an indigenously international entity is all the more impressive.

However, that’s exactly what African Mining Services has achieved since the Australian Company’s inception in Ghana nearly 30 years ago.

Leveraging an existing plethora of knowledgeable, innovative and ambitious Australian expats, a subsequent financial acumen and inner-belief entered the region with a faith that anything was possible. A host of niche mining industry practices, and unparalleled scope in the open cut contract mining arena later, and AMS continues to broaden its influence

in West Africa as a now-trusted and reputed local provider.

Operations Manager for the Company’s Senegalese activities, Darran Twining further introduces the AMS model: “AMS predominantly performs exploration drilling, production drill and blast, grade control, hydraulic excavator and mechanical drive dump truck operations.

“The mining region here is rich with gold deposits and the mining contracting competition is strong.

As a result, operating with continued success is highly complex and subject to a very dynamic political and socioeconomic scene. However, AMS has evolved from a small Ghana-based business and expanded into the regional, francophone countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast and here in Senegal.”

EGEM SERVICES LTD

E

GEM Services is a leading mining support company operating in Ghana, with a stated aim to become a continent-wide go-to provider within the next decade.

The work carried out by EGEM filters into three major strands – heavy mining equipment services, repair and maintenance, and light duty servicing.

The Company is the brainchild of Emmanuel Gyamfi, who worked as an expatriate at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania for two years as a machine and component rebuild supervisor of Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr and Tamrock components and equipment.

After working in the DR Congo for two years, Gyamfi decided to apply his skills to his own business in 2006, and E. Gyamfi Engineering & Mining Services Ltd (EGEM) was born.

Today the Company’s mission is a simple one: “We seek to create value for our customers by providing unique mining support services at the lowest possible cost. We provide outstanding mining support services to facilitate and ease the operations of our customers.”

Such a mission will be achieved by adherence to four core values: reliability and commitment to customer service; innovation; competence; and care for the community and environment.

Currently EGEM is owned by two key shareholders, with the firm consider a public offering in order to raise funds and invest in its growth.

By continuing to serve the mining industry in Ghana and the wider continent, EGEM is helping to power an industry that is vital to Africa’s overall industrial wellbeing.

M +233544182929 | +233277339606 E egyamfi74tz@gmail.com | info@egemservicesgh.com

www.egemservicesgh.com

90

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

EGEM

SERVICES LTD

Flexible Workforce Solutions EGEM Services Ltd, combining technology with skills and expertise has been supplying Heavy Duty Mechanical Services since 2006 and has acquired extensive expertise in heavy duty machines.

HEAVY DUTY MINING EQUIPMENTS REPAIRS

HEAVY DUTY MINING EQUIPMENTS SERVICES

LIGHT DUTY SERVICING WORKSHOP

P. O. Box 625, Tarkwa, Western Region - Ghana Mobile: +233544182929 | +233277339606 E-mail: egyamfi74tz@gmail.com | info@egemservicesgh.com

www.egemservicesgh.com

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

SUPPLY DIRECT | BTP GROUP

S

UPPLY DIRECT and the BTP Group (In combination form {ES&S} Equipment Service and Supplies Group) provide industrial products, global procurement and supply chain management services with offices in South Africa, United Kingdom and Australia. As a products and services provider, SUPPLY DIRECT/BTP knows that no matter what industry you operate in, supply chain effectiveness is key to your success. Therefore, SUPPLY DIRECT/BTP combines its extensive industrial product offering with a range of services to support your supply chain.

With SUPPLY DIRECT/BTP as your industrial distributor, you will not only benefit from a world-class product offering, but also from dedicated procurement and supply chain management services. This will reduce your costs, increase your productivity and leave you free to focus on your own core competencies to grow your business.

While the business’s aforementioned – and turnkey – array of services inevitably sets it apart from most competitors in the local market, to truly understand AMS’s success you need to delve into more personable attributes; Twining himself citing a family feel, complete trust and transparency, companionship, and an ability to work collaboratively to solve challenges among these core traits.

Such capabilities and values have aided the Company’s flexibility, adaptability and resilience amid fluctuating market trends; and upon the 2005 Ausdrill Ltd takeover of the organisation, AMS has been able to add an extra level of clout to its attractive ethos in order to further capitalise on regional opportunities.

“For me, there are some things we do really well, some things we do reasonably well, and some things I’d still like for us to improve upon,” Twining surmises. “However, our footprint expansion is testament to us

92

doing something right in the industry, and – driven by our COO (John Kavangh) and GM (Darren Wheadon) – we know we have the necessary tools to continue improving our proposition in the future.

“These include our maintenance knowhow and asset management processes; our anti-bribery and corruption stance; our option to leverage off Ausdrill; and our ability to ingratiate ourselves locally and promote nationals.”

Empowering and uplifting

It is perhaps this final parameter which has and will continue to dictate AMS’s ultimate success in the long-term, in West Africa.

While the region’s rich gold deposits and lucrative commodity zones will continue to lure a carrot in front of budding contractors, it is imperative that the successful exponent tackles the complex industry climate and fragile socioeconomic scene head-on.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Wherever you are in the world, no matter how remote, we will deliver what you need, when you need it. Our clients range from major mining companies in remote Africa to underground mining and drilling contractors in Australia to facilities in South East Asia and Eastern Europe.

AMS (African Mining Services), is not only a subsidiary company to SUPPLY DIRECT/BTP but has been a valued customer from inception. As both organisations have a common goal in terms of health and safety, environmental impact, efficiently delivering the products to our customers, and importantly achieving sustainability within the African continent.

Please visit us at:

www.supplydirect.net www.btpgroup.com.au

central@supplydirect.co.za | +27 11 4530380

ONE SOURCE FOR MINING SUPPLIES GLOBALLY. www.supplydirect.net

ONE CALL AND IT’S AS GOOD AS DELIVERED. We supply equipment, parts and consumables for mining, mineral processing, exploration and construction. We source, procure and freight to your site what you need, when you need it, anywhere in the world. buy it direct from the source at www.supplydirect.net.

AUSTRALIA | SOUTH AFRICA | GHANA | UK

We’re one of the world’s largest supplier of quality reconditioned, used and service exchange earthmoving parts and have been supplying our quality Australian rebuilt parts & components for over 5 years to our valued African clients. And it’s not just Caterpillar components that we work with, we offer the same quality and guarantees to the other major brands such as Komatsu, Liebherr, Hitachi & O&K. With a dedicated South African based team with proven industry experience it means you can now get the quality parts & service that your business needs.

BRINGING MORE TO MINING

BTPGROUP.COM.AU

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

AMS Senegal

Twining’s primary concern in the present day is AMS’s Senegalese journey; a journey which began almost exactly two years ago in 2016 as part of the business’s ongoing footprint expansion strategy.

AMS’s venture into the country has kicked-off with the Mako project in the southeast, and the (at least) six-and-a-half year gold project will lay the foundations for AMS to replicate the same model already successfully implemented across much of the rest of West Africa.

“For us, we needed to finally get into Senegal as part of our business strategy,” he opens. “Senegal is stable from a governance point of view – a relaxed and great place to work. Toro has tasked us with getting Mako up and running and to methodically develop the mines infrastructure as we look to showcase what we can do in Senegal moving forward.”

Africa Outlook (AfO): Please introduce me to the Mako project and what AMS’s ambitions are for it?

Darran Twining (DT): “Mako is in the Kedougou district of Senegal, bordering Mali, Gambia and Guinea.

The gold mineral resource is proven for 6.3 years of mining and approximately seven years of processing should low grade and marginal grade ore remain economically viable – based on the gold price at the time. The goal of AMS is to show that we can offer the best value for PMC across the entire length of the venture and also for any additions to the resource or satellite resources.

AfO: What are the main characteristics of the mine that make this a valuable project and how

94

much room is there for expansion?

DT: Mako offers a technically rich mining challenge for AMS. We need to demonstrate excellence in drill and blast practices, safe and efficient load and haul, and to monitor and manage all our environmental aspects and impacts given the proximity to the adjacent National Park (vibration, noise, dust, hydrocarbons, airborne diesel particulates etc); and as such we have a fantastic learning and upskilling opportunity for all our employees. There is scope, and exploration drilling is currently underway in ‘proximity to mine and infrastructure’ locations.

AfO: What stage are you at in terms of Mako’s development, and what challenges have you had to overcome in getting to this point?

DT: AMS Mako is in year one of the production phase. Prior to that we went through an extended 10-month period of pre-production.

The mobilisation and establishment of fleet and facilities, as well as managing the recruitment has been particularly challenging but we are underway relatively incident free and about a month ahead of contract volumes.

AfO: Looking forward, what other projects are you targeting in Senegal and what is your strategy for growth in the country?

DT: AMS is actively targeting upcoming projects in the Kedougou region, those coming online in 2019 to 2020. AMS offers precisely what those ventures require but we also must take extra steps to have a breakthrough with clients that have traditionally done the mining themselves as owner-operator or have a long-term relationship with a competitor.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

RANA MOTORS & METAL WORKS ENG. CO. LTD.

R

ana Motors & Metal Works Eng. Co. Ltd. was incorporated 40 years ago in Ghana by the Chairman Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Odaymat.

It is a diverse business group having interests in manufacturing & distribution. Goodyear & KIA Motors are flag ship brands of its automotive division.

The Company has established supply & maintenance infrastructure for mining tyres across West Africa, and has presence in Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria and is known as West Africa Tire Service Limited (WATS Ltd) in these countries. Rana Motors Group today is a reliable supplier for Mining Tyres and is associated with most major mining companies and mining contractors in West Africa through supply and/or service contractors.

WATS’s Off The Road Goodyear Tyre Distribution Agreement, established with Goodyear about 15 years ago, has brought immense value to the mining companies and contractors in West Africa. It was the first tire company in West Africa to stock mining tyres locally in West Africa and provide mining clients with ‘just in time” stocks.

In addition, WATS offers Earth Moving Tyre Consultancy & Management services to its clients, by which the customer gets the most suited tyre which would provide them with value returns for money invested on tyre resources.

WATS also has a strategic tie-up with REMA Tip Top, the leading mining tyre repair specialists in the world which has brought further value to the mining clients.

With a clear vision from its management, WATS professional team has – together with Goodyear - relieved many mining operations in West Africa of the challenges they face on the mining tyre front.

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

“There’s been huge changes in focus for national governments in the region over the years in terms of ‘what is good for living standards?’ or ‘what do we need international companies to bring to our country?’ and expectations can change from time to time,” Twining explains. “The trick to it all, from our perspective, has been the connections we have formed. Whether it’s a new country we’re entering like Senegal or the Ivory Coast, or a country where we’ve been operational for a decade like Mali; it’s all about making the right connections with people in decisionmaking positions and showcasing to them that our approach to mining will bring economic value to their nation and will put communities first at all times.”

He continues: “It’s actually one of the main reasons I enjoy working for AMS - you can’t always do it for money. You have to put forward a more wholesome proposition, get a foothold, and show you are a genuine company with integrity. We like to think we can do what we say we can do and that generates trust and a level of respect that continues to grow our reputation.”

By keeping lines of communication open, it has also helped the Company foresee industry or national challenges that other operators might walk blindly into. Working harmoniously to bridge cultures, objectives and even languages, a cycle of sustainability has had to be generated (often from very nascent beginnings) in each country.

Twining continues: “With the localisation process, in each case we have to initially utilise expats but we do so to train nationals, so that the ratio between the two shifts in favour of the latter over the years.

“Concurrently, we offer state-ofthe-art training and development programmes to get people up to speed and to develop their skills; often using simulators so that they’re exposed to the complex conditions, hazards and

96

challenges that they will eventually face when the time comes to be assigned onsite.

“Essentially everything is geared around empowering and uplifting our nationals.”

Reliability and consistency

By showing an aptitude for local enrichment and sustainable talent progression, AMS has understandably strengthened its appeal to national governments and potential clients.

And this is epitomised by the vast portfolio of projects attained over the years across Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and more recently Ivory Coast.

Establishing, and then retaining, positive relationships with key clients in each case – Perseus, AngloGold Ashanti and Endeavour being prime examples – the sharing of information, skill-bases and resources that occurs consequently continues to breed new opportunities and fresh project leads.

Operations in Syama, Mali

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

PATERSON SIMONS

P

aterson Simons has been partnering some of West Africa’s largest mining companies and mining contractors for 70 years. Mining groups such as Anglo Gold Ashanti, Newmont, Perseus, Iamgold, Sierra Rutile, Goldfields, Randgold and African Mining Services regularly rely on us for new heavy lifting equipment from quality brands including Konecranes, Manitowoc and Manitou.

We offer tailored manufacturer-backed maintenance and service plans, using factory-trained engineers deployed direct to mine sites across a wide number of territories including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea Republic, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria.

UK Head Office +44 (0) 1273 625 969 Ghana +233 (0) 303 211 143

patersonsimons.com

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

WEST AFRICA’S

LIFTING SPECIALIST SALES. SERVICE. SOLUTIONS. • Operating in West Africa since 1948 • Branches in Ghana, Nigeria and Togo • Factory-Trained Engineers • Quick Supply of Original Spare Parts • Wide Range of Certified Hoist and Rigging Equipment

Call us today: UK Head Office +44 (0) 1273 625 969 | Ghana +233 (0) 303 211 143 | patersonsimons.com

Total Tyre Control Web

Developed for tomorrow’s needs, not yesterday’s trends.

