Africa Outlook - Issue 30

WWW.AFRIC AOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd Kenya’s construction industry is laying the foundations for an East African industrial sector ready to scale new heights

DIAGEO 20 Continental restructure keeps Diageo’s spirits high in South Africa

STEFANUTTI STOCKS (PTY) LTD 42

Delivering complete construction and contracting solutions to Africa and beyond

ATHENA PROPERTIES 62 Realising East Africa’s potential as the ‘hub of Africa’

AIRTEL MADAGASCAR 94

Empowering Malagasy people to dream big and live well

AFRICA OUTLOOK ISSUE 30 FEATURING: DUNLOP INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS | AFROTEQ ADVISORY (PTY) LTD | INTERNET SOLUTIONS GHANA

Bold ideas have their own power.

Here’s the real deal Investec Power and Infrastructure Finance We partner closely with our clients on all projects. This ensures that innovative investment opportunities are uncovered and developed to their full potential. We’ve been at the forefront of power and infrastructure finance for more than 20 years, and our in-depth analysis, fast decision-making and flexible solutions show all the hallmarks of a business relationship you can trust.

To find out how we can help you with your next project, call +27 11 286 7215 or visit investec.co.za/power

Power & Infrastructure Finance The information contained in this communication does not constitute solicitation for investment, financial or banking services. It is for informative purposes and not intended to constitute advice in any form. The information therefore has no regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific recipient. Investec Bank Limited accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of all or any part of this communication. Corporate & Institutional Banking, a division of Investec Bank Limited. Reg. No. 1969/004763/06. A registered credit provider, registration number NCRCP9. A member of the Investec Group.

W E L C O M E Built to Last People could be forgiven for presuming that the hub of African innovation revolves around the tech sector and the SADC region, with both fostering levels of modernisation comparable and even ahead of global standards in some cases.

While this notion inevitably carries some weight, it is certainly not an exclusivity, as epitomised by this month’s Africa Outlook which takes a Construction Ltd more eastern and industrial stance on innovation.

Construction, specifically, is a sector thriving amid the implementation of new machineries, methodologies and eco-considerations, and we tell the story of two such exponents in our showcasing section.

While Stefanutti Stocks has long been one of South Africa’s most prominent market-players and discusses its ambition to capitalise on even larger-scale projects to that end, Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd in Kenya kick-starts our strong East African focus as the Company highlights its rise from humble beginnings to be one of the longest standing, innovative, sustainable and diverse Groups in the industry.

STAG AFRICAN, Afroteq and Razorbill Holdings provide equally impressive insight into their South African construction achievements, but our maraud to the east continues across a range of sectors this month as Airtel Madagascar, Sigma Supplies and Danakali all make their mark across tech, food & drink and mining domains, respectively.

Our front-of-book section maintains the theme by analysing the fallout from Diageo’s continental restructuring and its rejuvenated focus on Kenyan and Tanzanian markets, while Barack Obama’s recent visit to the former is also dissected.

Rounding up our company showcase and South Africa - as always - heads up the country-count with the likes of Dunlop Industrial Products and Howden Africa demonstrating manufacturing expertise, and Sakata replicating its global dominance in the seed production arena.

Not to be left out, Nigeria’s monthly influence appears in a slightly different guise this August, as Emily Jarvis explores the world of Nollywood; the Matthew Staff world’s second largest film industry.

Editorial Director, WWW.AFRIC AOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Laxmanbhai Kenya’s construction industry is laying the foundations for an East African industrial sector ready to scale new heights

DIAGEO 20 Continental restructure keeps Diageo’s spirits high in South Africa

STEFANUTTI STOCKS (PTY) LTD 42

Delivering complete construction and contracting solutions to Africa and beyond

ATHENA PROPERTIES 62 Realising East Africa’s potential as the ‘hub of Africa’

AIRTEL MADAGASCAR 94

Empowering Malagasy people to dream big and live well

AFRICA OUTLOOK ISSUE 30 FEATURING: DUNLOP INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS | AFROTEQ FM SOLUTIONS | INTERNET SOLUTIONS GHANA

Outlook Publishing

EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Emily Jarvis emily.jarvis@outlookpublishing.com

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

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Sales Managers: Ben Wigger ben.wigger@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Senior Project Managers: Arron Rampling arron.rampling@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Project Managers: Callum Philp callum.philp@outlookpublishing.com Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Stuart Parker stuart.parker@outlookpublishing.com

ACCOUNTS Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Jen Lloyd jen.lloyd@outlookpublishing.com WEB DESIGN: Hamit Saka IT: James Le-May

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

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

Enjoy the issue!

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

3

C

O

N

In this issue of Africa Outlook...

T

E

N

T

S

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

26

LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LTD Delivering Excellence across Three Generations Building a superior legacy over six decades

42

STEFANUTTI STOCKS (PTY) LTD Bridging Your Expectations

Delivering complete construction and contracting solutions to Africa and beyond

62

ATHENA PROPERTIES Africa’s Lifestyle Developer of Choice

Realising East Africa’s potential as the ‘hub of Africa’

6

NEWS

12

NEW NIGERIAN CINEMA Nollywood Takes Centre Stage

All the latest top stories across the month from Africa

The world’s second largest film industry in the spotlight

16

OBAMA’S VISIT TO AFRICA Africa to Leapfrog into New Prosperity

72

Pioneering sustainability across the SADC Region

78

Barack Obama promotes change in one of the fastest growing regions in the world

S E C T O R

20

F O C U S

FOOD & DRINK Continental Restructure Keeps Diageo’s Spirits High Global alcoholic beverage manufacturer flies solo in SA

STAG AFRICAN International Expansion Given the Green Light AFROTEQ ADVISORY (PTY) LTD Informing the Right Business Choices

Strategic facilities management tailored for the client

84

RAZORBILL HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD End-to-End Building Innovation Bringing the latest green building practices to Southern Africa

90

MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING Africa’s Lifting Legend A living legend across South African industry

24

4

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

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

T E C H N O L O G Y

94

AIRTEL MADAGASCAR Customers for Life

Empowering Malagasy people to dream big and live well

102

INTERNET SOLUTIONS GHANA A Ghanaian Telco with a Global Flavour Bringing innovation and agility to the network

160

OPEN FOOD Keeping Its Options OPEN

Fresh, new and exciting prospects befit a unique catering experience

MINING&RESOURCES

164

DANAKALI LTD Supporting the Growth Markets of the Future

Sustainable development with both mine and region in mind

110

CABLE AND WIRELESS SEYCHELLES Island Quad-Play Revolution Offering not only a TV service but an entertainment hub accessible to everyone

120

AIRTEL NIGER Innovation without Borders

Delivering on an ambition to deliver innovation

126

VODACOM CONGO Connecting People and Changing Lives

Market-leading investment into the future of DRC

F

I

170

DUNLOP INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS (PTY) LTD Pursuing Operational Excellence

Dunlop’s people are its greatest competitive advantage

140

HOWDEN AFRICA Bringing World-Class Manufacturing to Africa Internal investments ensure a strong value proposition

F O O D & D R I N K

148

SIGMA SUPPLIES Ruling the Roost

154

SAKATA SEED SOUTHERN AFRICA Quality Reliable Service

A one-stop shop for Kenyan poultry

Contributing to the social fabric of Southern Africa

A

N

C

E

Realising the potential of Botswana’s underdeveloped reinsurance market

174

AON KENYA Knowledge without Borders

Gathering global expertise to deliver local solutions

182

ZIMBABWE INSURANCE BROKERS Flexible Risk Solutions Creativity and innovation breeds business retention and development

MANUFACTURING

132

N

FIRST REINSURANCE BOTSWANA First-Class Reinsurers

SHIPPING&LOGISTICS

188

KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY The Region’s Trading Hub Second container terminal set to expand East Africa’s cargo capacity

ENERGY&UTILITIES

192

KOUGA WIND FARM South African Energy, Done Right

Creating a positive impact as a nationally significant, local developer

E V E N T F O C U S

198

THE AFRICA FINANCE & INVESTMENT FORUM

Strengthening Africa’s private sector and attracting investment to the continent

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

5

N

E

W

S

FINANCE

Regulations and Fiscal Incentives Could Speed Islamic Finance Development in Africa Development of an Islamic finance industry could help Africa fund its significant infrastructure needs, according to Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service report The development of an Islamic finance industry in Africa could help plug the region’s large infrastructure gaps over the coming decade, says Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service in a Report published in August.

However, a framework of regulation and fiscal adjustments will be necessary to foster African sukuk markets, provide wider investment

6

options for potential Islamic investors, and attract a pool of Islamic liquidity.

To date, African sovereigns have issued approximately US$1 billion of sukuk instruments, compared with global sukuk issuance of an average $100 billion a year over the past five years. Meanwhile, widening fiscal deficits and large infrastructure gaps will likely require multibillion-dollar additional financing needs over the

next decade.

Experience in South Africa and Senegal has shown that a significant amount of time can elapse between a government’s announcement of intent to issue sukuk and their effective issuance, as governments gauge market interests and try to address the legal hurdles and cost of issuance.

“We believe legislation gaps are the main causes of delay between a country’s intent to issue and its effective issuance of sukuk,” said Standard & Poor’s Credit Analyst, Samira Mensah. The success of Malaysia in Southeast Asia as a hub for Islamic finance lies, among other things, in the strong regulatory framework to support the sector’s growth. Malaysia also moved quickly in 2009 to address the standardisation of instruments and interpretation of Sharia law.

Tax regimes are equally important to consider when encouraging sukuk issuance. Sharia-compliant instruments require equal treatment with conventional instruments for investors to consider them. Malaysia introduced various tax incentives that made Islamic finance a cheaper economic alternative for institutions to raise funding.

However, increasing technical assistance by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), are gradually facilitating also sovereign sukuk issues. “We believe that a growing interest in Islamic finance could encourage some North African countries, as well as sub-Saharan countries such as the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Kenya, which have fairly well developed capital markets by regional standards, to issue sukuk in the future,” concluded Ms Mensah.

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

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

PwC Anticipates Bright Future for SA Power PwC’s latest South African power report shows that load shedding will be an exception rather than the norm by 2025, with power utility companies and stakeholders anticipating a much brighter outlook for the sector in the decade ahead.

Despite this, the report continues to highlight the immediate risks to the power system and the challenges the sector has yet to overcome as Angeli Hoekstra, Africa Power & Utility Leader at PwC, comments: “There is much to be optimistic about and the results point the way to improvements ahead. But security of electricity

Angeli Hoekstra, Africa Power and Utilities leader, PwC

supply and cost reflective tariffs continue to be the number one challenges. Until they are resolved, power systems will remain stretched,

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

DHL Express Deploys TC55 Pocket-Sized Computers in SSA DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa has launched pocket-sized, all-touch computers that capitalise on the latest technological advancements and meet the increasing delivery demands in sub-Saharan Africa.

The TC55 scanners operate on an Android platform and in addition to ease of use, they also have built-in location services and GPS navigation capabilities.

“We operate across 51 markets in sub-Saharan Africa, servicing more than 40,000 customers; therefore delivery efficiency is key for us. As a network business, we need to ensure that our shipment data is captured accurately and in real-time. Our growth

Oliver Facey, Vice President of Operations for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa

plans and improvements are driven by the voice of our customer, and in challenging and competitive global environments, they need us to provide accurate and real-time information to ensure that they maintain their

as investments in the power sector will be limited. Addressing cost reflective tariffs while ensuring social equity is a key challenge.”

Two-thirds of those interviewed cited ageing or badly maintained infrastructure as a high or very high concern. Encouragingly, many felt this situation would improve, with only 39 percent predicting that it would be a similarly high or very high concern in five years’ time.

Hoekstra concluded: “Technological and regulatory change and new investments present very exciting opportunities to increase electrification access and electricity supply. New businesses and business models will be created and Africa will leapfrog into a better and more sustainable energy future if all stakeholders in the sector, from customers to governments, new businesses, regulators and utilities will embrace the opportunity.” competitive edge and speed to market,” explains Oliver Facey, Vice President of Operations for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The new technology increases the speed at which we can process shipments at both customer locations and DHL facilities and also empowers our frontline employees with access to real-time shipment information which will assist them with workload management. Unlike consumer-grade counterparts, these devices have integrated datacapture capabilities, and are also built to endure the wear and tear of industrial environments,” he adds.

DHL Express has introduced 400 TC55 units in four of its largest markets in sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Mauritius.

Further deployment to their top 20 markets across the region will take place in the coming months.

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

7

N

E

W

S T E C H N O L O G Y

Facebook’s Internet.org - One Year on

Andrew Alli, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC

F I N A N C E

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) receives US$50 million from the Islamic Development Bank Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has accepted a US$50 million 15 year line of financing, with a 13 year six month repayment period, from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

The funds will be used to finance projects located across the numerous African IDB member countries and the projects will be structured in a way that is compliant with Islamic Finance, focusing particularly on infrastructural and agricultural projects that promote the economic and social development of the communities concerned.

Andrew Alli, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, commented: “As AFC’s first Islamic Finance loan, this agreement represents an important step for the corporation. The Islamic finance sector is responding to high demand and rapidly expanding, with a large number of Islamic finance institutions establishing operations here as a result of Africa’s significant Muslim population. There is enormous growth potential within this industry.

8

At the end of July, Facebook celebrated the one year anniversary since the introduction of the Internet.org app by hosting a ‘Developer Day’ at iHub in Nairobi, Kenya Over the past year, Facebook has worked closely with more than a dozen mobile operators across 17 countries and today, the service is available to more than a billion people.

“Our goal was to bring more people online and help them discover the value of the internet, and it’s working,” said Chris Daniels, Vice President of Internet.org.

“Internet.org brings new users onto mobile networks on average more than 50 percent faster after launching free basic services, and

Chris Daniels, Vice President of Internet.org

more than half of the people who come online through Internet.org are paying for data and accessing the internet within the first 30 days. In July, people using Internet. org accessed health services more than a million times, which speaks to the ultimate goal of Internet. org; helping to make an impact in people’s lives.”

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Tripp Lite Appoints New Senior Vice President Tripp Lite has appointed Darwin Haines as its new Senior Vice President of International Business.

Haines joined Tripp Lite in 2008 as Vice President of International Business Development and after successfully establishing the brand in the Russia and CIS market, he was promoted to Vice President of Sales for EMEA and Asia. Thanks to his success in these regions, he will now take on management responsibility of all Tripp Lite’s international sales territories, which also include Mexico, Latin America and Canada.

Tripp Lite President, Glen Haeflinger commented: “Darwin’s keen business sense and effectiveness as a leader and manager are proven. I have full

Darwin Haines, Senior Vice President of International Business, Tripp Lite

confidence that he will continue to stimulate the development of our global business.

“The task of growing business in new markets, each with its own unique challenges and disperse geography, requires persistence and creativity, and Darwin has always successfully delivered results.”

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

O I L & G A S

Oil Price Drop a WakeUp Call to African Governments

boost later this year when the new rail corridor to Nacala is officially Shoprite to Open Store opened. Further to this, a new in Tete, Mozambique coal fired power station is in the advanced planning stage. This Africa’s largest food retailer, makes Tete a strategic transport and Shoprite is to open a new store in logistics hub positioned between the Town of Tete, Mozambique later Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. this year. Property development “We are thrilled to bring this new company, Terrace Africa confirmed shopping experience to Tete. The Shoprite as their anchor tenant and project has already provided jobs indicated that the new shopping to the local community and we are centre will also feature many other confident that it will encourage well-known retailers. further investment in the town,” Tete, with an estimated commented Sean Oberholzer, population of more than 250,000, Development Manager for Terrace is expected to receive an economic Africa.

R E TA I L

T E C H N O L O G Y

BCX: Tapping into Tanzania’s Potential

R E TA I L

Click n Compare Takes Africa by Storm CNC Group (CNC), parent company of Click n Compare - the South African-focused comparison website - is expanding its African footprint after a very successful year with a strong month-on-month growth of 40 percent. Alongside the South African success of the brand comes now their launch of a new consumer-facing brand, CompareGuru into both Nigeria and Kenya.

Established in 2013, Click n Compare is a one-stop portal for African consumers who are looking to source services and be educated in hard-to-navigate verticals, such as insurance, mobile, broadband,

PwC’s Africa Oil & Gas Review 2015 has found that activity in the oil & gas industry across the African continent has slowed in the wake of the declining oil price in late 2014. “While the oil price has caused activity to drop, it has also served as a wake-up call to many African governments, which are working hard to pass favourable oil & gas legislation in order to attract investment into the sector,” comments Chris Bredenhann, PwC Africa Oil & Gas Advisory Leader.

Countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania have been taking a serious look at legislation currently in place with a view to making it more investor-friendly.

Ryan Marx, Co-Founder and CEO of Click n Compare

and banking. CNCs ultimate goal is to help people save time and money with the help of side-by-side comparisons.

Having been present in the country since 2000, Business Connexion is keen to capitalise on Tanzania’s potential, identifying that fibre is increasing business and citizen access to technology, creating opportunities to leapfrog technologies. Together with the emergence of disruptive technologies, the stage is set for tremendous growth opportunities, according to Jane Canny, Chief Operating Officer at Business Connexion Group.

“The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing the way businesses operate at a rapid pace. As customers become more connected, their demands are changing and organisations have to evolve as the technology and how we use it changes, otherwise they face being left behind by competitors,” she summarised.

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

9

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 165,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare.

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

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

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

N O L L Y W O O D

T A K E S

C E N T R E

SOURCE Mainframe Movies

12

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S T A G E

E

N

T

E

R

T

A

I

N

M

E

N

T

Nollywood Takes Centre Stage New Nigerian Cinema promises to influence a new era for Nollywood that could not only see the industry double in size, but continue to grow on the world stage Writer: Emily Jarvis

igeria’s burgeoning film industry is an unsung hero among African moviegoers. The aptly named Nollywood, produces approximately 50 films a week, second only to India’s Bollywood and well ahead of Hollywood. Although its revenues trail the likes of the above, Nigeria’s film industry still generates an impressive US$600 million on average annually towards Africa’s biggest economy; with most of this coming directly from the continent’s diaspora and representing 1.4 percent of the country’s US$307 billion GDP. Most notably, it is estimated that more than one million people are currently employed in the industry, making it one of Nigeria’s largest employers, second only to agriculture.

Moreover, if the industry is properly managed and regulated, the Nigerian government is confident that the sector has the potential to double in size, an aspiration that is supported by the World Bank, who is currently working closely with the

US$600 million

Nigeria’s film industry generates an impressive US$600 million on average annually towards Africa’s biggest economy

authorities to generate growth and local employment in projects that support the entertainment industry.

The stars of Nollywood cinema are natives who appear within familiar settings that depict situations that the indigenous population understand and confront on a daily basis, consisting of popular genres and social issues including; romance, comedy, the occult, crooked cops and HIV/AIDS. Bond Emeruwa, a Nigerian director well-versed in the country’s film practices, describes the industry as one where “we can tell our own stories in our own way. That is the appeal both for the filmmakers and for the audience”.

This appeal now stretches far beyond Nigeria as Nollywood has begun to disseminate across the English-speaking Africa, even becoming a staple on M-NET, a South African-based satellite television network. Furthermore, Nigerian stars are becoming household names across the continent from the far west, east, south and beyond; with the likes of the UK and US also recognising Nollywood as a vast and varied industry. For example, London’s Film Africa festival, Bristol’s Afrika Eye and Scotland’s Africa in Motion are the United Kingdom’s three major annual showcases for African cinema

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

13

N O L L Y W O O D

T A K E S

C E N T R E

S T A G E

SOURCE: thisisnollywood.com

SOURCE: thisisnollywood.com

formed in the past decade that shine a welcome light on regional African movies that might otherwise have a tough time.

Digital evolution

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, like many African countries, Lagos faced epidemics of crime and insecurity; with movie theatres and other entertainment facilities opting to close as citizens withdrew from the streets

14

SOURCE: thisisnollywood.com

after dark. This led to the growing popularity of film viewings at home, with movies often imported from the west and neighbouring India; and from here, Nollywood was formed as an enabler to produce local content.

Coinciding with the advent of 35mm film cameras and digital systems in the 1990s, Nollywood was able to rapidly grow its low-cost production and distribution capabilities, with budding directors adopting new technologies

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

as soon as they became affordable.

Thanks to the evolution of technology, Nigerian films have been welcomed into the 21st century, gaining a large following in not just Africa, but among 30 million African emigrants around the world and counting. The main difference between Nollywood and its namesakes’ Hollywood and Bollywood is that the majority of films go straight to DVD and VCD disks, in an attempt to curb

E

N

T

E

R

T

A

I

N

M

Informal industry

E

N

T

Perhaps the reason that Nollywood is lesser known than rivals’ Bollywood and Hollywood is because of its longstanding informal structure and rampant piracy. Keeping up with these two industry giants in India and the US is a difficult task in a developing country, where the regulatory framework environment is lacking and SOURCE: thisisnollywood.com avenues for large-scale international marketing is also limited due to value chain and distribution/translation interest from overseas.

Although pirates initially helped to establish the Nigeria’s film industry, these individuals now dampen future domestic and international growth Nollywood, Nigeria’s prospects due to lack of written contract formalities in preference booming film industry, of cash transactions and non-law is the world’s third binding oral agreements. A 2006 study estimated that 99 percent of largest producer of screenings were in people’s homes feature films. Unlike rather than cinemas, with an estimated five to 10 illegal disks circulated for Hollywood and every genuine one purchased for Bollywood, however, home use.

Consequently, completing claims Nollywood movies are on intellectual property rights are made on shoe-string often common, but with little ground to stand on in terms of the relevant budgets with limited documentation, there are few avenues time. An average for legal redress.

In addition to these copyright production takes just challenges comes a whole host 10 days and costs of country-specific issues that would be unimaginable for the approximately $15,000 likes of Hollywood. As the largest metropolitan area in Africa comprising piracy and appeal to the home market. 21 million people and counting, Lagos Approximately 30 new titles are has its fair share of filming nightmares delivered to Nigerian shops and market including huge amounts of traffic, stalls every week, where the average pollution, decaying infrastructure and title will sell around 50,000 copies. frequent power outages.

Disks typically sell for two dollars each, Yet, Nollywood filmmakers are making them affordable for most undeterred and remain committed Nigerians, while providing significant to the lucrative and long-neglected returns for the film producers. market; committed to what movies However, legitimate purchasing can offer audiences through the of these disks is something the characters they can identify with in filmmakers continue to battle with. stories that relate to their everyday

Booming Nollywood

lives, a far cry from blockbuster action adventures and Bollywood musicals which are of little relevance to life in African slums and remote villages.

New Nigerian Cinema

Thanks to the efforts of a number of key industry players and Nollywood’s increased exposure at festivals around the world, there is now a sense of an emerging ‘New Nigerian Cinema’ that is broadening the horizons of Nigerian film beyond those with the stereotypical attributes of being tightly-budgeted and mass-produced. Parallels can clearly be seen between the ideologies and pragmatism of this new wave of Nigerian cinema when compared directly with British New Wave Cinema; which often challenged the status quo and provided a voice representative of the working-class gaining economic power for the first time.

Films belonging to the newly emerged wave of Nigerian cinema promise to bring valuable content to world cinema, equipped with a higher budget than ever before and subsequently, all the more reason to ensure the right legal frameworks are in place to better enforce copyright and piracy legislation.

Considering that a mere two decades ago, Nigeria had only one telecoms operator and around 300,000 installed telephone lines, the country has come a long way to get to where it is today, joining a digital world and bringing the best entertainment possible to its citizens.

Ultimately, Nollywood movies both old and new, will continue to play a crucial role in showcasing the country’s rise to economic prominence from the perspective of its citizens, while simultaneously proving just how much Nigeria has accomplished in such a short space of time.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

15

A F R I C A

T O

L E A P F R O G

I N T O

N E W

P R O S P E R I T Y

Africa to Leapfrog into New Prosperity

In the wake of US President’s recent visit to the continent, African nations have been urged to seize opportunity in order to drive economic growth that will leave a lasting impact on organisations, countries and its citizens Written by: David Williams, Founder and CEO of Avanti Communications

16

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

E

C

O

N

O

M

Y

President Barack Obama, bottom right, shakes hands with supporters after delivering a speech at Safaricom Indoor Arena, Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Nairobi. IMAGE: EVAN VUCCI/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

here is a mounting level of excitement spreading across Africa following President Obama’s recent visit to the continent. His historic trip to Ethiopia and Kenya made the headlines, but it was his remarks on seizing the opportunities available to African nations to drive economic growth that will leave a lasting impact on countries, organisations and the people of Africa.

Home to four of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies and 1.1 billion people, just 16 percent of the population have internet access, according to the World Bank. In spite of this, the internet is forecast to bolster African GDP by as much as $300 billion over the next 10 years, as more businesses harness the internet’s potential. During his visit, Obama cited the opportunity the internet offers Africans to leapfrog old technologies into new prosperity. Encouraging Africa to ultimately advance ways of working that have become commonplace in Europe and North America.

But how can governments and organisations realise this potential?

Obama believes that Africa needs partners, not patrons, to drive economic growth to further cement itself as a nation on the move.

Avanti Communications is one such partner. In Africa, Avanti has partnered with governments and businesses to provide universal access to the internet via satellite. With three satellites in orbit today and two more to launch soon dedicated for Africa, Avanti is able to provide high-speed internet services to 27 percent of the world’s population.

By ‘leapfrogging’ fixed-line broadband, which is prohibitively expensive to rollout and unlikely to reach more than half of Africa’s population in the next 10 years according to the World Bank, Avanti is empowering Africans so that they

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

17

A F R I C A

T O

L E A P F R O G

I N T O

N E W

P R O S P E R I T Y

don’t have to wait for tomorrow to seize new opportunities.

These partnerships are already positively impacting individuals, businesses and countries at large.

Connectivity, powered by our fleet of high throughput satellites, is improving education, supporting the growth of SMEs and large enterprises, and connecting rural hospitals and health professionals.

Boosting SMEs across South Africa

South Africa’s business chamber, Foundation for African Business and Consumer Services (FABCOS), has partnered with Avanti to provide highspeed broadband to more than 1,000 small and medium sized enterprises in some of the most remote parts of South Africa. Through this partnership, a number of key sectors including retail, finance and agriculture will benefit from vital connectivity and training to power growth. This is a perfect example that demonstrates no-one in South Africa need wait for tomorrow to get connected.

Enabling e-learning in Tanzania

250 schools in rural and underserved areas of Tanzania are being delivered access to ICT infrastructure through Avanti’s iKnowledge programme.

Together with the UK Space Agency, Avanti is delivering access to high speed broadband via satellite, alongside provision of ICT training and educational content for teachers to apply straight to the classroom and children. Powered by Ka-band satellite technology, delivery is supported on the ground by education NGO Camara Education Tanzania and service provider Infinity Africa Network Ltd.

Connecting South Africa’s public sector

SENTECH’s public sector customers across South Africa are benefitting from 100 percent high-speed satellite broadband coverage through the

18

Company’s partnership with Avanti.

Hundreds of public state institutions and government sites across some of the most remote parts of the country are reaping the benefits of connectivity, today.

Delivering universal broadband in Zimbabwe

Avanti is working with TelOne, the Zimbabwean national telco, to provide 100 percent high-speed broadband

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

coverage via satellite, helping to meet demand from TelOne’s consumer, enterprise and public sector customer base. The contract delivers to verticals such as mining; to public sector programmes such as national parks, schools, clinics and hospitals, and directly to consumers and businesses of all sizes. As an example of scale, the provider has signed more than 300 schools for high-speed broadband connectivity to date.

E

C

O

N

O

M

Y

On the brink of change

While progress has been made, these examples exist in pockets rather than nationwide. Avanti believes that if you fail to involve everyone in national broadband projects, then you are not developing the nation, you are dividing the nation. Thus, increasing the gulf between zones of high connectivity, typically major cities and the rest of the country, and further disadvantaging those excluded.

In order to achieve universal connectivity, African nations should take heed of Obama’s advice around leapfrogging the technologies used by those countries with less of a digital divide. Investment in fixed and mobile internet networks is not an economically viable solution for

providing 100 per cent coverage.

Africa’s enormous land mass, widely distributed and fast-growing population and complex makeup of 54 sovereign states and 10 nonsovereign territories throws up a unique set of challenges. Deploying the necessary infrastructure for universal connectivity is both prohibitively expensive and simply too slow to deliver.

Both affordable and available in even the most remote locations, satellite internet access is much faster and easier to deploy as there’s no need to lay fibre cables. What’s more, common issues such as cable theft, damage to cables or subsea outages are avoided.

Africa is on the brink of great change.

As one of the fastest-growing regions

“In order to achieve universal connectivity, African nations should take heed of Obama’s advice around leapfrogging the technologies used by those countries with less of a digital divide” President Barack Obama delivers a speech at Safaricom Indoor Arena, Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Nairobi. On the final day of his visit in Kenya, Obama laid out his vision for Kenya’s future, and broad themes of U.S.-Kenya relations.

IMAGE: EVAN VUCCI/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

in the world, swift action needs to be taken to generate immediate results and realise the continent’s potential.

Why wait for tomorrow when satellite technology is available today and can empower the billion people across Africa to seize the huge social and economic opportunities?

Governments and businesses in Africa should look to the skies for widescale, high-speed internet powered by satellite.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

19

S E C T O R

F O C U S

D I A G E O I S H E A D I N G into the second half of 2015 in proactive mood after a summer period of restructurings, partnership changes, regional drives and corporate social responsibility efforts.

The London-headquartered, global alcoholic beverage manufacturer has long targeted emerging markets outside of its core European operation in which to grow the worldwide brand, with Africa - from its South African base - a pivotal facet of the Company’s recent successes.

Growing as a consequence of careful strategic and organic expansion, complemented by a series of significant global mergers and partnerships, the business - whose brands include Smirnoff, Guinness, Baileys and Johnnie Walker - is best known as being the world’s largest producer of spirits; a factor which has led to the Company’s most critical decision of the past three months.

The termination of Diageo PLC’s partnership with Heineken NV in South Africa was largely said to be as a result of the business’s strive for more control in what is becoming an increasingly lucrative southern African market.

20

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

Continental Restructure Keeps Diageo’s Spirits High Following the global beverage producer’s decision to fly solo in South Africa, the rest of the continent can now brace itself for a replication of its business-defining sales success in the region Writer: Matthew Staff While this is undoubtedly the case, the subsequent restructuring that is set to occur is also an indication of the growing spirit market share on the continent; outweighing a tougher battle for beer dominance among the likes of SABMiller and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Flying solo in SA

In Africa, Diageo’s strategy has always been to saturate the market as much as possible with its globally prominent brands, accelerating the growth of the wider sector and securing its own sector dominance in the process.

Utilising local expertise across its operations, the reputation that the

Company has formed has certainly paid dividends, making mergers such as the one with Heineken an appealing proposition for other global manufacturers looking to enter the region.