Fast, Easy, Secure

$5.00

Scan QR code

Enter amount

PIN + OK

For enquires call free on short code 3225 (Airtel, MTN and Vodafone lines only) or on 0302 213 999 (Normal charges apply).

Ecobank Pay can be used by both Mastercard and Visa card holders.

We accept QR payments

ecobank.com

Available on Ecobank Mobile.

Download the app today.

Designed to Improve your Business & Save you Money

tyre-software.com WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

97

A F R I C A N

M I N I N G

S E R V I C E S

“In each case, what we bring is a sense of reliability and consistency, and this is what sets us apart once we begin working on a project,” Twining says. “Even when things get out of control, or difficult, AMS can always stick it out with a financial, technical and consultancy footing which reduces risk across the board.

“Even where there are financial difficulties, we have the capacity to soldier on in full operational mode without diluting the strength of our employees, capital expenditures or overall operations.”

Once again, by demonstrating these characteristics and such business strength, its cachet among national governments escalates accordingly, and AMS’s values eventually get rewarded with the best projects, and, resultantly, strong revenue growth.

Twining elaborates: “This then puts us in a great position from an investment perspective, AMS now

98

comprising one of the best fleets of equipment and machinery in the region. New technologies and innovations in the drill blast space find their way to West Africa via Ausdrill and ultimately means we can do things that our competitors can’t with more technically-advanced equipment.

“While many other market operators have the same excavators or vehicles as we do, we have the ability and scope to operate them better. This comes from a capacity to upgrade, maintain, train and develop to better meet clients’ needs; and, in turn, people, partners and companies gravitate towards us.”

Bucking trends and exceeding expectations

In Senegal, as has been the case in every other presence point before, AMS is already sowing seeds for future prevalence. The development of nationals, the formulation of

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

(+233) 0244645042 / 0206882077 info@pemsgh.com | www.pemsgh.com

PIERRO ENGINEERING & MINING SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED

SERVICES: • Maintenance, diagnosis and repair of all kinds of Heavy Duty machines.

• Machine assembling, Component change outs, repairs of all types of mining equipment.

• The Company undertakes major machine rebuild.

• Hiring of Mining and Construction Equipment, as well as Light Duty Vehicles.

• Import and export of general goods.

• Consultancy services in Engineering to Companies in Ghana and other West African States.

positive business partnerships, the establishment of a collaborative forum with the Government, and a commitment to uplift the Kedougou region’s communities is already in full swing.

Ultimately, it’s about leaving every project site, and its surrounding area, in a better shape than when AMS entered it. Onsite, this revolves around health & safety, waste management, supplier network development, and – of course – personnel improvement.

Externally, corporate social responsibility initiatives are tied into client objectives and an ongoing drive to improve the lives of local nationals.

“AMS is known as a good training and development company for national employees,” Twining affirms. “There is a massive focus on doing things to a high standard and integrating Australian standards into African mining. And AMS has a good reputation for treating nationals with respect and enabling them to succeed.

Merging honesty and integrity with leading industrial aptitude

“I strongly believe an Australian culture and mining aptitude tends to reward us in terms of our national workforce’s attitude.”

Twining goes on to attribute applicable notions of honesty and integrity as two of the Company’s overriding differentiators as the business looks forward to continued success in West Africa in the years to come.

“We operate according to a fiveyear strategy and have high hopes for upcoming projects in 2019, especially in Senegal,” he concludes. “We want to continue to buck trends and exceed expectations through our model and how we conduct ourselves.

“I’m excited for the future, both here in Senegal and for AMS as a whole. We continue to align ourselves with opportunities that match with a kind of mining that revolves around honesty and integrity. And as such, it’s a good time to be wearing an AMS shirt.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

99

T R I - S TA R

C O N S T R U C T I O N

Powering South Africa’s Infrastructure Developments construction firm situated at the heart of the country in Centurion.

Operating largely in Gauteng that subsumes both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Tri-Star has evolved over the past 39 years to become an industry specialist operating across Writer: Jonathan Dyble the commercial, industrial, retail and residential sectors, building anything Project Manager: Eddie Clinton from data centres, to hospitals, to churches. wave of economic prosperity “We have a very hands-on is expected to hit South management philosophy and a Africa in 2018. mindset of problem solving,” explains The country’s newly Tri-Star Construction CEO Derek appointed President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Wheals. “This ethos, reflected in our has targeted economic growth of multi-disciplined approach, allows us three percent for 2018 and five percent to adjust to changes in the economy to for 2023, a policy that the construction take advantage of new opportunities.” industry is expected to be a lynchpin Tri-Star originated as a painting and within. renovations business, broadening Whilst the sector has struggled its horizons in 1993 where it began across South Africa since 2009, undertaking larger scale construction as has been outlined in PwC’s SA projects.

Construction Fourth Edition report and In the 25 years since, the Company further demonstrated where industry has built more than 25,000 homes, confidence plummeted to a 17-year low poured more than 1.6 million square last year, a new sense of confidence is metres of concrete and laid over 250 now sweeping across the country. million bricks, propelling infrastructure developments across South Africa.

A multi-disciplined approach “What differentiates Tri-Star is not Poised to benefit from this projected only its experience, but its unrivalled upturn is Tri-Star Construction, a ability to adapt to new market highly successful, multi-disciplinary requirements,” Wheals adds.

Derek Wheals, CEO of Tri-Star Construction, reveals how the Company is making strides across South Africa

A

100

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Affordable Housing

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

101

T R I - S T A R

C O N S T R U C T I O N

Tri-Star by the numbers Completed projects:

367

Concrete poured:

1.6 million metres cubed Bricks laid:

250 million Homes Built:

25,000 Total area built:

2.35 million metres squared

Man-hours created:

6.5 million

Powering development

Of the total 367 projects that Tri-Star Construction has completed, one of its most notable achievements is the completion of the Wits Junction student village.

Completed in 2012 and featuring state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities, Wits Junction stands as a luxury accommodation block for students of Wits University in Parktown, Johannesburg, offering a range of housing options from studio apartments to four-bedroom communal flats.

“Wits Junction was the biggest single capital project ever undertaken

by Wits University,” Wheals reveals.

“We were proud to have been the contractors to successfully deliver 1,200 student beds along with shared spaces, parking garages and other onsite facilities.

“At any one time we had workforce of approximately 1,000 people alongside two tower cranes that had been deployed,” he adds. “In total, over four million bricks were laid.”

Additionally, the Company has a number of projects in the pipeline for the year ahead and beyond.

These include a six-storey 1,000 bed student accommodation project in Hatfield, a 12-storey block of flats in Bedfordview, and the construction of 1,080 affordable housing units in Johannesburg, amongst others.

ARMOUR ELITE

D

uam eaqui sum ium fugitis ciunto tenia vendaeperro il molorib uscipsam que con niendesed expel molum nobit, officimaxime velit atquis eturios sitatibu Luptatint, comnit mo odiatus autem fuga. Nequiae sit viducium vollestibus ad quiatquo tectates aperum quatem. Num et explian derit, consedit optam qui cus necea dolorepe lab inctus.

A-style Heading totaectatus coritatur, ut et aut eveleni modi.

T 0000 0000000 E xxxxx@xxxxxxxx

www.yourwebsiteurlgoeshere.com

ELLIS STRUCTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERS

E

llis Structural and Civil Engineers specialise in the structural design of retail, commercial, industrial and housing structures (concrete and structural steel), while also designing all civil services associated with the developments (earthworks, sanitation, storm water and water).

With first principle understanding, practical experience, design code knowledge and computing power we are able to do cost effective structural and civil designs for our clients.

T +27 12 807 5421 E ellis@ellisengineers.co.za Wits Junction project

102

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

www.ellisengineers.co.za

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Armour Elite Pty Ltd has been established since 2004, focusing on bringing quality home improvement products into South Africa market at affordable price.

We possess full product knowledge and efficiency in both before and after-sale services.

...

6 Corner of Exodus Road & Victoria Street Germiston North T: +27 11 027 8450/1 E: train520@gmail.com www.armourelite.co.za

Experience & Calculating Power

T: (012) 807 5421 Willows Office Park , 0184, 567 Farm Rd, Die Wilgers, Pretoria, 0184, South Africa.

E: ellis@ellisengineers.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

103

T R I - S T A R

C O N S T R U C T I O N

Pursuing improvement

In order to maintain the highest selfimposed standards across such a vast and diverse range of projects, Tri-Star ensures that it continually reinvests its profits, enabling the Company to leverage the latest technologies, equipment and procedures for its customers.

“We subscribe to sophisticated software systems including Construction Computer Software (CCS) and Buildsmart’s accounts package, providing us with the ability to offer leading services throughout the South African construction industry,” said Wheals.

By using the latest advanced services which have been built specifically for the industry, Tri-Star Construction is able to boost both its productivity and growth, whilst simultaneously providing a better service for its customers.

Further, having pursued a policy of expansion over the years, the

Company is now able to call upon its substantial in-house resource base, improving supply chain transparency and quality control.

“We have our own Plant and Equipment division that assists us extensively across all of our projects,” Wheals continues. “Formed in 2005, the unit looks after a range of the latest equipment that we have brought in-house including cranes, trucks, telehandlers, scaffolding and formwork.

“We are constantly investing in the latest plant and equipment to stay ahead of our competitors.”

Maintaining excellence

This emphasis on persistent improvement can be found throughout Tri-Star’s operations, as is again seen in the way that it values its staff.

“We pride ourselves on our talent retention methods, underpinned by offering growth and career

Infinite project

104

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

PRONTO READYMIX

P

ronto is a 100 percent subsidiary of PPC Ltd and forms part of the PPC Readymix division, that also incorporates 3Q. Combined the two companies have 26 operations in the provinces of Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape. The division also has a contract Readymix focus.

Pronto/PPC serves the Gauteng market from its 12 operations and has vast experience in servicing its clients across all sections of construction; from small alterations at your home to mega projects like the Mall of Africa.

Pronto’s vision is aligned with PPC’s vision; to be a leading provider of construction material solutions.

Head Office : 0861 PRONTO (776 686) Silverton : 012 804 4352 Midrand : 011 310 8141/61/81/51 East Rand : 011 422 5570

www.prontormc.co.za

C

O

Head Office Silverton Midrand East Rand

N

S

T

R

: 0861 PRONTO (776 686) : 012 804 4352 : 011 310 8141/61/81/51 : 011 422 5570

U

C

T

I

O

N

www.prontormc.co.za

Centurion Square project

advancement, inclusive management styles and extensive in-house training that give all our employees a sense of contribution and participation across the Company,” Wheals states.

Similarly, Tri-Star works with

local suppliers that have obtained a minimum level three Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status to ensure quality is maintained throughout its supply chain.

Started by the government as a socioeconomic initiative, the longterm goal of the programme is to distribute wealth more widely across a broad spectrum, mainly for more disadvantaged individuals.

With such fundamental but key and ethical policies having been implemented throughout the Company’s structure, Wheals remains positive about the prospects for both Tri-Star’s internal growth and the current optimism surrounding the wider economy: “My aims in three to five years would be very similar to those right now – to maintain quality services for our customers and pursue our strategy of consistent and reliable growth. Moving forward, hopefully the South African economy will provide an enhanced platform within which we can work and enable us to improve value for all our stakeholders.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

105

F G G

A R C H I T E C T S

Built to Seamless

LReality AST As FGG Architects celebrates its 65th birthday, Directors Jeremy Hathorn and Kevin Bingham reveal the secrets behind its latest award-winning project in Durban Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

106

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

The multi-storey nature of the building provided an immense challenge for such a highly serviced facility. A key test faced by the project team was the very constricted site, which meant that a tall eight-level structure would be the only way in which the client’s design brief could be accommodated.”

Ten years in the making, Durban’s KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) was completed in 2017, and for FGG Architect’s Director, Jeremy Hathorn, it is one of his proudest projects to date.

And there are many others, having joined as a student in the 1970s, Hathorn has spent his entire career with the practice, an increasingly rare occurrence in modern times.

Fellow Director Kevin Bingham is also a Company veteran, serving in three separate stints since joining as a vacation student in the 1980s. “I was lured away from the company into academia in the mid-90s, and then spent 10 years lecturing,” he reveals.

“The changing academic landscape redirected me back into full-time practice, and a coinciding approach from the then FGG MD, sealed my return and future with the Company.”

65 not out

Hathorn and Bingham’s long careers with FGG reflect the longevity and reputation the Company has built up since it formed in 1953.

“In this day and age, it’s a tribute to the resilience of the Company that we are still operating,” Hathorn comments. “There are only a handful of practices in South Africa that have been able to achieve this and it’s something we are proud of.”

Such a feat has required a dynamic approach to an evolving design climate, adopting the latest design tools, techniques and materials, while continuing to create contemporary and exciting designs.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

107

F G G

A R C H I T E C T S

Bingham adds: “Big name companies in the architecture environment are ordinarily developed around luminaries, or leaders in their time. I like to believe that FGG Architects’ enduring legacy has more to do with the collective; all striving for the advancement of everyone in the group, with an ethos of balance, and a striving for excellence in the firm.”

This collective enables FGG to offer services across a wide range of architectural fields, from medical, education and retail, to residential, hospitality, and bush lodges. FGG also houses a dedicated interior design team, meaning it can cater to the full scope of a building from outside in.