Diageo’s footprint in Africa further emphasises this attraction; bridging southern, eastern and western markets to cover all gateways from the surrounding European, North American and Middle Eastern admirers.

It is for these reasons that Heineken NV may be a little less satisfied by the premature breakup announced by Diageo PLC in July of this year, three years ahead of the previously agreed termination date in 2018.

“We now believe that Diageo has the necessary scale to move to the next stage of growth,” was the rallying cry of Chief Executive, Ivan

Menezes, bringing to an end an 11-year relationship.

The logistics of the decision comprised the sale of its 42.25 percent stake in the holding of the DiageoHeineken-Namibia Breweries (NBL) portfolio, selling a respective 15 and 25 percent stake in its Namibian and Gauteng breweries, but buying the remaining stake in the merger’s marketing unit.

A sign that Diageo feels it can go it alone in Africa? Perhaps, but Jeff Milliken who will now run South Africa’s operations moving forward, has made no bones about the fact that Heineken’s focus on beer diverted attention away from where Diageo has always been most successful.

“We were feeling it’s time to move to the next stage of growth where each of the JV partners can pursue their own commercial agendas

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21

S E C T O R

F O C U S

independently; Diageo focusing on spirits...and Heineken and NBL on beer,” he was quoted as saying at the time of the announcement.

When looking at the facts and figures it is not all too surprising, considering Diageo’s leading 40 percent market share in South Africa’s spirit industry, with the Company more than strong enough to sustain such prominence independently.

However, following more than 10 years of leveraging the capabilities of one of Europe’s leading producers, the significance that this decision symbolises may well have evident repercussions elsewhere on the continent, with the restructuring emanating into areas far beyond South Africa.

22

East African potential

Setting the tone in the south, it is arguably going to be the east that follows suit most proactively in reassessing its approach and driving more forcefully into the market.

The region specifically is one of Diageo’s top five global markets with liquor sales doubling over the past two years as a consequence of the Company’s adherence to local consumer trends and resources.

Known as the cheapest global brand in Kenya specifically, its name isn’t always hailed by local independent retailers, but that won’t phase a Company as reliant on the market as Diageo is.

While the wider Group’s year-onyear operating profits at the end of June reported a 0.8 percent fall, this was in the midst of a six percent rise in Africa, epitomising the significance that the continent has for the business at present.

This aligns with a general migration into Africa for the spirits industry which sees the region as a largely untouched market, open to the best or cheapest - proposition.

In Kenya, Pernod Ricard SA is taking the fight to Diageo, labelling the continent as the new Asia, but the latter still holds a narrow lead virtue of its existing ownership of East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

The majority shareholding of EABL is currently the vehicle for Diageo’s second key area of focus in the region, earmarking Tanzania as a country yet to be perfected, following a 51 percent equity acquisition of Serengeti Breweries Limited in 2011.

“When the merger was granted we had expectations for business and market development,” Chief Executive Officer, Charles Ireland told Bloomberg Business at the end of July.

“Four years down the line the market hasn’t developed as we expected. The business has taken longer to respond.

The FCC thought we are under-

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

investing, but we are really serious about the success of Serengeti.”

Amid an investigation from Tanzania’s Fair Competition Commission, Ireland continued: “The Tanzanian business will have a positive return at some point in the near future.

We have made some modest capital investment in modernising the brewery and we are positive that the business will respond very well in 2016.”

Long-term growth

The key to any large mulitnational’s success in new and emerging markets is the ability to foster a local influence and feel to the company. By becoming a continent-wide enterprise, Diageo has achieved that; forming a potent combination with its already worldleading offering and its subsequent ability to drop prices where necessary.

In-keeping with local regulations and internal CSR initiatives however, the Company also continues to evolve the way in which it creates wealth for the continent; embracing efficient production and packaging techniques where possible, enhancing access to clean water in surrounding communities via its pan-African Water of Life programme, and utilising local suppliers and personnel throughout its operations.

Being conducted primarily in the less mature eastern and western markets, peripheral activities like these are a clear mirroring of the way in which Diageo has expanded in the past, into the likes of North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and is indicative once again of why the Company feels as confident as ever in its abilities to conquer Africa all by itself.

Over the past year, net sales have dropped across Europe and the three aforementioned - now emerged markets, as well as in Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, African sales continue to soar; headed by its stronghold in South Africa and increasingly being complemented by its supporting cast

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

“With the south ticked off and projects in the east and west well underway, the Company’s assault on Africa will not only be welcomed with open arms by a parched and curious spirit consumer market”

K

to the east and west.

“Our participation strategy is clear by market and category. We are focused on our core and have a more proactive approach to our portfolio,” Menezes said of the worldwide Group’s performance back in July.

“We sold Gleneagles in the year, and since the year end, have sold the shares USL owned in United Breweries and we restructured our South African operations to focus on spirits and monetise investments worth £125 million.”

Jeremy Cunnington, senior alcoholic drinks analyst at Euromonitor International added in an interview with the drinks business: “While there have undoubtedly been errors in judgement such as slowness in developing a high-end bourbon, spirits is a long game and judgement should not be rushed.

“Short sighted solutions such as divesting its beer operations would only make the situation worse in the long-term by depriving Diageo of a major platform for long-term growth in Africa, which is potentially one of the most dynamic regions for spirits in the future.”

And it seems that Diageo agrees. With the south ticked off and projects in the east and west well underway, the Company’s assault on Africa will not only be welcomed with open arms by a parched and curious spirit consumer market, but may well continue to be Diageo PLC’s safety net in what would have otherwise been a calamitous past 12 months.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

23

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

Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching more than 165,000 business executives.

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

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

Read on for this month’s profiles.

Emily Jarvis, Deputy Editor emily.jarvis@outlookpublishing.com

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

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

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

ame L A X M A N B H A I

26

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

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

L T D

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Delivering EXCELLENCE Across Three Generations

Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd has grown rapidly from humble beginnings in 1953 to be one of Kenya’s premier construction specialists, operating across the full sector domain, on an international scale Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Stuart Parker

or more than 60 years, Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd has built and engrained its reputation into the East African construction industry, diversifying its offering and its customer demographic to fulfil its initial dream of “creating an industryleading firm dedicated to making the world a better place”.

This was the vision of Founder, Laxmanbhai Bhimji K. Raghwani who, six decades ago, embarked on the Company’s adventure through grit and values that are still strongly evident in the business to this day.

Expanding geographically and internally, at a rapid rate, Laxmanbhai developed to cater across not only the core construction domain, but also across contracting, sales, machinery maintenance and property development; based on four guiding principles of care, entrepreneurship, collaboration and integrity.

“Mr Laxmanbhai started from a registered capital of KES100,000 and 30 members of staff in 1953,” says Laxmanbhai Construction’s Managing Director (MD), Dhanji Raghwani. “By 1972, Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd was expanding very rapidly in India, UK, Seychelles and Mauritius as well as gaining a well-earned recognition in the construction industry, as a customer with punctuality, a collaborative approach and high quality standards.

“The rapid growth continued through the late 1980s and well into the 1990s despite the worldwide recession and, today, the Laxmanbhai Group has more than 13 shareholders and is among the top construction companies in the country; setting the standard of quality over three generations with the aim to continue building clients’ visions by delivering excellence.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

27

L A X M A N B H A I

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

Superior quality

Laxmanbhai Construction’s recognition incorporates not only the Company’s competency in carrying out state-ofthe-art projects, but also a series of significant internal philosophies, in line with the four aforementioned principles.

Raghwani continues: “Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd quickly became known for its can-do attitude, customer satisfaction, quality, and the ability to safely meet schedules.

“Fuelled by this reputation and an innate passion for building, the Laxmanbhai Group continued to grow and expand its reach and capabilities over six decades to become the industry leader it is today.”

This ethos set the scene for its service diversification, as well as its geographic broadening as the business sought to fulfil its missions not just in Kenya but across the globe.

L T D

Professionalism and ethics became words all too synonymous with Laxmanbhai, complemented by a strict and ongoing adherence to the very latest consumer trends in the wider industry.

“Understanding our markets and the construction industry, as well as appreciating the needs of our clients, reinforces our search for value and certainty,” the MD adds. “Our highly skilful project teams can deliver superior knowledge about the latest trends in construction through indepth reporting and exploration.

“We critically appraise the impact of numerous economic and operational scenarios in the global and local construction market trends, and deliver this to clients and consultants to assist them in controlling building costs and maximising value for their money on projects.”

Combining this client commitment

Understanding our markets and the construction industry, as well as appreciating the needs of our clients, reinforces our search for value and certainty

Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd were awarded Contractor of the Year at the Construction Excellence Awards 2014

28

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

APEX STEEL HOW APEX STEEL EARNED ITS ‘SUPERBRAND’ STATUS. Apex Steel began as a General Hardware and Construction material Trading and Supply House, and has grown to become the leading manufacturer of Construction Steel in East Africa.

Apex Steel has many firsts to its credit, including pioneering the manufacture in Kenya of ‘Deformed Bars’.

Previously, construction projects in Kenya used ‘’Twisted Bars,” which were banned globally for their inconsistent quality. Our new generation steel meets all international standards (BS4449:2005).

The KEBS requirement for steel is tensile strength Grade 460. Apex manufactures Grade 500+ steel and holds the KEBS ‘Diamond Mark Of Quality.’ When buyers see the trademarked ‘APEX TMX’ stamped on a deformed bar, they know they are getting genuinely superior steel.

So trusted is the Apex Steel brand, it is the preferred choice for many of Kenya’s most iconic construction structures, including: The Thika Superhighway, Delta Towers, Mombasa Port expansion, English Point Marina and the Tana River Hydro Power Plant just to mention a few.

If there is anything stronger than our steel, it is our values. And one of these values is the environment. That’s why we are so proud to be the first steel manufacturer in East and Central Africa certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Apex Steel also manufactures Tubes, Rectangular; Square; Circular Hollow sections; Furniture Tubes, Angles and Flats, Zed and Tee Sections. In addition to the above, we trade in more than 4,000 hardware items.

T +254 (20) 69 69 00 +254 732 888 8820 E sales@apex-steel.com

L A X M A N B H A I

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

L T D

ONGOING PROJECTS The Hub Karen The Hub is a mixed-use complex set on a 20 acre plot in the heart of Karen, Nairobi’s green suburb area; offering a variety of entertainment, food & drink outlets and open-air piazzas, as well as a 4,000 square metre lake which functions both for recreation and as part of its green concept as a water harvesting feature. The Hub will be positioned to capture the increasing need for a sophisticated retail experience in an emerging international cosmopolitan like Nairobi.

The Hub, Karen

with the inevitable experience that can be refined over six decades in the industry, a winning combination has been formed to make Laxmanbhai a customer of choice in each operating region.

“We are dedicated to the essential integrity of each job, and superior quality has always been at the heart of Laxmanbhai Construction which has set us apart since day one,” Raghwani says. “Today, that culture has not changed.

“Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd still takes pride in delivering unparalleled, high-quality workmanship and service, and is determined to consistently exceed the expectations of not only our clients and the industry in everything we do, but also to push the Company’s quality standards higher.”

Realising potential

Perfecting internal principles and philosophies is one thing, but Laxmanbhai has similarly never

30

CENTRAL PLUMBING

C

entral Plumbing Limited offers comprehensive services to its clients and operates both independently and together with other reputable, well established building contractors and developing firms in Kenya and beyond.

Central Plumbing Limited has successfully undertaken numerous projects of various sizes and requirements, progressing at such a rapid rate we qualified for the largest housing scheme in Kenya. The Kenya Reinsurance Housing Scheme.

We are proud of the fact that more than 40% of our loyal staff have been with the firm for more than 32 years which has contributed greatly to the high standard of efficiency and services to give to our clients.

www.centralplumbing.co.ke

Britam Tower The Britam Tower in Upper Hill, in Nairobi’s financial hub, is a flagship 31-storey building within Britam’s property portfolio.

The tower is projected to be the tallest building in Kenya and the third tallest in Africa featuring a unique collection of wind turbines hung off a central spire.

The turbines will generate power for some parts of the building and will be the symbol of the iconic building, making it a city landmark.

The tower has several green features to comply with international green regulations and will comprise an atrium with the tower housing office, accommodation on the top levels and retail facilities; including banking halls, restaurants and shops on the ground and mezzanine levels.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

had any problem in backing up its visions with tangible evidence of its constructing prowess.

With a proven track record to deliver end-to-end construction and property solutions across a broad range of sectors - including high rise towers, banks, schools, hotels, retail outlets, apartments, commercial buildings and industrial outlets - the sustainability achieved through completing projects to bespoke requirements has compounded its commitment to excellence and innovation.

Over the years, Laxmanbhai Construction’s most esteemed completed projects comprise an array of iconic builds across the Nairobi city skyline, including the contemporary English Point Marina complex in Mombasa utilising the very latest eco-friendly methods; the 5 star Kempinski Villa Rose Hotel in Nairobi; the 6 star Hemingways hotel in Karen; a 100 percent green United Nations building in Nairobi; 55 luxurious houses

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

SERVICES

A PASSION FOR CREATION

CONTACT US P.O. BOX 13658 - 00800 NAIROBI. TEL: +254 20 4185003 / 4180422 CELL: +254 722 716348 / +254 722 513539 Email: info@centralplumbing.co.ke www.centralplumbing.co.ke

Central Plumbing Ltd provides a high quality professional plumbing services to both local and international clients spanning across a number industries.

CENTRAL PLUMBING INT. LTD,

- maintenance and repair contracts - laboratories - commercial buildings - industrial buildings - schools - government projects - major high rise developments - hospitals - retail shops - hotels - apartments - thermostatic mixing valves and backflow preventors – fitouts - green houses - housing schemes - MSR Switches e.g. Fuel tanks & fuel piping, fire suppresion systems, fire fighting, sprinkler pipework, gas pipework, - sewer lines and water reticulation.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

31

L A X M A N B H A I

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

across 43 acres of land to form Kihingo Village in Kitisuru; and two innovative academic institutions in Karen and Mombasa, respectively.

The success of each of these is testament to a Laxmanbhai workforce that has long been proud to be affiliated with the organisation; their loyalty repaid by the Company through its skills development dedication.

“Hiring the right skilled staff and training them for their career development makes sense both for our business and for our people, as we need to invest in the talent which will in turn assist in achieving our ambitious plans for growth in the industry,” Raghwani explains. “It’s our commitment to realising our people’s potential across the Company that helps to make a career with Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd stand out.”

L T D

ONGOING PROJECTS

Vienna Court Vienna Court is an upcoming fivestorey development setting new standards in sustainable office space with features that include rainwater harvesting, solar control glass, balconies for solar shading, and bicycle storage facilities. The two new offices will comprise two crescent-shaped office wings wrapped around a waterfallenveloped garden while additional features include an underground car park, a gymnasium, conference facilities and roof terrace café across a three-storey wing which is linked by suspended external bridges.

Tune Hotel Tune Hotel is set to be located in Rhapta road, Westlands and will consist of 280 rooms over its 12 storeys. Featuring a serviced restaurant and a rooftop bar, other facilities include 24-hour security, secure parking spaces and shuttle services to and from the airport and popular tourist destinations.

Tune Hotels is part of Tune Group, which comprises a network of 45 hotels available for booking across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, England, Scotland, Australia, India and Japan.

Tune Hotel contains 280 rooms over 12 storeys

32

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

LAXCON HARDWARE

L

axcon Hardware is built on solid foundations as part of Laxmanbhai Construction Group of Companies with offices in Kenya, India and the UK. The Group has over 60 years experience in the Construction Industry.

Laxmanbhai Group, a family run business, came into existence in Kenya in 1953. Renowned for its reliability, exclusive workmanship and high standards it has been associated with diversified contracting, construction management and design build services.

Laxcon Hardware & Spares was established in the year 1993 as a small trading concern. From a modest and humble beginning the company has progressed over the years expanding its product base and is now considered as one of the leader in the field of building materials and interior decorative products. Today, we are appointed agents/distributors for some of the world renowned companies such as Sika, Twyford, Bitumat Co., Saint Gobain - Gypsum Division, Knauf, HAFELE, Oppein Kitchens and Wardrobes, Jomoo, Egger Boards, Felder Woodworking Machines and many more.

To expand our product range especially in Process Board section we introduced a separate “Boards & Panels Division”, we are the representative of prestigious brand “EGGER”, Egger stands for quality in all aspects. We not only sell boards but offer a full cutting and edging service to the installers for kitchens and wardrobes.

Laxcon continues to grow offering high quality products and the best services and our friendly approach to our customers have helped us achieve tremendous success over the years.

www.laxcomhardware.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Wash Basin & Cabinet Sets

Excellence in Quality Wash Basin & Cabinet Sets

Gypsum Ceiling & Partition Systems

Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles

Gypsum Ceiling & Partition Systems

Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles

Solid Wood & Bamboo Flooring Solid Wood & Bamboo Flooring

Bathroom Fittings Bathroom Fittings

Kitchen Sinks

Bathroom Suites

Kitchen Sinks

HEAD OFFICE (Parkland Branch)

HARDWARE DIVISION

Raw Particle boards

Melamine Faced Boards

Edging

Flooring

Worktops

www.laxconhardware.com

Bathroom Suites

HEAD OFFICE (PARKLAND BRANCH)

Industrial Area Branch

Mombasa Road Branch

P. O. Box 44706 - 00100 Nairobi-Kenya, Wireless: +254 20 2689327/328 Laxcon House, Near Stima Plaza, Limuru Road Mobile: +254 (0)732 200 105, Email: marketing@laxconhardware.com

Opp CMC Engineering Ltd, Chepkerio Road,

Laxmanbai Complex, Next to Syokimau Railway Station, Mombasa Road Tel: 0773 831089/90, 0787830090, 0730 213550 Email: salesbnp@laxconhardware.com

B O A R D S & PA N E L S D I V I S I O N

Off Lusaka Road P.O. Box 44706-00100 Nairobi-Kenya INDUSTRIAL AREA BRANCH Tel: 020 3594917, 0730 213558 Tel: Opposite 020 2689327/8, 0732 0730 Chepkerio Road, CMC Engineering Ltd, 200105, Wireless: +254 20 359213560 4917 Mobile: +254 (0) 730 213 558/0730 213 560, Email: marketing@laxconhardware.com/sales@laxconhardware.com Email: sales@laxconhardware.com Email: sales@laxconhardware.com

Contact us

Allied Plumbers

tel +254 722 708 851 email bobby@jandu.biz Rd. P.O.Box: 45268-00100 Nairobi

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

33

L A X M A N B H A I

Essential investments

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

The underpinning theme evident throughout Laxmanbhai builds, both past and present, is one of innovation, with the progression of the construction industry mirrored by the Company’s own ability to adapt its operations over the years.

A fleet of sophisticated plants and modern equipment complements this philosophy, extending from earthworks, concrete, finishing and aiding machinery.

Raghwani emphasises: “To serve our clients effectively and to finish our projects on time, maintaining and investing in new and modern equipment is essential.

“Our fleet includes specialised concrete pumps, concrete batching plants, earthmoving scraper fleets, trucks, excavators, tower cranes, mobile cranes, slip-form equipment, welding machines, hydraulic breakers, air compressors and generators that allow us to offer tailored and continuous on-site service, wherever our customers’ projects may be located across Kenya.”

L T D

ONGOING PROJECTS

• KONE Monospace® – Cost and energy efficient elevators suitable for residential and commercial building installations.

• KONE Motala® – Space efficient elevators that improve floor accessibility in already constructed buildings. Suitable for homes and flats.

KONE’s presence in the East African region covers; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania - Mainland, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Somaliland & Zanzibar.

Hilton Garden Inn

Crown Plaza Hotel

34

N

ow in East Africa, KONE is one of the global leaders in the elevator, escalator and door industry with more than a century of experience in delivering pioneering solutions. KONE’s comprehensive support ensures that planning and installation is as efficient and safe as possible.

Some of KONE equipment flagships in East Africa include:

The global hotel chain, Hilton Worldwide is set to open its first Kenyan Hilton Garden Inn in Nairobi.

Situated near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the hotel is in a prime location to attract business travellers and tourists checking in and out of the JKIA. The Hilton Garden Inn will have 175 rooms at a price lower than what is typical for a five-star complex in the city centre.

Batching Plant

KONE

Crowne Plaza Nairobi is a stylish, 14-storey newly-built hotel located in the commercially crucial area of Upper Hill, Nairobi; comprising three floors of car parking, six floors hosting 44 rooms, and five floors of office spaces.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

COOL XTREME VISION: Be the leading distributor and installer of air conditioning, mechanical ventilation and refrigeration systems in Kenya and beyond.

MISSION: To distribute, install and service international quality air-conditioning units for industrial, commercial and household use for all markets at a fair price and competitive returns.

VALUES: To conduct our business with honesty and integrity, and develop a sustainable mutually beneficial relationship with our clients and suppliers to achieve sustained growth and profitability.

T +254 20 2023835/6 E info@coolxtreme.com

www.coolxtreme.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

For more information on elevator and escalator ilstallation in East Africa contact us on: Kenya: +254 20 262 2412/15 Uganda: +256 031 2370855 Email: info.kone-kenya@kone.com Website: www.kone.co.ke, www.kone.ug

REFRESHING V RV I V

WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LTD. Coolxtreme Ltd, P.O. BOX 10731-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Shimo La Tewa Road, off Luksaka Road, Industrial area.

Tel: 020 2023835/6 Email: info@coolxtreme.com www.coolxtreme.com

VE N TI LATI O N FA N Air Conditioning • Refrigeration • Ventilation

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

35

L A X M A N B H A I

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

Once again supported by the requisite expertise across these contemporary technologies, Laxmanbhai Construction also boasts a plethora of modernised facilities to further ensure that internal systems and the Company’s supply chain is set-up with the end result for clients in mind.

Raghwani adds: “Our warehouse facility measuring more than five hectares is used as a parking yard for our heavy equipment, storing various stocks of construction materials, and also consists of a state-of-the-art joinery and steel fabrication workshop equipped with up-to-date machines

L T D

and equipment.

“We have also built an underground rainwater harvesting tank which collects more than four million litres of water, which is used throughout the warehouse for concrete mixing, block making and general usage throughout the facility.

“This ensures that we have a smooth work-flow which ultimately proves extremely beneficial for our business in several areas due to reduced supply costs, assured material availability, and a centralised material stock that is key in achieving optimal efficiency in successful project performance and completion.”

CSR Imani Children Homes Imani Children Home centres provide temporary care as well as enhanced parental care and guidance, quality education and primary healthcare to the children, before they are reintegrated back to the society.

Laxmanbhai Construction provides the centrewith firewood to assist the Home in cooking and heating.

The Olympic Primary School Situated in the centre of Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya, the settlement is situated just five miles from Nairobi’s central business district. The School is a governmentrun primary school established in 1980 and comprising around 2,500 pupils ranging in ages from five to 13. Laxmanbhai has currently joined hands to help in building 15 additional classrooms, and also a new dining hall, to provide students with a warm, friendly dining space.

36

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

APPI COLOUR CREATION APPI COLOUR CREATION - CREATING COLOURFUL DREAMS Appi Colour Creation provides complete painting solutions in Kenya, having been founded and started by Mr. Alpesh Patel, a commercial artist with vast experience in the painting industry.

Appi Colour Creation is devoted to the utmost professionalism and attention to detail in every project. As a full-service painting company we provide a bespoke service with every employee proficiently trained. We only use premium products and superior painting techniques so that we can offer you an exclusive Painting service.

Our services include: • Colour consultation • Residential & commercial painting • Specialised textured & faux finishes and artistic designs.

Our portfolio of projects consist of painting works across Kenya including the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, The Junction Shopping Mall, and many shops, private villas, restaurants and offices.

Currently our ongoing projects with Laxmanbhai Construction includes: Crowne Plaza Hotel annexe, Britam Tower, Hilton Garden Inn hotel and Vienna Court office blocks.

Our vast experience with residential painting has earned us a very distinguished reputation for quality work and excellent customer service.

Through daily consistency and a commitment to excellence, Appi Colour Creation has developed into one of the region’s finest painting decorators.

With an excellent team of experienced field managers and foremen, Appi Colour Creation is ready to take on your painting project.

We are proud to be associated with Laxmanbhai Construction Limited.

www.appicolourcreation.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Experience of 15 years in the painting industry

Residential Painting Commercial Painting Colour Consulting

PROVIDING COMPLETE PAINTING SOLUTIONS IN KENYA

Specialized Textured & Faux Finishes Artistic Designs

WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH LAXMANBHAI CONSTRUCTION LIMITED www.appicolourcreation.com Email: info@appicolourcreation.com, sales@appicolourcreation.com Contact No: +254 717684646, +254 716542011 Postal Address: 38112 – 00623, Nairobi. Kenya.

PIONEER PLUMBERS LIMITED PLUMBERS AND SANITARY ENGINEERS INSTALLATION OF STEAM, SOLAR HEATING AND FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SAMANI CONSTRUCTION LTD P.O. BOX 10356-00100 TEL 2089066/77/88 - +254734201166 - +254722201166 EMAIL info@samaniconstruction.co.ke www.samaniconstruction.com

Fit-out Contractors Chogoria Road,off Dunga Road, IndustrialArea, Nairobi P.O.BOX 42636-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel No: +254 020 6556583 Wireless No: +254 020 2188851/1/2 Mobile Nos: +254 722 748 204 / 722 792 661 Email: info@pioneerplumbers.co.ke info@pioneerplumbers.com

Uganda Office Pioneer Plumb (U) Ltd Plot 16, Ngabo Road, Wampewo Avenue, Kololo P.O. Box 28716, Kampala – UGANDA. Tel. /Fax: +256 414 543167 Mobile: +256 772 735508 E-mail: info@pioneerplumb.co.ug

We are proud to be associated with Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd for over 50 years!

Specialised in

• Office Blocks • Partitioning • Acoustic • Hotels • Dry-Lining • Joinery Tel:�+254�020�2639530,�Cell:�0726�599�460,�P.O.�Box�38112�‐�00623�Nairobi,�Kenya Email:�sales@appicolourcreation.com,�info@appicolourcreation.com • Ceiling

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

37

L A X M A N B H A I

Enhancing capabilities

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

English Point Marina

Based on both domestic and international market research, future capital expenditures are set to comprise a new document control system in order to become a paperless office, the development of an aluminium and glass fabrication arm to venture into curtain walling, and a further acquisition of joinery machinery to prepare for more major fit-out jobs.

A consistent willingness to evolve and expand can be witnessed in everything Laxmanbhai strives towards; whether that’s externally and via its extensive, charitable corporate social responsibility efforts, or from an operational standpoint and its continuous search for better methods of carrying out projects. “With the increasingly scarce resources within the natural environment, we are participating in collaborative research on eco-designs and coming up with sustainable

38

L T D

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

With the increasingly scarce resources within the natural environment, we are participating in collaborative research on ecodesigns and coming up with sustainable solutions

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

MasterPower

Systems Ltd.

Registered Electrical Contractors Hemingways Hotel, Nairobi.

Karen Hub, Nairobi

UNON Headquarters Gigiri, Nairobi KENYA KENYA KENYA

UGANDA UGANDA UGANDA

HEAD HEAD OFFICE, NAIROBI HEAD OFFICE, OFFICE, NAIROBI NAIROBI KAMPALA MOMBASA KAMPALA KAMPALA MOMBASA MOMBASA P.O. Box P.O.976-00606 Box P.O.976-00606 Box 976-00606 P.O. Box 7715 P.O. Box 95864, P.O. Box P.O.7715 Box 7715 P.O. Box P.O.95864, Box 95864, Narobi,Narobi, Kenya.

Narobi, Kenya.Kenya.

Kampala, Uganda.

Mkomani, Mombasa Kampala, Kampala, Uganda.

Uganda.

Mkomani, Mkomani, Mombasa Mombasa Tel: 0705976976/0774137828/0731976976 Tel: 0705976976/0774137828/0731976976 Tel: 0705976976/0774137828/0731976976 Tel: 0710670384 Tel: +256-006414 566020/030 Tel: +256-006414 Tel: +256-006414 566020/030 566020/030 Tel: 0710670384 Tel: 0710670384 Fax: +254-020-3756280 Fax: +254-020-3756280 Fax: +254-020-3756280 Fax: +256-41-4566040 Fax: +254-41-4470931 Fax: +256-41-4566040 Fax: +256-41-4566040 Fax: +254-41-4470931 Fax: +254-41-4470931 Email: Email: info@masterpowers.com Email: info@masterpowers.com info@masterpowers.com Email: Email: info.ug@masterpowers.com Email: Email: infomsa@masterpowers.com Email: info.ug@masterpowers.com info.ug@masterpowers.com Email: infomsa@masterpowers.com infomsa@masterpowers.com

www.masterpowers.com www.masterpowers.com www.masterpowers.com

Master Power Systems Ltd are pleased and proud to be associated with Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd.

An ISO : 2008, BS OHSAS : 2007 An 9001 ISO An 9001 ISO 9001 : 2008, : 2008, BS OHSAS BS18001 OHSAS 18001 18001 : 2007 : 2007 and ISO Certified Companies and 14001:2004 and ISO 14001:2004 ISO 14001:2004 Certified Certified Companies Companies

www.masterpowers.com KENYA HEAD OFFICE, NAIROBI P.O. Box 976 00606 T: 0705976976 0774137828 0731976976 F: +254 020 3756280 E: info@masterpowers.com

I

O

N

T: 2224334, 2219555 M: 0722388664 E: volcanicplumbing@nbi.ispkenya.com P.O. Box 33216-00600 Nairobi, Kenya

Speciaist in: Plumbing Drainage Fire fighting installations Gas installations Sectional water tanks & pumps Sheet metal works for roof weathering

UGANDA MOMBASA P.O. Box 95864 Mkomani, Mombasa T: 0710670384 F: +254 41 4470931 E: infomsa@masterpowers.com

KAMPALA P.O. Box 7715 Kampala, Uganda T: +256 006414 566020/030 F: +256 41 4566040 E: info.ug@masterpowers.com

SIKA PRODUCTS – SIKA PRODUCTS – BUILDING TRUST VOLCANIC PLUMBING WORKS BUILDING TRUST You might not see our products but chances are the building you are in SIKA PRODUCTS has a Sika its structure. perhaps You might notsolution see our somewhere products butinchances youthe arecar in you SIKA PRODUCTS ––are theOrbuilding hasSIKA a Sika solution somewhere in its structure.

Or perhaps the car you PRODUCTS – BUILDING TRUST BUILDING product.

AndPRODUCTS maybe the TRUST energy you are– using has been harnessed via SIKA aSIKA wind And farmmaybe protected with Sika product. the energy you materials. are using has been harnessed via PRODUCTS – BUILDING TRUST a wind farm protected with Sika materials.