Hathorn highlights another secret to FGG’s unbeaten 65-year innings to date: “We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients, to ensure that their expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

“A poignant example of this is our

long-term involvement with Hilton College, who have used FGG as the school’s architects since the firm was established.”

K-RITH: An African first

A tremendous examination of the South African firm’s experience and expertise, K-RITH is another testament to FGG’s longstanding reputation.

The project is a collaboration of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, situated on the grounds of the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine adjacent to the King Edward VIII Hospital which lies between Durban Harbour and the suburb of Umbilo.

Around 4,000 square metres spanning eight storeys, the build cost was upwards of R346 million when factoring in furnishing with stateof-the-art lab equipment used by its primary tenant, the African Health Research Institute.

K-RITH has been a flagship project for FGG

108

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

PARSONS & LUMSDEN

P

arsons & Lumsden is proud to be associated with the K-RITH Laboratory development. Our extensive expertise in mechanical services design in healthcare and laboratory applications allows us to contribute significantly to the success of such projects.

A project of this nature requires detailed integrated planning at a very early stage in the design process.

Our longstanding relationship with FGG Architects has been further strengthened by the successful execution of this challenging project.

We congratulate FGG on their 65th anniversary and look forward to many more successful years collaboration with them.

T 031 764 7727 E admin@parsonsandlumsden.com

www.parsonsandlumsden.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Mechanical Services Consultancy

Block 6 MRM Office Park 10 Village Road, Kloof, 3610 PO Box 800, Kloof, 3640 admin@parsonsandlumsden.com www.parsonsandlumsden.com T 031 764 7727 F 031 7647897

Address Postal: P. O. Box 11771 Dorpspruit 3206

Address Physical: 77 Pentrich Road Pietermaritzburg 3201

Tel: 033-3461133

Fax: 033-3461130

Sheritha Devduth: 0827261680 sheritha@nsrprojects.co.za Nelson Da Costa: 0825675740 nelson@nsrprojects.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

109

F G G

A R C H I T E C T S

K-RITH also represents an African first – it is home to the only microfluidic chip foundry on the continent and also contains Africa’s largest Bio Safety Level 3 laboratory.

“What sets K-RITH apart from other buildings of this nature is that it has been able to successfully achieve an appealing modern aesthetic whilst completely satisfying the complex technical requirements needed to effectively perform its research function,” Hathorn explains.

“The exterior of the building is designed to reflect the varying functions performed at each level. The façade is different for the ground floor conference spaces, the level two and three offices, levels four through six BSL2 laboratories, the level seven BSL3 laboratory and the double volume level eight plant room. The primary circulation is via a staircase and lifts located in a glass tower, which aesthetically ties all the levels together.”

These characteristics have been recognised in the form of numerous awards, the most recent being a National Award of Merit from the South African Institute of Architects.

110

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

K-RITH exterior

However, as Hathorn outlined at the beginning, the project did not materialise without its challenges. The multi-storey nature of the building required close collaboration with key project partner, mechanical engineers Parsons & Lumsden, not least to tackle the vital issue of fresh air flows throughout the entire building.

“Many research programmes require uninterrupted operation over lengthy periods, often years, and the reliability of temperature sensitive specimen storage is essential,” he adds.

“Ensuring that this would be possible, particularly as the country was experiencing rolling blackouts at the time of the project’s inception, the professional team had to design in redundancy to ensure continuous 24/7/365 operation for the entire building’s electrical, computer and air conditioning systems.”

C

O

Diversified

N

S

T

R

K-RITH is just one part of a huge portfolio of successfully completed and ongoing projects, work which draws on a deep pool of expertise, from hand-drawing classical Cape Dutch architecture, to mastery of building information modelling (BIM).

Also asked about his proudest project, Bingham replies: “Looking back, it would be the Hilton Hotel in Durban, as it is a landmark building in the city, and the design is timeless, looking as good today as it did 20 years ago.”

Bingham goes on to cite varied project work near to K-RITH, in the KZN Midlands, including several residential builds, a private hospital, and the expansion of a shopping centre and local schools.

Healthcare is a particular area of strength for FGG, demonstrated by the recent master planning of health buildings for the Seychelles government, a contract won off the back of a successful new hospital built in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

“We are also in the design phase of a handful of bush lodges in Kenya, which offers a nice variety to the portfolio,” adds Hathorn.

U

C

T

I

O

N

Investing in people

Central to FGG’s ongoing project delivery is the collective Bingham has already referred to.

“The people are what make FGG Architects what it is,” he says. “It is very important to us that we find the right fit of person, someone who will work well with the team. We attract many in-service training personnel, so there is always a great vibe and mix of exploration and experience in the studio.”

Hilton Hotel (above) and College (left)

Hathorn adds: “It has become easier to find young staff with enough technical competence, as they are now aware of the need to be trained in the latest software to work in this field – but the challenge is to find ones that balance this technical competence with design talent.”

FGG’s investment in people also emanates outside of the organisation.

The Company has always operated with a policy of non-discrimination and social commitment, underpinned by its work to educate students from disadvantaged backgrounds through schemes set up with emerging practices.

FGG also at times provides bursaries for local African students, while the K-RITH project also involved valuable community participation.

“We commissioned Jane du Rand to create the mosaic artwork that adorns the building,” Hathorn says.

“Part of the agreement was that Jane employs a number of participants

from the Sinikithemba Clinic at McCord Hospital to help on the project – many of whom were living with HIV and had no training or work. It presented them with the opportunity to learn a skill and earn an income.”

By playing its part as a corporate citizen, FGG has built up a 65-year reputation that is not just grounded in architectural competence.

Indeed, the future requires progress on several fronts. Bingham concludes: “I want to see that our design work has continued to advance and move with the times, and that our practice has developed and implemented new streamlined office procedures, and new linkages, with others in the built environment.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

111

T U B U L A R

112

H O L D I N G S

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Invigorating Construction Through Diversification With seven unique companies under one brand, Tubular is providing differentiated solutions throughout the South African construction industry Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

irst established in 1979, Tubular Holdings has since consolidated its position as one of the most substantial privately-owned construction companies in South Africa.

Revered across the country, this reputation has largely been built off the back of the successes of the seven diverse and differentiated divisions that make up the Tubular Group.

With Tubular Holdings standing as the powerhouse at the top of this pyramid, setting strategy, objectives and direction, the company brand has gradually become one of the most respected throughout the region.

Broad services, extensive solutions

With such a substantial portfolio consisting of unrivalled services, it is easy to see why Tubular has been able to come to the forefront of the South African construction industry.

“Tubular Holdings (Pty) Ltd. provides the construction industry a service in structural steelwork, platework, piping fabrication, erection, electrical and instrumentation, installation of mechanical equipment, planning, management and execution of turnaround projects,” the Company’s website lists.

This broad range of leading solutions enables Tubular to work with its clients from the very initial stages of major construction projects right throughout until the completion and handover phases.

Headquartered in Bedfordview, such depth of service has allowed Tubular to partner with some of the world’s largest mining and energy companies on key projects across the globe.

One such example is Tubular’s work with South African public utility giant, Eskom in aiding the development of the provider’s flagship Kusile Power Station.

Located in the Nkangala district of Mpumalanga, the Eskom facility is

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

113

T U B U L A R

H O L D I N G S

expected to generate a total 4,800MW in energy capacity, set to make it the fourth largest coal-fired power station in the world upon its completion.

As a major partner of Eskom and the project itself, Tubular was contracted to accelerate its development, namely with the erection of the power station’s turbine steelwork and air cooler condenser, doing so utilising its leading expertise in fabrication, structural steelwork, platework and piping.

ONE GROUP, SEVEN COMPANIES Tubular Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Is the Group holding company, acting as the driving force behind the entire brand.

Tubular Technical Construction (Pty) Ltd. (TTC) is the Group’s projects and construction subsidiary. Services include fabrication of structural steelwork, platework and piping, alongside planning, erection and execution of projects.

Tubular Construction Projects (Pty) Ltd. was established to better address the Group’s Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) efforts.

Tubular Electrical and Instrumentation (Pty) Ltd. specialises in offering electrical and instrumentation services across the construction industry.

Tubular Structural Engineering (Pty) Ltd. is responsible for the detailing, supply and fabrication of structural steelwork, operating from wellequipped workshops and using state of the art equipment.

Tubular Engineering Services is a division of TTC that has been established to deal with the onsite requirements of construction projects.

Tubular Plant Hire is also a division of TTC that is used to meet the Company’s plant, equipment and tool needs internally.

114

In addition, Tubular has also previously worked with global mining firm, Exarro on its Medupi Grootegeluk Expansion Project – an initiative that succeeded in expanding the mine’s total production capacity to 14.6 million tonnes of coal per annum.

using controlled lifts to minimise any unnecessary risks.

By pursuing an upstanding approach and implementing state-of-the-art industry-specialist technologies such as automated CNC processes, Tubular has been able to expand upon the basic expectations of its clients, improving Pursuing social excellence accuracy and productivity levels Throughout its expansive efforts, alongside its CSR practices.

Tubular ensures that it abides by According to the firm’s website, an esteemed self-imposed ethos of Tubular is “driven by the concept of maintaining the best practices possible quality efficiency and safety through in all aspects of its work. technology. When it comes to being The Group recognises the potentially innovative, Tubular is right up there detrimental nature of the industry amongst the best”. and has adopted a philosophy that readily aims to ensure that it is acting A credit to development as a good corporate citizen, setting This elevated approach is also reflected itself apart by ensuring that it follows in the Company’s attitudes towards its stringent control and prevention staff. methods to prevent any adverse Tubular is recognised as a Broadeffects on the environment.

Based Black Economic Empowerment “Tubular is accustomed to working (B-BBEE) accredited firm due to its in environmentally sensitive locations emphasis on local employment and and it is our policy not only to protect on providing its employees with the the local fauna and flora but to opportunity to develop their personal certainly add to it,” Tubular reveals on skillsets. its website.

Tubular offers extensive in-house Emphasising safety is also a major training programmes, helping to part of the Company’s philosophy, not only ensure its own continual evident in the fact that Tubular progression, but also aiding the undertakes a significant majority of sustainability of the regional its erection work at ground level, construction sector through socioeconomic development.

“Tubular also recognises the importance of a solid in-house training programme and that the success of the Company depends on the quality of its people,” the Company website reveals.

The Group has also gained status as an accredited training institute with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA).

With more than 1,000 staff, and by abiding by these ideals throughout its divisions, Tubular is showing no signs of letting up and will continue to be a fundamental player for South Africa, both in providing new infrastructure and in developing the local industry.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Brian Roofing and Painting Projects

T: +27 72 263 5806 and +27 78 395 6250 E: dlaminibbnkosi@gmail.com

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

45 Woltemade Street, Ext 12, eMalahleni, 1035 T: +27 13 656 3264 | +27 449 9195 | +27 82 413 5405 E: visitvakasha@mweb.co.za | info@visitvakasha.co.za www.Visitvakasha.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

115

H O M E

O F

L I V I N G

B R A N D S

Spearheading South Africa’s Retail Transformation Home of Living Brands is empowering the population as the country’s number one distributor of consumer goods Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Lewis Bush n 1971, the South African government gave permission to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to launch the country’s first ever national television service.

Coming just seven years after Dr Albert Hertzog, South Africa’s former Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, reiterated the government’s rejection of television services across the country on 7 March 1964, this policy change paved the way for a wave of innovation to sweep across the country.

One company at the forefront of this national transformation, providing families everywhere with their very first television sets, was Home of Living Brands.

Named as just one of six companies licensed to manufacture Sony televisions in South Africa in 1974, Home of Living Brands played a key

116

role in setting the stage for the SABC’s service rollout in 1976.

Excelling from this platform, Home of Living Brands has since diversified continuously, coming to the forefront of the consumer goods industry in the modern era under The Bidvest Group’s vast umbrella.

“Fast forward to today, we’ve closed our television business, acquired incredible small appliances brands such as Russell Hobbs, Salton, Pineware, Aerial King, Digitech and more, and been awarded the right to distribute top international brands such as Hoover, Jamie Oliver, Melitta, amongst several others,” says Marion Stander, Marketing Director at Home of Living Brands.

“We’ve been known by several names, from Amalgamated Appliances to Tedelex, and now, we’re proudly known as Home of Living Brands, the number one distributor of branded consumer goods in South Africa.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

R

E

T

A

I

L

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

117

H O M E

O F

L I V I N G

B R A N D S

GAME Partnership yields profit Game stores, a multinational home goods retailer with 145 outlets across the African continent, has traded for 48 years after being founded in South Africa.

Top quality household appliances at great prices is a key drawcard for Game customers, and some of our best-selling small appliance brands come from Home of Living Brands (HOLB).

The unique Game/HOLB collaboration has helped build Game into THE shopping destination for discerning homemakers throughout Africa and is a prime example of a successful business venture between supplier and retailer.

A vision of success

Celebrating its one hundredth birthday in 2020, Home of Living Brands is hoping to continue to enjoy grand success across South Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan region in the coming years through the pursuit of its simple but effective vision – to be the first choice in branded consumer goods.

The Company offers a broad range of products across the kitchen, homeware and electronics markets within the wholesale and retail sectors.

Built from its open minded-approach to new opportunities, it is Home of Living Brands’ work with internal and external partners that has facilitated this growth and its entry in to new markets.

“We’ve worked hard over the years to secure and build the brands that we represent, and to ensure that our distribution

118

channels allow those brands to flourish within our markets,” says Stander.

“We’ve also completed acquisitions to ensure we continue to grow our consumer offerings, and have expanded our work with strategic partners with whom we find common ground and alignment with our vision in providing consumer satisfaction, be they service providers or distribution principals.”

This outlook is further reflected in its selection of supply chain partners that operate a key function of the business, built on transparency and consistency.

“Efficiency, both in cost and in time, is crucial to us, as is effectiveness,” Stander adds.

“We’ve partnered with leading providers such as Savino Del Bene to give us end to end visibility of our supply chain, working with top international suppliers who are reputable, ethical and aligned with our vision, mission and values.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“Delivering innovation is a key pillar in Game’s business model,” says John Hart, business development director for Game, “and thanks to HOLB also sharing this vision, together we are constantly bringing novel household solutions to our customers all over Africa, at unbeatable prices”.

The Game banner flies proudly across many countries in Africa, including RSA, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, DRC, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.

For more information, please visit www.game.co.za

John Hart, business development director of Game, is passionate about promoting the brand’s signature message – creating a better life for all – by providing everything a household needs under one roof, at great prices.

R

E

T

A

I

L

Bringing best selling household brands to the continent.

Alongside the Company’s keen eye for global trends, this strategy has ensured that Home of Living Brands has continued to flourish, now offering more than 8,000 different products across South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Adjusting to the curve

As Home of Living Brands has quickly evolved, so too has the wider consumer goods industry.

Head office

Hundreds of new products are coming to the market by the day, driven by continual advancements in the latest technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and smart solutions.

Whilst Home of Living Brands is readily equipped to spearhead this retail transformation across South

Africa, the Company has had to adapt and account for certain geographical inconsistencies when monitoring global consumer trends.

Stander reveals: “The trend towards IoT, smart homes, digitisation, and the changing way in which we consume information and data is one that we’re watching closely.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

119

H O M E

O F

L I V I N G

B R A N D S

“However, whilst the benefits of these technologies are significant, we are incredibly careful not to be too far ahead of the curve. We’ve found in the past that what works in America and Europe may not work in our domestic market as our consumers aren’t ready for it, although the gap is getting notably smaller.”

One way that Home of Living Brands is bolstering its position when it comes to absorbing new trends and technologies is through its emphasis on staff management.

“We invest in our staff through training initiatives which encompass our employment learnership programmes, focused on management expertise to enable growth and succession planning,” Stander explains.

Such is evident in the Company’s Advanced Education Training programme that encourages Home of Living Brands employees to complete their diplomas, degrees and short

courses, whilst its Living Talent agenda looks to address any internal skills gaps that exist within the firm.

“The Company considers the end to end life cycle of our employees,” Stander adds. “We look for talent in the market that is driven, through forward thinking innovations, that will continue to enable us to be the market leader in our categories.

“We often use the phrase ‘the world is your oyster at Home of Living Brands’.”

A progressive outlook

This forward thinking is further reflected in the Company’s extensive corporate social responsibility practices.

One such example is the donation of 500 NUTRIWELL boxes to disadvantaged communities, NUTRIWELL being a nutritional food company that has been established to provide affordable, convenient and nutritional food products whilst combatting malnutrition and other chronic illnesses.

SAVINO DEL BENE

S

avino Del Bene was established in Florence in the early 1900s. Savino is a global company specialising in logistics and supply chain management, offering a variety of services in the form of ocean, air and truck shipments around the world. With more than 4,000 employees and a network of over 270 commercial offices, we offer advanced shipping services, customs clearance, warehouse management and a wide range of logistics support products.

Our experience in various markets makes us a reliable partner for all businesses requiring shipping and transportation services, offering solutions for over 100 years.

T +27(0)11 437 3000 E headoffice.jhb@savinodelbene.com

www.savinodelbene.com

Further, Home of Living Brands has also donated appliances and stock to both Food for Life, an initiative that aims to eradicate hunger across South Africa, and Grow Your Life, an institution that aims to offer assistance and welfare to the greater South African community.

“All things combined, Home of Living Brand’s vast array of top brands, rigorous product quality standards, focus on building partnerships, ethical approach and dedication and commitment to our staff overall gives us an edge that makes a real difference,” Stander concludes.

“Moving forward, we would like to be able to look back on Home of Living Brands as having continued to go from strength to strength following a successful IT architecture and operating model overhaul, increasing our footprint outside of South Africa and playing our part in enhancing the economic position of the countries in which we operate.”

120

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

R

E

T

A

I

L

YOUR GLOBAL SOLUTION Integrated logistics services to meet your business goals worldwide

60 North Reef Road, Elandsfontein, Johannesburg T: +27(0)11 437 3000 | E: headoffice.jhb@savinodelbene.com www.savinodelbene.com

T: +27 31 903 2186 T: +27 31 903 2178 T: +27 31 903 2179 F: +27 31 903 2198 Darren Singh: +27 78 804 7093 E: info@fargofreight.co.za

www.nkosinathi.com | www.fargofreight.co.za Home of Living Brands has partnered with NUTRIWELL to help disadvantaged communities

7 Aarden Place, Amanzimtoti, Durban 4126

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

121

I T L

G R O U P

Growing

in Style

ITL Group’s Chris Currie reveals how the Company is continuing on a path of double digit growth, powered by innovation and expansion into new markets Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Lewis Bush ast year $1.7 trillion of apparel and footwear was purchased around the world. A market in which demand will never cease, this figure is forecast by Euromonitor to grow by $34 billion by 2022.

Childrenswear and highperformance outdoors and sportswear are major drivers of this upward trajectory, the latter growing by 6.8 percent last year, well above the overall market rise of four percent.

Behind the scenes, these shifting dynamics are prompting manufacturers to innovate, not least in the labelling space. For South Africa’s International Trimmings and Labels (ITL Group), innovation and agility has propelled it into a growth phase that shows no signs of relenting.

Printing 3.5 billion labels annually, ITL Group is building on more than 40 years of experience in apparel labelling, helping some of the world’s most recognisable brands enhance their image and share vital information with customers. From Next, Dunnes and Tesco to La Senza, American Eagle, Monsoon and Marks & Spencer, as well

122

as most large South African retailers the Company has become a go-to for numerous apparel retail giants and many other fashion outlets.

ITL Group not only produces customer-facing brand labels for clients around the world, but also supports supply chain operations through smart labelling solutions which provide crucial visibility for logistics, product identification pricing and on stock levels.

Charged with identifying new opportunities for growth is Chris Currie, Executive Director for Developing Markets. Since joining in 2006, he has spent most of his career with the ITL Group and has loved every moment of it.

“It has been a fantastic learning experience,” he says. “I work with high calibre South African businesspeople with great values and vision.

“Together and under the leadership of experienced and dynamic CEO Fred Christopher they have created a business that, whilst relatively large and complex with many business lines and operating in over 15 countries and growing, has maintained a customer focussed entrepreneurial culture

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

with enough corporate structure to manage the risk and support further growth in a healthy way.”

Global network

Since achieving its first international blue-chip accreditation from Marks & Spencer in 1991, ITL Group has rapidly expanded its manufacturing footprint outside of its home country.

The Company has built bases

M

A

U

F

A

C

in major garment producing hubs, including Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, South Africa, India, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam and Ethiopia as well as offices in the UK, North and Central America.

“We continuously target expansion into new regions identified with sufficient business opportunities; such as Mauritius, Lesotho, Ethiopia, North Vietnam and North China, all of which we are at various stages in the process

T

U

R

I

N

G

of setting up,” Currie adds.

Building expertise has also been critical to ITL Group’s continuing double-digit growth. “We have been growing strongly for a long period of time, new business and acquisitions has played a big part,” Currie adds.

Remaining relevant

One such acquisition, completed in 2015, was that of Canadian firm Overheer. Specialising in RFID

software, the Overheer move has enabled ITL to offer clients its own end-to-end RFID business solution, Reflect RFID, designed to empower head offices, store and warehouse managers by raising the level of inventory accuracy.

“A big problem for retailers is not knowing exactly what levels of stock they have at a detailed level in a fastmoving environment 100 percent of the time,” Currie explains. “This

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

123

I T L

G R O U P

presents problems when customers come into a store and they don’t always have the item they want in their size and colour when they want it. This only happens because stores often don’t easily know exactly what they’ve got.

“RFID enables stores to quickly and cheaply count stock on a daily basis before they open for trading, making sure they order and put the right stock on the floor. This can result in sales uplift of around seven to 10 percent.”

The solution is integrated into ITL’s LabelVantage as well as the customers’ ERP systems on a non-invasive basis, with one of the benefits for customers being they don’t have to invest in heavy IT infrastructure due to its cloudbased platform.

Proof of concept projects have already been implemented and production commenced in Q2 of

last year for US brands Macy’s and Bloomingdales, with several South African retailers of various sizes also on board. The firm is currently engaged with a number of other retailers and brands over the deployment of RFID as momentum is rapidly building in the market for this new technology-based business solution. ITL is even testing the technology in its own operations.

Another technological trend Currie highlights, and one that the Company is forging ahead with, is digital printing of both fabric and paper-based labels and heat transfers. With a number of digital printing machines already in place, further bespoke solutions are also being developed.

Currie adds: “There is definitely still a large space for the traditional old school way of printing, because they produce fantastic high-quality end

Core products and solutions From its worldwide network of manufacturing hubs, ITL Group is able to deliver fast, compliant and reliable products for customers, backed up by strong and lasting customer service.

Core products include: woven labels, care and content labels, screen printed labels, heat transfers, embellishments, promo swing tickets, variable data labels, lightweight packaging, RFID labels and accessories.

Core solutions include: Trends and insights, concept and development, brand protection, product re-engineering, practical product guides and LabelVantage, an online label supply chain solution for retailers.

124

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

results, but the processes are capital and labour intensive.

“It is critical we develop these digital solutions as a complimentary service offering, especially at a time when smaller orders with more changes are becoming commonplace, and with ever shorter lead times being demanded by the market. The technology is improving, and we must be at the forefront.”

Strong values

ITL Group’s ongoing expansion and innovation drives are underpinned by four core values which run through the Company’s team of employees and define its relationships with customers.

The first of these is ownership, an ethos of giving 100 percent and taking 100 percent ownership of the job in hand, backed up by the second core

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

Durban 107 Escom Road New Germany

Johannesburg 7 Covora Road Jetpark

T: +27 31 705 7909

T: +27 11 397 1180

Cape Town No 4, 1st Fl Canal Side, Heron Crescent, Century City T: +27 21 425 6664

www.synergyworldwidelogistics.co.za

NATIONAL

M

1

CLEARING & FORWARDING >> SHIPS AGENCY >> TRADE FINANCE >> CUSTOMS CONSULTANCY

LOGISTICS

B-BBEE RATING – LEVEL 1

Success together with and alike “Our commitment to this company ethos will continue, as it has been an integral part of our success since inception.”

CEO Trevor Wishart.

value, integrity, which encourages staff to avoid just choosing the easy option.

Trust and accountability complete these foundational values, demonstrated by the Company’s longstanding relations with both clients and suppliers from around the world.

“We look to develop strategic partnerships with our suppliers and build healthy relationships based upon trust, service and value,” Currie explains.

“We carefully select our suppliers and rarely change them as our credibility and future is in each other’s hands. We engage in regular compliance and performance audits and work together to share opportunities and grow our businesses in a balanced and healthy way.”

An increasingly vital component of these supplier relations revolves around sustainability. “We adopt a multifaceted approach to CSR starting with focus on key pillars of people,

profit and planet,” continues Currie.

“For instance, there are many ways we reduce our environmental footprint, such as reducing waste in our processes, and using more waterbased inks or recycled materials from sustainable sources.”

Maintaining momentum

In order to extend its phase of growth, ITL has identified numerous avenues that it continues to explore in the coming months, from expanding

operations geographically to acquiring companies that add strategic value to its supply chain.

The firm already has the global foundations of a much larger business, and leveraging this will prove vital in years to come. Further innovation of products and solution and implementation of lean manufacturing techniques are also highlighted as means to drive upside, helping continue a journey that still excites Currie 12 years on.

He concludes: “It has been a fulfilling time full of growth and opportunities with more on the way. I am enjoying my time at ITL in a challenging, fast-paced and growth orientated environment.

“We have so far been successful in achieving our goals over the last 10 years, key to that being the fact we have made mistakes and have tried to learn from these. Our plan is to keep our business relevant and to double it in size in the next four years; we are on track to achieve that.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

125

M E D H E A LT H

126

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

H

E

A

L

T

H

C

A

R

E

Transforming

Malawian

Healthcare

I remember when we fostered a new-born child who had nowhere to go, providing him with food, clothing and shelter until he was adopted,” recalls MedHealth CEO, Bright Kamanga.

“We’ve also supported a mother who had triplets and aided a lady who gave birth to five children at one time.

“These are people in need, they can’t afford anything, so we like to do what we can to help.”

Malawian-based medical scheme MedHealth is an embodiment of the term responsible corporate citizen.

“We’ve partnered with Ndiyomo Palliative Care for three years, a charitable organisation based in Malawi that researches oncology and cancer treatment,” Kamanga continues. “Sometimes our team will go and support them on a probono basis when they have got free time.”

Having successfully rebranded from Metropolitan Health Malawi to MedHealth Malawi in 2017, the Company relocated to the country itself; a move that has paid dividends in not only allowing the firm to serve the local community, but also in better gauging industry trends and its customer’s needs.