BUILDING TRUST BUILDING TRUST You but chances chancesare arethe thebuilding buildingyou youare areinin Youmight mightnot not see see our our products products but has in its its structure. structure.Or Orperhaps perhapsthe thecar caryou you hasaaSika Sikasolution solution somewhere somewhere in You might not see our products but chances are the building you are in roofing, flooring, sealing & bonding, refurbishment, industry – ininboth You might not see our products but are the building youcar are has a SikaAnd solution somewhere in itschances structure.

Or perhaps the you product. maybe the energy you are using has been harnessed via product.

And maybe the energy you are using has been harnessed via roofing, flooring, sealing & bonding, refurbishment, industry high – in both the construction motor vehicle industries, quality has a Sika solution somewhere itschances structure. perhaps you You might not seeand our products but are Or theproviding buildingthe youcar are in aawind farm protected with Sikain materials. wind farm protected withvehicle Sika materials. the construction andsomewhere motor industries, providing high products and solutions in the world. has a SikaAnd solution its structure.

Or perhaps thequality car you product. maybe the anywhere energyinyou are using has been harnessed via products solutions anywhere in the product.

And maybe the energy areworld. using has been harnessed via a wind and farm protected with Sikayou materials. a wind farm Sikayou materials. product.

Andprotected maybe thewith energy are using has been harnessed via roofing, flooring, sealing & bonding, refurbishment, refurbishment,industry industry––ininboth both flooring, sealing a roofing, wind farm protected with bonding, Sika materials. the vehicle industries, industries,providing providinghigh highquality quality theconstruction construction and and motor vehicle WORLDWIDE MARKET roofing, flooring, sealinganywhere &PRESENCE bonding, refurbishment, industry – in both products and solutions solutions in the world. products and in the world.

WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE roofing, flooring, and sealing & bonding, refurbishment, industry in both the construction motor vehicle industries, providing high–quality the construction and motor vehicleinindustries, high–quality roofing, flooring, sealing & bonding, refurbishment, industry in both products and solutions anywhere the world. providing products and solutions anywhere the world. providing high quality the construction and motor vehicleinindustries, products and solutions anywhere in the world.

WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE WORLDWIDE MARKET PRESENCE

Hemingways

Sika Kenya Sika Kenya SEMCO Industrial Park, SEMCO Industrial Park, Office Complex Mombasa Office Complex Mombasa RoadRoad P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi Sika Kenya Phone: +254 20 2699683 Phone: +254 20 2699683 SEMCO Industrial Park, Sika Kenya Mobile:+254 704 858 276 Office Complex Mombasa Mobile:+254 704 858 276 +254 711 140 234 SEMCO Industrial Park, Road P.O.Box 00623 38645 Nairobi Office Complex Mombasa Road Phone: +254 20 2699683 Sika Kenya P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi Mobile:+254 704 Park, 858 276 SEMCO Industrial Phone: +254 20 2699683 Sika Kenya Office Complex Mombasa Mobile:+254 704 858 276 Road SEMCO Industrial Park, P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi Sika Kenya Office Complex Mombasa Road Phone: Industrial +254 20 2699683 SEMCO Park, P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi Mobile:+254 704 858 276 Road Office Complex Mombasa Phone: +254 20 2699683 P.O.Box 00623 - 38645 - Nairobi Mobile:+254 704 858 276 Phone: +254 20 2699683 Mobile:+254 704 858 276

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

39

L A X M A N B H A I

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

solutions,” Raghwani offers as an example. “It is our expectation to continue upon our more than six decades of experience in all facets of construction, and in so doing, to provide service excellence for each client in every aspect of our business.

“This is done with a highly motivated team participating in, and developing, a flourishing business into the future.

Our goal is thus to build long-term value for our customers, shareholders and employees, and for society at large.”

L T D

Our goal is... to build long-term value for our customers, shareholders and employees, and for society at large

United Nations Headquarters

West End Towers

Mombasa Cement Silo

40

Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Two key initiatives laid out for the immediate future will see Laxmanbhai Construction taking strides to reduce on-site accidents via a comprehensive and complex health & safety reevaluation, and a similar effort to achieve zero environmental incidents, in ensuring that each project is executed in a manner that minimises the Company’s green impact.

Both are indicative of the Company’s adherence to the very latest industrial trends, and the ongoing willingness to

C

O

N

S

T

R

not just meet these requirements, but to surpass them.

Raghwani concludes: “We are proud of our achievements to date and we are committed to continually enhancing our capabilities to ensure that we remain at the forefront of our industry and provide our clientele an optimum world-class service.

“Most importantly though, we are proud to hear when our workers say that Laxmanbhai Construction Limited is a great place to work, or hear our

U

C

T

I

O

N

...we are committed to continually enhancing our capabilities to ensure that we remain at the forefront of our industry...

clients say we’re a great company to work with.

“Simply put, we can give you the best people for any projects who will strive for excellence in the ever-increasing challenges of the construction industry. If you have had the opportunity to work with us you will notice that we are great people to work with, known for our collaborative nature, with confidence that you will like having us on the team.”

Viennna Court

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

41

ame S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

Expectations Backed by its reputation formed over five decades across a multitude of disciplines, Stefanutti Stocks is poised to capitalise on further large-scale mining and construction projects; leveraging its significant experience in creating support and project infrastructure, even in the harshest of environments Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Arron Rampling

ith both the expertise and capacity to deliver a range of construction projects of any scale across a diverse range of industry and to a multitude of clients, the Stefanutti Stocks Group is among South Africa’s listed construction Group frontrunners. In January this year, the Group reported R12.7 billion of work in the pipeline, of which 40 percent was generated from outside its South African operations. Five decades of perfecting infrastructure

42

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

projects and demonstrating a confident set of skills and understanding in the field, the Group now strives to entice more customers towards its end-to-end construction solutions, along with a concerted focus on projects in the mining industry in recent times.

“The Group as you see it today is a product of longstanding business relationships and the coming together of key business minds in a bid to combine their business knowhow and decades of continuous improvement,

U

C

T

I

O

N

to develop a local understanding representative of Africa’s construction, mining and infrastructural needs,” highlights Steve Van der Walt, Contracts Director for Stefanutti Stocks Roads and Earthworks, a division of Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd.

Bressan Construction

From humble beginnings, starting with one truck, a concrete mixer and two dumpers, the Company began its life in 1971 under the name I. Bressan Construction; securing the Phala

Rail Grade Separation contract near Amamzintoti two years later, for the then Natal Provincial Administration (NPA). In the early years, as a privately owned and under-capitalised Company, Bressan leveraged its relationship with the NPA, along with the founding trio’s enthusiasm to succeed, and this secured business in the Kwazulu-Natal region; building bridges and culverts and undertaking small industrial work for the sugar industry.

As its reputation for quality and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

43

Planning and Scheduling Forensic Delay Analysis

EVRA Consulting provides efficient and effective planning solutions throughout the lifecycle of a project from tender through to project completion. We offer our clients a tailor made solution that will best support their projects requirements.

What differentiates us is our consultants all of whom all have in-depth practical construction expertise combined with world-class planning and scheduling skills. This enables us to deploy the consultant or team best suited to our client’s needs.

A professional baseline schedule is a contractual obligation under most forms of contract, our team of Senior Planning Consultants will ensure the programmes meets contractual requirements, assist in the managing and monitoring the project. A professional project plan does not only contribute to the success of a project, it also plays a key role in dispute avoidance and resolution. The need to identify the cause and demonstrate the effect of delays is now a key requirement in dispute proceedings. EVRA’s team of Forensic Delay Analysts can assist in preparing and defending claims.

With an enviable reputation of completing projects on time and within budget we can offer our clients the assurance that our services will be both affordable and completed when required.

EVRA Consulting’s vision is to be the preferred planning and scheduling service provider in Africa. As a company we are an equal opportunities employer that provides a professional environment that is challenging, rewarding and respectful of ideas and individuals.

Get in touch!

Address Block A, Rivonia Close 322 Rivonia Boulevard Rivonia, 2128, Johannesburg South Africa

Tel: +27 11 234 8410 Email: sales@evraconsulting.com

We are able offer our clients the following services; Ø Tender Planning and Scheduling Ø Commissioning programmes Ø On site planning, progress recording and progress report writing Ø Programme repair Ø Earned Value Management Systems Ø 4D/5D BIM Scheduling Ø Maintenance and shutdown planning Ø Identification and compiling of claims Ø Acceleration and Recovery programmes Ø Forensic delay analysis Ø Claims avoidance, preparation and dispute resolution

Our consultants are experience in standard form contracts including; Ø NEC3 Ø FIDIC Ø JBCC Ø GCC Our planning consultants have vast experience and technical proficiency in all project management scheduling software including; Ø Primavera P6 Ø Microsoft Project Ø Asta Powerproject Ø CCS Ø Tilos

Ø Expert report and witness service in support of adjudication or arbitration proceedings

www.evraconsulting.com

EVRA CONSULTING

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

commitment grew, so to did the order book and in 1978, the Company acquired its own plant, enabling Bressan to tender for much larger contracts in the provincial area. The resulting business from this expansion caused the Company to change its name to Stefanutti & Bressan (Pty) Ltd in the subsequent year.

In the decade that followed, business was booming, and the newly re-energised Company continued to set the bar high in terms of its bridge construction, permitting the business to broaden its field of operations into reservoir, pump station and sewage works contracts to complement the initial infrastructure offering. In line with this came a substantial increase in staff, plant turnover and two new divisions to add to the civil works: Stefanutti Construction (Pty) Ltd in 1981, and an earthworks division in 1998.

Stefanutti Construction’s first exploration across the border came in 1988 with the advent of the challenging task to build the prestigious palace for King Mswati III of Swaziland. On completion and after demonstrating its versatility to cater for specialist projects, the Company decided to put permanent roots down in the country and quickly built capabilities across construction, civil works, earthworks and roads.

Today, Stefanutti is one of the biggest contractors in Swaziland.

( P T Y )

The Fulton award-winning Tugela River Bridge - today still the heaviest and widest incrementally launched bridge in the southern hemisphere

Stefanutti Stocks Pipelines constructing Platmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd’s rising & gravity mains

46

L T D

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

90s expansion

1993 marked its second foray into Southern Africa, undertaking major repairs to a group of silos in Maputo, Mozambique. Valued at in excess of US$1 billion, the money was enough to fund a second permanent office outside South Africa

During the 1990s, Stefanutti & Bressan experienced exponential growth, taking on larger scale and more technically challenging projects on a more regular basis; including the Tugela River Bridge, Majuba Power Station and Nchwaning Shaft Number three at Black Rock, Northern Cape.

Additionally, the Company built the first ever concrete sugar conditioning silos in the world for Big Bend Sugar Mill in Swaziland in 1994, followed a decade later by the construction of the second largest concrete sugar conditioning silo for Mhlume Sugar Mill.

1993 marked its second foray into Southern Africa, undertaking major repairs to a group of silos in Maputo, Mozambique. Valued at in excess of US$1 billion, the money was enough to fund a second permanent office outside South Africa. With the civil war ending just one year earlier, Stefanutti managed to establish a base here against difficult odds; going on to

Evra Consulting (Pty) Ltd Time is Money The management of time is crucial to the success of any project and in most forms of contract the programme plays a crucial role. EVRA Consulting has built a reputation as the leading planning and forensic delay consultancy in South Africa. They are currently expanding across Africa, working on projects in Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana.

From tender phase through the entire lifecycle of the project EVRA is able to supply the consultant or team that best suits the client’s requirements. The company’s consultants are highly skilled planners and schedulers with in-depth practical construction experience.

A well compiled baseline programme is a key factor in ensuring a projects’ success, and if followed, will increase the probability of the project completing on time and within budget. A professional project plan assists employers and contractors to forecast and mitigate risk, manage change and forecast solutions to events before they occur. EVRA have the consultants to ensure that their client’s schedules meet this standard and provide continuous support and expertise to the client’s project teams.

EVRA’s Forensic Delay Analysts are currently appointed to several high profile delay and disruption mega claims valued at over $1 billion. They are able to provide claims support from inception through to arbitration including Planning Expert Witness services.

The Company is at the forefront of introducing new technologies and methodologies to the industry and have consultants able to provide Earn Value

Analysis, 4D/5D Scheduling, BIM Planning and Time/Chainage Diagrams.

EVRA provides services to companies within the construction; rail, oil/gas, IT, power and renewable energy sectors, and also believes that robust planning principals can be applied to any sector or industry.

EVRA has signed framework retainer agreements with several clients which provide them with access to the full spectrum of service offerings on an exclusive and discounted basis. This ensures these clients have priority access to their services and avoids conflicts if disputes arise.

Value added services the company provides include workshops, project simulation and mentoring. EVRA are unique in that all proposals are based on the client’s exact requirements and all services provided are managed by a director of the firm.

EVRA Consulting’s vision is to be the preferred planning and scheduling service provider in Africa. As a company they are an equal opportunities employer that provides a professional environment that is challenging, rewarding and respectful of ideas and individuals.

EVRA CONSULTING

T +27 11 234 8410 E sales@evraconsulting.com www.evraconsulting.com

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

complete many projects including the BP fuel depot, Maputo fishing port, the Japanese and EU Embassies, the Polano Casino and much more.

Up until 2004, the Group had grown organically by uniting common shareholdings with new management skills and forming new divisions.

However, the Directors began to realise that in order to sustain the business for the long-term, the Group would benefit from a restructuring and stock exchange listing.

Following a very long period of strategic research and decisionmaking, Stefanutti & Bressan entered into discussions with ECMP in 2006 that were concluded in 2007; resulting in the Group’s listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This transaction saw the addition of mining business and dam construction to its repertoire that now covered close to the full spectrum of civil engineering and building contracting solutions.

( P T Y )

L T D

Two subsequent transactions in 2007 – a controlling interest in Skelton & Plummer, a mechanical and electrical engineering Company, and a controlling stake in Civil & Coastal, a civil and marine specialist – completed the integrated service possibilities while opening new markets in the Western Cape and Angola.

21st century boom

Given the booming construction market in South Africa and the abundance of available skills in the late 2000s, several other Companies sought to also secure a stock exchange listing. When it became apparent that international construction Group, Stocks Limited, was planning entry into the listed environment, Stefanutti proposed the Group join them in pursuit of much bigger growth aspirations and a deal was agreed in 2008; resulting in the Company we know today; Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd.

MERSINO PUMPS S.A.

T

o experience the thrill of benefitting society by solving others’ problems when we provide our unique services, products, and expertise, all the while improving the condition of our employees that dedicate their lives and efforts to the purpose of the company.

We further understand, and it is just as important, that it is our customers that must be supremely satisfied if we are to go the distance. To provide exceptional customer service has been the heart and soul of this company since inception. We will not let that suffer – ever. We commit to a fanatical obsession with attention to detail.

There can be no shortcuts. We approach every job with the same seriousness and desire to succeed. We treat each and every customer with honesty and integrity, because we believe a person is only as good as their word. We are proud of ourselves and our effort on every project. Only through such effort can true happiness be achieved. With a perpetual insistence upon improvement and innovation, we are making our mark on the world.

We are not afraid. We know what we can accomplish by working together.

We will accept all challenges as an opportunity to prove ourselves, with a desire to succeed, accepting our failures as opportunities to learn and improve, and enjoying our successes as victories in human cooperation. This is the model that our company was founded upon.

This is

THE WAY.

T +078 91 3557895

www.globalpump.com www.mersino.co.za Stefanutti Stocks Roads & Earthworks constructs road infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa

48

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

EVERY SIZE, EVERY SOLUTION RENTAL ----- SALES ----- SERVICE

www.globalpump.com www.mersino.co.za • gideon@globalpump.com • gideon@mersino.com • Office: 071 258 2283 • Gideon Buys: 082 052 3475 • Bernhardt Buys - Admin Manager - 082 446 0236

From 4” to 24” Suction Flows up to 3643 m3/h Heads up to 185m “People want outstanding Equipment and a vendor Who is responsive To their needs.

That’s what you get from Global Pump.”

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

16

STAALBOER 15

A

quick and lasting solution to water, liquid fertilizer, chemicals and bulk grain storage.

14

13

12

1. South Africa 2. Lesotho 3. Swaziland 4. Namibia 5. Botswana 6. Zimbabwe 7. Mozambique 8. Angola 9. Zambia 10. Tanzania 11. Kenya 12. Nigeria 13. Ghana 14. Sierra Leone 15. United Arab Emirates 16. Qatar

11

10

8

7

9 6 5

4

3 1

2

Stefanutti Stocks’ wide geographic footprint sees it undertaking multidisciplinary projects across South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and in the Middle East

Several acquisitions and mergers in the past five years have served to further enhance the Group’s comprehensive service offering, including the acquisition of Apollo electrical in 2010, Cycad Pipelines in 2012 and Energotec in 2013. This has allowed the Group to emerge almost unrivalled across all turnkey building and infrastructure solutions on the African continent.

Beyond this, Stefanutti Stocks now has a presence in the United Arab Emirates via Rabban Stefanutti Stocks Qatar, formed in 2011 to accelerate growth opportunities in new waters in conjunction with the local Rabban Group. Other associates in the Middle East region comprise AI Tayer Stocks, an interior fit-out and refurbishment

50

business and Zener Steward LLC, an electro-mechanical contractor.

Throughout its history, there has been one salient factor that remains the same; and that is the uncompromising service backed by market understanding that the Group offers prospective clients. “Stefanutti Stocks promises a one-stop solution to your construction needs and this remains our focus. We can start from the first spade in the ground to final handover of an electrical or mechanical plant and we want more of our clients to utilise our full turnkey offering. Moreover, on the mining side, our services can be implemented in the early design stages of the mine right through to running the mine commercially,” says Van der Walt.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Staalboer is a South African company manufacturing steel panel reservoirs with capacities ranging from 15 000l to 4 000 000l. The structures are fully galvanized and have a life expectancy in excess of 20 years. The cost-effective reservoirs are easy to transport and can be shipped anywhere in the world. The dams can be erected in minimal time by unskilled labour using only basic hand tools.

The liquid is contained by polyester netreinforced PVC liner with seams made by a high frequency welding process to provide watertight joints. The liner does not contaminate the liquid inside.

It carries a 10 year pro-rata warranty against sun damage.

These dams do not require a concrete floor. The dams can be fitted with a 95% shade net cover. Some sizes can be fitted with a galvanized steel dome roof. The dams can be fitted with any size in/outlet. An engineer certificate is available at extra cost. Staalboer is a preferred supplier to Stefanutti Stocks.

In addition, we manufacture a range of water tank stands. These have a bolted construction for easy transport and erection. Hinges on two columns eliminates the need for scaffolding or lifting equipment. We provide a galvanized platform on both primed and galvanized stands. An engineer certificate is available on the structure.

All material used complies with ISO standards. Our expert teams are available to do erections country wide and cross border.

www.staalboer.co.za

QUALITY PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

STEEL PANEL DAMS - 15KL to 4000KL Capacity

- Heights of 1.3M, 1.9M, 2.5M, 3.1M, 3.7M and 4.9M - Easy transport and erection - Steel dome roofs

- 30 years life expectancy

TANKS STANDS - 1.5M to 12M high for - 5KL and 10KL tanks - Engineers certificate on structures - Bolted construction for easy transport and erection

+27 (0) 82 210 0999 > jan@staalboer.co.za > www.staalboer.co.za

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

SUPER DIGGER PLANT HIRE

S

uper Digger Plant Hire is strategically positioned halfway between the port of Durban and

the Capital of KZN. As a well-established plant hire company we have focused on a comprehensive range of mobile plant on short to long term hire.

Super Digger has also successfully managed & completed civils projects.

Looking forward, we would like to expand our offering to the demolition, crushing, screening and mining sectors.

We are growing “Noma Kanjani”.

T +031 736 6010 E sales@superdigger.co.za

www.superdigger.co.za The iconic Fairscapes Precinct tower in Gaborone, Botswana

Large scale growth

Due to an over-capacity post-2010 World Cup, Stefanutti has been working hard to increase its presence on the continent as a whole, while holding fast in the South African market, emerging this year with improved earnings from the construction side of the business to complete its integrated service offering.

Commenting on the last financial year’s “sound” set of results, Stefanutti Stocks CEO, Willie Meyburgh said: “Although tough market conditions in the Southern African construction industry prevailed during the past year, we have had a particularly successful year and achieved the targets set under our stated recovery plan for 2015. The recovery plan included the building business unit returning to profitability and the discontinuation of the non-

52

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Business Units Building (residential and commercial) MEP (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and energy) RPM (roads, earthworks, pipelines and mining services) Structures (bridges, marine, mining, concrete)

AMINTO

A

minto has supplied the construction industry with a wide variety of concrete, precast products since 2006.

At Aminto our aim is to be the number one choice for our customers. Our core business is to manufacture and supply precast products and services in line with the requirements of our customers.

Our aim is to set the standards in the precast concrete industry for others to follow.

We are committed to product quality and customer service. The company has a unique combination of modern factory facilities, people skills, design expertise and manufacturing experience. In short, we are a dedicated team of precast concrete enthusiasts.

T 012 252 0828 E emile@aminto.co.za

www.aminto.co.za

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

SPECIALIZING IN

PLANT HIRE, BULK EARTH WORKS, DEMOLITION AND MACHINE SALES

CONTACT: JUSTIN SMITH CELL: 083 226 3650 OFFICE:031 736 6010 FAX: 086 656 3035

Supplying the construction industry with a wide variety of concrete precastproducts since 2006

Get in touch! 012 252 0828

www.aminto.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

53

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

COASTAL HIRE

C

oastal Hire’s success story began in 1994 with just five stores, offering a unique concept to the tool hire market.

In the following decades, Coastal Hire has evolved to become the name of choice for large construction companies, contractors, bakkie builders, electricians, plumbers, tiling specialists and DIY enthusiasts.

Now, with more than 80 stores throughout South Africa and the surrounding region, Coastal Hire is the undisputed number one name in equipment hire; taking pride in offering its customers the best, most durable and most reputable equipment on the market, and going the extra mile in its ongoing aftersales service.

www.coastalhire.co.za

A municipal Wastewater Treatment Works extension

performing power business, within the mechanical and electrical business unit.

“The overall impact of the plan has seen significant improvement in the Group’s financial performance compared to the previous year.”

While continuing to strengthen the South African operations organically, Stefanutti Stocks has shifted its focus in recent years to its other sub-Saharan markets which Van der Walt says has “plenty of potential to be further developed”.

He summarises: “The mining sector will be a key growth area for us in South Africa and Lesotho in particular as these are two countries which have strong growth prospects in coal and diamond mining respectively. We are looking into coal mines where the off-take agreements are being handled

by Eskom in order to access long-term projects in this area.

“Moreover, we continue to remain competitive in the mining sector, perusing all works given out by Sasol in

54

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

CNC CRUSHERS

The mining sector will be a key growth area for us in South Africa and Lesotho in particular as these are two countries which have strong growth prospects in coal and diamond mining respectively

C

NC Crushers has committed itself to two primary objectives over the years in providing superior supply as sand and aggregated materials with outstanding service commitment.

The company extends to contractors within the governmental and municipal sectors as well as commercial space including residential builders and developers.

CNC Crushers supply to a vast array of small, medium and large clients including Stefanutti Stocks South Africa which offering extends across wide scope of supply including road construction.

Stefanutti Stocks remains a valued longterm partner of CNC Crushers and we look forward working with them.

T +2718 484 1577 / +2784 306 4950

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

55

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

MDA CONSULTING

M

DA Consulting is a specialist commercial advisory practice providing objective, innovative and practical solutions to contractual and commercial challenges for leading role-players in major infrastructure development, water processing, civil, energy, mechanical piping and erection, engineering, petro-chemical and mining sectors.

A crusher plant

addition to accessing both private and public funded projects. Meanwhile, SANRAL remains a key client of ours when it comes to road construction, and we price these works accordingly whenever they come out for tender.”

Safety first

Stefanutti Stocks proactively fosters a safe working environment by upholding its SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality) policy, designed to enhance the wellbeing of its employees in turn, improving the workplace environment and quality of the final product. “We are very proud of our health and safety record and we are able to proudly show potential customers our safety stats, which are extremely good. This helps us to be more competitive and ensures there is no downtime so that we are always operating at full capacity and efficiency levels.

“Furthermore, our ISO accreditation carries a big punch when tendering for work. This global accreditation demonstrates our acute awareness of what is expected in terms of sustainability measures and mindfulness of the environment as

56

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

KEY MINING PROJECTS

MDA Consulting’s highly experienced and qualified team provides focused services in contract documentation, commercial support, dispute management and commercial training to the Southern African Development Community and international construction industry.

MDA has offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Botswana and is celebrating 15 years of service.

www.mdaconsulting.co.za

Firestone Diamonds contract in Lesotho Coal mine take-off agreements with Eskom in South Africa Re-treatment project for Barberton Mines Design, construction, mining and materials handling at Kangala Mine Material handling requirements for the Dorstfontein East Mine 600 tonne phosphate flotation plant at Foskor Mine

Mine infrastructure construction in Namibia

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Specialist commercial practitioners

Johannesburg, Durban, Botswana

www.mdaconsulting.co.za Johannesburg +27 11 648 9500 Durban +27 (31) 764 0811 info@mdaconsulting.co.za

MDA Consulting provides commercial and advisory services to the Southern African Development Community and international construction industry. Our highly experienced and qualified team enable our clients to realise key commercial objectives in the most challenging contracting environments by practically applying their expertise in preparation of contract documentation, providing on and off site commercial support, efficiently managing dispute procedures and delivering training in a variety of commercially relevant fields within the construction process.

PRO PLASTIC WELDING DRILLING & BLASTING SPECIALISTS

E I R E C ON T RA CTOR S (Pt y ) L t d Tel: 031 705 1490 Fax: 031 705 1385 www.eirecon.co.za P.O.Box 583 Hillcrest, Durban

• Opencast Mining • Quarryng • Road Construction • Bulk Earthworks • Computer-Aided Blast Design

EXPERTS IN

THERMOPLASTIC WELDING, PRESSURE TESTING, SUPPLY & INSTALLATION SOUTH AFRICA SECUNDA TEL: +27 (0)17 631 2248 CELL: +27 (0)72 808 1390 E-MAIL: admin@propw.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

57

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

( P T Y )

L T D

well,” explains Van der Walt.

In line with this, the Group’s stringent commitment to improving safety standards can be seen in the lost time injury free rate (LTIFR) of which numerous awards from industry associations have further recognised the Group’s outstanding performance in this sphere.

In terms of maintaining a high level of efficiency and service, the Group continually invests in its plant, equipment and fleet to ensure cuttingedge technology can be deployed in all its projects; all the while conscious of the impact its operations have on the environment to minimise adverse effects and to allow for greener methodologies throughout the Group’s internal processes.

Local content

Staff form an integral part of Stefanutti Stocks’ continuous improvement strategy and safety enforcement, and in 2013 the South African operations achieved a level 2 B-BBEE rating, representative of the long journey it has undertaken in incorporating empowerment and individual development into its business culture.

Furthermore, our ISO accreditation carries a big punch when tendering for work

A multidisciplinary mine infrastructure construction project

58

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

086 100 2477 www.premiergrp.co.za Johannesburg Office: 8 Ossewa Street, CX Industrial Park, Chloorkop, Kempton Park, 1624

Durban Office: 167 Voortrekker Street, Jacobs, Durban

T

I

O

N

CCS is proud to be associated with Stefanutti Stocks in the supply of computer software for their organisations, both locally and abroad.

With a long standing history of service and co-operation between our two organisations, the benefits are evident in the level of control and management information available to Stefanutti Stocks on a daily basis as a result of the use of CCS software. We remain committed to provide world class estimating, planning, cash flow, valuation and Cost Accounting solutions to Stefanutti Stocks in the future and congratulate them on their efforts in the past.

www.constructioncomputersoftware.com Tel +27 12 684 6000 | info@ccssa.com

What we do We provide CETA accredited training and skills development for all sectors of the construction industry‌ BUILDING CIVILS ROADS & EARTHWORKS MINING SMME ESTABLISHED IN 2000

where training matters Developing a skilled and productive workforce for the Construction Industry throughout Southern Africa www.tjeka.co.za

GAUTENG, FREE STATE, NORTH WEST & MPUMALANGA Tel: +27 11 665 2777 Email: frans@tjeka.co.za VAAL TRIANGLE & KWA-ZULU NATAL Tel: +27 32 586 3732 e-mail: kobus@tjeka.co.za WESTERN & NORTHERN CAPE Tel: +27 21 976 8057 email: gawie@tjeka.co.za EASTERN CAPE Tel: +27 41 363 2508 email: siyabonga@tjeka.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

59

S T E F A N U T T I

S T O C K S

Although affected by skills shortages outside of South Africa, Stefanutti Stocks is able to leverage its core South African employees and bring them across the border to train local people, with the eventual aim of achieving a higher percentage of local content outside South Africa as well.

“Our specialist construction capabilities and ability to seamlessly mobilise across the Group is one of our key assets, and we have to maintain this to stay ahead,” adds Van der Walt. “We are adamant that we need to employ the best person for the positions we have available, but first and foremost the requirement will be to source locally.

“We have always believed in ‘train for gain’, and that is why we send our employees on courses regularly and assess staff on an annual basis.”

Supporting its internal training policies for employees is an external corporate social responsibility programme that revolves around upskilling local communities to “build a better future for Africa”. Van der Walt continues: “This inevitably forms part of each project’s deliverables; where we bring in initiatives that benefit the communities in and around where we are working. Our community involvement varies from sponsoring t-shirts for a special occasion, to refurbishing an entire school. Needless

( P T Y )

L T D

Stefanutti Stocks mobilises its resources to undertake projects across sub-Saharan Africa

We have always believed in ‘train for gain’, and that is why we send our employees on courses regularly and assess staff on an annual basis

Urban road and bridge construction in Johannesburg, South Africa

60

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

to say we are very active in this space.”

In addition to this, the Group endeavours to extend its training in South Africa to include previously disadvantaged contractors via joint venture contracts, in order to maximise its BEE points while improving local capabilities. “The companies we chose to be part of our joint venture initiatives in South Africa are trained to our international standards. As well as learning new trades, they are able to transfer these skills to the next job,” emphasises Van der Walt.

Diversity

Stefanutti Stocks is systematically widening its investment scope in order to access new market segments in new geographies. Backed by its reputation formed over five decades of enterprise and industry understanding across a

C

O

N

S

T

R

multitude of disciplines, the Group is poised to capitalise on further large scale projects; leveraging its significant experience in creating a support and project infrastructure, even in the harshest of environments.

“Our strength lies in the diversity of our offering and the Group’s ability to strategically position itself in the construction, mining and civil industries. With an extensive project portfolio showcasing both our conventional and niche skillsets, we want customers to know that we are here to stay for the long-term.

“Our move into new countries, supported by a whole host of fruitful business partnerships that promise to bring long-term success to the brand, is testament to this and our plan to achieve sustainable growth across all business sectors,” concludes Van der Walt.