Surpassing expectation

The rebranding process saw

Having reached new heights, MedHealth is maintaining its upward trajectory with improved staffing and revolutionary technology Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Callam Waller MedHealth grow by almost 100 percent before the end of 2017, with the firm further coming to the forefront of the Malawian market.

Performance of this scale had not initially been anticipated, with MedHealth’s primary goals having largely been administrative following the rebranding.

However, due to its genuine focus on providing offerings tailored to the local market, the Company was naturally well received.

“We more than surpassed our goals for 2017,” Kamanga explains.

“We had not planned to grow the business or sell any new products as it was our

rebranding year. Instead the aim was to solidify our position, remain stable and ensure we were accepted into the market.

“However, we experienced a rare situation of recognition and acceptability that allowed us to achieve a lot.

“Most people were looking at us in a very sceptical manor thinking we’re now in Malawi and will not be able to deliver when we took the decision to relocate, but our clients trusted us, they believed in us, and we were able to expand substantially.”

Bright Kamanga, CEO, Medhealth

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

127

M E D H E A L T H

A new era

Having successfully consolidated its position, MedHealth has this year significantly centred its goals around enhancing its recruitment and talent retention practices.

Such an approach has allowed the Company to compile the best possible team to carry out the complex services that come with being a medical scheme; something that Kamanga now considers to be one of MedHealth’s greatest assets.

“Having analysed our situation, we thought can we bring in new knowledge and make our team more skilled in order to offer our services in a much more competitive way,” he states.

In achieving this, MedHealth has continually pursued work on a number of training initiatives, readily collaborating with external bodies and industry experts.

Kamanga explains: “We’ve partnered with different organisations including the Institute of Health Risk Managers and Universal Training Academy in South Africa who have both travelled to Malawi to help to train our staff.

“We’ve also enrolled our team onto different specialised training programmes, alongside the normal training that we provide to them, in the aim of providing MedHealth employees with the opportunity to hone their skills. Moreover, we’ve partnered with Management Institute of Malawi to offer them the chance to learn new expertise.

“Its partnerships like these that help us to build systems, good procedures, and develop our products and services.”

MedHealth readily seeks diverse partnerships to better train its staff

AFROCENTRIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS Strong and competent partners are key to MedHealth’s success Driven by its vision of ‘creating a world of sustainable healthcare’, AfroCentric Health Solutions has consistently delivered innovative medical aid administration and health risk management solutions for many years. “We form close partnerships with our clients, including MedHealth, to deliver critical services to healthcare customers,” says Tim Rametse Managing Director.

Rametse points to a combination of service offerings as AfroCentric Health Solutions’ recipe for success.

“Our strength as a business is our integrated value chain, which is driven by a technological suite of products such as primary healthcare, practice management, wellness management and dispensing modules into one userfriendly, comprehensive system.”

Ultimately, AfroCentric Health Solutions focuses on ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to improve and protect their health. “We achieve this through leveraging technology platforms, data and analytics. We also consistently work to decrease high costs of healthcare, through these bespoke technological interventions.

This, together with our healthcare risk management experience and expertise are key to our value offering on the continent,” adds Rametse.

AfroCentric Health Solution’s commitment to providing access to quality and sustainable healthcare is shared by all the companies operating under its umbrella.

“Our focus in this partnership with MedHealth, is about creating an environment that promotes innovation and provides the technological backbone that enables Medhealth to provide high quality value offering to their customers,” concludes Rolan Christian, Executive Manager at Helios IT Solutions.

128

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“We believe that every person, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to improve and protect their health,� says Tim Rametse (Managing Director: AfroCentric Health Solutions)

AfroCentric Health Solutions achieves this through: * Leveraging technology platforms, data and analytics * Decreasing high costs of healthcare, through bespoke technological interventions * Healthcare risk management experience and expertise

M E D H E A L T H

MedHealth openday event

Paired with its emphasis on staff, MedHealth has increasingly looked to implement transformative technologies throughout its operations, evident in its internal power network investments.

According to US Aid, 346MW of the 363MW in power capacity installed throughout Malawi comes from hydroelectric sources, each of which is vulnerable to drought and low water levels.

As a result, MedHealth has experienced several blackouts and

130

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“In order to curb any major blackouts, we’ve invested heavily in solar energy, providing a backup power supply that can run for 24 hours in these cases”

power shortages since its relocation, something that it recognised as a key flaw and has sought to change.

“In order to curb any major blackouts, we’ve invested heavily in solar energy, providing a backup power supply that can run for 24 hours in these cases,” Kamanga explains.

In addition, the Company has sought to bolster its administrative technologies and IT infrastructure to ensure its operations are both more effortless and seamless.

H

E

A

L

T

“In the current age, technology plays a vital role in satisfying customer needs,” Kamanga states.

Onward and upward

Identifying such trends has strategically positioned MedHealth to make headway in the market.

Having bolstered its team, offerings and technological capabilities throughout 2018, MedHealth is now looking to continue to progress within the Malawian market moving into 2019

H

C

A

R

E

“Our springboard will be enhancing our service delivery and product innovation whilst simultaneously reducing cost to ensure our premiums are competitive, without compromising quality”

and beyond.

Kamanga concludes: “Ultimately, moving forward, we want to grow.”

“Our springboard will be enhancing our service delivery and product innovation whilst simultaneously reducing cost to ensure our premiums are competitive, without compromising quality.”

“Powerful technology combined with a good team and enhanced capacity will allow us to surprise the market more than ever before.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

131

S E L F M E D

M E D I C A L

S C H E M E

Redefining Medical Scheme Healthcare Tanya Bell reveals how Selfmed Medical Scheme is powering development in South Africa’s private healthcare market Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Callam Waller

P

rivate healthcare has continued to make significant strides within the South African market.

National statistics show that approximately nine percent of the country’s GDP is attributed to healthcare each year, on par with the likes of Spain and Malta, largely driven by the private sector.

With more than 200 private hospitals across South Africa, private medical schemes serve roughly 18 percent of the South African population, compared to 81 percent opting for public medical treatment.

However, with investment across both sectors being relatively even, private medical schemes indisputably offer the best quality services to patients across the country, reflected by a study from Statistics South Africa showing that 97.3 percent of households were satisfied with their private healthcare service.

There is, however, still room for improvement and great potential within the market – potential that is driving Selfmed Medical Scheme, one of South Africa’s most successful

132

medical schemes, to continually pursue excellence.

“We proudly boast over 50 years of providing our members access to the highest quality healthcare, and this combined with excellent personalised service, makes Selfmed one of the most experienced in the industry,” says Tanya Bell, Head of Marketing at the Scheme.

Technological advancements

Selfmed takes an innovative and forward-thinking approach to the betterment of its operations, most readily reflected by its emphasis on the implementation and use of new and advanced technologies.

One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is rising healthcare costs, an issue that is increasingly placing pressures on medical schemes to find sustainable ways of coping with rising financial difficulties.

In addressing this, Selfmed is tactically increasing its research and development activities in the aim of proactively introducing new mechanisms to help better control its finances.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

H

E

A

L

T

H

C

A

R

E

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

133

S E L F M E D

M E D I C A L

One such technology that the Scheme has looked to as a result of this is machine learning, an intelligent solution that has the potential to help cut costs, improve memberscheme relationships and enhance the Schemes services, as Bell explains.

“The Scheme is currently applying machine learning to the claims database, enabling us to draw a more accurate picture of any of our members’ specific healthcare needs,” she says. “The implementation of machine learning is a big step and the aim is to mature the technology to such a stage that we can give members individual health information that will help them to lead a better life.

“We hope to change the interaction between the medical aid provider and the customer so that a partnership is developed, rather than the current system where the medical aid is acting

S C H E M E

more like a payment facilitator than a long-term partner in healthcare.”

innovative strategies to complement our service offerings.

“When we analysed the product An expanded portfolio range of the Scheme we realised that This disruptive outlook and willingness there were segments of the market to adapt and evolve has resulted that were not being serviced by in Selfmed launching two new key our products. The need for a more offerings to its portfolio in recent affordable product with benefits that times: SelfNET and SelfNET Essential. provides cover for one-off events Bell reveals: “In line with our instead of continual and recurrent care strategy to progressively offer was identified – and so, the SelfNET innovative, more affordable benefits to and SelfNET Essential options were our members, the SelfNET and SelfNET borne.”

Essential benefit options were added Combined with the Schemes in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Selfmed 80%, Med Elite, Selfsure and “Due to the Scheme being in Med XXI products, each of which has a process of monitoring market been specifically designed to cater to trends, coupled with the challenging a different life stage, Selfmed ensures operational climate and a competitive that it is able to provide a more market, an immense amount of market personalised service and experience to research is continually required in all of its members. order to stay on top of our game, “This, ultimately, is what we are identify trends, and develop new and focused on,” Bell states.

FOCUS ON Selfmed Medical

Principal Officer - Christo Becker

134

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Scheme

H

E

A

L

T

H

C

A

R

E

Multi award winning Health Funder Risk Managers specialising in Pathology and Radiology expenditure with close to 20 years’ experience in RSA and Southern Africa.

Pathology and Radiology Spend Risk Managers Financial and Clinical pre-paid claims assessing by qualified Medical Technologists and Radiographers Specialist Pathologist and Radiologist consultants Forensic duplicate recoveries on post-paid claims Practice and Member profiling RPL tariff & ICD10 crosswalk Consulting on Benefits to schemes Consulting on Billing Rules Support existing Managed Care programs Monitor billing pattern changes Phone (+27)83 654 5555

Breaking the mould

Whilst the launch of both SelfNET and SelfNET Essential were specifically aimed at increasing Selfmed’s overall scope within the South African healthcare market, the Schemes motivations are also driven by its member retention strategies and improving its existing offerings.

“We have found our approach has proved that in the times that we are living in, it is no longer simply about product, but just as importantly about nurturing the member-relationship experience,” adds Bell. “Our unconventional open-door policy, whereby a member can contact any member of the team, is something that we hold very dear to our service offering.

“The well-known adage that prevention is better than cure holds very true in the context of our business. To this end our managed healthcare programmes play a vital part in not only bolstering the

We regard ourselves as a dedicated team that hold the best interests of Selfmed and its members in high esteem

info@verirad.co.za

www.verirad.co.za

sustainability of the entire Scheme from a cost perspective, but also ensuring that our members are guided towards the best possible medical outcomes through our quality care and wellness initiatives.”

It is these key philosophies that have placed Selfmed on the renowned footing that it stands upon today, and it is this ethos that the Scheme will continue to abide by religiously to further establish itself as a fundamental player in driving forward South Africa’s healthcare progression.

Bell Concludes: “We regard ourselves as a dedicated team that hold the best interests of Selfmed and its members in high esteem.

“To this end, moving in to the future we will continue to be proactive in introducing new and innovative strategies that will continue to drive us forward whilst ensuring that our members enjoy best value in respect of their healthcare needs.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

135

D A L B I T

P E T R O L E U M

Fuelling Regional Growth Dalbit Petroleum’s belief in the continent’s potential has motivated the oil & gas specialist to invest in some of the most challenging but lucrative locations; resultantly achieving tremendous growth over the past 15 years Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

136

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

O

I

L

&

s one of Janus Continental Group’s most prominent regional brands in Africa, Dalbit Petroleum continues to broaden its remit and reach in affirming itself as one of the continent’s leading privately-owned energy solutions providers.

Engaging in the procurement, trading, transportation and management of petroleum products in both East and Southern African markets, the brands’ rise since inception in Kenya in 2002 has been rapid yet strategic; and its subsequent portfolio is testament to this evolution.

G

A

S

“Establishing solid business in Eastern and Southern African markets, Dalbit currently has affiliates in Tanzania, DRC and Zambia with notable supply contracts in South Sudan, Uganda and Malawi too,” says CCO, Timothy Skudi. “With a 30-year track record of success across Africa and Europe, Janus Continental Group continues to expand into new markets and sectors, and leveraging this saturation, Dalbit markets a full range of petroleum products including Premium Motor Spirit, Gasoil, Kerosene, Jet A1, Fuel Oil and Bitumen.”

Through its various partners, the

Dalbit business has also moved into lubricants in recent years, and each and every diversification stems from demand that exists within its operating markets; as epitomised by its initial activities marketing Gasoil, PMS and Jet A1 to then support the humanitarian sector in Sudan and the Congo.

Skudi adds: “The Company then started supplying HFO, mainly for power production to power Africa, and Dalbit is now one of the major HFO suppliers in Kenya.”

Inevitably spanning numerous sectors by virtue of this proposition, a host of long-term affiliate

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

137

D A L B I T

P E T R O L E U M

relationships have been formed as a consequence; further cementing Dalbit’s position in the present day as a turnkey operator in the fuel infrastructure sector.

Skudi confirms: “The Company is always on the look out to identify opportunities within Eastern and Southern African markets. We are not afraid of taking risks and we believe in the continent’s potential and providing solutions that will better people’s lives as well as move Africa forward.”

Sustainable growth

Central and West Africa are budding frontiers to tackle in the future, once the East and South has been covered entirely. The key to the company’s continuous growth however has been to not spread itself too thinly, with an overriding aim to remain personable and close to each respective client.

Skudi explains: “Dalbit has continuously focused on providing

solutions to the customers. Being a caring and listening partner has been the key to success. This has driven Dalbit to make strategic investments in some of the most challenging and difficult areas in Africa in order to increase efficiency and reliability.

For example, we introduced storage infrastructure in South Sudan and Lubumbashi and Goma in Congo in our initiatives to move the products across these markets and beyond.”

The core pillar of Dalbit’s continuous improvement ethos revolves around people, once again honing this localised focus to instil a sense of collaboration and enrichment with each provision of service.

“Dalbit has focused on people as a key enabler to the business and there has been lots of focus on bringing the right talent in from all over the world, training for competence, and then providing an enabling environment for professionals to excel,” Skudi continues.

We are not afraid of taking risks and we believe in the continent’s potential and providing solutions that will better people’s lives as well as move Africa forward

138

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

DAKAWOU TRANSPORT

D

akawou Transport Limited started operations over twentyfive years ago, with one tank trailer delivering oil products locally.

Due to the dedication and motivation of its principles and employees, the Company has grown to be one of the largest independent LPG, petroleum and dry cargo haulers in the East and Central Africa regions.

Hauling LPG, petroleum and dry cargo products is our business and one in which we focus all resources, assets and our vision so we can meet the needs of our customers.

T +254 20 2446611, +254 20 823337 E info@dakawou.com

O

I

L

&

G

A

S

Box: 28934 Nairobi 00200 Kenya.

Loc: Off Mombasa Rd, Embakasi.

Tel: +254 (020) 2446611 | +254 (020) 823337 E-Mail: info@dakawou.com

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.

The best and most reliable transporter of refined petroleum products in East and Eastern Africa

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

Laser Freight Limited | P.O Box 12291 – 00400 Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 6000049/50 | F: +254 6000052 | C: +254 722203492 | E: info@laser.co.ke

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

139

D A L B I T

P E T R O L E U M

“This has included a lot of improvement in developing structures, policies, guidelines and appropriate controls to ensure sustainable growth.

“Moreover, Dalbit is an equal opportunity employer. As part of Janus Continental Group that employs more than 20 nationalities across its business, Dalbit has benefited immensely from talent across the world.”

Leveraging such strong human resource capabilities, the training and development of these talented employees combines international experience with a strong local influence to ensure national sustainability and upliftment.

140

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

As much as possible Dalbit will prioritise local transporters for product delivery to customers in the specific countries.

This is in line with promoting local businesses

The same principle also applies to the Company’s supply chain management strategy, where a mix of domestic and international relationships are utilised to formulate the best possible channels to market.

“As much as possible Dalbit will prioritise local transporters for product delivery to customers in the specific countries. This is in line with our desire to promote local businesses.

To this extent Dalbit has engaged with many transporters and has over the years built stable relationships with various transport and logistics companies in the region,” Skudi notes.

“Strategically, the Company also owns a fleet of more than 100 fuel tankers to

O

I

L

&

G

A

S

support product delivery and ensure reliability.

“Ultimately, Dalbit leverages on two supply corridors – the north and south - to get products into various markets.

The Company procures products from the major international oil markets through the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Beira in Mozambique for the southern corridor and Mombasa in Kenya for the northern corridor.”

Increased business and market potential

The final strand of sustainability addresses areas of corporate social responsibility and more directly, notions of environmental care.

As such, Dalbit has achieved ISO certification for its Kenya business in adhering to expected quality standards, as one of the major trends impacting the oil & gas industry.

“An additional trend we are seeing is most of the big multinationals exiting the Africa downstream space as most governments initiate price controls and promote national oil companies instead,” Skudi adds. “This presents a great opportunity for us and we hope to fill this space effectively.

“Price volatility is also a factor that has increasingly affected the industry’s

A truly unique operator in Africa’s oil & gas domain

profitability, and this calls for continuous review of our supply chain and partners in order to increase efficiency for sustainable profits and growth.”

Dalbit continues to make capital investments to mitigate upcoming challenges, to capitalise on emerging opportunities and to keep Dalbit ahead of the industry curve. The implementation of a new ERP (SAP) platform will grace an ever-expanding physical footprint which has recently welcomed a brand-new terminal in Gulu, Uganda to the Dalbit family.

“We are also currently upgrading our terminal in Lubumbashi and Goma to improve operational efficiency in light of increased business and the potential we see in that market,” Skudi adds.

In tweaking and refining every aspect of its structure, both internally and from a customer-facing perspective, Dalbit can now truly market itself as a unique operator in Africa’s oil & gas domain; a total energy solution provider rather than simply a fuel distributor.

Optimising the influence of the larger Janus Continental Group and indeed its strong network of partners and affiliates, the business has the clout and scope to thrive as a large entity, while retaining a sense of agile, personable entrepreneurship to facilitate quick decision making and development in the years to come.

“Our belief in the continent’s potential has motivated us to invest in some of the most difficult locations and this has seen the organisation achieve tremendous growth over the past 15 years,” Skudi concludes. “In the coming years this will translate into us moving into new markets in the Great Lakes and Southern African countries, while also introducing new products and business lines; achieving greater partnerships with mines across our markets; and eventually looking into upstream possibilities too.”

For further information email: info@dalbitpetroleum.com or visit www.dalbitpetroleum.com

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

141

S T O R A G E

M A N A G E M E N T

he global warehousing and storage market was worth $479 billion in 2017. As more and more consumers and commercial organisations turn to online, on-demand purchasing, the importance of such behind the scenes operations exponentially grows.

North America alone accounts for $133 billion of this industry, a global share of 27.7 percent, and it is here that South Africa’s Storage Management Systems (SMS) is targeting with vigour.

Having firmly established itself in its home country and the wider Southern Africa region, the opportunity identified in the USA and Canada is one that greatly excites Managing Director Theuns Pretorius.

Joining the Company as a project engineer in 1996, Pretorius worked his way up the ranks in rapid time to his current position in 2000, also becoming a partner in the business since then.

“SMS started off in 1983 as just a crane-style material handling business, before specialising in the 1990s in the supply of vertical storage units,” he explains.

“Since I became Managing Director in 2000 we have expanded more into turnkey, automated warehousing solutions. We have moved with the times and these products and solutions form the backbone of what we are doing today as an intralogistics solutions provider.”

Sink or swim

Central to SMS’s evolution over Pretorius’s tenure has been a freedom to explore ideas and take responsibility, a mantra that the MD has reciprocated right through the organisation.

“I have been given free reign to develop the Company into what it is today,” he says. “Part of our success is down to our attitude that as long as we hit our profits, then we are free to implement ideas.

142

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S Y S T E M S

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

The

Strongest Link South Africa’s Storage Management Systems is ensuring that its customers’ warehousing setups can serve modern-day commercial operations across numerous industries Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

143

S T O R A G E

M A N A G E M E N T

“This is also my management style – unless I need to get involved I am hands off and let my team exercise their own expertise. They need to make their own decisions and take responsibility for them, just like I have been allowed to do.”

This is reflected in the way SMS approaches risk, the Company always willing to investigate solutions if it believes it can solve a problem for customers and clients. Its team of multi-disciplined engineers are given the accountability to make decisions,

ONE-STOPSHOP SMS’s extensive portfolio • MATERIAL HANDLING: Includes conveyance technologies, sortation systems and automated guided vehicles.

• STORAGE: High density storage racking and shelving, including static and dynamic (automated) solutions, including the Fully Automated Mole System.

• SOFTWARE AND CONTROL: Bridging the gap between the physical hardware environment and virtual operational software environment.

• VALUE-ADDED SERVICES: Expertise that includes design, analysis, project management, installation, training and after-sales support.

144

S Y S T E M S

something which Pretorius and, ultimately, the business, has benefitted from enormously down the years.

New recruits, often sourced through employee referrals, are also thrown into the deep end. “For our engineers it is very much a case of sink or swim,” Pretorius adds. “We want to retain people who adapt quickly and are free thinkers.”

Simplicity

SMS’s suite of products and services is an embodiment of this culture of innovation. A mixture of in-house development and leveraging of partner company expertise enables it to offer turnkey solutions to its customers.

These can be split into four key areas – materials handling, storage solutions, software and control solutions and value-added services.

Such diversity has enabled SMS to serve a wide range of industries and organisations, from the likes of BMW and Nissan in the automotive space to Coca-Cola and CAT in respective FMCG and construction sectors. Coupled with knowledge of the idiosyncrasies of the Southern African market, and SMS stands alone as a local provider able to offer tailored solutions underpinned by a European hallmark of quality.

It is simplicity, however, which is the key to SMS’s own flagship product – the Pallet MoleTM, which is a deep lane automated storage system.

The Mole product is the result of 18 years of steady development and has completely optimised the way pallets are loaded into deep storage. In short, this system provides the highest density storage with the highest throughput capability.

“This is one of the backbones of our business and key to our success to date in South Africa,” Pretorius says.

“We have developed this in a South African context to be a robust system, and I am a firm believer in simplicity. I want us to develop products that are simple and serve a purpose, much like

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

UNILEC SA

U

nilecSA is a Johannesburg-based electrical company specialising in the automation of industrial production and distribution systems.

Set up in 1999, the Company operates within South Africa and neighbouring countries, although it has worked as far afield as Argentina, Germany, the USA and Canada.

It houses expertise in assembly, storage, sortation, paint, oven, robotic, materials handling and baggage handling systems, with big name clients including Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Storage Management Systems, Fortna, Neptek, Van Der Lande, Vanriet and Drysys.

A cornerstone of UnilecSA’s success has been its ability to retain clients, with many of its current client base having being with the firm since its inception.

“With more than 30 years of industry experience, our clients appreciate us for our depth and breadth of industry knowledge; our ability to understand their unique design requirements; consistently providing well engineered and managed projects; excellent workmanship and reliable service; our commitment to providing round the clock support,” the Company says.

UnilecSA offers a range of services in the areas of consulting, project management, design, manufacturing, installation and support. The latter comprises break-fix maintenance, general maintenance, upgrading and refurbishing and training of staff.

By continuing to offer all-encompassing solutions, UnilecSA seeks to continue supporting vital industry across South Africa and the wider region.

T +27 11 794 9653 E tims@unilecsa.com

www.unilecsa.com

S T O R A G E

M A N A G E M E N T

S Y S T E M S

Steve Jobs and Apple with the very first iPod. Their competitors fell by the wayside.”

Into North America

This product has been identified by Pretorius as a potential gamechanger for the North American market, the Company’s major area of focus regarding expansion.

“From a logistics point of view North America makes a lot of sense,” he says. “It is naturally our biggest market because of its sheer economic size and is also the easiest market to get into.

At the moment warehousing here is generally only semi-automated, so there is tremendous opportunity for us to introduce further automation.”

A key partnership with Frazier Industrial Company has allowed SMS to leverage existing infrastructure and gain traction in the region.

“We have been working with Frazier for several years now,” Pretorius says.

“Through them we launched our first Mole product and over the last two to three years there has been tremendous acceptance of this product in the North American market.”

Further, SMS is part of the SpaceMaker Group with SpaceMaker Systems as the sister company in the US, emulating SMS SA.

Built on partnership

Deep cooperation with several European and local companies has

146

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“We are in the coalface of trends and the modern warehousing environment. An organisation is only as good as its weakest link, and people are cottoning onto the fact that warehousing cannot be left behind”

also proven pivotal to SMS’s success, especially in its home markets.

The Company has acquired sole distributive rights within Southern Africa for German firm Hänel’s products. With more than 50 years of experience in designing and developing industrial automation equipment, Hänel specialises in automated small and medium goods storage and retrieval systems using a vertical carousel and lift concept.

Dutch family business turned global system integrator VanRiet Material Handling Systems is also a

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

longstanding partner, specialising in solutions geared towards the courier express parcel market, ecommerce and third-party logistics companies.

Closer to home, Cape Town-based Progetto International is another key partner, the firm responsible for materials handling across numerous industries and providing essential services to SMS customers. These include installations and after-sale work, for instance on the Mole products across the greater Cape and east coast region, a service it has been providing for 17 years.

Finally, an exclusive distribution agreement with Spain’s AR Racking has granted SMS access to a quality supplier of steel-based racking and mobile bases, while also providing a springboard into European and Latin American markets.

“The key for us is that these companies are like-minded in their cultures,” Pretorius says. “They may not be the biggest in their industry but their service levels and out of the box thinking is what makes them strong partners.”

Trending

As well as identifying appropriate organisations to establish partnerships with, an important part of Pretorius’s role is to keep abreast of developing trends that are likely to impact SMS

and the industry as a whole. This involves constant interaction with customers and attending international shows.

Asked what he thinks will help shape the warehousing and storage market in the years to come, he identifies several threads, including the rise of intralogistics services, autonomous transport and the proliferation of battery-based energy storage which could impact the formulation of future warehousing products. The drive for 24-seven operations, with no productivity lost as automated systems run non-stop, is what he believes will mould the industry.

But what of SMS’s priorities for the coming years? Pretorius concludes: “We are in the coalface of trends and the modern warehousing environment. An organisation is only as good as its weakest link, and people are cottoning onto the fact that warehousing cannot be left behind.

“For us, we need to build on that message in North America. We want to emulate our success in Southern Africa in this region, and the opportunity is certainly there to do so.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

147

F P

D U

T O I T

T R A N S P O R T

Seamless

Reality Driven to

DELIVER 148

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S H I P P I N G

&

ver the years, the FP du Toit Transport Group has expanded and diversified its services to such an extent that it is deemed to be one of SADC’s most comprehensive supply chain operations.