U

C

T

I

O

N

Stefanutti Stocks Civils constructed the largest coalbunkers within Southern Africa for client, Exxaro

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

61

ame A T H E N A

P R O P E R T I E S

Developer of Choice AFRICA’S

LIFESTYLE

Athena Properties is capitalising on the decentralisation strategy in Kenya and Uganda via its two state-of-the-art mixed-use urban property developments, Two Rivers Development and Pearl Marina Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Stuart Parker

62

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

he East African real estate market is currently thriving, with the likes of leading property developer and urban management services firm, Athena Properties at the forefront of this change. Established in 2013 with a concerted focus on large mixed-use developments, the Company has been answering East Africa’s call for an end-to-end construction service that allows for a seamless and comprehensive offering including; land acquisition, master planning, urban planning, project management, construction management, development management and project finance right through to asset management.

Athena Properties is one of seven wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Centum Investment Group, the leading investment Company in East Africa cross-listed in both Kenya Securities Exchange and Uganda Securities Exchange. With a Group goal to become sub-Saharan Africa’s lifestyle developer of choice, Athena Properties has quickly established itself as the preferred development partner in East African real estate through its multi-million mixed-use development projects. Kenya in particular has been an area of substantial interest as the country is currently working hard on achieving a significantly decentralised public sector by embracing the urban management concept; encouraging the spread of the population across areas outside the city which is then managed by pro-active local authorities.

“In line with the Group’s strategy to participate in the development process from start to finish, Athena Properties involves itself in mixed use developments and the creation of urban nodes, providing a complete end-to-end solution that addresses East Africa’s compelling need for infrastructure development and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

63

A T H E N A

P R O P E R T I E S

urban management; targets which are currently unmet,” explains Chris Ochieng, Managing Director of Athena Properties.

“Urban management involves co-ordinating and integrating public and private activities with the aim of building a more competitive, equitable and sustainable city or development, as well as responding to the everchanging consumer demands and capitalising on the synergies created by

a mixed-use development to ultimately create a state-of-the-art development that embraces ‘Smart living’,” he adds.

By working across desirable locations in Uganda, Kenya and other East African markets, Athena Properties is keen to capitalise on urban development trends that will enhance its foothold in the region, which it hopes to achieve via the Two Rivers and Pearl Marina projects in Kenya and Uganda respectively.

CENTUM INVESTMENT GROUP SUBSIDIARIES Real estate (Athena Properties)

Energy

Education

Healthcare

Financial services (FMCG)

Two Rivers Lifestyle Centre

64

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Agriculture

Vitrispan® UK

www.vitrispan.co.uk

Architectural Vitreous Enamel Steel Systems Installed in 2006 our ultra-modern automated production line includes fully robotic vitreous enamel application, and with our new digitally printed vitreous enamel graphics system, Vitrispan is the most technically advanced architectural vitreous enamel production facility in Europe..

• High resolution 600 dpi inkjet application • Can help to reduce visual pollution to the natural environment

Vitreous enamelled steel panels are extremely durable and need very little maintenance and cleaning. Vitrispan systems are ideally suited for multiple cladding applications such as tunnels, public transport stations, facades and hospital operating rooms.

Umetalcoat®

Digitally Painted Facade Systems

• Sandwich Panels / Composite Panels Corrugated sheet / Perforated plate • Suitable for exterior and interior use Resistant to UV rays and graffiti.

• Scratch resistant, citric acid resistant, impact resistant, salt spray resistant • Finish Satin , matte or gloss, maximum dimensions 8200 x 2020 x 70mm

T: +44 (0)770 277912

E: ben.wilson@vitrispan.co.uk

Cole Farm Barn, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0PL, United Kingdom

A T H E N A

Two Rivers

P R O P E R T I E S

Two Rivers is located within the diplomatic blue zone in Kenya in close proximity to various foreign embassies and the UN headquarters. The project addresses the local need for all associated services that will make this function as a mixed-use development in one of the region’s most affluent areas.

The development sits on a prime 100 acres and will integrate retail, entertainment and lifestyle facilities, modern office parks, residential

apartments, healthcare facilities, hotels, civic, recreation, public amenities and state-of-the-art reliable infrastructure. The development is being constructed in phases and when complete will have an estimated built up area of 852,000 square metres.

Two Rivers is anchored by the largest retail centre in sub-Saharan Africa, outside of South Africa, and the construction is scheduled to be complete by end of 2015. The retail centre has a gross lettable area (GLA) of 62,500m2 and will comprise ultra-

MATHARI OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL CSR project for Two Rivers Development Ltd The proposed project is a collaboration between Nairobi City County and Two Rivers Development Limited with the aim of improving education for underprivileged children in Nairobi County by rehabilitating Mathari Old primary school.

Mathari estate is a one of the oldest and most populated slums located on the east side of Nairobi.

The project will include: 32 classrooms in G+2 blocks; separate blocks connected with walkways and awnings; an administration block; a social hall, kitchen and dining area; open spaces and interaction points to cater for 1,400 pupils.

The completed school will be the first of its kind in Nairobi County and a benchmark for other schools in Kenya.

KONE

N

ow in East Africa, KONE is one of the global leaders in the elevator, escalator and door industry with more than a century of experience in delivering pioneering solutions. KONE’s comprehensive support ensures that planning and installation is as efficient and safe as possible, and that the equipment delivers top-class ride comfort from day one.

Key KONE benefits include: • Efficient scaffoldless installation.

• VDI 4707 A-class Energy efficient equipment as a standard.

• Comprehensive pre-hand over testing.

KONE’s presence in the East African region covers; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania - Mainland, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Somaliland & Zanzibar.

www.kone.co.ke / www.kone.co.ug

CHAPMAN BDSP

C

hapmanBDSP is an MEP and Environmental Engineering company, owned and run by shareholding directors, who over the past 40 years that has delivered worldclass projects in more than 30 countries.

ChapmanBDSP has partnered with international clients and local consultants with regional knowledge on some of Africa’s recent most high-profile developments, including One Airport Square, Ghana, Jabi Lake, Nigeria, Britam Tower and Two Rivers masterplan both in Kenya.

This diverse mix of expertise and experience enables ChapmanBDSP to deliver tailored solutions, understanding the significance and value of local culture and collaboration.

E info@chapmanbdsp.com

www.chapmanbdsp.com

66

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

For more information on elevator and escalator ilstallation in East Africa contact us on: Kenya: +254 20 262 2412/15 Uganda: +256 031 2370855 Email: info.kone-kenya@kone.com Website: www.kone.co.ke, www/kone.ug

One Airport Square, Accra

Britam Tower, Nairobi

Two Rivers Nairobi

Award-winning MEP and environmental engineering consultancy that bridges international experience with local knowledge MEP Engineering Environment & Sustainability Infrastructure & Masterplanning Fire Engineering Architectural Lighting Design Vertical Transportation Research & Development

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

67

A T H E N A

P R O P E R T I E S

modern designs with piazzas, event spaces and a vibrant entertainment area on three levels along the waterfront. The mall will be anchored

by Carrefour Hypermarket who will be making its first entry into the region.

The mall will have a vibrant retail mix with approximately half of tenants being international and set to open their flagship stores in the centre.

On top of the mall structure, there will be two office towers with a GLA of 20,000m2 offering premium office environment with Grade A facilities to serve the increasing demand in the region. The mall also offers adequate parking space for shoppers with 2,000 parking bays available in the initial phase. The development will also incorporate sports and recreational facilities including public open spaces, an outdoor amphitheatre, water play areas and sports facilities. “Leveraging synergies from the Centum Group, who have investments

68

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Leveraging synergies from the Centum Group, who have investments in healthcare and education facilities, we have a vision to develop premium world-class masterfully planned urban addresses, set within a controlled and secure environment...

in healthcare and education facilities, we have a vision to develop premium world-class masterfully planned urban addresses, set within a controlled and secure environment, that will be the leading regional destination in East Africa and beyond for a long time to come,� details Ochieng.

Moreover, the development is a self-contained destination that has attracted regional and international investor attention as Ochieng further highlights: “We want Two Rivers to achieve a self-sustainable status so we have had to ask how we can address environmental and sustainability issues to build something that is both innovative and practical. In light of this, the development is designed as a smart city and has its own 46 MVa power substation, a 7.5 MVa energy centre to offer back up power, a 2MVa solar farm on the mall structure, a water treatment plant capable of producing two million litres a day,

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

YMR Partnership provides construction consultancy services in the fields of urban and rural development, building construction and civil engineering projects with core services comprising project cost estimating and cost planning, specification writing, quantity surveying and building economics, construction cost management and administration, construction claims management and services in connection with arbitration or litigation and dispute management/resolution services to a wide range of public and private sector clients.

Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 3286 000 Email: nairobi@ymr.co.ke Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 772642167 Email: ymrug@starcom.co.ug

www.ymr.co.ke

CSR Project: Mathari Primary School

and uses state-of-the-art building technologies including US$10 million dedicated to security.”

Two Rivers is nearing completion and is due to open its doors in the first quarter of 2016.

Destination of choice

Athena Properties’ most noteworthy project in Uganda is Pearl Marina, located on the Garuga peninsular in Entebbe; just 12 kilometres from Entebbe airport. The new waterfront development and resort town sits on 389 acres of land along a three kilometre-long stretch of Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world.

“We want the Pearl Marina mixeduse development to be considered Uganda’s destination of choice; a premium integrated waterfront destination, for tourists and locals alike, that meets world-class building and design goals. Since approval of

A T H E N A

P R O P E R T I E S

conceptualisation and planning stage; including 10,500 acres of prime land in Vipingo, Kenya for a mixed use development, two malls in Nairobi and similarly, two hotels in the Kenyan capital. The Company also has a series of professional services projects that provide end-to-end solutions in the pipeline.

Busy workers onsite at the Pearl Marina Estates construction site which will ultimately provide a range of premium tourism and residential facilities

the initial master plan in December 2012, Phase 1 has now begun and we are one step closer to realising the 1.4 million square metres final gross building area,� says Ochieng.

Pearl Marina will provide premium tourism and residential facilities including hotels, conference facilities, luxury apartments, villas and marinas, as well as a hospital, international school, modern office park, retail centre and a wide range of sports and recreational activities. These facilities will be supported by high quality selfsustainable infrastructure including the use of renewable energies and a water treatment plant.

In addition to these multi-million dollar projects, Athena Properties has several builds currently in the

70

Hub of East Africa

Chris Ochieng, MD, Athena Properties

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

For projects of such a large size, it is important that Athena Properties fosters healthy relationships with not only local and international suppliers, but the local authorities to in order to get the best out of its developments.

Furthermore, there are several other factors that make a business efficient, including the adoption of technology and securing staff with a high skill level.

By adopting technology throughout the Company’s internal processes, Athena Properties is able to easily manage its finances, projects and

C

O

N

S

T

R

Pearl Marina Estates Ltd

supply chain better than ever before; which provides a long-term cost return and improves efficiency levels.

As present, Africa is undergoing rapid transformation as it is poised for remarkable economic growth prospects; and Athena Properties is preparing itself for this transformation.

“Undoubtedly, the key to the future is to both embrace technology and create a talented pool of young workers, empowering them to take part in the building of a nation.

“As an indigenous Company, it is important to develop not just the physical infrastructure via our projects.

We have a responsibility to hire and nurture technical skills locally through convenient, urban living. In order to do this, the Group established Centum Business Solutions to equip Africa’s key resource [people] with the skills to excel in the race towards a developed continent,” comments Ochieng.

Leveraging the Centum training

U

C

T

I

O

N

arm, Athena Properties is able to offer a 12 month training scheme tailored to individual staff needs, resulting in the necessary specialisms and a more efficient workplace.

Kenya is often considered the ‘hub of East Africa’, and Athena Properties is equipped with all the right ingredients to capitalise on this economic vision. With a keen eye for further expansion opportunities into neighbouring Tanzania, as well as further projects in Uganda and Kenya, the Company has worked hard to establish a strong footing in East Africa, before exploring the possibility of further opportunities on the continent.

“No other competitor works on projects of the same scale in East Africa. Combine this with our fully-integrated service offering and attitude towards continuous improvement and this completes our status as a partner of choice in the region,” Ochieng concludes.

ame S T A G

72

A F R I C A N

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

International Expansion given the

Green Light

Innovative property development breeds sustainable regional development for STAG AFRICAN as the Student Accommodation Group continues to invest in SADC, for the good of SADC Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Stuart Parker

TAG AFRICAN is well on its way to achieving its goal of being the most innovative green Company on the continent as it looks to build upon a business model that has taken the property development market by storm over the past six years.

Progressing as an established traditional construction business throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Company’s gateway to the reputation and market prominence synonymous with today’s STAG can be traced back to 2009, and the strategic decision to challenge what the Group perceived as an outdated and costly student accommodation market.

Catering to a sector where affordability is of the essence, the idea was to overhaul the niche market by introducing the most modern international design and build techniques, using more green and sustainable products, with the lowest end cost possible as a result.

“We wanted to come up with an optimal concept to reduce the costs of providing accommodation to students, and it was architectural design and product innovation that achieved this,” recalls STAG AFRICAN’s Managing Director (MD), John Schooling. “We looked around the world for the best facility building system and came across one known as lightweight steel framing which we began using, and really pioneering, on accommodation in South Africa.”

Subsequently branching out across the surrounding region from its South African headquarters, STAG went on to complement this acknowledgement of the 21st century construct with six guiding principles which have formed the basis for the overall business model ever since: sustainability, flexibility, technology, innovation, affordability and community.

Regarding the latter, Schooling elaborates: “If you look at the

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

73

S T A G

A F R I C A N

community aspect, it’s about creating a very personal space in a student campus environment. The bedroom becomes the student’s home, the rest of that floor becomes the street in a village, and that village or neighbourhood is the campus.

“We essentially place the student at the centre of the design process.”

This theme continues even more significantly in making the accommodation as affordable and sustainable as possible, initially through the recyclable and innovative products being used in the construction process, but also from the planning stage in removing any space wastage from the final layout.

GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

G

LOBAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (GCM) started as a conventional building company in 1980, with Managing Director Des Palm having been trained in architectural, structural and civil design. Throughout the 1990s the Company completed various major projects in the commercial, retail and residential sectors.

STAG AFRICAN’s Managing Director (MD), John Schooling

Exciting developments

This concept was first brought to light after completing its first project in the sector to the tune of 600 beds, using traditional brick and mortar construction methods.

The challenges and costs engrained into the development were enough for STAG to identify such an opportunity for improvements to be made, as the Company began looking at alternative methods under the banner of ‘21st century projects’.

“Over the first couple of years we had some resistance, with both South African and international markets still considering brick and mortar to be the quality method,” Schooling says.

“Slowly but surely though, through extensive and profound educational processes, the government of South Africa got to the point where they were comfortable with and began endorsing this kind of innovative approach.”

Business quickly snowballed from this point, with the 620 initial beds rising to 2,000 at present, with a total of 20,000 in the pipeline, comprising completed projects, those under construction and those still in the planning stages; equating to around R4.5 billion of work.

74

R4.5 billi n

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

In late 1999 the Company decided to re-focus it’s strategies around green building technology and embarked on an investigative journey through the construction methodologies on the international market. The most supportive green method of construction was found to be Light Steel Framing (LSF), and since the year 2000 GCM has become a specialist LSF contractor and handles turn-key projects anywhere in the world. The company operates from its base in Cape Town, South Africa and has extensive experience of logistics into Africa and internationally.

With the introduction to LSF the next most important choice was to select a cladding material which will be high impact resistant, fire resistant, waterproof & offer great sound and insulation properties. After extensive testing of cladding materials from all possible international suppliers, the most suitable board for external and internal cladding was found to be Versapanel High Density Cement Particle Board. GCM obtained the exclusive rights to import and distribute Versapanel throughout the African continent.

Among the completed LSF projects are contracts in the West Indies, Angola, DRC and others.

Estimated work coming from completed, current and future construction projects

Currently GCM is extensively involved in the construction of student accommodation and we are proud to count Stag Africa, the foremost authority on student accommodation, as one of our portfolio clients.

www.globcomanage.com/new

WORKING WITH STAG Pioneering a Green Alternative in World-Class Student Accommodation

GLOBAL

Construction Timeline

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT O V E R

3 5

Y E A R S

E X P E R I E N C E

AUGUST 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012

OCTOBER2012

GLOBAL offers a complete design and construct service and as we have our own in-house professionals we can take a project from the concept stage through the full turn-key aspects to commissioning.

We have vast experience of working internationally, especially into Africa, and our engineers have very sound knowledge and experience of designing infrastructure in Africa and abroad.

Specalists in the construction of Light Steel Buildings for any type of residential, industrial, commercial or specialized use as an alternative building option.

PO Box 46017, Kernkrag, Western Cape, 7440, South Africa

Give us a call: +27 (0)72 3366 352 www.globcomanage.com/new

DECEMBER 2012 COMPLETION

S T A G

A F R I C A N

“We want to build that up to 50,000 eventually which would be around R10 billion of work, with at least 30,000 beds constructed and under management over the next five years,” Schooling adds. “We have some exciting new developments happening across the region, while also capitalising on the green agenda in exploring the possibility of building solar farms to help the provision of energy in sub-Saharan countries.”

Promoting green

Schooling sees STAG’s commitment to green development as one of the Company’s biggest advantages, with all the benefits there to make it the preferred way of building in the future.

“We really want to promote green and to build sustainable buildings, using modern technologies,” the MD explains. “We are investigating the use of photovoltaic on all our buildings, for example, in the hope that we will be able to assist Eskom in South Africa by taking our buildings completely off the grid in the future.

“Our aim is to be known as the most innovative green company in Africa across not just student accommodation but all our projects.”

In time, no business in STAG’s industry will be successful without taking green into account, making knowledge and education in this area pivotal in the intervening years, in order to make it a sustainable progression.

As such, STAG is already developing skills in its local areas of operation to prepare for the modern construction sector; an initiative which fits perfectly within the Company’s much more encompassing philosophy of enriching lives across the SADC region.

“What we promote throughout our development is ‘investing in SADC, by SADC, for SADC’,” Schooling says. “Not enough is being done at

76

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

STAG has some exciting new developments across the region

the moment to promote internal development so our aim is to benefit SADC countries by keeping finances within the region rather than looking offshore, and we are already receiving a lot of support from PRCs and the government in South Africa to develop local communities, where possible, in building our structures.”

Holistic approach

This commitment to local enrichment and corporate social responsibility entails an openness and sharing mentality within the region and industry, supporting the sector where possible and areas such as BEE as an indication of feeding positivity within the wider domain.

C

O

N

S

T

R

The Company’s supply chain management strategy continues in this vein, utilising local partners in each country; once again, in order to retain the financial implications of such partnerships within the relevant nation.

“We try to keep our structure as flat as possible and are achieving that by decentralising as much as possible,” Schooling says. “Using local contractors and building up a pool of suppliers and partners across the region also allows us to expand very rapidly into new markets while, in turn, helping some of these small companies grow and develop themselves.”

So far, this expansion outside of its core South African operations has incorporated Mauritius, Mozambique and Zambia, with Botswana, Madagascar and Namibia firmly in the pipeline and Zimbabwe another exciting prospect looking further forward.

It is this entrepreneurial approach and readiness to expand quickly which is sure to help achieve STAG’s project aims, which not only comprise the Company’s student accommodation component, but also brings to light a further five or six million square metres of bulk construction to be carried out across office blocks, shopping centres and precincts, and a similarly significant increase in the amount of medium-sized enterprises that the business looks to gain shares in over the next 12 months.

“Underpinned through all of this will be the process of skills transference and the development of companies within SADC, as we continue to take a holistic approach and offer the total package,” Schooling concludes. “We go in with an investment mentality knowing that our money isn’t going anywhere outside of the SADC region and that any profit we make will be reinvested back into those countries.

“This is a very important message as it further aids those levels of sustainability; not just for our company, but for the entire industry.”

U

C

T

I

O

N

We are a commercial & industrial building contractor based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and our philosophy is to deliver a good quality product and service to our clients.

We are proud to be associated with Stag Property Developers Dewing Construction 70 Kimberley Road, North End East London, South Africa Tel: 043 743 6479 Fax: 043 743 5908 andrew@dewingconstruction.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

77

ame A F R O T E Q

A D V I S O R Y

( P T Y )

Informing the

Right

Afroteq continues to reap the benefits of its 2009 merger with Arcus Facilities Management (Pty) Ltd, evolving beyond its initial facilities management business model into an enterprise with a solid technical and engineering skillset Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Stuart Parker

78

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

L T D

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

stablished in 2000, Afroteq Advisory (Afroteq) quickly grew into the professional consulting and facilities management (FM) environment, developing the technical capabilities and industry expertise to bring value-add, informed decision making to South African businesses.

Commenting on its initial service offering, Andre Michau – one of the founders of Afroteq and currently the Executive Manager – says: “Afroteq specialised in office space planning and design, staff training in facilities management and everything in-between that assists a client with any requirement in the facilities or built environment.”

Michau highlights: “We began to explore ways in which we could extend our offering to become an end-to-end integrated facilities management service provider. For example, if a client is looking to consolidate its operations into one warehouse, often this decision is born and bred from a strategic focus within the organisation itself, but underpinning and informing that decision is a facilities management aspect including cost of the consolidation and how well the facilities support the core function of the business.

C

T

I

O

N

“In order for a company, such as a distribution company, to make the decision whether to operate their business from one centralised warehouse or several decentralised ones, they need to understand the full facilities implication of that decision and the cost (both capital and operational) implications thereof. This is where we come in; facilitating informed strategic decisions based on proper short and long-term facility scenarios, we help the client ensure that their decision is the right one for their business.”

Another key consideration is space, which Michau further explains: “When two companies merge, they typically need to make a decision on whether to move into new premises or to stay put. This decision can only be taken if they fully understand their own business strategy and how the strategy relates to space now and into the future.

Once the company fully understands this, they will be more able to make an informed decision over their future.”

AFROTEQ OPERATING DIVISIONS Afroteq Professional Services Afroteq Business Projects Afroteq Facility Projects Space Planning and Office Design Afroteq Academy

Mbombela Stadium: Afroteq FM Solutions were the event managers for the Fifa World Cup in Mbombela

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

79

A F R O T E Q

A D V I S O R Y

( P T Y )

L T D

In order to support a client from a facilities management perspective, Afroteq makes a concerted effort to appreciate the company’s business and its strategic goals and interpret this into a facilities design model which fits the purpose. “And there is no one solution,” he adds. “Clients are always given options that meet their unique requirements.”

Once a client has taken the decision – whether it is to move, to consolidate or to expand, outsource or insource – Afroteq can assist with the implementation of that decision, through unique, personalised and tailored project management execution.

“Ultimately, we try and make sure that we not only implement the right solution for the client, but by

Andre Michau, Executive Manager, Afroteq Consulting

unpacking the complexities inherent in any facility and applying skilled people, we ensure that the solution is implemented right. This makes the realisation of benefit and value through project management not only possible, but a reality,” Michau continues.

Arcus merger

Cape Town Stadium

80

Arcus Facilities Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd, now trading as the AFMS Group (Pty) Ltd, merged with Afroteq FM Solutions (Pty) Ltd in 2009 which allowed them to consolidate both of their business operations.

Afroteq FM, who also owns the Academy was and remains a strong brand in space design and facilities management consulting. Afroteq Academy is the first FM Academy established in South Africa; something which the brand is very proud of as it demonstrates its longstanding presence as the forerunners in driving FM awareness in its industry. Arcus Facilities Management on the other

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Ultimately, we try and make sure that we not only implement the right solution for the client, but by unpacking the complexities inherent in any facility and applying skilled people, we ensure that the solution is implemented right

R e siden ti a l

S e r vi ce s

Oxygon Electrical & Maintenance has over 10 years experience in helping residential client keeping their houses in top electrical shape and also seeing that all work and installations comply with the highest SABS standards.

Oxygon Electrical & Maintenance also assists estate managers in the upkeep and maintaining of safe electrical supply in estates.

Whether you are a building contractor or commercial or industrial developer, you deserve reliable electrical services. Oxygon Electrical & Maintenance has extensive experience providing top-quality commercial electrical services to customers in Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas.

C om m erc ia l

Sparking Up Your Life Choose Oxygon Electrical & Maintenance for your next project, irrespective of how big or small.

Branches - 38a Green St, North End, 6001 Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - 92 Campbell street, Fort beauford - Parow, Western cape Tel: 041 4844280 | Mobile: 083 6887682 Fax: 0862 313276 | Email: info@oxygon.co.za

www.oxygonelec.co.za

S er v i ces

A F R O T E Q

A D V I S O R Y

( P T Y )

hand owned the FM Solutions brand.

This company had and still continues to dominate in facilities management and technical consulting with a strong footprint in the public sector and among international clients. The acquisition was beneficial for both parties and enhanced the possibilities and deliverables across facilities management.

Afroteq’s main reason for the merger was to develop a solid technical and engineering skillset that was previously lacking within the organisation and in so doing realise a vision to build strong capacity as a proudly South African business.

Michau explains: “Prior to 2009, Afroteq’s business focused on soft and technical service management, project management, design and improving management competencies through training clients’ staff alongside its

L T D

AGRIVA AL PROJEC T Afroteq Design was appointed by the Department of Public Works as the interior designers responsible for acoustics, space planning, signage and joinery for the refurbishment of the Agrivaal building in the Tshwane CBD. The goals for the building were to be green by design, build and operation.

The building has been given a four-star green rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa and was the first Government building in Tshwane to receive this prestigious award.

Afroteq Academy After identifying the lack of facilities management skill at junior management level within the average company, Afroteq established its Academy as an enabler, to help companies better manage their business through sourcing skilled people. A SETA (Services Sector Education Training Authority) registered training provider, Afroteq Academy offers six short courses and one certificated qualification with a focus on improving the management capabilities and competencies of people.

“We developed these training courses as we found that more could be taught at intermediary management level in order to provide value to the business to enable proper operations and strategic decisions. In addition, our seventh course is a national certification (NQF level five) in customer management which takes four-six months to complete,” comments Michau.

82

strategic decision-making facilities management capabilities.

“The marriage of the two companies brought together the technical facilities management capabilities of FM Solutions with the management modelling approach of Afroteq. This enabled us to handle facilities management throughout the lifecycle process, along with leveraging the new skills and knowledge base from Arcus Facilities Management.”

In the past six years, Afroteq - as a business unit of Arcus Facilities Management - has grown significantly, gaining traction in the outsourced facilities management sector while focusing on investments internally in order to mobilise these outsourced contracts successfully, and bolster

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

and grow the capacity of its technical advisory team. Today, having made our internal investments and achieved our goals, Afroteq is re-energised and stands stronger and independent as a specialist FM Advisory Company, with an Academy endorsed by the AFMS Group (Pty) Ltd. “This rebranding is very much representative of our history and the changes we have been through as a Company,” he further details.

AFMS Group (Pty) Ltd is therefore created from the brands’ Afroteq and FM Solutions (Pty) Ltd, but the new trading name can also be derived as the acronym for the previous Arcus Facilities Management Services, a name that is well known in the South African market.

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

METRO CLEANING SERVICES Metro Cleaning Services has accumulated a wealth of experience in the industry for the past 20 years. We are a national cleaning company and our success lies in the flexibility and dedication in meeting the clients’needs.

Our professionalism is indicated by long-term relationships with both major valued clients and staff. Metro Cleaning Services rapid growth is due to its commitment to providing the highest quality services. These include:

Cleaning > Hygiene > Pest Control > ‘One-off Cleaning’ • Corporate Offices • Factories • Universities • Schools / Colleges • Hospitals • Apartment Blocks • Financial Institutions • Retail Stores • Malls

• Stripping and Sealing of Hard Floors • Pre and Post Occupation Cleaning • Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Ablution Deep Cleaning • Cold Storage Rooms

Metro Cleaning Services

Tel: 0861 445522 / 021 686 1395 www.metrosanitarysolutions.co.za

Making the right decisions

Going forward, there are two strategic areas that Afroteq will continue to expand into: strategic facilities advice and support and professional services. In 2010, the newly-merged Company identified an opportunity in the professional services market; a growing area of interest which includes quantity surveying, programme management and the development management.

Given the current global economic climate, all companies are looking for ways to minimise expense while remaining efficient and uncompromising on quality. Despite this, Afroteq is seeing a great need for its advisory and training services which are helping South Africa’s key

business decision makers to make the right decisions.

He concludes: “Our main focus has been to change the perception and raise awareness of facilities management, as companies often underestimate this non-core yet strategic element affecting their core business. Many large institutions tend to take decisions based on very high level strategic considerations, and as a result sometimes do not consider the time, cost and people implication of this decision on the facilities environment.

“What we have found is that facilities management is most often the second biggest cost item on any company’s income statement, second only to salaries, which makes

it a crucial part of business success to manage well. We want to make sure that we are able to service the market from a facilities management perspective, and also serve and guide those who do not outsource this service. We do this through our Academy, training the relevant staff who manage their facilities and by helping them make the right strategic facilities decisions; this is a specialist consulting service that has proven beneficial for the whole market.

“Afroteq is out there to help consider every aspect of facilities management from the present day right through to the long-term design for a company’s future growth prospects.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

83

ame R A Z O R B I L L

H O L D I N G S

( P T Y )

L T D

BUILDING Innovation After creating a business that offers total roofing and building solutions in South Africa, Razorbill is capitalising on growth opportunities in neighbouring Namibia and Swaziland in a bid to increase its portfolio Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Stuart Parker

84

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

azorbill Holdings has grown into a multifaceted building solution Company, comprised of four subsidiaries that when combined, provide an end-toend building solution that focuses on bringing innovative green building techniques to South Africa’s commercial, residential and social housing sectors.

At the core of its business remains Razorbill Properties 127 (Pty) Ltd, the first of its subsidiaries to enter the lightweight steel frame (LWSF) construction sector via the social housing market in 2007. The Company

U

C

T

I

O

N

quickly established itself as a reputable supplier of total roofing solutions, initiating and promoting the new South African energy efficient building regulation changes; which saw the industry move from the standard cranked IBR roofing sheets on purlins, into energy efficient roofing solutions consisting of cement roof tiles on trusses and later, the inclusion of ceilings with insulation.

“At the time, we designed our roofs in such a way that they could be retro-fitted with ceiling insulation materials to upgrade the houses over time, bringing them in line with the expected legislation. Given that the market continues to constantly change, it is important to think ahead in order to provide the right

innovative roofing solution in the long-term,” explains Chris Smith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Razorbill Holdings.

As the roofing market became further saturated, Smith identified that there was a gap in the market for a total solution provider who could take on an active project management role. In 2010, this prompted the decision to split the Company into the aforementioned four subsidiaries under one holding Company, namely: Razorbill Eco Building Warehouse, Razorbill Eco Construct, Razorbill Construct and Razorbill Properties 127.

“Leveraging our strengths in both working with steel and roofing solutions, we began to expand the Company and enter into the supply of other key building materials, providing turnkey solutions for projects across both the public and private domains including institutional building and government projects,” says Smith.