FP du Toit Transport, through its Wesbank Transport, Pro Parcel Distribution and JET. X Couriers divisions, offers the whole bouquet of logistical services across the shipping, logistics, distribution and warehousing value chain.

L O G I S T I C S

“The FP du Toit Transport Group is made up of a number of business units with their own focus markets and transport service offerings,” the Company affirms on its website. These four core business unite operate in the Trans Kunene, Trans Kalahari and Trans Caprivi corridors, thereby providing transport and logistics services to various destinations within the SADC region”.

This Central Africa division ensures dedicated monitoring as well as a more localised knowledge and support base to better serve an ever-increasing network of customers; while also aiding areas of risk management across routes, borders, the fleet, and of course the drivers.

“The Group is able to leverage and complement transport solutions by drawing on the experience and skill sets of each of these divisions.

With more than 560 power units and a compliment of 1,000 staff members, FP du Toit Transport Group is continuing its growth in the region as well as the expansion of its service offerings.”

Extended family

From humble beginnings in 1968 as a small Northern Cape family business, the FP du Toit Transport Group has grown into one of the major transport and freight providers within the SADC region, while maintaining the same Group values which helped it build its customer base in the beginning.

For the past 50 years the FP du Toit Transport Group has engrained itself into the fabric of Namibian and Central African supply chain operations. It has exponentially grown into being one of the largest privately owned transport companies in Namibia Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

149

F P

D U

T O I T

T R A N S P O R T

FP DU TOIT TRANSPORT SERVICES • Line haul cross border • Intercity line haul RSA • Central Africa transport division • Refrigerated transport

WESBANK TRANSPORT SERVICES • Container transport • Material handling • Chemical logistics • National & SADC transport • Warehousing • Cargo handling & crane hire • Operator training • Abnormal loads

JET.X COURIERS SERVICES • Cross-border • Air express • Overnight road • Second day road • Domestic courier

PRO PARCEL DISTRIBUTION SERVICES • Priority • Door-to-door • Terminal-to-door • Depot-to-depot • Refrigerated part-loads • Palletised part-loads • Economy

150

The FP du Toit Transport Group “family” includes more than 1,000 employees, employed at 13 locations across Namibia, South Africa and seven additional SADC countries. A fleet of 560 power units forms the operational backbone of the transport services offered.

“In an increasingly globalised world, time is of the essence and being ‘out of date’ is unacceptable. FP du Toit Transport Group continuously invests in modern technologies and management tools to handle customer needs timeously and safely.

“From barcoding, to tracking and satellite monitoring – your products and packages are handled with the necessary care and urgency.”

Growth of the company and its services

An excellent example of this continuous improvement can be seen across FP du Toit’s in-house customs operations. With a strong focus on import and export enhancement, efficiencies, and waste reduction, the in-house customs clearing services work closely with national customs officials, which emphasises the strong relationship the Company has with the other SADC countries as well as its willingness to adapt to fluctuating trends and requirements.

The Company elaborates: “FP du Toit Transport Group is constantly reassessing its methods and researching ways to become more efficient.”

As part of its quest for continuous improvement, FP du Toit Transport (Pty) Ltd bought the business of Wesbank Transport (Pty) Ltd as a going concern in 2015, together with all its assets, contracts and the Wesbank brand name.

The respective businesses are both leaders in their fields of operation. FP du Toit Transport has for many years already been the largest logistics service provider in

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

BANK WINDHOEK Connectors of Positive Change Bank Windhoek congratulates FP Du Toit Transport Group on their 50th anniversary in the Namibian transport sector. As a catalyst of sustainable opportunities, we are proud of our association with another truly Namibian entity.

One of the many highlights of our relationship was the acquisition of Wesbank Transport, at the time one of the biggest corporate acquisitions in the country. This cemented FP Du Toit Group’s reputation as a leading transport provider, not only in Namibia, but also the region.

As a proud member of Capricorn Group, Bank Windhoek’s approach to sustainability means taking a longterm, holistic view that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders, including FP Du Toit Transport Group.

This translates into an imperative to carve out an organisational structure that will support the Capricorn Group of the future. We have listened to our customers and gained an understanding of the gaps in our service offering and of the manner in which they would like to interact with us. We have listened to our employees to understand what they need in order to be more effective.

We have observed what works in other organisations and other parts of the world. This knowledge helps us to lay a solid foundation that will enable us to achieve a sustainable organisation, able to respond quickly to changing market opportunities.

Bank Windhoek’s vision is to be the most trusted and inspiring connector of positive change through a highly relevant, convenient and responsive network of people and channels that enable opportunities to be created, financed, transacted and secured, wherever we operate. As our identity and ethos is so closely linked to the well-being of our country, we share the responsibility to bring positive change, thereby creating an environment of improved equality, empowerment and prosperity.

A member of

on s n o i ulat ul 50 t a r Cong wonderf your ourney. , work j d r r a yea our h n. From r all y io

ou fo d dedicat other. y k n Tha tion an oil to an s ra inspi n of the o k. one s one! dhoe n i D W nk Well at Ba

all From

of us

nkwi

.ba www

a

om.n

ek.c ndho

F P

D U

T O I T

T R A N S P O R T

Namibia with its main focus areas in long haul transportation active in nine SADC countries. FP du Toit also does distribution services for the retail, automotive, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors and its JET. X Courier division, rendering overnight express services from and to South Africa as well as daily a daily domestic footprint in Namibia to larger destinations and servicing even the smallest communities at least twice a week. Wesbank Transport’s main fields of operation are in the mining industry where they proudly hold transportation contracts with all the operating uranium mines in the Erongo region. It is the largest harbour carrier and container handling and storage facility operator in Walvis Bay, and owns the largest abnormal loads division in Namibia as well as a crane hire business who owns the largest cranes in the country with up to 220 tonnes capacity.

152

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

FP DU TOIT VISION STATEMENT A world-class service provider of specialised logistics and transport solutions to selected customers, focused on rendering exceptional client service, generating fair returns for its shareholders and providing rewarding careers to its employees.

We will achieve this vision by conducting our business in accordance with our values, by remaining focused on our customers’ needs, by striving for quality in all we do, by being exceptionally productive in what we do, by working safely and by developing our staff to the maximum of their potential.

To achieve the above vision we need to be a market driven company with a sharp customer focus in all areas.

Ultimately our staff determine the quality of service we render to our customers.

Security and Peace of Mind Since 1987

Windhoek: Otjiwarongo: Keetmanshoop: Mariental:

Tel: 061 - 225 503 Tel: 067 - 302 643 Tel: 063 - 233 957 Tel: 063 - 241 170

Walvisbaai: Tsumeb: Gobabis: Oshakati:

Tel: 064 - 207 136 Tel: 067 - 222 265 Tel: 062 - 565 501 Tel: 065 - 238 637

F P

D U

T O I T

T R A N S P O R T

The Company also supplies full loads and break bulk consolidation services to commercial and industrial enterprises situated mainly in the coastal area. Both companies also have branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

By upscaling and broadening, the ability to overcome complexities has also taken on a new dimension; once again leveraging each acquisition’s existing capabilities to form the strongest possible proposition.

Driven to deliver

Similarly, as operations become vaster and more diverse, the focus on recruiting and retaining competent staff has become even more significant. Having competent, willing and able employees plays a ley role in the Company’s success. It is the Company’s belief that “our people are what make us” and its low staff turnover reflects this.

154

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Quality, reliability, service and relationships are the passions behind the huge success and exceptional track record of this homegrown logistics giant

To achieve this, the primary focus will always revolve around skills development and health & safety training. The Company says: “Through many years of experience and on-the-job training, FP du Toit Transport Group has established a training academy which offers various self-developed business and transport courses to employees as well as to other businesses.

To complete the quality circle, expert knowledge, skills and experience are supported by a state-of-the-art fleet and other specialised equipment; thus ensuring that the business remains at the forefront of the Central African supply chain for the next 50 years and beyond.

“Quality, reliability, service and relationships are the passions behind the huge success and exceptional track record of this homegrown logistics giant,” the Company concludes. “The team at FP du Toit Transport Group is always Driven to Deliver!”

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

Erongo Commercial Vehicles Keeping Track of what is Yours...

Erongo Commercial Vehicles (‘ECV’) is wholly owned by Oosie Oosthuizen.

Oosie has more than 20 years’ experience in the service and repair of commercial vehicles and is closely involved in the day to day running of the business.

SALES The ECV sales experience not only includes advice on which IVECO vehicle will provide the best performance and value for money, but we also provide insight into the ‘real life’ performance of IVECO vehicles.

As a full IVECO Dealer we offer a comprehensive range of commercial vehicles, parts and services to our customers.

PARTS We stock a wide range of IVECO and non-IVECO parts which we sell to our customers at competitive prices.

T: +2646 522 5660 F +2646 522 5662 E: oosie@iway.na www.erongocommercial.co.za

SERVICE AND REPAIRS Our fully equipped workshop is just off the Main Road near Ongwediva and here our fully trained staff is able to service and repair not only IVECOs but also other vehicles makes which our customers may have in their existing fleet.

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.

· · · · · ·

24/7 communication with Drivers Get instant KPI’S on Drivers Fuel Monitoring Driver dispatch and Proof of Delivery Signature on glass Temperature monitoring

YouTrack Fleet management, Namibia | +26461250266 | www.youtrack.com.na

C/o Church & Kloof str Zeerust A/h: 074 115 7247 Cell: 082 335 5314 Cell: 082 729 6161 zsttowing@gmail.com

SPECIALISED SERVICES

- 24 Hr Breakdown & Towing Services on Light, Medium and heavy Vehicles - 24 Hr Accident and Recovery Services Accident Site Clean-Up Service - 24 Hr. Roadside Mechanical Repairs And Field Service on Trucks & Trailers Tyres - 24 Hr Cross Border Service - Low bed & Transport Service

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

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

155

R E G I O N A L

E N E R G Y

C O - O P E R A T I O N

E V E N T

S U M M I T

( R E C S ) :

W E S T

F O C U S Speakers confirmed include:

Exploring West Africa’s energy development potential ENERGYNET WILL HOST the third Regional Energy Co-operation Summit (RECS): West in Ghana from 26-28 September 2018 – exploring business opportunities in the WAPP regional

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 26–28 September WHERE: Accra, Ghana CONTACT: recs-west@energynet.co.uk WEBSITE: www.recs-west.com

156

electricity market and the impact that anchor energy projects will have on regional energy development.

Looking at the entire energy supply chain, the Summit will address crossborder energy infrastructure, regional power trade, investment partnerships in upstream and downstream, renewable energy development and IPPs financing among other topics.

Speaking about the Summit, Andrew M. Herscowitz, Coordinator for Power Africa, stated: “The Regional Energy Co-operation Summit: West is an outstanding venue for Power Africa to reach many key stakeholders in ECOWAS countries.

“There is tremendous potential in this region, and we look forward to helping advance deals with the many key stakeholders and partners who will be in attendance, including ministers, regulators, utilities, financiers, donors, and multilaterals.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

• Honourable Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Deputy Minister for Petroleum, Ministry of Energy, Ghana • Honourable William Aidoo, Deputy Minister for Power, Ministry of Energy, Ghana • Honourable Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development, Morocco • William Amuna, Policy Advisor to the Hon. Minister, Ministry of Energy, Ghana • Fred Oware, Chief Executive Officer, BUI Power Authority • Alfred K. Ofosu Ahenkorah, Executive Secretary, Energy Commission of Ghana • Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman, Kaduna Electric Company, Nigeria • Laurent Tossou, Director General, Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE), Benin • Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, Chief Executive Officer, Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana • Honoré Bogler, Chairman, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) • Siengui Ki, Secretary General, West African Power Pool (WAPP) • Cüneyt Uygun, Chief Executive Officer, AKSA Energy • Philippe Miquel, Chief Executive Officer, Western & Central Africa, ENGIE • Robert W. Anderson, DirectorEnergy, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

Official endorsing partners of the Summit include WAPP and Anare alongside Summit Sponsor ASKA Power, Strategic Partners Fieldstone Africa, ENGIE, METKA and Wartsila, Associate Sponsor Power Africa and Exhibitor Interplast.

Africa

Officially endorsed by

Republic of Ghana

ANCHOR PROJECTS FOR REGIONAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIALISATION IN WEST AFRICA AND BEYOND

Regional Electricity Market – Oil & Gas – Renewables

Endorsing Partners

Summit Sponsor

Strategic Partners

Associate Sponsor

Exhibitor

All subscribers for Africa Outlook are entitled to an exclusive 15% off on registration. Email: recs-west@energynet.co.uk quoting the code AO15 WWW.RECS-WEST.COM

|

RECS-WEST@ENERGYNET.CO.UK

E Q U A T O R I A L

G U I N E A

G A S

E V E N T

S U M M I T

&

E X H I B I T I O N

F O C U S

Putting Equatorial Guinea’s gas industry on the map THE EQUATORIAL GUINEA Gas Summit, taking place 4-5 October in Malabo, will be of part of Equatorial Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary and is being held under the vision of H.E. President of the Republic, Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

With official support from the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons, organised by CWC Group and Sonagas, and with the endorsement of GEPetrol, the Summit brings together key government representatives, including H.E. Mr. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima together with all the major energy players and investors in country.

Visitors will experience two days of productive discussion, announcements, partnership creation and deal making to develop the full potential of Equatorial Guinea’s gas projects.