With client needs determined on a project by project basis, Razorbill has successfully bolstered on all the right components to offer a tailored turnkey service including in-house architectural design and engineering services through its professional teams. Moreover, continuous research and development into new building technologies has meant a solid quality of service for clients as the Company now looks to share its knowledge by exploring opportunities in Namibia and Swaziland.

RAZORBILL HOLDINGS

RAZORBILL PROPERTIES 127 (PTY)

LIGHT WEIGHT STEEL PRODUCTS

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

85

R A Z O R B I L L

H O L D I N G S

( P T Y )

L T D

Long free-span trusses for industrial and commercial applications

Scratching the surface

Leveraging its strong South African backbone, Razorbill is currently testing the market outside of the country, identifying Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia as significant growth markets.

Smith details: “Not only is Namibia close to our current operations, but it has the potential to serve as the gateway to its surrounding countries such as Angola, Zambia and Botswana.

On top of this, the country has a strong drive to become financially independent from South Africa in the near future. We have only just begun to scratch the surface of the market here, starting with an agreement with a local company.”

At present, Razorbill has two contracts in Namibia: one social housing project and one for additions to the Maerua Mall in Windhoek, while also having a number of contracts in the negotiation or early design phase.

“To expand our market share in

86

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Not only is Namibia close to our current operations, but it has the potential to serve as the gateway to its surrounding countries such as Angola, Zambia and Botswana

both Namibia and Swaziland we will have to install capacity, which involves skills transfer or our South Africa competencies to the market; with the view to then recruit locally.

Functioning as a sort of franchise model, we can provide all the technical engineering, design, assist with management, arrange the supply of materials, training and offer financial packages from our South African operations,” the CEO states.

Further to this, the Company continues to develop its core roofing business in South Africa which witnesses significant growth year-on-year. “We have a number of residential and commercial projects currently underway in the country, including several projects which were entered into the Steel Awards of the Year competition that will take place in September,” he continues.

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management Fully Furnished & Services Accommodation Related Civil Infrastructure Turn-key Financial Models

Factory pre-assembled panels reduce site activities and congestion in built-up environments

Passing on the savings

South Africa is well-known for its sustainability efforts, having embraced renewable and green energy compliances across the board. Razorbill’s innovative building technologies are not only 100 percent compliant, but are eight times more insulating than standard brick and mortar building solutions.

Smith emphasises: “Clients that choose us will find that our eco materials present multiple energy savings which are passed onto the home or building owner, while ensuring minimal environmental impact. By working with local brands that have an international presence, such as ArcelorMittal for our galvanised steel and Saint Gobain building technologies, we can ensure a consistently high quality finish is achieved for every project.”

Equally, Smith recognises the importance of generating local

3rd Floor, Room 314, Tower A, 1 CyberCity, Ebene, Mauritius Email: info@lmi.mu • Tel: +23 (0) 403 6195 • www.lmi.mu

Chris Smith CEO, Razorbill Holdings “We strongly recommend that anyone who wishes to enter into the LWSF construction sector start off by attending a course presented by the South African Light Steel Frame Building Association in order to ensure that they are fully conversant with all the matters related to the technology. This course is a sound foundation from which to start ones business and upon completion, attendees are also welcomed to do their first projects under the guidance and supervision of Razorbill to enhance the skills acquired in a larger building environment. The SASFA is an organisation which was established by major material suppliers to ensure that LWSF is a quality, energy efficient, cost efficient and preferred building methodology in Southern Africa.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

87

R A Z O R B I L L

H O L D I N G S

content and contributing to economic development goals in South Africa. As such, Razorbill Holdings’ subsidiaries are level 4 and level 3 BEE compliant and have black shareholding in all four divisions.

“We advocate skills development through the SASFA training courses and upskill local contractors with onthe-job training in order to enhance local core competencies; mainly training people in LWSF construction.

We appreciate the need for as much local development as possible to help grow the economy and address skills shortages which in turn, combats some pressing social issues,” he adds.

In order to further enhance its educational offering, Razorbill is in discussions with the South African Qualifications Authority, as well as the Namibian Qualifications Authority, to establish an apprenticeship scheme that will enhance the already extensive on-the-job training the Company offers and install pride and dignity amongst

L T D

The construction of a 4,700m2 hospital in Swaziland

Razorbill is known for its clean building sites, with virtually no building rubble

88

( P T Y )

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We advocate skills development through the SASFA training courses and upskill local contractors with on-the-job training in order to enhance local core competencies

C

O

N

S

T

R

local sub-contractors. Moreover, by taking part in corporate social investment projects on an annual basis, Razorbill is able to demonstrate its long-term commitment and presence in each area it operates.

Bespoke engineering

Technology has become an integral part of society and is an important part of any business operating today.

Using software provided by OEM, FRAMECAD Razorbill is able to utilise technology in the architectural drawing stage through to the engineering stage.

Smith cites: “This machine allows our six full time engineers to turn a concept drawing into a total engineered design solution to which we can make the necessary checks to make sure the resulting structure complies with local and international building standards.

“The program makes the manufacturing process more efficient

U

C

T

I

O

N

60%

Growth each year for the past five years

as you can feed the drawing straight into the machine to create bespoke and accurate profiled steel.”

Over the past five years, Razorbill has maintained an impressive growth rate of 60 percent per annum, and backed by its eight years of experience and aptitude for innovation, the Company is aiming to continue this growth pattern; with the opening of doors into Namibia and Swaziland contributing tremendously to profitability.

“Razorbill is very much in a growth phase and is equipped with all the right methodologies to continue researching the best green building innovations that ultimately provide a return to the end-user. The adoption of these building technologies in Southern Africa shows the continent’s aptitude to follow in the footsteps of Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US in securing a more sustainable future for its people,” Smith concludes.

Kuruman fasade

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

89

ame M O R R I S

90

M A T E R I A L

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

H A N D L I N G

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

AFRICA’S

Legend Morris Material Handling is complemented by its Crane Aid division to provide standards of service that others strive to achieve across sub-Saharan Africa Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Arron Rampling

orris Material Handling has spent more than 60 years developing a reputation and brand loyalty within Africa, leveraging more than a century’s worth of expertise to become a living legend in an ever-diversifying range of domains.

Committed to providing engineered material handling solutions across a variety of industries in sub-Saharan Africa, from its South African base, the Company has expanded to comprise both the manufacture and supply of specialised lifting equipment via its two divisions; Morris Material Handling and Crane Aid. The global Morris Cranes Group was established in 1884, paving the way for Morris Material Handling SA (Pty)

Ltd to break into what was a rapidly evolving South African sector in 1952.

Since then, Morris has become a name synonymous with consistency of quality cranes, excellent maintenance credentials and a portfolio of projects carried out for equally renowned businesses in the region.

Ultimately, what Morris has fostered is a concerted client and employee loyalty stemming from operational excellence both internally and externally, leading to the legend status that it enjoys to this day.

The Company says: “By choosing Africa’s lifting legend you tap into a wealth of knowledge, dedicated experience and industry knowhow, and you enjoy peace of mind knowing that your material handling solution brings value to your business.”

Continuous improvement

Throughout Morris’s development on the continent, the Company has found a balance between diversification of its service range, while staying true to the offering that made the business so successful in the first place.

Traditionally, its reputation has stemmed from its crane provision, gaining notoriety for its professional expertise in design, fabrication, machining and assembly of light, medium and heavy engineering products.

Its 11,000 square metre manufacturing facility was custom built for achieving such variety and has laid the foundation for specialisation across manual chain hoists and lifting equipment; electric chain hoists; wire rope hoists; standard cranes with

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

91

M O R R I S

M A T E R I A L

capacities of up to 150 tonnes; and engineered cranes for hot metal, container handling or heavy duty process requirements.

Also integrating a vast range of accessory provision and maintenance options to complement its core crane and hoist products, Morris can boast extensive experience across a range of sectors, to further its already established engraining into African industry.

“We seek to maintain our market position by the continuous improvement of our products and customer services and by providing the leadership, resources and training necessary to create an environment in which every member of the company can contribute towards to our continued success,” the Company emphasises.

Under the same umbrella, leveraging the same expertise, and enjoying the same positive feedback within the sector, Morris’s Crane Aid division has proven to be equally successful in recent years, acting as a nationwide network for the provision of long-term maintenance, servicing, modernisation and the supply of spare parts.

H A N D L I N G

Double girder cranes are available with a number of main girder connection versions

Morris’s Crane Aid division has been very successful in recent years

92

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We seek to maintain our market position by the continuous improvement of our products and customer services and by providing the leadership, resources and training necessary to create an environment in which every member of the company can contribute towards to our continued success

Introduced in 1976 as a way to refresh the Morris Material Handling offering, the business is now South Africa’s largest crane service division, equipped to maintain everything that is included in its sister company’s product range.

“No matter how much or little assistance is needed a Crane Aid customised maintenance programme allows you to focus on your core production and trust the care of your overhead cranes to us,” the Company states. “Crane Aid teams provide a standard of service that others strive to achieve.”

Blue-chip customers

With a footprint across both South Africa and Mozambique, Crane Aid has given Morris Material Handling a turnkey service with which to market its products; an attractive proposition taken up by a number of different industries in the region.

Sectors bridging steel making, power generation, pump stations

C

O

N

S

T

R

and water treatment, refuse disposal, paper manufacturing, container handling, railways, chemicals, mining and engineering have all benefitted from the Morris experience.

The Company says: “For more than sixty years, Morris Material Handling SA (Pty) Ltd has supplied more than 9,000 cranes and thousands of hoists across a variety of industries throughout South Africa and into sub-Saharan Africa. When you select a Morris crane you will have the opportunity to experience living the legend.

“Morris Material Handling has experienced exceptional growth in both staff and market share, and boasts an extensive list of blue-chip customers and impressive projects to date.”

Market-leading multinational operators such as Metso Minerals, DCD Dorbyl, Efficient Engineering and Dendustri have all leveraged Morris’ experience and efficiency in the completion of their own landmark

U

C

T

I

O

N

Tel: +27 (11) 791 3460 Fax: +27 (11) 791 3464 enquiry@binder.co.za www.binder.co.za

Braking Technology Emergency and Service Disc Brake for overhead cranes, container cranes, belt conveyors, excavators, stackers, re-claimers, chair lifts and mine winders.

Electrohydraulic Thrusters All original spare parts and repair services available for both ELHY and ELDRO thruster types.

Volvo’s South African plant is just one of many examples of Morris enhancing its global recognition

Electromagnetic Brakes and Clutch for all types of industrial drives.

projects in recent years, while the City of Cape Town also benefitted from Morris Material Handling products at the Athlone Refuse Transfer Station and the Visserhok Landfill site.

The Royal Swazi Sugar Corporation and Titanus Slew Rings similarly indulged in what Morris had to offer; the latter citing a “continuous commitment to quality and customer service”, as a familiar reason for awarding the contract to the crane specialist.

The Company’s successful contribution towards Volvo’s South African plant is just one of many examples of the business encouraging enhanced global recognition, but Morris has a lot to thank South Africa for in general, and its work on Eskom’s Kendal Power Station epitomises the domestic prominence that Morris enjoys, having been such an ever-present figure in the country’s industrial growth over the past 63 years.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

93

ame A I R T E L

M A D A G A S C A R

Customers

for Life Airtel believes there is a bright future ahead for telecoms in Madagascar and is working hard to take the much-loved brand to the next level through strategic investment in the network Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Donovan Smith

94

irtel Madagascar has been one of the key beneficiaries of the Airtel Group’s 2014 continentwide investment programme to contribute more than US$1 billion dollars into Africa’s network infrastructure. As a result of a concerted focus to boost Airtel’s brand presence in the country, along with investments to bring improved 2G and 3G services to the market - with 4G in the future pipeline - the Madagascan arm began to gain subscribers and obtain the leading telco position in a bid to win “customers for life”; achieving profitability for the first time in the financial year 2015/2016.

“Madagascar is a country where teledensity, a measurement of how many phones are available per capita, stands at 35 percent. When compared to the African average of 55-60 percent, this figure is among the lowest on the continent and so part of our long-term vision is to raise this number and continue to gain more customers for life as per our Company goals,” affirms Maixent Bekangba, Managing Director (MD) of Airtel Madagascar.

Having been Managing Director for almost two years, Bekangba continues to work hard and improve the most loved brand in the country through the extension of the Airtel Group’s SMART network, skilled employees, innovative value-add products and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

community-orientated presence.

“Everything we do is centred around our slogan, Madagascar my Country, Airtel my Network. And in line with this, we are now working on increasing access to telecommunications services, specifically through addressing the voice demand with different packages for different target demographics

T

E

C

H

N

and increasing the number of 2G and 3G sites for our two main market segments: the mass market and business enterprise. “Our continuous improvement strategy has resulted in Airtel Madagascar maintaining the number one position in the country for both CMS (customer market share) and

O

L

O

G

Y

RMS (revenue market share), despite the challenging and competitive environment in which we operate,� he adds.

Access to tech

When we interviewed Mr Bekangba in 2014, it became apparent that the development of Madagascar’s

telecoms industry was very much dependent on achieving better political and economic stability. Having made great strides in establishing a clear and fair telecommunications framework and regulatory rules, Airtel Madagascar has been able to leverage the new government framework to increase telecommunications access

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

95

A I R T E L

M A D A G A S C A R

REAL IMPACT ANALYTICS 10 cities probably represent more than 70% of your revenues and there is more untapped potential in the rest of the country.

By selling into micro markets, Airtel Madagascar is capturing market share.

They seize pockets of opportunity by combining a powerful geo-marketing tool - with town-level data - supported by a management process. The tool, Real Impact Analytics’ Micro Market Management (M3), is an action-oriented interface that drives Airtel Madagascar teams’ daily decisions across territories.

Key insights for micro market management CSR education project in collaboration with Huawei, providing tablet computers to children

from 35 percent to 60 percent, with the help of both Group investment and local vendor relationships.

“This new framework means that we can work towards our goal of giving 65 percent of the population the chance to access to our mobile network and services. This includes business enterprise customers who would benefit from our service to give them nationwide communication capabilities and enhance the mobile platform to encourage more efficient business.

“We need to show the public that we have an understanding of the developing market here, so by providing a number of affordable services to those in the mining, agriculture, tourism and construction markets as well as the general market, we equip people with the right tools so they can be more efficient in managing their business finances and relationships,” explains Bekangba.

This customer focus is filtered throughout the population, and Airtel Madagascar even has an education programme to show the community the possibilities that a mobile and accompanying affordable services can bring to their lives.

96

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

1. During every M3 process, Airtel Madagascar identifies high potential cities and prioritizes them, setting local strategies.

2. Departments can’t work separately so managing micro markets means breaking organizational silos. For instance, a regional sales department deploying field actions while the town faces network problems will never achieve the expected results.

3. You need to measure the impact of your actions: control that the right cities were selected, the right actions deployed and if they’ve been correctly executed.

We transformed Airtel Madagascar’s data into action by embedding big data apps in their day-to-day work. Their teams optimize the way they work by leveraging daily data from different departments at granular territory level.

Like this story? Join us for our free Micro Market Management webinar with Maixent Bekangba, Airtel Madagascar’s Managing Director and Sébastien Deletaille, Real Impact Analytics’ CEO to learn more about taking a micro market approach.

When: Monday September 24th 4:00pm (GMT+2) Where: Register at www.realimpactanalytics.com/en/webinar Contact: webinar@ria.bi

Do you know your micro markets?

Shift your focus from overseeing a country to managing micro markets by combining telecom data with a micro market approach.

Five quick wins to increase market share Join us for a free 30 minute Micro Market Management webinar with Maixent Bekangba, Airtel Madagascar’s Managing Director and Sébastien Deletaille, Real Impact Analytics’ CEO. Learn how they leverage subscriber and infrastructure telecom data with big data apps.

When: Monday September 24th 4:00 PM (GMT+2) Where: Register at realimpactanalytics.com/en/webinar Contact: webinar@ria.bi

community member

award winner

FREE WEBINAR

We capture the value in telecom data

award winner

A I R T E L

M A D A G A S C A R

H.B.C

H

.B.C is present in all of areas of building, telecommunication, and infrastructure maintenance and strives to ensure unique designs and irreproachable qualities of our products, whilst continuously developing better production processes, studies and conceptions.

We promise to provide profitable products and services, and coupled with our reliability, we put our customers’ interests first.

With our experienced staff, we offer the best services to our clients, allowing them to establish a communication system in order to answer their personal and business needs.

“We build to last” T +261 330 732 522

www.hbc.mg

Airtels Madagascar’s CyberBus roadshow

Data

A significant part of Airtel Madagascar’s investment has been injected into the improvement of its data service offering. By renewing any equipment that is coming to the end of its life, Airtel Madagascar is reducing the cost of data for its customers with a view to achieve a long-term return.

“Data is becoming more crucial for businesses and in recognising this fact, we are close to having one 2G site for every 3G site and are working towards 4G deployment as well. The cost of improvements to our data service is more than voice and text as we already have sub-marine fibre cable infrastructure in the country to support this,” comments Bekangba.

Although there is clear demand for data services, free web services from Facebook’s internet.org are presenting challenges in the Madagascan market as Bekangba highlights: “Given the country’s immature market, internet. org is potentially damaging to the

98

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

...our crossborder vision dubbed ‘One Network’ ensures that our services are available in neighbouring countries at almost no extra cost for the customer

early growth of data and the speed at which we can finance further network investments in order to improve our service offering for customers.”

Despite this issue, Airtel Madagascar has been able to bring the Group’s industry-leading financial inclusion product, Airtel Money, to the local customers. “In addition to the basic airtime and top-up features, customers can use Airtel Money in Madagascar to complete money transfers, to which we are about to add the facility for international transfers,” he says.

“Moreover, our cross-border vision dubbed ‘One Network’ ensures that our services are available in neighbouring countries at almost no extra cost for the customer.”

Local empowerment

By leveraging the core skills from Airtel Group and its position as the third largest telco in the word, Airtel Madagascar has been fortunate enough to take part in international

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

WE BUILD TO LAST

H.B.C PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN THE AREAS OF

BUILDING, TELECOMMUNICATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURES MAINTENANCE

WITHIN MADAGASCAR

WWW.HBC.MG FANANTENANA RAOILISON Mobil: +261 330 732 522 Skype ID: fanantenana4 Email: fanantenana@hbc.mg

Samsung Galaxy S6 launch

skills transfer programmes in order to improve skills capacities throughout the value chain. The Group’s Mobility Programme promotes cross-border skills development to bring the latest thought-leading innovations to Madagascar “Our programmes start from root level upwards in order to place as many local people as possible within our business. For example, we employ those who live in the surrounding areas as local shop managers and train them in Airtel best practices, and this is really helping us to stand out from the country’s competitors in terms of our local presence. Ultimately, all those employed by us become part of the Airtel family and are treated as such,” Bekangba explains.

Likewise, a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into securing the best partners available for the network improvements through a unique outsourcing model that has

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

99

A I R T E L

M A D A G A S C A R

been honed over the past five years.

He emphasises: “Our network is being managed by NSN (Nokia Solutions and Networks) and our IT is looked after by the multinational giant, IBM. Supplementing these world-class names are a whole host of local companies who play crucial roles in our site and tower construction, maintenance and other day-to-day duties; and above all they have a deep understanding of the local market and Madagascan culture,” Bekangba says.

Another way in which Airtel Madagascar immerses itself into the country’s business and social scenes is through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes; most commonly across the ICT, education, health and sport sectors, with a particular focus on youth.

IT’S NOW! Yaya Toure of Manchester City is an Airtel Ambassador

100

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Airtel Madagascar at the launch of the ‘it’s Now!’ project

“Through the campaign named ‘It’s Now’, Airtel is helping to educate and support the youth in Africa to achieve great things and reach their goals.

Programmes like this are supported by our Ambassadors and one such example is African footballer, Yaya Toure, a player from Manchester City who has been appointed as an Airtel Ambassador,” he adds.

“Ultimately, we do not want to be an island of prosperity in the middle of poverty,” Bekangba continues.

“That is why our focus on CSR remains vital to our daily operations not just in Madagascar but throughout the Airtel

T

E

C

H

N

Group. Some examples include our partnership with the Ministry of Health for the provision of medicines to the public, donations for flood victims and the provision of computers in schools to better prepare the youth of today for work.”

In spite of a challenging socioeconomic environment, Bekangba says that it is important for customers

O

L

O

G

Y

We will continue to invest with the definitive aim of creating affordable telecoms packages as we recognise that technology plays an important part in shaping the future of the economy and connecting Madagascar to the world

Providing support on Mother’s Day

to trust in Airtel and recognise that the brand that is in it for the long-term. He concludes: “We will continue to invest with the definitive aim of creating affordable telecoms packages as we recognise that technology plays an important part in shaping the future of the economy and connecting Madagascar to the world; and there is ample opportunity to make this a reality.

“Above all, Airtel Madagascar’s vision is to help the people here, not just by investing in a solid network infrastructure, but through our corporate social investment activities that build trust in our brand.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

101

ame I N T E R N E T

S O L U T I O N S

G H A N A

Leveraging the wider Dimension Data Group’s expertise and technology, Internet Solutions Ghana has been able to invest significantly into Ghana’s network infrastructure, including the recently launched US$15 million Metro Fibre expansion project Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Donovan Smith pecialising in agnostic technology, specifically connectivity that is individually tailored to the demands of organisations across the enterprise, public sector and SMEs, Internet Solutions Ghana has made significant strides since formation in the country in 2008, with a concerted focus on bringing connectivity, communications and cloud solutions to the local market.

Internet Solutions is a whollyowned subsidiary of the Dimension Data MEA, headquartered in South Africa, and the NTT Group based in Japan. The multinational structure enables Internet Solutions Ghana to leverage some of the world’s most innovative end-to-end telecoms solutions and related services and bring them straight to the Ghanaian market.

“In the past year, we have witnessed a huge shift not just in connectivity usage, but also in terms of the number of carriers here and the increasing desire for cloud solutions. In reaction to this, Internet Solutions Ghana deployed a number of cloud

102

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

A GHANAIAN TELCO

with a

As such, we intend to keep pace with the latest innovations so as to not only stand out from the competition, but bring international network and global service delivery standards to the Ghanaian market,” the MD further highlights.

Flavour solutions two years ago and has been experiencing growth ever since. Last year, we reaped the fruits of our thought leadership and were subsequently nominated and awarded the ‘Cloud Service Provider of the Year’ at the Ghana Telecoms Awards in 2014,” says Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, Regional Managing Director (MD) of Internet Solutions Ghana.

Since establishment 21 years ago, the Internet Solutions brand has built a presence in South Africa, the UK, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, with 56 PoPs (points of presence) across the continent.

West Africa, in particular Ghana, was identified by the Group as an attractive market due to its economic and political stability in recent times, resulting in one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

“The Group sees Ghana as a key growth area, recognising that we are part of a much larger technology ecosystem emerging on the continent.

RF engineer hard at work at the IS Ghana Data Centre

Metro Fibre

In July 2015, Internet Solutions Ghana announced that it had broken ground for its US$15 million network infrastructure expansion project.

Dubbed the Metro Fibre project, the investment is a significant milestone that will provide better connectivity to the last mile.

Adounvo Atekpe further explains: “Ghana has access to a substantial undersea cable network, and although it provides the country with a quality wide geographic network infrastructure, our investment will bridge the current gap in bringing robust last mile infrastructure direct to commercial and business locations.

“Leveraging our position as a telco leader, this expansion over the next three years is designed to meet the growing demand for data and provide more services for our enterprise and government clients, allowing them to deliver enhanced services to their customers and citizens.”

Since launching the Metro Fibre project a month ago at a ceremony with the Minister of Communications in Accra, Internet Solutions Ghana has began deploying the relevant network infrastructure in Accra and will soon cover additional commercially viable cities in Ghana.

Collaborating with contractors, Infratele Solutions Ghana and Tejas Networks (India), the network will have an initial capacity of 400 Gigabits a second (Gbps) which is expandable to 3.2 Terrabits a second (Tbps), providing an advanced fibre optic backbone to deliver improved data services to Ghana.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

103

Infratele Solutions I

nfratele Solutions, the leading provider of Turnkey Optic Fibre Infrastructure Solutions as a System Integrator, is proud to be strategic partner in Internet Solutions Metro Core, Access and Last mile fibre infrastructure deployment for total transformation of Internet Solutions Metro Ethernet Network provisioning.

Dipak Kumavat, MD Infratele Solutions

In today’s competitive environment of Service providers to be able to offer their clients personalized high quality services with shortest delivery time, Infratele Solutions has positioned itself for rapid deployment of Backbone Networks, Metro fibre Core Networks, Metro fibre Access Networks, Last mile fibre connectivity and client specific requirements on turnkey basis consistently for Service providers to accelerate business value.

For over sixteen years in West Africa, our key personnel have acquired extensive experience of Design, supply, installation, commissioning of total end to end solutions for various clients in Ghana, Togo and Nigeria.

Infratele Solutions, since its inception in 2007 has provided quality services and solutions to West Africa’s leading Service providers as Main Contractor and Multinational companies as a subcontractor. Over the years, company has achieved leadership position in today’s cutting edge competition environment and fast paced technology development.

With explosion of bandwidth hungry new applications in recent years and continual growing requirements of high speed data and complex internet solutions is posing need of developing truly scalable Metro Fibre networks. These Metro Optic Fibre

Networks also need to be offering solutions & flexibility adaptable to future complex applications environment.

Understanding client objective and advising on building flexibility for future Network scalability is the prime strength of Infratele Solutions while designing Metro Fibre Networks for its clients.

With rich recent past considerable experience of Design, Supply and Implementation of Metro Fibre Core, Access and Last mile connectivity, Infratele Solutions is confident of helping Internet Solutions to develop fully resilient Network to cater to prospective clients for multidimensional Data and Internet application requirements for years to come. Infratele Solutions has experienced teams for catering to requirements of Internet Solutions after sales support and Network expansion needs.

At Infratele Solutions, engineers continuously thrive to understand, adapt to new technologies and Network design challenges / requirements to offer clients accelerated Business Value for their investments. This has helped our clients maximize profitability even at short run and inspire their clients forever.

With presence in Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and Niger, Infratele Solutions is all set to expand its Services to other African Countries. Infratele Solutions with its alliance partners is fully geared up with latest spearheading technology and latest state of art implementation practices for fibre infrastructure deployment meeting ITU Standards.

www.infratelesolutions.com

I N T E R N E T

S O L U T I O N S

G H A N A

IS Ghana was able to quickly deploy cloud services in the country, thanks to its strategic investments

“To complement the Metro Fibre project, we searched for a world class, ultra-fast wireless broadband technology partner in Ghana. We selected Cambium Networks and its 3.5 GHz point-to-multipoint platform because of its combination of leading technology, high reliability and speed of deployment,” adds Adounvo Atekpe.

Resulting projects

In tandem with the substantial network infrastructure investments being made, Internet Solutions Ghana has been able to release a new range of products to the market that focus on delivering value-add services for the cloud.

“Cloud services have become extremely pervasive in Ghana.

Cloud is an enabler: if one takes into consideration the flexibility and reduced costs from adopting cloud services, then any organisation can easily see the benefits of implementing the service. Advantageously for Internet

106

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Cloud is an enabler: if one takes into consideration the flexibility and reduced costs from adopting cloud services, then any organisation can easily see the benefits of implementing the service

Solutions Ghana, we are able to quickly deploy cloud services including hosted enterprise PBX, managed services and Wi-Fi,” Adounvo Atekpe details.

Internet Solutions Ghana is following in the footsteps of the global technology revolution and capitalising on the latest trends in the business to bring the best in connectivity, cloud computing and communication solutions to as many people as possible.

Behind every cloud solution is a data centre, and Internet Solutions Ghana also has a foothold in this space also via its tier 3 data centre in the country.

“The above forms an integral part of our service promise, which we have a duty to live up to. In line with this our customers have access to our stateof-the-art Customer Zone, an online service where clients can login and see network developments in real time.

“In order to ensure optimum uptime of the network for our customers, we are investing in alternative energy such as solar power and as a result, most

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

Yvette Adounvo Atekpe was awarded ICT Woman of the Year in 2014 for her immense contribution to the ICT business sector over the years, representing an inspirational force for young women looking to achieve excellence

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

107

I N T E R N E T

S O L U T I O N S

G H A N A

Internet Solutions Ghana provided a deprived school in the Dangme-West district of New Ningo with a computer lab, internet connectivity and library tools. Staff also provide mentoring to these pupils

of our base stations are now powered by renewable energy as a second tier backup to diesel generators,” she continues.

Value-add

To complete the value-add service offering is a team of 46 100 percent Ghanaian employees who benefit from Group training from the Dimension Data University (DDU), which is something that distinguishes Internet Solutions Ghana from the competition.

108

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Adounvo Atekpe says: “We were commended by the government of Ghana for our 100 percent local status which has only been possible due to our huge network presence around the world. This gives our customers confidence in the brand, demonstrating that while we are fully Ghanaian, we inject a global flavour into our network through our alignment with the wider Group.”

The DDU’s online learning platform provides all requisite training for staff and this is supplemented with locally

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

IS Ghana’s team benefits from Group training, in addition to locally-tailored training

The recent launch and sod-cutting of IS Ghana’s $15 million metro-fibre and infrastructure expansion project. In attendance was the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and invited guests from the National Communications Authority and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, along with other key business clients

tailored training to meet countryspecific requirements.

“In order to provide a personal touch, we have a dedicated solutions architect who is tasked with making sure that the client receives the right solutions and is happy with their service. He/she spends time with the client to understand their unique requirements and ‘design’ an appropriate solution,” she further adds.

Internet Solutions Ghana’s huge network investment serves to cement its position in Ghana long into the future. The undeniable connection

between internet access and economic growth, particularly on the African continent, makes the Company’s work even more poignant.

For Adounvo Atekpe, the ultimate aim of Internet Solutions Ghana’s investments is to both improve customer experience and reduce costs.

She concludes: “Over the long-term, it will be great to see the impact of our completed metro fibre line and the difference it will make to the country’s wider economic development by bringing more people and new services

online.

“In the not too distant future, we look forward to Internet Solutions Ghana being the company that all future-focused organisations turn to for end-to-end communication solutions. We will continue to honour our partnerships with local companies and focus on our core IT solutions business and maintain and enhance customer confidence in our brand, while leveraging our global links to deliver the best technologies in Ghana.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

109

ame C A B L E

&

W I R E L E S S

Charles Hammond, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cable & Wireless Seychelles with wife, Mrs Hammond

110

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S E Y C H E L L E S

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

Revolution I S L A N D

Q U A D - P L A Y

Seychelles’ leading and longstanding telecoms company continues to enhance its service offering by becoming the country’s first convergent quad-play provider. This has been achieved through strategic planning, a bold vision and significant investment over the past few years Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Donovan Smith

able & Wireless Seychelles (CWS) is of historical and cultural importance in Seychelles. Commencing operations in the country 122 years ago, CWS is intrinsic to the very history of the country having connected Seychelles to the outside world by deploying the first submarine cable in 1893 for the technological marvel that was the telegraph system.

Given the size the Company has grown to and its longstanding presence in the country, CWS is deeply rooted within the community, comprising a 97 percent Seychellois workforce. “Almost everyone in Seychelles knows someone who has worked for us, or indeed someone who is currently working for us. We are highly regarded as a substantial organisation that is known for bringing Seychelles closer to being a fully digital Island, in partnership with the Seychelles Government,” comments Charles Hammond, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cable & Wireless Seychelles.

The Company has evolved in a relatively short period of time to one that utilises all of the relevant technologies that are in demand today including FTTH, FTTC, LTE, 3G and MPLS L3; to deliver voice and the

85% Google’s estimated percentage of internet traffic in the Seychelles generated through Cable & Wireless customers

fastest 3G and LTE data in the country, corporate solutions, radio services, fixed line and most recently, television services to its valued customers.

All of CWS’ services, including entertainment, can be enjoyed on the move or at a fixed location.

According to its own statistics, CWS commands a 72 percent market share of internet data users; however, Google’s estimates are much higher than this, claiming that 80-85 percent of internet traffic in Seychelles is generated through Cable & Wireless customers.

Network investment

Since the economic reforms of 2008, CWS has been investing just under a quarter (at least 18 percent) of its profits back into the business, which has paid dividends for its quad-play and internet strategies which have been delivered through smart network expansion and infrastructure upgrade strategies. This has enabled CWS to be the Company of choice for both residential and business customers.

An incredible 95 percent of resorts and hotels subscribe exclusively to CWS services, illustrating the supreme confidence in their ability to deliver solutions of the highest standard.

“With regards to our residential customers, reliability, coverage and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

111

C A B L E

&

W I R E L E S S

S E Y C H E L L E S

affordability are the three staples of our business and with this significant investment in infrastructure, we have also made sure that every household was within two kilometres of a network station,” explains Hammond.

The high level of capex investment that is driven by its internet and quad-play strategies has given CWS a platform that sets the Company apart from the competition. Positioning itself as the provider of quality and reliable services, the company is now reaping the fruits of visionary planning.

Hammond further details: “We are proud to have increased our market share in recent years, to now stand at 68 percent in mobile services; placing us head and shoulders above the rest as the market leader in the telecoms

HM RAWAT

F

or decades, the HM RAWAT Group of companies (HMRG) has been rated among the best performing business groups in Mauritius. Founded in 1959, the group is a 100 percent owned and self-financed family business headquartered at the HASSAM MOUSSA RAWAT BUSINESS CENTRE, a landmark facility in Beau Bassin, Mauritius. HMRG is driven by Chairman, Mr. Mohamad Ameen H. Rawat, and CEO, Mr. Mohamad Ali H. Rawat.

Established in the Mobile Devices Market in Mauritius and in the Indian Ocean Islands in 1999, followed by Dubai in 2004, HMRG - involved in both import and export - has enjoyed exponential growth with an increased portfolio of activities. Additionally, HMRG’s own electronic brand, “W” was launched last year with the first device to be marketed, is a Microsoft-approved, “W-Mobil” Two-in-One Tablet-PC.

Television has long been identified as a key business area

Advanced LTE is key to delivering our mission statement: to provide world class communications and entertainment services whenever and wherever people work

112

industry. Equipped with the right people who are skilled, motivated and understand the local market, we are continuously looking forward. Our latest goals are to upgrade the whole 3G network to LTE, advance with VOLTE and to increase FTTH to more than 80 percent of the country, and our entertainment offers are riding on this.

“Advanced LTE is key to delivering our mission statement: to provide world class communications and entertainment services whenever and wherever people work, play and have fun. Convergence means that we can deliver voice, internet and entertainment services fixed and mobile in ways that are compelling and competitive to customers. To facilitate this, CWS has increased its international internet capacity five-fold in two and a half years.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Over the years, HMRG has diversified its business activities to become a pioneering leader in the fields of ICT, mobile telecommunications, IT hardware and software solutions, mobile applications, kitchen and bakery industrial equipment, luxury furniture, elegant kitchen appliances and luxury cars. Additionally, the Group has also recently begun representing the Subway fast food chain in the country.

With a mission to bring world-class quality of life to the people of Africa, HMRG currently distributes more that 20 world-renowned branded products across a number of African countries. With a concerted presence in mainland Africa established over a number of years, HMRG now looks to strengthen and expand its technological devices business in the short-term, cementing its positioning in South Africa and Central Africa; namely in Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Congo.

T +230 405 99 99 E info@hmrawat.com

www.hmrawat.com

HM RAWAT www.hmrawat.com

The vision goes beyond the frame HM RAWAT GROUP...

Building on our family values for more than 130 years to always be at the forefront of technology and trends by looking at the bigger picture.

HM RAWAT Business Centre, 227-229 Royal Road Beau-Bassin, Mauritius E: info@hmrawat.com , W: www.hmrawat.com T: +230 405 99 99,F: +230 465 99 90

C A B L E

&

W I R E L E S S

S E Y C H E L L E S

iCELL

i

Cell has been sourcing, branding and exporting brand awareness products, clothing, sports

equipment, promotional items and gifting to large corporates in South Africa and abroad since 1998.

Our strength is understanding the requirements of our clients and speed of service due to us being based in the hub of Johannesburg, South Africa.

With an excess of 20 000 products readily available, we are able to fulfil almost every need as we are able to control quality, branding and pricing.

We can custom design products to suit your individual needs, helping to create

CWS continues to develop in tandem with its bold investments is its employees

Our client base reaches countries as far

Entertainment hub

Since identifying the television market as a potential business area, CWS grabbed the opportunity with both hands and now is focusing on becoming the market leader within the next three years. Not only providing a service that customers have been accustomed to beforehand, but going above and beyond to provide an entertainment hub.

The service launched on 29 June with a variety of premium content to satisfy all demographics and tastes.

However, the plan is to continuously improve the service by keeping abreast of customer feedback and adding channels, VoD (video on demand) and mobile TV. In July, it added five new major channels with the aim to add many more in the near future. “The ability to watch your favourite programmes when you want and where you want is a seismic shift from what is currently available from our competitors; and we expect to have

114

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

awareness in your particular market.

as Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Angola. iCell is an expert in handling logistics, packaging, export documents, freight

As a customer focused organisation, we aspire to always better ourselves in order to move forward and align even more potential customers with the brand

and insurance which in turn makes the ease of importing valuable to our clients.

E cindy@icell.co.za gina@icell.co.za andrew@icell.co.za T +27 11 4600560

www.icell.co.za www.barronclothing.co.za www.wizard.co.za www.leatherandpens.co.za/a/a

The Corporate Branding Specialists

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY MEMORY STICKS

WRITING INSTRUMENTS & STATIONERY WORKWEAR

WORK BAGS LEISURE BAGS

GOLF SHIRTS

COOLERS & OUTDOOR DRINK-AND-LUNCHWARE

T-SHIRTS

NOTEBOOKS FOLDERS & TABLET HOLDERS

JACKETS

HOUSEWARES • HAMPERS AWARDS & EXECUTIVE GIFTS SUNGLASSES & WATCHES

HEADWEAR

GAMES, GIVE-AWAYS & NOVELTIES TOOLS, TORCHES & KNIVES ON THE ROAD

GAZEBOS

UMBRELLAS • GOLF SPORTS & WELLNESS LANYARDS

BANNERS

KEYHOLDERS PERSONAL CARE • PAMPER GIFTS

www.icell.co.za www.barronclothing.co.za www.wizard.co.za www.leatherandpens.co.za/a/a

cindy@icell.co.za gina@icell.co.za andrew@icell.co.za T: +27 11 4600560

C A B L E

&

W I R E L E S S

S E Y C H E L L E S

DT TECHNOLOGY

D

T Technology helps customers develop and maintain their infrastructure quickly, reliably and cost-effectively by simplifying the processes associated with managing the customer experience for activating and synchronizing connected devices and services.

Our mission is to provide an offering that comprehensively satisfies client requirements. We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals & grow their brands.

Our professionals offer IT services ranging from wireless solutions, LAN/ WAN/Telco services to CCTV solutions.

You demand excellence and that’s what we deliver.

Our basic ethos is underpinned by the skills and infrastructure that are essential to succeed in our marketplace: extensive onsite stockholding, a vastly experienced and knowledgeable sales team, vendor trained and certified engineers and fast and efficient global logistics.

CSR is at the heart of core values

achieved 20 percent of the market share in the first month of providing entertainment services,” says Hammond.

To complement these services and offer an inclusive package to its customers, CWS will also rollout its mobile money service, Cable & Wireless Cash, in November 2015, enabling customers to make financial transactions from their mobile phones.

Similarly, the Company has been busy in the enterprise space, striking a deal with Seychelles’ Civil Aviation Authority to provide free Wi-Fi for the country’s airport. “This service is currently being tested and is available throughout the airport. We recognise the growing trend and importance of internet availability in the modern world we live in. Subsequently, the Company is making improvements to the service as we speak and intends to extend the service to other areas of the country in public spaces such as

116

Providing significant donations to the youth sector

key business hubs, bus stations and so on,” the CEO says.

Customer focused

One area that CWS continues to develop in tandem with its bold investments is its employees. “As a customer focused organisation, we aspire to always better ourselves in order to move forward and align even more potential customers with the brand.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

DT Technology can help you evaluate business requirements, redesign processes, recommend packaged solutions, and implement third party systems. We can manage your implementation project and work with your vendor to ensure deliverables are completed on time and within budget.

We pride ourselves on providing the best equipment at great prices with excellent services. We hope to achieve our goal of becoming your trusted partner for IT/Network/Telco/IPTV products and services.

We are constantly expanding our global presence by entering new markets with wider product offerings with aim to meet your requirements.

www.dt-technology.co.uk

The Complete IT solutions Company

email: info@dt-technology.co.uk sales@dt-technology.co.uk tel: +44 2079935551 web: www.dt-technology.co.uk

DT Technology, the simplest and effective route to IT Solutions with minimum cost of ownership. The premier IT company has evolved from a Cisco hardware and solutions provider to a full-scale IT, network, Telco, and IPTV leader, offering global services backed by an executive team of professionals.

By delivering products and services tailored for the leading vendors, including Microsoft, HP, Dell, IBM, Oracle, VMware, Juniper, and Motorola, the DT Technology team offers a robust portfolio of leading-edge solutions

UK Head Office: DT Technology Ltd Kemp House, 152 City Road London, EC1V 2NX tel: +44 2079935551

with help of our professional sales team and vendor-trained and certified engineers.

The DT Technology infrastructure offers extensive on-site stockholding, efficient global logistics, and everything enterprises need to stay connected.

We pride ourselves on providing the best equipment at great prices with excellent services.We are constantly expanding our global presence by entering new markets with wider product offerings with aim to meet your requirements.

Canada Office: 1057 Cooper Ave Milton L9T5W6 Canada tel: +1 647 328 804

US Office: 4924 Enfield Ave Skokie IL 60077 United States tel: +1 224 616 1392

C A B L E

&

W I R E L E S S

S E Y C H E L L E S

Providing world-class communications wherever people work and play

“Careful planning has been at the core of our staff improvement strategy; we examined our resources to ensure there are qualified people deployed throughout the supply chain to accompany our significant investments. Most importantly, we achieved this without any service degradation, maintaining the network to a very high standard in accordance with shareholder expectations; creating a solid platform from which to rollout our new and improved service offering,” Hammond emphasises.

Each year, investment in training increases, with various programmes available for all staff that ensures a minimum threshold standard of qualification is upheld within the organisation. He further adds: “For example, we made it a requirement to be certified in whatever our employees are practiced in via specialised training through international bodies such as CISCO, VMWare, Microsoft, and so on.

“We take pride in the fact that more than 97 percent of our staff are from

118

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

the local community, and with more people than ever before employed by us, we continue to contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of Seychelles,” says Hammond.

Happy to Give

The ability to watch your favourite programmes when you want and where you want is a seismic shift from what is currently available from our competitors

In line with its indigenous culture, CWS places corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the heart of its core values.

“We connect the population through both our literal service offering and by taking a vested interest in the communities in which we operate. Our Happy to Give campaign has benefitted many different demographics across the country, with both staff and those we assist enjoying the project on an emotional and gratifying level,” the CEO comments.

One of the many ways in which the Company has contributed to communities is through its ‘Happy to Give’ initiative, where customers donated a huge amount of loyalty points, which CWS then matched and converted into money which was donated to charitable causes such as the national Hospice, the special

T

E

C

H

N

Olympics delegation who made it to the world games in LA, and the renovation of the centre for disabled children at a large primary school.

Amongst its other key CSR activities, CWS has renewed the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to provide free internet to all Government schools in the country and supported a youth coaching programme amongst other significant donations which have a direct impact on the community.

As we pass the half-way mark in 2015, CWS is particularly proud to be striving to achieve its mission

O

L

O

G

Y

statement goal; to provide world-class communications and entertainment services that allow people to work, play and have fun.

Hammond concludes: “Once achieved, we can call ourselves a fully integrated telecommunications and entertainment provider and begin looking further into the enterprise space at how we can adopt cloud and other key software solutions in this space.

“At present though, we see ourselves as the number one entertainment and communications

provider to the whole of Seychelles.

By executing the right strategies and continuing to invest in all the right technologies and services, as we have done so far, we will continue to strengthen the business and come up with ways to make it easier for customers to communicate.

“Our strongest selling point is that people see CWS as a deeply rooted component in the country. Customers see us as a friendly, highly professional and customer-centric Company equipped with the right balance of quality and affordability.”

Watching popular programmes anytime, anywhere is a seismic shift from what is currently available to Seychellois

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

119

ame A I R T E L

120

N I G E R

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

without Borders s one of the leading telecoms companies on the continent, it should be expected that a business of Airtel’s size would look to keep ahead of the industry curve and innovate across its core service provision year-on-year.

However, few competitors can boast the scope and geographic footprint that the Bharti Airtel subsidiary does in Africa, with each operating region benefiting from both Group-wide initiatives, and individual developments in each nation.

Bridging 17 countries in subSaharan Africa, the saturation of not only its core voice and mobile services, but also its continent-wide GSM services - embracing 2G, 3G and even 4G - has led the Company to be one of the most reputable and renowned across all industries, and this is certainly the case in Niger too.

With a majority 68 percent market share, Airtel’s dedication to customers, both in the consumer and enterprise space, has evolved with Nigerien trends and demands in mind, all the while maintaining the wider Group’s ethos of being a borderless entity.

Established in the country in 2011 via an acquisition of Celtel, and later Zain, Airtel now comprises more than four million subscribers to reach its dominant market share figures;

Airtel is revolutionising internet connections in Niger, replicating its continental prowess to become the country’s number one Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

capitalising on what is an equally progressive tech market in the country.

The ability to now employ local, skilled staff within its workforce has brought a touch of sustainability to operations, while its capital expenditures and collaborative projects look set to cement the business’s position in Niger for the years to come.

Airtel Money

68%

Airtel Niger has a majority share of the market

As recently as December 2014, 3G+ was rolled out by Airtel in the country, following on from the launch of 3G only months previously.

This acceleration of growth is indicative of the faith that the country has in the Company, which is also proving significant in the development of arguably its main service offering on the continent.

Airtel Money’s success across Africa epitomises its role as a ‘borderless’ company more than any other, currently boasting a customer base of 6.2 million as of March 2015, a staggering 76 percent rise from March 2014.

The concept behind Airtel Money’s success is the interconnectivity that can be achieved across countries, offering international transfers in the DRC, Rwanda and Zambia initially. Niger has now joined this elite club though - which allows the payment of remittances - while also being connected to MFS

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

121

A I R T E L

N I G E R

Africa’s Money Transfer Hub which will allow customers in Niger to transfer money between their own domain and MTN subsidiaries in Benin and the Ivory Coast.

“This offering will raise the level of convenience in cross-border payments across the four countries with a wide Airtel Money agency network and a highly competitive fee structure,” Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Christian de Faira explained in an announcement at the time.

“This will facilitate remittances and trade across the region,” he added.

Bridging the gap also to Orange, Safaricom and Vodafone through MFS Africa’s 50 million mobile wallet user hub, the convenience for Airtel customers in Niger as a consequence of its inclusions will be revolutionary in terms of saving people money.

“The MFS Africa Hub has emerged in the past year as a leading mobile money hub both in terms of footprint and adequacy of the offering to African customers,” said Chidi Okpala, Director

The MFS Africa Hub has emerged in the past year as a leading mobile money hub both in terms of footprint and adequacy of the offering to African customers

122

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

www.globaltelecoms-services.com

Fax: 20 37 15 15 Mobile: (00227) 96 96 01 28 (00227) 90 74 02 82 E-mail: tall_idrissa@hotmail.fr

G l o b a l Te l e c o m S e r v i c e s :

» Facilities, Maintenance and Audit of sites GSM, VSAT and Telecom equipment » Installation of fibre optics » Preventive maintenance of sites » The Refueling » (Curative) Corrective maintenance of sites

Proud to be maintaining Airtel sites

i n T i l l a b e r y , D o s s o , Ta h o u a a n d A g a d e z

Our pateners:

A I R T E L

N I G E R

STA

A

s a leader in the integration of networks and technological innovation in the field of telecommunications, STA offers its partners a wide range of custom-made solutions and global implementations.

Our solutions allow integration of innovative technologies while keeping to the following objectives: • Reduce your investment by the introduction of innovative solutions (CAPEX) • Optimise your existing networks in order to reduce operating costs (OPEX) • Increase the performance of the services offered to end-users (revenues) We transform your telecommunications into a multi-service network system to improve the quality of the experience of your subscribers.

‘One Network’ allows Airtel customers to use its services in a number of countries for the same price

of Airtel Money at Airtel Africa. “It is an ideal solution for our more than 35 million Airtel Money registered customers to send and receive money across borders within Africa and to receive money from overseas.”

Dare Okoudjou, founder and CEO of MFS Africa added: “Airtel is a major player in the African telecommunication space, and we are excited to work with them to open low-cost, convenient mobile remittance corridors.

“Airtel Money users can now send money to loved ones and business partners in other African countries at a fraction of current costs; this marks a significant step towards our goal of reducing intra-African remittance costs to a single-digit rate.”

Business partnerships - Ericsson

Furthering this cross-border collaboration is Niger’s inclusion as

124

part of ‘One Network’ which allows Airtel customers to use the Airtel service in a number of countries at the same price as in their local network, with all incoming calls free of charge.

Not just limited to Africa, this intercontinental initiative is further evidence of Airtel Niger’s scope as it looks to improve the Nigerien market even more; a drive that has also been emphasised in 2015 by another international partnership.

February’s unveiling of Ericsson as the Company’s vendor for exclusive 3G high-speed packet access (HSPA) end-to-end hardware, software, and peripheral services is subsequently poised to deliver higher speeds of mobile broadband than the country has ever seen before.

Airtel and Ericsson have a longstanding relationship on the continent, and even in Niger, but this enhanced customer offering is set

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

As a leader in Niger’s telecoms market, Airtel’s ambition is to bring innovative data products and services that will help people and businesses unlock their potential

T

E

C

sTa

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

SOCIETE DE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AFRICAINE

Phone number: (+227) 20 34 02 95 Email address: contact@sta-niger.com Website: www.leadcom-is.com

STA provides and implements high-performance network infrastructure and technology

International Leader in the provision, management and deployment of telecommunication network solutions and services.

• Direct Services Supplier • System Integrator • Value Added Reseller (VAR) • Subsidiaries throughout Africa and Americas • More than 700 employees worldwide

to be a game-changer in a market infrastructure that the former has gone to great lengths in developing.

“Mobile broadband is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. It is changing the way we are entertained, educated, work and share information. It also has the power to improve the quality of our lives. We are excited to have been chosen by Airtel to bring this new opportunity to the market,” Messe Kone, Ericsson Niger’s Country Manager emphasised back in February.

Raymond Mendy, Airtel Niger’s CEO added: “3G was a must in our strategy in Niger where data penetration is still very low.

“As a leader in Niger’s telecoms market, Airtel’s ambition is to bring innovative data products and services that will help people and businesses unlock their potential.

“Internet connections will never be the same with Airtel 3G service.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

125

ame V O D A C O M

C O N G O

Connecting People and

Vodacom has been creating opportunities in Congo for more than a decade; leveraging its influence as one of the world’s most renowned telecoms giants to enrich lives nationwide Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

126

ince launching its activities in Congo 13 years ago, Vodacom has gradually and increasingly realised its promise of saturating the entire country with its market-leading telecoms services, combining its unparalleled technological expertise with an arguably even more significant social influence on a national scale.

Following its inception in May, 2002 the Vodacom Pty subsidiary has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in order to fulfil its aim of galvanising the levels of communication in the country, with the primary goal of making its full range of internationallyacclaimed products accessible to the entire Congolese population.

Built upon its “connecting people, creating opportunities and changing lives” ethos, Vodacom’s network in the country now envelops 1,000 cities and 500 villages, comprising a total of more than 12 million subscribers.

The person entrusted with overseeing such an extensive

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

influence is the newly appointed Managing Director (MD), Murielle Lorilloux, who has already signalled her intent to expand the Company’s network infrastructure on a business level, while continuing the positive influence that has been established nationwide.

“Vodacom has heavily invested in telecommunication infrastructures and has positioned itself as a data-leading company by providing to all Congolese the possibility to communicate and experiment the great power of 3G internet via the undersea cable,” the new MD explains. “Vodacom Congo is a socially responsible corporate that is involved in social welfare, health and

T

E

C

H

N

education throughout Congo. It also has a privileged partnership with the Congolese Government.

“That’s why the company is committed to assisting the government to achieve its objectives.”

Currently employing more than 1,500 permanent staff, and a further 25,000 indirectly, Vodacom’s position as market leader is firmly cemented, paving the way for the Company to focus on the ongoing marketing, education and unveiling of its trademark consumer services; comprising voice services, SMS messaging, 2G and 3G mobile internet, and its continent-famous M-Pesa mobile money solution.

O

L

O

G

Y

Continuous network expansions

Bridging its three core customer segments across the mass market, youth, and high value consumers, the need to remain diverse and proactive in regards to technological innovation still remains significant despite the country’s relative immaturity surrounding some of the more niche offerings.

The responsibility placed on Vodacom to therefore complement its products with a general enhancement of the national network has been paramount, and is something that Lorilloux is especially focused on improving further during her tenure.

“Vodacom DRC has been investing

systematically in infrastructure and equipment of the latest generation to improve our customer experience,” she says. “From a voice quality, data speed and coverage perspective, our network has been deployed in such a way that it reaches the most remote areas of the country in a way worthy for DRC’s telecoms market leader.”

Prior to the Company’s 2014 unveiling of its ‘rural coverage system’ - a new, flexible technology which promises to bring improved coverage to the most remote areas of Congo - Vodacom had already invested $484 million into the country’s infrastructure.

The result: more than 7,000

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

127

V O D A C O M

C O N G O

Network expansion promises total network coverage across the nation by the end of 2015

kilometres of fibre optic network laying the groundwork for an endof-2015 goal to achieve total network coverage across the nation.

Lorilloux says: “Continuous network expansions are improving our geographical footprint far into the rural areas of our country as well improving our network deep inside the buildings of urban and suburban areas.

“Vodacom uses, to the maximum, all technologies covered by its different licenses; such as 2G+ (gsm, gprs, edge), 3G+ (hspda, umts), WiMax and WiMax Evolution, Point-to-Multi-Point solutions, fibre optic and satellite connectivity, and dedicated customtailored solutions for VIP and high-end corporate customers.

“We have also successfully tested 4G technology (mobile LTE) and prepared our network through a single RAN solution to be 4G ready.”

Keeping ahead of the industry curve, not just in Congo but on a continental scale, is something which Vodacom as a brand has always prided itself on, and currently fits within a wider twoyear modernisation campaign being undertaken in the country.

“During the campaign, all network elements have been upgraded to the latest generation of telecoms equipment available on the international markets,” Lorilloux continues. “This modernisation covered our access, transmission, core, signalling, billing, IT and back office equipment. We effectively put,

128

at the service of our customers, one of the most modern networks globally available.”

HR Talent

While network optimisation and world-class telecoms services are the bread and butter of Vodacom and Vodafone subsidiaries the world over, the Company’s notoriety in Congo and most prominent feather in its cap stems from its role in the communities and its commitment to enriching the lives of the wider population.

While this evidently comprises vast levels of corporate social responsibility initiatives outside of its technological

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

...in order to ensure that Vodacom Congo always attracts the best talent, HR Talent oversees the implementation of different recruitment programmes

domain, the enrichment process begins within the industry itself; addressing a core challenge engrained into the country.

Skills shortages have long been a bane of telecoms operators looking to reach international standards of working, but the Company has countered this through the development of its own HR Talent project.

“HR Talent is part of the Human Resources Department at Vodacom Congo and is mainly in charge of talent acquisition, talent integration in the company and their development throughout their professional lifecycle,” Lorilloux says. “In regards to talent acquisition, in order to ensure that Vodacom Congo always attracts the best talent, HR Talent oversees the implementation of different recruitment programmes.

“Those programmes are mainly designed to maintain a healthy talent pipeline and readily available pool.”

The two programmes subsequently introduced are the Motomolo Bursary Programme and its tailored Graduate Programme to ensure that the most talented individuals available are not only being identified but are being honed and refined over the course of their academic development to gear them up for the working world.

The next stage addresses talent integration, as Lorilloux explains: “HR Talent activities around integration are summed into the orientation or induction programme for new staff in the company. This programme is currently organised once a month (HR induction) and once every six months (overall company induction) where possible.”

The delivery of learning and training programmes across the education element of development is then carried out in two formats; a structured basis as per the Company’s approved training plan, and an ad-hoc basis which is conducted more in line with dynamic industry demands.

T

E

C

H

N

In regards to the former, the “training plan is compiled as per needs received from various departments yearly and delivered through a three-year period as per priorities determined by the Executive Committee”, Lorilloux notes. “The training needs are identified in each function according to performance dialogue principles and agreed upon with line management and staff.

“An ad-hoc basis includes demands which rise outside training plans during the year. Those requests are dealt with through the formal submission of a duly approved training application form.”

O

L

O

G

Y

dedication to formulating bespoke solutions to industry challenges which makes Vodacom an employer of choice within the sector and country.

“We launched our Employer of Choice campaign last August in order to reinforce the image of Vodacom as such in the Congolese market,”

Lorilloux says. “The campaign has an overall external objective to strengthen the image of Vodacom as the best employer in the local market and attract the best talent to work for our organisation.”

“We cannot achieve this objective without our own employees being ambassadors of that message externally.”

The campaign has consequently begun internally across two main focuses; improving efficiencies of key internal employee practices, and reinforcing the benefits attached to the “status of the employee”.

By creating this positive atmosphere and development culture within the Company, the knock-on effect that has subsequently been seen in its influence externally across the DRC has been made all the more concerted, consistent and sustainable.

Youth segment

Identifying and displaying key differentiators in the telecoms market is something that all industry players must strive to achieve, and is something that Vodacom has

Employer of choice

Complementing Vodacom’s established talent development programmes are a series of more specific initiatives designed to develop tailored skills for individual departments within the Company.

Incorporating facets such as leadership programmes, finance education, managerial and supervisory skills development, and universitysupporting bursary schemes, it is this

Vodacom defines its youth segment as a group of users aged between 15 and 24

V O D A C O M

C O N G O

GILAT STACOM Most Effective, Cost Effective Gilat Satcom is a leading global communications solution provider specializing in the African continent; the company is a WIOCC shareholder and an experienced satellite communication provider.

Known for its quality of service, Gilat Satcom goes the extra mile to provide the perfect links for a wide variety of African cellular providers, including Vodacom.

Domestic Backbone: Fiber does not provide a full reach to remote sites, and P2P solutions, when linked into a chain, are becoming unreliable and expensive to maintain. As in the USA and Europe, satellite connections are the most reliable and cost effective long distance domestic links.

Addressing key performance indicators (KPIs) across the youth segment has been important to company growth

succeeded in establishing across all parameters set out for a leading enterprise.

Lorilloux states: “Vodacom has done phenomenally well in DRC, maintaining its positioning as the number one telecom brand by all indicators, despite the entry of new competitors such as Orange and Africel penetrating the market with lower rate offers.”

This isn’t to say that there isn’t room for improvement though, with the Company identifying the youth segment as its next target for potential growth.

“Recent studies highlight youths’ preference on competing brands as they are offered tariffs which address their needs in terms of usage while clearing the key affordability barrier to staying connected with their loved ones and preferred activities.

“Vodacom defines its youth segment as a group of users aged between 15 and 24, and is convinced that the segment is a potential growth driver since it accounts for more than half of the country’s population.”

130

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Vodacom has done phenomenally well in DRC, maintaining its positioning as the number one telecom brand by all indicators, despite the entry of new competitors such as Orange and Africel penetrating the market with lower rate offers

Remote Sites and Small Cell: As a turnkey solution, Gilat Satcom provides a 2G/3G small cell solution with a satellite link and solar power with full integration to the cellular operator’s main switch, so cellular operators can provide remote communities with services at a cost effective investment.

International Trunking: Via fiber or satellite, O3B or the new and upcoming Epic HTS, Gilat Satcom is a one stop shop. As we are technology agnostic we are not committed to any specific technology and act as your trusted advisor, who tailor the perfect solution for your needs.

Backup: We provide cost effective backup for critical domestic sites as well as international trunking.

Flexible Business Cases: From CAPEX to OPEX to revenue-share models, every opportunity needs a different solution from a technical and business standpoint. At Gilat Satcom, we believe that good and loyal customers are those who grow their business based on our services, so we go the extra mile with the business model as well.

From idea to design, to development, implementation and operation, Gilat Satcom is dedicated to a connected Africa.

T

E

C

H

N

O

L

O

G

Y

further compounds this commitment to improving offerings to this segment of the population, addressing tariff concerns specifically through dedicated offers and engagement programmes.

The Company’s attentions have therefore turned towards leveraging the Vodacom brand and reputation to ensure it becomes the operator of choice among the youth segment also, via its Vodacom Planete Jeune (Vodacom Youth Universe) initiative.

Lorilloux continues: “Vodacom wants to provide a platform of unlimited possibilities through this campaign where it is positioned as an enabler to enhance youth experience with dedicated youth propositions around products, tariff offers, sponsorship programmes, training and job opportunities.”

The Company’s JS8 campaign

Best of the Best

KPIs across the youth segment over the coming months and years incorporate awareness, emotion, performance, uniqueness, value, leadership and consideration; all facets which have become synonymous with Vodacom’s rise in the DRC over the past 13 years.

The Company’s notoriety has reached such an extent that it now breaches the entertainment domain via its Vodacom Best of the Best singing competition which is now one of the most successful shows in the history of Congolese television.