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 4-5 October WHERE: Sipopo Conferece Centre, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea CONTACT: EG@thecwcgroup.com WEBSITE: https://www.cwceg.com

158

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21$*$6

6RFLHGDG 1DFLRQDO GH *DV * (

E C O M O F

2 0 1 8

E V E N T

F O C U S

Discover one of Africa’s fastest growing markets THE ECOWAS COMMISSION, the Government of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and AME Trade Ltd are delighted to invite you to take part in the 2nd ECOWAS Mining & Petroleum Forum and Exhibition (ECOMOF 2018).

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 9-11 October WHERE: Sofitel ,Abidjan, Ivory Coast CONTACT: ecomof@ametrade.org WEBSITE: www.ecomof.com

160

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

This regional mining and petroleum forum and exhibition will gather the highest-ranking government delegations from the fifteen ECOWAS West African member states: • Benin • Burkina Faso • Cape Verde • Cote d’Ivoire • The Gambia • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea Bissau • Liberia • Mali • Niger • Nigeria • Senegal • Sierra Leone • Togo

2ND ECOWAS MINING & PETROLEUM FORUM & EXHIBITION

OMOF EC

ECOMOF 9 - 11 OCTOBER 2018 ABIDJAN - COTE D’IVOIRE SOFITEL ABIDJAN HOTEL IVOIRE

“STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEST AFRICA’S MINING AND PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES”

ORGANISED BY

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

@AMETRADE_MINING

@AMETRADE_OILGAS

WWW.ECOMOF.COM

F R A N C O R E A L

P R O P E R T Y

I N V E S T M E N T

E V E N T

S U M M I T

F O C U S

Developing the property investment opportunity

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 16-17 October WHERE: Dakar, Senegal WEBSITE: https://apievents.com/our-events/

162

A BESPOKE REAL estate investment and development conference, the bilingual Francoreal Property Investment Summit between 16-17 October will address the needs of international African investors and local stakeholders in one of the world’s most active economic zones.

Positioned to drive access and generate insight into the scope and depth of the real estate opportunity; the conference will help build transparency and create equitable local partnerships for growth.

Featuring the continent’s most active funds and region’s most successful developers and asset owners from across the property

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

spectrum, this unique summit will build your strategy for French speaking Africa.

Over the two-day period, delegates will be exposed to local case studies, new and in-depth data, legal and tax compliance expertise and investor specific site tours.

The conference will be bilingual with sessions offered in French as well as English with simultaneous translation.

Objectives:

• Enabling market access for regional and global investors, developers and property stakeholders.

• Addressing and overcoming the low levels of transparency, financing and expertise in the built environment sector.

• Establishing the depth and opportunities within this growing market.

• Establishing and formalising a local and regional property ecosystem.

• Unpacking the property market, key regions and their major drivers and demographics.

WWW.FRANCOREAL.COM

16-17 OCTOBER 2018

IN COLLABORATION WITH:

FRANCOPHONE AFRICA’S OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE SUMMIT VENUE: RADISSON BLU, DAKAR, SENEGAL

THEME:

DEVELOPING THE PROPERTY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN FRANCOPHONE AFRICA THE CONFERENCE WILL BE BILINGUAL WITH SESSIONS OFFERED IN FRENCH AS WELL AS ENGLISH WITH SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION INDUSTRY SPONSORS:

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:

HOST PARTNER: TEYLIOM

RESEARCH PARTNER:

RETAIL PARTNER:

ORGANISED BY:

Cheick Sanankoua

Victor G. Ndiaye

Ismael Cissé

Réda Faceh

Managing Partner, HC Capital Properties

Founder and CEO, Performance Group

CEO, Sirius Capital

VP: Development Northern & Western Africa, AccorHotels

PLATINUM SPONSOR

REGISTER TO JOIN US WWW.FRANCOREAL.COM GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

INDUSTRY SPONSORS:

MAURITIUS FORUM SPONSORS

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:

HOST PARTNER: TEYLIOM

RESEARCH PARTNER:

RETAIL PARTNER:

ORGANISED BY:

5 T H

M O Z A M B I Q U E

G A S

S U M M I T

E V E N T

&

E X H I B I T I O N

F O C U S

Inside Mozambique’s gas and LNG industry

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 31 October-2 November WHERE: Maputo, Mozambique CONTACT: Mozambique@thecwcgroup.com WEBSITE: www.mozambique-gas-summit.com

164

FOLLOWING THE SUMMIT’S success in 2017, the CWC Group in partnership with ENH and with the support and participation from MIREME and INP, are delighted to invite you to the 5th edition of the Mozambique Gas Summit & Exhibition.

The event is taking place at a larger venue this year, the NEW Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo on 31 October-2 November 2018.

Recognised as the leading strategic meeting for Mozambique’s gas industry, the event addresses the entire gas and LNG value chain bringing together government officials with industry stakeholders for three highly interactive days of networking

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

and frank discussions aiming to establish Mozambique as the next international gas hub.

EMPRESA NACIONAL DE HIDROCARBONETOS, E.P.

S E A M L E S S

W E S T

A F R I C A

E V E N T

F O C U S

brand event, with 500-plus attendees and a world leading strategic conference. The event will welcome market leading industry players from central banks, commercial banks, insurance, e-tailers, telcos, merchants, government, fintech’s and tech startups, all looking to procure and collaborate with the latest tech and services on the market.

The conference is a C-level platform that will focus on global trends and disruptors, how market players can capitalise on the opportunities and best respond to the threats.

Addressing the big issues from fintech disruption to financial inclusion, blockchain and regtech, we will host over 70-plus world class thought leaders and welcome hundreds of conference attendees.

With keynote addresses, interviews, roundtables, panels, pre-event workshops and track sessions that focus on challenges and opportunities within the industry, the content has been designed to educate, inspire and empower commerce leaders to improve their innovative strategies and integration – effectively cultivating their bottom line.

With a thought provoking, dynamic THE PAYMENTS, BANKING agenda and a wide variety of engaging and forward-thinking topics, this and financial sectors are currently at the height of change, defined globally attended event promises to by innovation and development in push the boundaries. This is made technology and regulation. evident with the first ever regional As consumers, businesses and Central Bank Panel which discusses the importance of creating partnerships governments adapt to a digital world, the desire for tech enabled solutions that safeguard financial stability that improve traditional transaction while working with disruptors and methods and financial services is promoting the adoption of fintech growing rapidly. innovation.

Combining our history and our West Africa in particular is ripe for disruption with it being home to one of passion for innovation, we are the three fastest growing economies committed to bringing you the most in Africa. With a massive unbanked exciting event for this brave new population, West Africa offers an world of commerce and build essential connections to drive businesses abundance of lucrative opportunities.

Seamless West Africa is a multiforward in 2018 and beyond.

Delivering disruption to West Africa’s payments industry

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 5-7 November WHERE: Accra, Ghana CONTACT: Kemantha.Naidoo@terrapinn.com WEBSITE: www.terrapinn.com/seamlesswa

166

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

NE

WT OT

HE

RE GIO

N

5 – 7 NOVEMBER 2018

Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana

FUTURE OF PAYMENTS, FINTECH & ECOMMERCE 500 Attendees | 30+ Exhibitors | 70+ Speakers Seamless West Africa is a C-level conference platform that will focus on global trends and disruptors, how market players can capitalise on the opportunities and best respond to the threats. Addressing the big issues from fintech disruption to financial inclusion, blockchain and regtech. With keynote addresses, interviews, roundtables, panels, pre-event workshops and track sessions that focus on challenges and opportunities within the industry.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TAKE THE STAGE:

DELE ADEYINKA Chief Digital Officer Wema Bank Nigeria

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

MASSIMILIANO SPALAZZI Co-CEO Jumia E-commerce Jumia Africa

SOSTHENES KONUTSEY Head of Corporate Business Old Mutual Ghana

GOLD SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS

ADHAR SRIVASTAVA Director Soleil Bank United States of America

INCORPORATING

GET INVOLVED NOW

Contact Kemantha on +27 11 516 4077 or email Kemantha.Naidoo@terrapinn.com www.terrapinn.com/seamlesswa Seamless Africa

@Seamless_Africa

#SeamlessWA | #SeamlessWestAfrica

B I G

5

C O N S T R U C T

E A S T

A F R I C A

E V E N T

F O C U S

Unveiling Africa’s latest construction solutions

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 7-9 November WHERE: Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya WEBSITE: www.thebig5constructeastafrica.com

168

THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION of Kenya’s National Construction Week is back!

The dedicated building and construction event will bring the entire portfolio of building materials, construction products and solutions together under one roof.

The 2018 edition of the event will include 250 manufacturers, suppliers, traders, distributors and service providers of innovative construction solutions.

7,000+ architects, engineers, builders, contractors, interior designers, consultants and all construction industry professionals are expected to visit the event.

Attend 40 free CPD certified workshops, we have added an

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

additional workshops theatre to accommodate demand from the Kenyan market.

The Big 5 Construct East Africa also enjoys a close relationship with Kenya’s National Construction Authority and is the only event colocated with NCA’s hi-level conference – ICoRCE. The Big 5 Construct East Africa 2018 is a must attend event that brings the construction industry together.

7 -9 NOVEMBER 2018

Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya www.thebig5constructeastafrica.com

The official exhibition of Kenya's National Construction week is back Introducing five new sector events to find serious buyers for your products easily

BUILDING INTERIORS

• Kitchen & Bathroom

• Construction Tools & Hardware

• Marble, Ceramic & Stone

• Wood, Plastic & Composite

• Surface & finishes

• Machinery & Equipment

• Lighting

• Aluminum

• Sealants, Adhesives & Coatings

• Metal & Steel

• Plumbing & Water Technology • Pumps, Valves, Pipes & Fittings • Access and lifting equipment

BUILDING SERVICES

• Formwork & Scaffolding

• Facilities Management

• Concrete & Cement Equipment

• Commercial Cleaning & Hygiene

• Construction & Commercial Vehicles

• Elevators & Escalators

• Batching Equipment

• Building Automation

• Mining Machinery & Equipment

• Safety & Security • Software & IT

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PARTNER:

FREE ENTRY

• Heating, Ventilation & Air conditioning components • Refrigeration Systems & Equipment

• Flooring, Ceiling & Walling Windows & Doors

CONCRETE & PMV

MEP HVAC SERVICESR

BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS

NEED MORE INFORMATION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP? ERIC CHAN

PROJECT MANAGER T: +971 4 438 0355 D: +971 4 445 3730 E: ericchan@dmgeventsme.com CO-LOCATED WITH:

ORGANISED BY:

A F R I C A C O M

E V E N T

F O C U S

Digital on display

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 13-15 November WHERE: Cape Town, South Africa WEBSITE: https://tmt.knect365.com/africacom

170

AFRICACOM IS PART of the Connecting Africa series of events that expose delegates, the media and the savvy to the latest advancements and opportunities in technology and the digital ecosystem. Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 13-15 November 2018, AfricaCom is now in its 21st year.

AfricaCom is Africa’s largest technology, media and telecommunications conference and exhibition. The conference programme covers the most strategic issues affecting companies in Africa’s digital market – services, efficiency, profitability, customer experience, partnerships, policy and more – and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

features several co-located events: 5G Africa, Africa Video Forum, The AI Summit Cape Town, IoT World Africa and Mission Critical Technologies Africa.

AfricaCom 2018 will bring together 14,000 attendees, 450 speakers and 400 exhibitors showcasing technologies and solutions covering everything from 5G, AI, IoT, fintech, blockchain and beyond, with a host of new content and exciting developments.

To register for your free visitor ticket, purchase a delegate pass or find out more about AfricaCom 2018 visit https://tmt.knect365.com/ africacom.

Conference & Exhibition: 13-15 November 2018 Cape Town International Convention Centre South Africa

THE PLACE TO SHAPE AFRICA’S DIGITAL FUTURE

THE LARGEST TELECOMS, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY EVENT IN AFRICA. EXPECT 14,000 ATTENDEES, 400 EXHIBITORS AND 450 VISIONARY SPEAKERS FROM ACROSS THE ENTIRE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM. The Technology Arena: The Technology Arena returns for 2018, an entire exhibition hall dedicated to tech innovation and Africa’s journey towards the 4th industrial revolution.

Visit hundreds of exhibitors, attend visionary presentations, and try out ground breaking tech in our ‘demo pods’.

Hear visionary insights on future tech trends at AfricaCom 2020: The AfricaCom 2020 stage is dedicated to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation, and will feature visionary presentations on AI, IoT, smart cities, blockchain, the digital skills gap and much more.

New to AfricaCom for 2018: For the first time ever leading global events AI Summit and IoT World Africa come to AfricaCom! Learn about the implementation of game-changing technologies at the forefront of digital transformation that boost productivity, unlock new opportunities and drive efficiencies across all industries and business functions. In addition, AfricaCom’s brand-new Enterprise Digital Transformation track, makes AfricaCom 2018 THE place to capitalise on this perfect storm of opportunity for African enterprises.

To find out more and to register, visit tmt.knect365.com/africacom KNectAfrica #africacom

Africa Telecoms, ICT & Media Group

knectafrica

Connecting Africa

6 - 8 Nov 2018 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

Discover innovative solutions shaping global food & beverage production

R EGISTER FR EE! gulfoodmanufacturing.com

Organised by

Powered by

Strategic Partner

Official Logistics Partner

Official Airline Partner

Official Courier Handler

Official Publisher