Demonstrating yet another string in the Vodacom bow, the business is in a

prime position to build upon this first decade of prominence as one of the most recognisable brands, across any sector, within the country.

The pressure now lies in ensuring that the Company never loses sight of the attributes that propelled Vodacom to such a commanding position in the first place; by being the best from a technological standpoint, and the most considerate in enriching the country at large.

“The next generation will be living in a society dominated by technology in all aspect of their daily lives. This futuristic vision has already started today,” Lorilloux concludes. “Communications, telecommunications, internet and data access, etc. will all be indispensable in one’s daily routines.

“Therefore, including such technologies and teaching our children how to deal with them is a moral and civic obligation.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

131

ame D U N L O P

I N D U S T R I A L

P R O D U C T S

( P T Y )

Pursuing

Operational

Excellence

Dunlop Industrial Products (Pty) Ltd is navigating through a volatile business landscape and utilising its robust and innovative business principles to achieve success Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Arron Rampling

132

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

L T D

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

he effects of globalisation, rapid technological advancement, a 24-seven culture and the introduction of millennials to the work place (to mention a few paradigm shifts), have had noticeable consequences to the business landscape we find ourselves in. The ability to navigate and thrive in an environment that is volatile requires a different set of leadership skills and an innovative approach to strategy formulation and implementation.

Dunlop believes that its people are its greatest competitive advantage and the development of a culture that inspires, retains and attracts the right talent is a top priority for the Company.

Following a series of mergers and acquisitions since the 1990s, Dunlop Industrial Products (Dunlop) has made concerted efforts to strengthen and expand its product portfolio and manufacturing operations in order to optimise future growth prospects.

Since joining the Company, Managing Director, Trevor HowardTripp has played a key part in driving growth within the Dunlop operation.

Trevor Howard-Tripp Managing Director

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

133

D U N L O P

I N D U S T R I A L

He explains: “Dunlop Industrial Products is now owned by REMA TIP TOP, a German-based organisation with a significant global footprint.

REMA TIP TOP is present in 117 countries and has 13 manufacturing facilities globally. We are able to leverage synergies from the Group to help the Dunlop brand globalise its operations in the face of an economy that has slowed down.

“We are no longer just a South African Company; our supply now extends to South America, Europe, Australia and Africa. Achieving operational excellence in our manufacturing operations requires skilled and engaged employees, an ideal company structure, clearly communicated supporting systems and a mindset of continuous improvement. Continuous improvement is a day-to-day challenge in the markets that we face and we are committed to ensuring that we

P R O D U C T S

( P T Y )

H&R

H Production at Howick factory

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

implement small improvements on a regular basis while monitoring industry trends in order to expand our products beyond the continent and partner with others along the way to further enhance the business.”

By accessing REMA TIP TOP’s industry-leading expertise and global footprint, Dunlop has been able to maximise success locally and abroad.

These impressive growth levels can also be attributed to business focus areas that have ensured the Dunlop strategy remains relevant: “Our People, Our Planet, Our Product”.

Our People

134

&R was established in 1919 in Hamburg by Heinrich Hansen & Emil Rosenthal. Today, H&R Group has embraced globalization and has subsidiaries in, Africa, America, Asia, Australia & Europe.

H&R Group offers a wide product range that services a number of diverse and specialized industries, including the Lubricants, Tyre/Rubber, Plastics, Cables, Printing, packaging, Agriculture, Personal Care as well as Cosmetics.

In South Africa, H&R SA Sales (Pty) Ltd is an active member of different industry bodies such as IOM3, ROSE, SAIT, COSCHEM & DCC, which allows us to continuously exchange information with our customers and be in a position to quickly and flexibly react to the needs of our customers.

Dunlop remains focused on its people

Production at Howick factory

L T D

Dunlop’s drive is to find the right people who complement the culture of the organisation and who support and uphold its values. “Our highly skilled and engaged people are one of the key success factors of our business. In striving towards, and living out mutually agreed values, we

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

All our processes and services are set up in such a way that they are subject to continuous improvement with the aim of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Our products not only fulfill market requirements, but also exceed these in part through further developments and innovations, several which are protected by patents. Quality combined with active environmental protection and work safety not only increases our standing, but also our efficiency and allows us to offer branded products of consistently high quality.

Research and pioneering developments play a particularly important role in all our product areas. H&R SA Sales (Pty) Ltd has a dedicated shipping staff that ensures delivery safety, delivery reliability & cost control. For us, “just in time” is not a vague term, but a quantifiable duty that we review monthly. Our Durban sidings are strategically located in the busiest port in Africa, Durban, which connect us to the waterways, national roads and key facilities to further ensure on-time & infull product supply next to all the time.

At H&R we are not only in the business of selling petroleum based products, we strive to provide customers with the best-fit solutions, thereby helping them connect better with their own customers.

sasales@hur.com www.hur.com

White Oils Technical Medicinal Custom Blends

Tudalen Process Oils Aromatic Paraffinic Naphthenic

Industries We Serve Lubricants Agriculture Plastic Rubber

Base Oils Solvent Neutrals Bright Stock

Your trusted advisor

CONNECTING INDUSTRIES THROUGH CLASS LEADING PRODUCTS & SERVICES

D U N L O P

I N D U S T R I A L

P R O D U C T S

( P T Y )

L T D

ENVANDE

E

nvande has supplied Dunlop Industrial with NR/SBR/BR Tread Reclaim and Envande Tread Rubber Crumb collectively since 2010.

Recently we worked closely with Dunlop Industrial in the production of a customised new Tread Reclaim range.

Envande strives to achieve cost effective sustainable solutions for our clients.

Our main focus is to supply Tread Reclaim and Crumb to clients with quality critical requirements within the rubber industry.

Envande is attracting business from local and international Belting- and Tyre manufacturers; Compounders; Moulders; Artificial turf installers and Flooring manufacturers.

T +27 80 ENVANDE or +27 81 5949869 E rosalie@envande.com

www.envande.com

Production at the Benoni factory

are committed to actively developing all employees in the Company. We have defined ourselves as a learning organisation and continue to build and retain a workforce of knowledge workers. Through our ‘Brand Academy’, an initiative of our Training Foundation, we ensure the upskill of all employees and strategic partners of our Group of Companies,” explains Howard-Tripp.

He further emphasises: “If we want to keep on growing, it is important to keep on educating not just our own people, but customers and strategic partners as well. In line with this, we established our Brand Academy. Every employee has to go through productorientated training in order to create clarity, and engagement within our teams. We include our customers in these sessions as well which leads to transparency of our operations and greater insight into our product lines.

Training is one of our focus areas, and to succeed in challenging times

136

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

we must continue to work with our partners going forward; we have become more than just a supplier to our customers, but a strategic partner and solution provider,” emphasises Howard-Tripp.

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Our Product

The Company’s state-of-the-art technology and pioneering innovations deliver a product that is customercentric, ensuring sustainability of customer operations and in turn, Dunlop itself. “Our international sales and service network offers a wide range of efficient services and maximum customer proximity. Our products and service systems are tailored especially to the customers’ needs providing economically efficient and technically proven solutions.

Customers profit from a differentiated product range and optimum allround customer care by our qualified specialists,” highlights Howard-Tripp.

With a history tracing back to the

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

Standerton Mills (Pty) Ltd

Proud suppliers of technical yarns and fabrics to Dunlop Industrial Products.

Anvicol Construction & Projects is the solution to all the aspects pertaining to the undertaking of Construction projects of any shape, size or difficulty.

www.anvicol.co.za

Products include‌.

- Hose reinforcing yarns and fabrics - Cotton yarns - Solid Woven fabrics - Multiply belting fabrics

Vision Mission Values

&

Contact us for all your textile requirements‌. www.standertonmills.co.za

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

137

D U N L O P

I N D U S T R I A L

1900s, Dunlop is fortunate to have obtained several industry-leading blue-chip customers who capitalise on the Company’s expanding product offering as he further explains: “When presenting all our products to the customer, we can show them that if they choose us as a partner, we can offer a more cost-effective total industrial solution. Gone are the days of simply supplying a core product; we now provide after sales service and maintenance. The saving for the customer is far greater in the long-term and this is what gives us a competitive edge.”

In support of this vision to ultimately become an integrated solution provider, and equipped with the understanding that its products are a life line for customer operations, Dunlop continues to have an active research and development division; creating innovative solutions that take its products to another level. “One

P R O D U C T S

( P T Y )

of our breakthrough innovations, focusing on our customer needs to reduce downtime in their operations, has been the use of technology to create monitoring solutions, increasing transparency and speed in our maintenance offering,” he adds.

Our Planet

Corporate Strategist, Myrna Brauns, who joined the organisation in 2012, has contributed to the development of various initiatives at Dunlop.

She discusses: “We are committed to principled business conduct and operating in a responsible manner, minimising the impact on the environment and ensuring the wellbeing of our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate. We believe that an integrated and transparent approach to governance, ethics, risk and compliance, will strengthen our values and promote our objectives as a

L T D

responsible business.”

She further confirms: “In a practical extension of our commitment, we empower our people at all levels of the organisation, developing leadership capabilities and the relevant skills in order to shape the Company’s successful future.”

The impetus for Dunlop’s corporate social investment (CSI) originates largely from the Company’s desire to be a contributor to the solution in South Africa by stimulating the economy through various initiatives.

“We are focused on good corporate citizenship and empowerment, and central to this is the desire to be a part of creating economic stability and growth within South Africa. Our current initiatives in this division focus on job creation and the empowerment and transfer of skills to young entrepreneurs (SMME’s) and interns,” Brauns continues.

Dunlop supports the South African

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Committed to its vision of becoming an integrated solution provider

138

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

government’s transformation objectives and is committed to the implementation of B-BBEE; taking proactive steps to ensure that the Company adopts and implements an achievable B-BBEE strategy that Air & Sea Freight Forwarding - Customs Clearing - Warehousing Logistics Services - Air Charter Services - Express Services contributes to the sustainability of WORLDNET LOGISTICS the business.

Air & Seafreight Forwarding - Customs Clearing - Warehousing She summarises: “Our strategy is A Logistics Proud Partner Dunlop Servicesof- Air CharterIndustrial Services - Products Express aimed at fulfilling all the necessary requirements for total B-BBEE compliance. Through a diligent and Johannesburg T: + 27 (0) 11 409 9700 disciplined approach, we have been Cape Town T: + 27 (0) 21 385 0205 able to secure a Level 3 rating which Johannesburg 2731 (0)581 11 0000 409 9700 Durban T: +T:27+ (0) East London T:++27 27 (0) (0) 43 Cape Town T: 21736 3856851 0205 is a value-add for all customers Port Elizabeth T: + 27 (0) 41 582 3500 Durban T: + 27 (0) 31 581 0000 doing business with us within the Air & Seafreight Forwarding - Customs Clearingservice@worldnetlogistics.com - Warehousing East London T: + 27 (0) 43 736 6851 Logistics Services - Air Charter Services -www.worldnetlogistics.com Express borders of South Africa.

Port Elizabeth T: + 27 (0) 41 582 3500 “One of our values, and an service@worldnetlogistics.com www.worldnetlogistics.com internal mandate, ‘WIN AS A TEAM’, has been instrumental in Johannesburg T: + 27 (0) 11 409 9700 driving the right behaviour Cape Town within T: + 27 (0) 21 385 0205 Durban T: + 27 (0) 31 581 0000 our organisation East andLondon has further T: + 27 (0) 43 736 6851 Port Elizabeth T: + 27 (0) 41 582 3500 spread to enhance the relationships between our customers and service@worldnetlogistics.com www.worldnetlogistics.com strategic partners.”

WORLDNET LOGISTICS

WORLDNET LOGISTICS

FTW1725SD

IMAGE: MIKE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

‘WIN AS A TEAM’ has been instrumental in driving the organisation forward

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

139

ame H O W D E N

A F R I C A

World-Class Manufacturing TO AFRICA

140

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

For a number of years, Howden Africa has been focusing on continuous improvement in its internal processes to enhance its local manufacturing capabilities in order to deliver on the customer’s ever-increasing demand for tighter on-time delivery requirements Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Arron Rampling owden Africa has played a significant role in the engineering developments that have taken place on the African continent over the past 65-plus years. Backed by the strength of Howden Group’s global reputation and presence, the African arm of the business has been consistently improving its already comprehensive product and service offering in a sustainable manner.

Largely led by continuous improvement strategies including training, product innovation and turnkey service offering, Howden Africa has been investing in its internal processes in order to enhance the business in a modern day Africa. As a consequence of this injection, the Company has witnessed phenomenal growth particularly across the power generation, mining, oil & gas and environmental control markets. “Leveraging Group expertise and our strong financial position, we are working on ways to strengthen our capacities to deliver on any challenge we may face going forward in a developing market. The resulting success is a product of long-term relationships and repeat business

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

141

H O W D E N

A F R I C A

LOUWILL LEFA

L

ouwill Lefa (Pty) Ltd was established in 2012 and focuses on the fabrication and erection of small to large engineering steelwork projects mainly for the mining industry.

Louwill Lefa has resumed the work formerly carried out by Louwill Engineering (Pty) Ltd. Expanding our services into the medium and heavy engineering field, Louwill Lefa is amongst the top few engineering companies capable of offering a complete fabrication, painting, delivery and erection service to the mining and smelting sectors.

We stand apart from the crowd because we insist on all-round, meticulous quality. This philosophy embraces not only what we manufacture, but how we manufacture it.

T (011) 363 2744 E deon@louwill.co.za

Howden operates CSA Mine in Australia, an underground copper mine in Cobar

across a wide range of applications over the course of Africa’s industrial and infrastructural development,” explains Kudzai Nyangoni, Managing Director of James Howden Holdings Limited.

Consisting of four major business units that manufacture a wide range of engineered plant and products for the power, water, mining, construction and oil & gas industries, Howden Africa comprises Howden Power, Howden Fan Equipment, Howden Projects and Donkin Fans; all of which are produced from two world-class facilities in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.

“In a nutshell, we have a plethora of technical capabilities across the design, manufacture, supply, project management and aftermarket support services for fans, regenerative heat exchangers, compressors, blowers, furnaces and industrial combustion for a diverse range of applications,” he adds.

142

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

In a nutshell, we have a plethora of technical capabilities across the design, manufacture, supply, project management and aftermarket support services for fans, regenerative heat exchangers, compressors, blowers, furnaces and industrial combustion for a diverse range of applications

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

This is a name synonymous in the steel construction industry with unrivalled expertise, painstaking attention to detail at all stages of fabrication and installation and superb customer service.

At Louwill Lefa, with a proud record of achievement in the mining industry, we successfully combine hands-on experience with modern technology to fabricate, supply and erect:

WINNER OF THE BEST MINING PROJECT DURING 2014 SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION AWARDS

Tel: (011) 363 2744 Fax: (011) 3630794 Email: deon@louwill.co.za

FECTA MANUFACTURING CC. We are a steel fabrication company that manufactures to our clients’ designs and specifications in the following fields: • Conveyors and gantries for the grain storage industry • Auxiliary fans and fan casings for the mining industry.

• Engineering, earth moving and cement.

Howden Fan Equipment (Howden Africa) have supported Fecta manufacturing for many years. Our quality, productivity and the introduction of modern technology has allowed Fecta to produce and supply a highly acceptable standard of work within a required time frame.

www.fectamanufacturing@gmail.com Tel: 011 7945569 Email: fectamanufacturing@gmail.com Fax: 011 7945462

» Shaft Headgears » Bins and Chutes (Mild Steel & all grades Stainless Steel) » All mine shaft infrastructures, including » Compressor Houses, Workshops and » » Processor Plants, as well as » Smelters and associated steelwork » Conveyors & Related Equipment » Underground Material Handling Steelwork » Station & Shaft Steelwork

“Our company is small enough to be flexible, yet large enough to be reliable”

We provide services in a great variety of industries such as the residential-, commercial- and industrial building industry, mining -, renewable energy - and food industries.

Research & development Mining Environmental Processing plants Restoration engineering Investigations, reviews & assessments Building structures Project management

+27 12 658 0423 info@greenegroup.co.za www.greenegroup.co.za

Civil engineering Renewable Energy 3-Dimensional information modelling

P.O. Box 2294, Honeydew 2040 | 27 Liner Avenue, Laser Park, Honeydew 2040

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

143

H O W D E N

A F R I C A

Continuous improvement

Finding ways to save energy and become a self-sustainable business are two hot topics in South Africa at the moment, given the regular power outages experienced from the grid.

Howden Africa has been looking closely at implementing the right internal methodologies in this regard, to improve both the quality of product and make long-term energy savings.

One way of doing this is through implementing automation in some parts of its manufacturing lines as Nyangoni further details: “The level of automation is something that we are investing in on an ongoing basis in order to enhance our overall service levels. For example, automation will allow us to meet tighter deadlines and subsequently open doors to new business.�

Delivering on sustainable methodologies

144

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

Continuous improvement forms part of Howden Africa’s strategic core values and is therefore measured on a constant basis. Nyangoni says: “Being part of a world-class Company with facilities all over the globe means that we have to ensure a universal service benchmark is met. Simultaneously, as our African operations are headquartered in South Africa, we have to comply with BEE economic development goals and encourage local content. It is a challenging balance but we have made significant strides in creating a strong local presence.

“In line with this, we manufacture all our critical components and any specialist equipment that requires a particular set of specialist machinery inhouse. Where possible, we outsource all other manufacturing elements to

T

U

R

I

N

G

Where possible, we outsource all other manufacturing elements to local companies in order to develop local skill levels and foster good relationships.

We see these SMEs as an extension of our organisation

local companies in order to develop local skill levels and foster good relationships. We see these SMEs as an extension of our organisation.”

Similarly, Howden Africa remains invested in ensuring all its equipment is of the highest quality to ensure the best price and long product life.

In order to make sure this is adhered to throughout the value chain, the Company has a number of initiatives running that are designed to monitor efficiencies – everything from timely delivery right through to proper waste management, people management and quality control in order to deliver to customers’ requirements and become more sustainable.

“To summarise, if we can better manage our business, then we can better serve the customer.

“Our solutions reduce the total

Facilities at Moab Khutsong Gold Mine

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

145

H O W D E N

A F R I C A

cost of ownership over a longer period of time, and we are working to educate the market to demonstrate the benefits of choosing Howden as their supplier; as opposed to buying equipment from Asia for example, where products may be cheaper, but also not built to last and there is no after sales support,� Nyangoni adds.

Turnkey electrical instrumentation and control installations

Howden Academy

Ultimately, we want to become selfsufficient with a sizeable pool of youth to carry the business forward...

146

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Skills shortages are apparent in South Africa, and Howden Africa is currently experiencing the issue of an ageing workforce fully trained in its manufacturing methods. To combat this, the Company has all the relevant training programmes and talent management prophecies in place locally to manage skills development and encourage youth to enter the sector via internships and graduates.

In addition, the African operation is able to leverage the multiple advantages of being a part of a global organisation with its own training facilities, the Howden Academy. “Ultimately, we want to become selfsufficient with a sizeable pool of youth to carry the business forward, and the Howden Academy - based in Glasgow, UK - is an incredibly useful platform where our trainees get to meet peers

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

from all over the world and take part in an intensive three week programme where they are taught all the important aspects about Howden equipment and processes, then come back to Africa and implement it,” says Nyangoni.

The result of this people focus is an African workforce comprising in excess of 98 percent local staff.

Tried and tested

Manufacturers of air, gas and liquid handling equipment

Given its longstanding presence as a reputable and trusted face in African industry for more than 65 years, Howden Africa’s tried and tested technologies offer an innovative solution to various key industries on the continent that promises to last.

“Our turnkey management and maintenance capabilities ensure that we can provide a one-stop service to our customers that cover the entire spectrum of services. We understand what African customers require and apply a tailored solution for each individual project, whether it is an upgrade to new equipment or retrofitting to extend the life of old equipment,” Nyangoni comments.

Backed by a global network of engineers that share best practice and expertise, Howden Africa hopes to reap further organic growth from its internal investments that have strengthened its capacities to continue to deliver on its service proposition.

“There is no doubt that we are experts in what we do and customers come to us as their first port of call, which shows our influential reach and reputation on the continent. We want people to know that Howden is here to stay in Africa,” he concludes.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

147

ame S I G M A

148

S U P P L I E S

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

R

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ROOST RULING THE

Sigma Supplies has diversified and expanded over the past three decades, and is now preparing for event further growth in 2016, in line with Kenya’s ever-maturing economic stature Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Josh Hyland

igma Supplies has ascended from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s largest fully integrated poultry companies, diversifying and expanding in line with the country’s most pressing industry trends.

Established in 1984, the Company was initially producing just 2,000 dayold chicks each week, but a patient - yet proactive - approach to internal development is now epitomised by a varied product range comprising day-old chicks, table eggs, animal feed, processed meat and poultry equipment.

The Founder and Managing Director, Dipak Shah is the man responsible for identifying this opportunity and potential over the past two decades, and with the help of a good management structure, extensive investments and refined processes, Sigma is now in a fantastic position to target even further growth in the years to come.

Darshi Shah, the Company’s Head of Operations, says: “Growth in Sigma Supplies has been a step-by-step process and a challenging journey

which has been completely organically generated.

“We have seen various industry trends over the years but the biggest has been the rise of the middle class in Kenya, meaning that more people are able to afford white meat products, as well as eggs, taking the shift away from the traditional maize meal and vegetables diet.”

This close monitoring of evolving trends in Kenya, coupled with the aligning knowledge and expertise being fostered in the wider agricultural industry, has also led to Sigma adapting the way it sells, markets and packages its products over the years; all of which being supported by extensive investments which are set to continue over the next 12 months.

“In 2016 we will add a new farm to increase our breeder farm capacity which is going to increase our day-old chick production by almost 2.5 million chicks annually,” Darshi explains. “This will have a knock-on effect on our dayold chick sales, feed sales and meat sales.

“We also plan on introducing environmentally controlled houses so as to ensure optimum levels for egg

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

149

S I G M A

S U P P L I E S

Sigma is to add a new farm to increase day-old chick production by 2.5 million in 2016

production, lowest feed consumption and less susceptibility to diseases.”

Tenfold increase

The next 12 months of Sigma’s journey is also set to comprise a new silo project, acquired as a consequence of price fluctuations in the country in order to secure raw materials at reasonable costs.

It is this entrepreneurial ethos and subsequently improved customer service that has been the catalyst for its portfolio expansion over the years.

At present, Sigma Supplies consists of four brands, each being developed independently, within the confines of the equally progressive Group.

“Ideal Chicks is the first and comprises broiler day-old chicks for meat production and the layer day-old chicks for egg production,” Darshi says. “We are using two worldrenowned breeds: the Broiler-Cobb 500 which is considered the world’s most efficient broiler with the lowest

150

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We are now producing 200,000 day-old chicks a week in our state-of-the-art hatchery which is a tenfold increase from what we started with 30 years ago

feed conversion ratio and best growth rates; and the Layer-Lohmann Tradition which is a frontrunner in breed research and specialises in providing the right hen for every market.

“We are now producing 200,000 day-old chicks a week in our state-ofthe-art hatchery which is a tenfold increase from what we started with 30 years ago.”

Ideal Eggs is enjoying similar success in producing 100,000 table eggs a day before being innovatively packaged and then shipped to all major Kenyan supermarkets.

The latest addition to the Sigma family, Isinya chicken is set to become equally prominent following a recent processing plant investment enabling the slaughter of 1,500 chickens each hour.

Arguably the heart of the business, however, is Isinya Feeds as Darshi explains: “Isinya Feeds supplies feed for both our own consumption as well as for our sales which focuses mainly

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

Dressed chicken Cut ups Day old chicks Table eggs Hatching eggs Poultry equipment Animal feed

T: +254 20 233 8172 +254 61 230 3962 E: info@sigma.co.ke

www.sigma.co.ke

PO Box 18138-00500 Nairobi Kenya

on poultry feed, but with plans to enter the ruminant as well as the feed additives market soon.

“We have invested in a very experienced nutritionist to be able to formulate feed per customer/farm needs, and changing the nutritional characteristics of the raw materials.

All raw materials are analysed with revolutionary Nir technology as well as for mycotoxins to ensure that what goes in into the feedmill is strictly monitored so as to ensure highest quality for the finished feed.”

Market trends

To facilitate this increasingly widespread growth, Sigma has had to ensure that it boasts the very best plant and equipment, as epitomised by the aforementioned hatchery and complemented by a new Buhler feedmill, as well as a fully-functional laboratory to analyse incomings and outgoings from the facility.

Market research and capital

Isinya Feeds supplies Sigma’s own consumption needs, with plans to enter the ruminant and feed additives market

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

151

S I G M A

S U P P L I E S

Sigma’s 300-strong workforce are regularly rewarded for achieving targets

expenditure is a global process to this end, and a new set of Germanbuilt cages have also been acquired for commercial layers to ensure that minimal human interaction occurs with eggs in line with hygiene demands.

Throughout all of this, it is vital for the Company to capitalise on the most modern and innovative technologies in order to keep ahead of the industry curve.

Darshi emphasises: “We try and utilise technology on all scales of our operation. This is not only investing in the latest plant and equipment but adapting to the changes in market trends.

“For example, we have introduced a mobile app to bring convenience to customers making their orders, while Nir testing has revolutionised the feedmilling industry where we are one

152

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We have introduced a mobile app to bring convenience to customers making their orders, while Nir testing has revolutionised the feedmilling industry where we are one of only two companies in Kenya that do it

of only two companies in Kenya that do it.

“Software provided by our breeders has really helped in measuring performance of different flocks, and our feedmill is completely automated to ensure there are no errors in the mixing of key ingredients.”

One-stop shop

Continuing along the theme of internal operational excellence, Sigma displays similar dedication to its employment and HR strategy, ensuring that each member of its 300-strong workforce fully understands what is expected of them, while being rewarded for achieving set targets.

In turn, the loyalty that is repaid has led to more than half of Sigma’s staff staying with the Company for a decade or longer.

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

Ideal Eggs produces 100,000 table eggs a day

“Sigma greatly values its staff so, in terms of retention, we also make sure that the employees are awarded with competitive benefits and salaries,” Darshi notes. “They are given opportunities for advancement and promotion and the business mission is effectively communicated to them to give them a drive to succeed.”

The drive to succeed is certainly apt within a business such as Sigma, with longstanding relationships also evident across the business’s international and local supply chain network, and equally across its commitment to its surrounding communities via various corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Ultimately though, Sigma’s work is only just beginning, with the evermaturing Kenyan market still abound with potential as the Company looks to

Sigma greatly values its staff so, in terms of retention, we also make sure that the employees are awarded with competitive benefits and salaries

achieve even more future growth.

“The Kenyan market is still in a development phase where the middle class is growing at phenomenal rates and GDP is expected to continue to grow at seven percent for the next couple of years,” Darshi concludes.

“The industry has great potential, however this is not to say that we do not have competition. The way we differentiate ourselves is by being fully integrated and keeping up with international best practices and trends.

“This means we are able to control every stage in the production chain, enjoy economies of scale, and offer the best technical support to our customers through our expertise.

“We view ourselves as a one-stop shop for all our customers’ poultry needs.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

153

ame S A K A T A

154

S E E D

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S O U T H E R N

A F R I C A

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

QUALITY

Reliability and

Service

Sakata is one of the world’s most experienced and renowned horticultural seed Groups, and is maintaining a strong local influence in Southern Africa to ensure sustainable growth in the region Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Josh Hyland akata Southern Africa has grown tremendously over the past few years in making the horticultural seed market its own in the region in recent years, as it leverages more than 100 years of global experience while ensuring that it modernises to remain the most innovative regional player in the years to come.

As one of the largest horticultural seed Groups in the world, Sakata’s history is extensive to say the least, but its 1999 acquisition of MayFord Seeds has arguably been the turning point in Southern Africa for a business which has gone from strength to strength.

Supply Chain Director, Susan Allen explains: “Founded in 1931, MayFord Seeds was one of the oldest vegetable seed suppliers in South Africa. As a four generation

100 years global experience

family business, the Company developed a diverse portfolio including seed production, hobby packet seed, professional vegetable, turf and flower seed, vegetable breeding programmes and specialised products for the home garden industry.

“In the late 1960s MayFord became the sole distributor of Sakata’s products in South Africa and in December, 1999, Sakata acquired MayFord Seeds.”

The subsequent combination has been a formidable one within the sector, amalgamating Sakata’s reputation for its commercial vegetable and flower seed with MayFord’s prowess in the hobby market, as well as the business’s professional turf and rehabilitation grasses.

The growth of the business that has been enjoyed in the ensuing years has been so extensive that a

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

155

S A K A T A

S E E D

S O U T H E R N

A F R I C A

The Parliamentary Vice Minister of Japan, Dr Shinichi Yokoyama accompanied by the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Yutaka Yoshizawa visited Sakata Seed Southern Africa at our office in Lanseria. In the picture Mr Lindsay Campleman (CEO, Sakata Seed SA) introduces Dr Shinichi Yokoyama (Japan’s deputy minister of Agriculture) (middle) and Mr Yutaka Yoshizawa (Japanese Ambassador) (right) to the senior management

new state-of-the art warehouse is just around the corner, symbolising the potential that Sakata Seed Southern Africa has looking forward.

Allen continues: “Our current warehouse was built almost 30 years ago and it cannot accommodate the increased storage requirement associated with the growth of the Company.

“We previously had to rent premises in order to accommodate the excess

Sakata Seed’s new warehouse

156

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Our emphasis in Southern Africa reflects market potential and the emphasis is therefore high on vegetables and much lower on flowers

stock, and one of the major benefits of our new warehouse - which will be finished by October 2015 - is that we will consolidate the vast majority of our stock holding in the new warehouse where storage conditions are optimal.

“From a management point of view it will be more efficient having everyone at one location.”

Strategic management

This flexible approach to continuous improvement and strategic expansion is indicative of the Sakata name, a brand headed up in Japan and comprising various regional operations; Southern Africa fitting under the EMEA region and reporting to the Head Office based in France.

From a product and service perspective, the Company’s core offering comprises vegetables and flowers for commercial farmers, as well as seed packets - vegetables, flowers, herbs and grass - for the hobby market and a range of grasses

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

Thinking globally but acting locally

for the professional turf market alongside veld rehabilitation “Our emphasis in Southern Africa reflects market potential and the emphasis is therefore high on vegetables and much lower on flowers” Allen notes in regards to the region’s niche requirements. “We also do more in the areas of grass than most other Sakata entities. Other than Sakata Japan we are the only entity that supplies the hobby market with our packet range still branded as MayFord.”

While the product range is customised to suit local requirements, the quality of the products supplied meets and even surpasses global expectations; aiming to keep the business ahead of the industry curve at all times.

Sakata is also concerned about staff safety and comfort, with a newly installed hydronic underfloor heating system epitomising this ethos in enhancing levels of comfort and efficiency on the factory floor.

Meanwhile, environmental concerns are also of paramount importance.

Allen says: “Our premises are located within the Cradle of Humankind which is a world heritage site, and with the new warehouse in view, Sakata has made every effort to work within strategic environmental management plan guidelines by making use of an archaeological impact assessment, an environmental impact assessment as well as a visual impact assessment.

“Our aims were to make the most efficient use of the built footprint, building into the surrounding landscape to make it as unobtrusive as possible.”

Fast, efficient and traceable

As a result of this adherence to local concerns and eco demands, Sakata has also incorporated a new Biobox sewerage treatment system and is also harvesting and storing rainwater

IML/BML LABELS • SHRINK SLEEVES • WRAP AROUND LABELS • MULTI LAYERED FLEXIBLE LAMINATES STAND-UP POUCHES WITH LASER CUT & ZIPPERS • RETORT POUCHES • FLAT & SHAPED POUCHES MAP PACKAGING • RFID • PACKAGING SYSTEMS

TADBIK PACKED FOR IMPACT 89 Main Reef Road • Langlaagte Tel 011 Fax 011 C 830 R E A1437 T I V I •T Y • 830 E X P1436 ERTISE clinton@tadbik.com • shivern.r@tadbik.com www.tadbik.com

•

EXELLENCE

•

I N N O VA T I O N

THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY YOUR GLOBAL PARTNER FOR PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

PACKAGING SOLUTIONS IML/BML LABELS • SHRINK SLEEVES • WRAP AROUND LABELS • MULTI LAYERED FLEXIBLE LAMINATES STAND-UP POUCHES WITH LASER CUT & ZIPPERS • RETORT POUCHES • FLAT & SHAPED POUCHES MAP PACKAGING • RFID • PACKAGING SYSTEMS

89 Main Reef Road, Langlaagte • Tel 011 830 1437 • Fax 011830 1436 clinton@tadbik.com / shivern.r@tadbik.com • www.tadbik.com

ENSafrica | in Africa | for Africa

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

157

S A K A T A

S E E D

S O U T H E R N

within a floodwater attenuation pond; utilising the water for irrigation purposes to alleviate the pressure on borehole water.

A dedication to sustainability and efficiency is seen throughout Sakata’s product range, tailoring each product to local consumption and farming trends.

“The Southern African head office is located in South Africa where we have approximately 20 percent market share and it is where we trade from into the rest of Africa,” Susan Allen continues. “We have always traded regionally, mainly in the SADC region, but have also had a physical representation in Kenya for the past few years.”

Geographic expansion enables the Company to move closer to its key customers on the continent; a pivotal facet of Sakata’s overall supply chain management strategy which is committed to being as fast, efficient and traceable as possible.

“The Sakata group maximises efficiency of seed production by determining which locations are best suited for the production of different species and varieties,” Allen adds.

A F R I C A

The Sakata group maximises efficiency of seed production by determining which locations are best suited for the production of different species and varieties

A purity test being carried out on the seed in a Sakata laboratory

Open day held in November 2013 to commemorate the Company’s 100 year celebrations

158

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

“Seed is then shipped throughout the world. Phytosanitary regulations differ from country to country and are managed accordingly.

“Sakata as part of the global seed industry has always been concerned with the tractability of seed lots long before it became the global norm to do so. The lot numbering system has been in existence long before it became the global norm for all industries to do so. ”

Selling a promise

While the capital expenditures, warehouse introduction, geographic expansion and supply chain enhancements are all setting Sakata up perfectly for the next stage of its comprehensive evolution, the end goal and mission revolves far more around how the Company’s customers benefit from these improvements.

Working with the seed that will be packed into MayFord packets Allen affirms: “Sakata maintains a focus on quality, reliability and service to our customers. We sell a promise so through improved products, where trust is a key element to the business.

Sakata breeders focus on yield, “What sets us apart is our innovation disease resistance, and the quality of the product in terms of flavour, nutritional content, shelf life and aesthetics.”

These staple principles are sure to set the tone for the next 100 years of development, with the Company already earmarking a series of short, medium and long-term goals to fully capitalise on the new warehouse facility, and the well-established kudos that its longevity has secured.

Allen concludes: “We are looking to achieve greater penetration into the sub-Saharan market and we would like to improve products available to sub-Saharan African consumers in terms of nutritional value and yield potential.

“We would also like to see an increase in the number of successful farmers, with previously disadvantaged farmers increasingly contributing to the social fabric of Susan Allen, Supply Chain Director Southern Africa.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

159

ame O P E N

F O O D

OPEN KEEPING ITS OPTIONS

Johannesburg has been base camp for OPEN Food’s rapid expansion and diversification over the past decade, laying the groundwork for the catering Company’s growing international ambitions Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Josh Hyland

160

PEN Food is exploring new horizons, new sectors and new territories as it stays true to an entrepreneurial ethos which continues to keep the catering specialist ahead of the industry curve and market competition year after year.

Founded in 1999, initially as a small catering company in Johannesburg tailored towards private events, the diversification and expansion of the Group that has occurred ever since has been indicative of an ethos to never rest on its laurels and a commitment to ensuring the very best customisable offering to each and every client.

At present, this service variety now comprises - on top of its original

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

catering activities - a recently introduced retail arm and a to-order production division that incorporates everything from ready-to-bake muffins to bespoke production for the luxury lounges in the aviation sector.

Finance Director, Richard Friend recalls: “In 2006 when I joined the Company, OPEN Food had a change in direction in what we wanted to achieve moving forward with regards to our style of catering.

“We began doing more production work and taking on bigger contracts, as well as opening up into retail since then, but whatever we tried to go into, OPEN Food always made it unique and its own.”

Whenever a new canteen was opened, OPEN Food ensured that it

N

F

O

O

D

&

was an exciting new addition to the market, offering a competitively priced meal, but in a style incomparable to older, traditional canteen concepts in Johannesburg.

“Everything that OPEN Food has tried to do has revolved around creating nuances and customising every new contract for that particular client,” Friend continues. “Across the divisions, OPEN Food offers something very unique and each month we look to see how we can push contracts and sites forward, in order to make them new, fresh and exciting, and to ensure we never rest on our laurels.”

Business growth

At the core of OPEN Food’s philosophy is an unwavering commitment to

D

R

I

N

K

client satisfaction; a facet which many companies struggle to retain as they grow. The business has managed to buck this trend however, in ensuring that, despite being a prominent and large market player, it still operates as a small enterprise.

“As much as our turnover has increased, we still run with the same ethos that was there when the Company began,” Friend explains.

“The employee numbers have increased and our operations have expanded but we still treat each and every client as if they are our only client.

“The food and service will always speak for itself, but in a market like this, it’s about going that bit further and seeing how else we can help with

a client’s contract so that they want to come back for more.

“We know where we came from and we know how we got to where we are now; by treating our clients like they were our only client.”

To achieve such positive word of mouth across the divisions, it is vital for the business to find a balance between not being pigeonholed into one sector above another, but to also ensure it has a reputation that bridges each division.

Aiding this drive is a concerted and ongoing approach to capital expenditure, ensuring that OPEN Food stays ahead of the industry curve and up-to-date with the very latest internal procedures and technologies.

Friend says: “As we grow, the

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

161

O P E N

F O O D

business needs to grow, taking into account our structures and facilities. As a result we have invested R1.8 million into a new internal system and are in the process of introducing a new facility for R12.5 million to cater for the latest in food safety trends and production requirements.”

Consistent quality

In terms of acquiring new business, and adding even further strings to the OPEN Food bow, the Company has already earmarked between two and four big new contracts a year, as well as an additional three retail outlets being opened up this year to complement its first foray into the domain.

To facilitate such a proactive and dynamic approach to attaining new contracts, though, requires a solid and consistent internal process across personnel and the supply chain.

Regarding the latter, Friend notes: “We employ someone in head office

The Company has earmarked a move into three additional retail outlets this year

It’s all about the consistency of quality, and the moment you chop and change suppliers, is the moment that consistency and quality starts to suffer

Always finding new items to add to the menu

162

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

specifically to handle procurement, making sure that we don’t just move something off or on to the menu.

Instead we find new ways to cook and new ways to use different aspects of the menu.”

This integrated approach continues across the Group having worked alongside the majority of key business partners throughout its own rise to industry prominence; purchases with some suppliers rising as much as 1,000 percent over the past seven years in some cases.

“It’s all about the consistency of quality, and the moment you chop and change suppliers, is the moment that consistency and quality starts to suffer,” Friend emphasises. “The same goes for our employment strategy where we look to promote from within and rise people up the ranks, ensuring they’re never doing just one thing the whole time and giving them the skill sets to improve.”

F

O

Unique service

O

D

&

A stable core to operations has been the ideal platform for OPEN Food’s expansion over the years and will continue to be so as the Company looks even further field in the years to come.

With an international expansion plan on the business’s doorstep, the strategy will be to find a balance between utilising local labour talent in each new region, yet leveraging existing partners; many of whom already enjoy a cross-border presence.

Additionally, the Company is also in the planning stage of establishing a new kitchen solely tailored towards the production arm of the business, which Friend expects to really take off across the aviation and hospitality industries in the next two-three years.

“On the retail front, we have a goal of opening at least two new stores a year and getting into franchise opportunities, while from a catering perspective we want to separate

D

R

I

N

K

“A Br Yo uth ingin rk” en g So expe tic – the uth rie Ne Afr nce w ica to

the functions and events from our everyday catering activities to create bigger teams for each division,” adds Friend.

As the offering expands, so too will the geographic footprint, with neighbouring Southern African nations top of the agenda and Europe not beyond the realms of possibility further ahead, as a consequence of its influence on the airport scene.

“The concept of providing food and catering services for a number of business class lounges in Africa will be a new one for us, but we are always looking to provide new services to each client,” Friend concludes. “It’s all about sitting down with each owner and getting a sense of how we can do new things for their benefit.

“How we present a service to every client is unique and should never be copied from our point of view.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

163

ame D A N A K A L I

SUPPORTING THE

GROWTH Markets of the Future Danakali is on the verge of its transition from exploration specialist to mineral producer as the Colluli project edges nearer to its 2018 commissioning target Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Arron Rampling

Previously successful in anakali, in conjunction the Australian nickel and with its joint venture gold exploration domain, partner, the Eritrean this move was a strategic National Mining decision built around Company, is laying the the longevity that potash foundations for what promises to be one of country’s most significant mining products comprise moving forward, and the potential operations to date, as the Australian that the Colluli project in Eritrea organisation looks towards creating a sustainable and successful presence on seemed to hold in this area from the outset. the continent.

“After sharpening Making the decision to our focus on potash, it enter the country back in 2009, the Company was Eritrea that came up as one of those areas formally known as South with high potential and Boulder Mines has spent the that’s why the South subsequent six years securing Boulder team went tenements and preparing the groundwork for the business’ after those tenements first foray onto African soil; at the time,” affirms Danakali’s eventually identifying a Managing tangible JORC compliant, Director high quality, potassium (MD), Paul bearing resource, to the tune Paul Donaldson, MD, Danakali of 1.2 billion tonnes, in 2012.

Donaldson.

164

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

I

N

I

N

G

“At 1.2 billion tonnes, a massive resource has been realised and, having completed a pre-feasibility study in early 2015, and then commencing a definitive feasibility study straight after that, South Boulder wanted to symbolise this focus on potash.”

The subsequent rebranding and renaming to Danakali is indicative of this transition from an exploration company to a bona fide producer, setting the newly directed organisation up as it plans for the license applications, construction and eventually production over the coming years.

Modular approach

Despite the massive resource within the 400 square kilometre area occupied

by Danakali’s tenements in Eritrea, there is still significant upside potential with areas in the southern and northwest regions of the tenements still open.

With the completion of an economically favourable prefeasibility study and a well-advanced definitive feasibility study, indicative of the Company’s timelines, expectations and strategies have already been formalised.

Donaldson says: “Our approach to project development is underpinned by the principles of modularity, and getting the right balance between fundability, market penetration, risk mitigation and economic return.

“Fundamentally, the 1.2 billion tonne resource has decades of growth ahead of it, and in our first module, we expect to be making 425,000 tonnes per annum of potassium sulphate; also known as sulphate of potash or SOP.” With 88 percent of the resource

converted into reserve, the overall mine life for a single 425,000 tonne production module is in excess of 500 years, emphasising the scale of the resource, and with the second module already planned five years after the first, the prediction is that the resultant 850,000 tonnes per annum will bring the production life of the mine to around 250 years, placing the operation in the top five producers of potassium sulphate globally.

“We expect the definitive feasibility study to be finished by the end of 2015, after which we will submit our mining license application, the social environmental impact assessment and the environmental management plan; running parallel with seeking funding for the project,” Donaldson continues.

“Assuming all of this goes to plan, we can then look towards a two year construction timeline, before looking to be in the commissioning phase by Q3 of 2018.”

Potash overview Potassium is one of three key fertiliser ‘macro-nutrients’ essential for healthy soil and plant growth. It is generally used in combination with the other two macro-nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, to produce a range of fertilisers, the type used being dependent on the soil to which it will be applied.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

165

D A N A K A L I

AMC CONSULTANTS

A

MC Consultants is a leading mining consultancy with a reputation for quality and independence. We work with our clients to plan new mines or improve the operations of existing mines.

With experience on more than 7,500 assignments globally over 30 years, AMC is an expert in the business of mining.

AMC’s core business activities include feasibility studies for mining projects, strategic business optimization, benchmarking, project evaluation, mineral resource and ore reserve estimation, and technical due diligence.

A partner of choice for the African minerals sector, AMC has completed more than 400 consultancy assignments in Africa since 1990.

T +61 8 6330 1100 E perth@amcconsultants.com

Danakali has access to a pool of accomplished geologists and environmental consultants

www.amcconsultants.com

Overcoming challenges

While the future of the Colluli project is providing Danakali with unbound potential and expectations, the decision to move into Eritrea initially came with inevitable challenges.

However, the Company has been able to leverage a rich history within the wider market, as well as its entrepreneurial approach to operations in order to overcome any prospective setbacks efficiently.

“The first logistical challenge we encountered was that the resource itself is quite remote,” Donaldson explains. “Situated 350 kilometres from the capital and around 200 kilometres from the main port, it is also quite a harsh environment with nobody living within around 30 kilometres of the tenement.

“Access to the site has been a challenge but we have constructed access roads and are also fortunate that the area is sparsely vegetated and extremely flat, so have been able to

166

Overcoming challenges with the help of good relationships

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

overcome these challenges in order to advance the project.”

A good relationship with the port and a readymade link to Dubai in the Middle East to draw supplies from provides further support in this area; epitomising a general commitment to streamlining efficiencies within the Danakali organisation.

This includes utilising the full array of expertise and resources available to the Company: within Eritrea through an accomplished pool of geologists and environmental consultants;

M

I

N

I

N

G

AMC CONSULTANTS

THE BUSINESS OF MINING

For truly independent world-leading expertise in feasibility studies, look no further than AMC, with a breadth of capabilities covering: Geology

Mining engineering

Geotechnical engineering

AMC’s expert quality advice has enabled Danakali to sucessfully take the Colluli project from the preliminary feasibility study phase to the detailed feasibility study phase.

With a strong record in West and Central Africa and substantial and expanding presence in Eastern and Southern Africa, AMC is wellpositioned to assist partners in the region from project start to finish, across all disciplines.

www.amcconsultants.com

The environment is harsh, with nobody living within around 30 kilometres of the tenement

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

167

D A N A K A L I

abroad via various analysts and mineral specialists; and back in Perth where the business’s headquarters facilitate optimum team integration in order to assess the best way forward for the project.

Skills development

Incorporated within this is the Company’s employment strategy, underpinned by one of its core principles; the development of skills and job creation.

While its supply chain and business partnerships capitalise on international best practices, the focus when it comes to personnel takes a much more local approach as part of a corporate social responsibility dedication to finding the required skills internally wherever possible.

Of course, this isn’t possible across all fronts, but with sustainability at its core, the strategy moving forward for Danakali will be to import in these deficient areas in order to upskill the local labour force, with the future of the mine’s operations standing to benefit in the long run.

“We want to recruit as many nationals as we can and we’ve been through a process whereby we’ve identified the skills required for specific roles and whether or not those skills exist in the country or whether they need to be imported. And then, importantly, we need to see how long those skills need to be imported for,”

168

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

I

N

I

N

G

Donaldson states. “We want to be able to go through a journey of upskilling people over a period of time as we develop this project.

“It’s all about setting the framework for what it is you would like out of your people and how they’ll be motivated by what they’re doing, and the skills we need to develop over time. We then build programmes to support that moving forward.”

Sustainability

Forward is definitely the direction which Danakali can look following its success across each stage thus far, with Donaldson enthused about how far the Company will have progressed again even just one year from now.

“In a year’s time I would like to say that we’d got our mining license, we’d have the majority of the funding, if not all of it, and we’ll have started ordering our long lead items. We will have also engaged companies to put forward their proposals for building the facility.

“On top of this, we’ll also have very explicit and clear training and development programmes, with the underpinning sustainability integrated

We want to recruit as many nationals as we can and we’ve been through a process whereby we’ve identified the skills required for specific roles and whether or not those skills exist in the country or whether they need to be imported into our overall approach.”

This guiding principle of sustainability will be key for Danakali moving forward, creating a talent pool for not only the business, but for Eritrea as a whole; in-keeping with the development of the Colluli project which will consequently stand to benefit from it in the future.

Donaldson concludes: “With two modules, it’s a 200-year mine life so it’s decades of growth, and what we need to do is build for a long-term development, underpinned by good sustainability policies, processes and practices.

“Potash is a commodity that supports the growth of the future; the food requirements for a growing population.

“Where we are, we’re well positioned to support that key growth, so this is not just a long-term project in a maturing mining jurisdiction; it’s a critical commodity for the growth markets of the future.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

169

ame F I R S T

R E I N S U R A N C E

B O T S W A N A

First-Class The Emeritus Re Group is capitalising on sub-Saharan Africa’s reinsurance growth markets, with Botswana identified as an integral part of its long-term profitabilitystrategy Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Callum Philp

Leo Huvaya, Group MD of Emeritus Re

170

stablished in 2009, First Reinsurance Botswana (First Re Botswana) is the latest arm of the wider Emeritus International Reinsurance Group (Emeritus Re), created to capitalise on the growing demand for financial service expertise in the country. As first-movers in Botswana, First Re is working hard to strengthen the market’s understanding of reinsurance products and the benefits they bring to insurers.

“The law in Botswana was favourable for reinsurance services, and we were the first reinsurers to take advantage of this regulatory environment, starting with Emeritus Re becoming a registered International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) accredited holding Company,” highlights Leo Huvaya, Group Managing Director of Emeritus Re. The Group has significant subSaharan presence in a selection of rapidly growing financial markets via its operations in Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia; benefitting from a strong pedigree and successful track record of utilising its expertise to help insurers find capital for risk transfer.

“Quick turnaround time especially on claims settlement is critical in our business. We always want to show our customers that we offer a professional and efficient service, and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

we are constantly looking for ways to become more relevant and get closer to our clients. Our aim is to give our shareholders a better return on investment and improve our credit ratings. All these components have resulted in local investors who are keen to partner with us. Our major competitive advantage is that we are always first to pay all our obligations on time; an element which all players in the market look for,” he further explains.

This attitude to business, combined with its turnkey reinsurance product offering has resulted in First Re Botswana obtaining a share of the market that continues to rise.

Reinsurance products

Botswana’s financial sector has remained stable since around 2011, with Standards & Poor (S&P) having given the country an A- sovereign credit rating (as at August 2015).

These positive market conditions have allowed the niche reinsurance industry in the country to gain traction and develop significantly over the past five years.

Equipped with reinsurance products covering almost all classes of business in Botswana, First Re guarantees professional indemnity in all that it does.

Huvaya comments: “The country has been praised for its stability and has a good financial market where ease

F

I

N

A

of access to money means on-time payment. By establishing ourselves in Botswana, First Re has been able to take full advantage of the regulatory framework here without unnecessary bureaucratic restrictions on the movement of money.”

All of the above serves to demonstrate that Botswana is a key contender in Africa’s reinsurance landscape, and First Re has identified many classes of business that are growing in popularity. Given that the agricultural industry is a key contributor to Africa’s economy as a whole, First Re is to capitalise on obtaining more business in this area, identifying the need to increase its resources on the ground to take a bigger share of the sector.

N

C

E

Agriculture will remain a crucial growth area from now into the foreseeable future, and due to our involvement in this area we are often asked about possibilities in the mining industry

Huvaya continues: “Agriculture will remain a crucial growth area from now into the foreseeable future, and due to our involvement in this area we are often asked about possibilities in the mining industry. Both will be important markets going forward that I feel we must invest in to strengthen our business.

“To complete our coverage of all business classes in Botswana we intend to offer life reassurance and we are currently aiming to enter this market by January 2016. This missing piece of the puzzle will allow us to offer composite reinsurance cover - a rising global trend area - which will be a crucial way for us to differentiate ourselves from other reinsurers in Botswana. It will complete our

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

171

F I R S T

R E I N S U R A N C E

B O T S W A N A

comprehensive service offering.”

Tourism is another key area First Re will look to develop as it presents yet another avenue for growth. Moreover, as more countries open their doors to reinsurance business – such as DRC, Angola and Rwanda – Emeritus plans to leverage its expertise to bring brokering services to these niche and underdeveloped markets.

Guided by its vision and mission

solution as part of the next stage of internal improvements. We want to ensure that we are backed by the best the moment someone writes the risk, so we have to depend on both our staff and a reliable set of IT systems,” Huvaya explains.

In order to support the healthy growth of reinsurance products in Botswana, First Re has developed local training schemes that train its clients in the benefits that a reinsurer brings. “We Eliminating risk have been recognised for our efforts Technology is a critical tool in any in not only educating the market, but underwriter’s repertoire in order to eliminate as much risk as possible, and taking graduates from local universities First Re Botswana was quick to identify and putting them through our training programme. These trainees receive this through the adoption of industry comprehensive on-the-job training that leading software, SICS/nt, which is often heralded as the best software in is filtered down from Group level, which the industry and subsequently used by includes exposure to other markets as well as giving employees the chance many international companies. for further education through post“At the moment our systems at graduate diplomas so as to specialise in each site are separate, but as a Group we want to adopt an integrated cloud particular areas of reinsurance,” he says.

The First Reinsurance Botswana team

172

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

I

N

A

N

C

E

Your reinsurance broker of choice

Patience Marwiro, General Manager of First Reinsurance Botswana

FRB Team Building

Corporate social responsibility forms a crucial part of First Reinsurance Botswana’s activities in the country, and is a vital requirement in a developing country

FIRST REINSURANCE BROKERS LTD; We pride ourselves in having a visionary leadership that is coupled with motivated and highly professional team, that is responsible for identifying and organizing the most suitable reinsurance covers for all our clients.

Motor

We visualize being the Leading Reinsurance Broker of Choice. This we do by offering our clients with most professional, efficient and cost effective Reinsurance Broking and Consulting services. We do this as professionals, true to our word; with a passion and commitment, working together to achieve a common goal for FirstRe and our clients.

Marine

Rose Avenue, off Dennis Pritt Road City Square, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2748000/7602600 Wireless: +254 20 2586663 Mobile: +254 722 204478/733 609251 Website: www.Firstre.com

Medical

Property

Furthermore, international companies with a local presence in Botswana have played a critical role in “the cogs that make the business run”, as Huvaya emphasises: “We always want to make sure that our turnaround time is second to none, therefore we have developed strong relationships with very efficient vendors. AON Re in particular plays an incredibly important role in enabling us to access new reinsurance products and markets.”

He concludes: “Above all, we make sure to pay claims on time – something that any insurer looks for – with the aim of increasing our market share in Botswana and the rest of Africa.

“As more local partners join us, we will increase our market understanding and consequently our product range to include more relevant reinsurance products. Equipped with this bigger balance sheet, we will have a stronger capital base from which to write much more business.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

173

ame A O N

K E N Y A

Knowledge without Borders s the world’s leading provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, Aon’s presence in Africa has been inevitably successful, leveraging the same reputation for human resource solutions and outsourcing services also to bring the very best in services to an expectant clientele.

In Kenya, arguably Africa’s most attractive proposition at present, this notoriety is no different, with Aon’s innovative approach, global resources and technical expertise on hand to fit its impressive billing: the world’s best broker; best insurance intermediary; best reinsurance intermediary; best captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm among its numerous accolades.

Within Kenya, Aon’s presence is extensive already, comprising seven offices across the country and made up of three divisions; Aon Benfield, Aon Risk and Aon Hewitt.

“Aon Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of J.H. Minet & Company, Lloyds Brokers in 1954 and has since dedicated itself to providing high quality insurance broking services,” the Company’s website states. “As a result of the acquisition of UK shareholder, Minet London, by global giant Aon Corporation in 1997, the name changed to Aon Minet Insurance Brokers Limited. Currently, the Company

174

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Aon Kenya is leveraging the wider Group’s number one global positioning in the risk management, insurance and reinsurance space to apply worldwide expertise to local demands Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Callum Philp

F

I

N

A

N

C

E

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

175

A O N

K E N Y A

registration is Aon Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited.”

Aon’s history in establishing such a dominant presence in Kenya has of course been mirrored in each of its operating regions, but this is not to say that it takes a one-size-fits-all approach as it continues to engrain itself into the fabric of Kenyan finance.

The Company adds: “We unite to provide our clients with distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions.

“We stand ready to draw on our international network and the knowledge of our local experts to give you the best advice, proven solutions and attentive service.”

Empowering clients

We unite to provide our clients with distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions

176

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The balance of honing a reliable and reputable offering synonymous with Aon, while continuously innovating and modernising its service range, is one that Aon is all too adept at managing, and is most recently being epitomised by its plans to move more into the digital space.

The launch of its mobile app with a view to enhancing online purchasing and management opportunities is the latest way the Company is expanding its influence across the Kenyan market; subsequently making the business as accessible as possible across all areas of the country.

“Aon offers a broad range of products, services and solutions ranging from individuals, local and multinational corporations,” the Company adds in relation to its continuous improvement strategy.

“We empower our clients and improve their productivity by providing superior risk and human capital solutions with integrity and professionalism, backed

F

I

N

A

N

C

E

SECURING YOUR WORLD G4S employs global best practices to secure customer records and information. One of the greatest threats to your business is the loss of data, which often makes it difficult to make informed business decisions putting your business at a competitive disadvantage and economic risk. G4S Secure Data Solutions provides simple and secure solutions for all your records and information management requirements.

Tel: +254 020 6651 821/22 Mob: +254 722 571 348 Email: securedata@ke.g4s.com www.g4s.com/ke

G 4 S S E C U R E D ATA S O L U T I O N S

S

afe keeping of records and their easy retrieval is a key function that enhances operations within an organization.

With current and emerging technologies increasing and the amount of data produced, many companies are looking for a records management partner they can trust.

At G4S Secure Data Solutions (Kenya) Limited, strategically located secure sites, flexible storage solutions backed up by market leading expertise in logistics and security has made the company a preferred partner in record storage and management.

Best practise requires that records be kept away from the centre of business operation to ensure business continuity in case of a disaster.

Operating as a subsidiary of G4S PLC, the company employs sophisticated systems that include indexing, track and trace modules that ensure protection identity of documents but easily retrievable when required.

This is especially ideal for long-term documents like title deeds, company

blueprints and other documents whose destination could jeopardise operations and continuity of a company.

G4S Secure Data Solutions (Kenya) Limited, is a certified member of a global trade association for information management companies.

Mr Carey Ngini, Director, G4S Secure Data Solutions (Kenya) Limited argues that corporate espionage is a huge cost to businesses world wide and that highly confidential documents are bound to leak unless they are securely and professionally managed by experts operating within a framework of high ethical codes of conduct.

“Digitization of records has become a key aspect in records and information management. It must not be lost that digitization can only be a success when the organisation has a good understanding of its physical records, which by extension informs records that need to be digitized and streamed through a workflow to improve process efficiency. A record kept is only good if you can retrieve it when required.

A record that you cannot effectively

Tel: +254 020 6651 821/22 Mob: +254 722 571 348 Email: securedata@ke.g4s.com

retrieve is as good as lost,” says Mr Ngini.

“Management of records is a security issue because most fraud matters emanate from management of records, in a manner that may not be acceptable which includes manipulation and the destruction of records,” argues Mr Ngini.

Mr Ngini says G4S Secure Data Solutions employs best practices which include high level industry specific software in records management, back-up of records at multi sites which ensures electronic records are kept in an ideal environment to guarantee their integrity and safety. In addition G4S Secure Data Solutions draws a lot of safety and security best practices from its global operations in over 172 countries.

We employ stringent security measures, which encompass restricted access to records, and information centres which are covered with electronic surveillance systems centrally monitored at a control and command centre in addition to having rapid

response capability. The company has also invested heavily in fire mitigation measures, which includes dedicated fire response crews’ 24 hours 7 days a week amongst a host of other intricate but efficient measures.

Setting up a data centre can be costly bearing in mind the capital expenditure required, time and the capability in the form of human resources and technology.

Production of records is a by-product of any business; G4S Secure Data Solutions commits itself to providing simple, cost effective and secure solutions to all aspects of corporate archiving, records and information management. Key benefits of outsourcing the service to G4S Data Solutions is that you will have a peace of mind, time to focus on your core business, guaranteed continuity in the event of a disaster at your premises and professional advise on records and information management that is leveraged and bench-marked against global best practises. www.g4s.com/ke

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

177

A O N

K E N Y A

COMMERCIAL BANK OF AFRICA (CBA)

C

ommercial Bank of Africa (CBA) was established in 1962, and is the largest privately owned Kenyan bank with operations in Tanzania and Uganda.

CBA is a Tier One bank with 11m customers and Kes.203b Assets (Dec 2014). CBA offers tailor-made financial products and services to various market segments and continues to harness innovation across its mobile and internet banking platforms.

CBA is renowned for its mobile-centric banking solution, M-Shwari and its equivalent in Tanzania, M-Pawa.

CBA seeks to expand within EAC and beyond within the next 5 years.

Highly engaged staff provide superior risk and human capital solutions

by highly engaged staff.

“We believe that all our clients have a vision they wish to achieve, and to achieve this vision, we work in partnership with them and encourage them to always point out whether we are meeting their requirements for service and, in this way, help them to attain set goals.”

Innovations such as those being seen in the tech space at present contribute to the final customer satisfaction achieved on a regular basis, but this is a facet that appears far further down a process which all begins as a consequence of the vastness of service offering.

Tailored by specialty, solution and industry, the subsequent departments that combine to form the final Aon offering leaves no stone unturned, but can be broken down to fit within one of the business’s three core divisions.

The first, “Insurance and Risk Management, is now widely viewed as a critical boardroom issue. It is

178

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We believe that all our clients have a vision they wish to achieve, and to achieve this vision, we work in partnership with them and encourage them...

www.cbagroup.com

F

I

N

A

N

C

E

Among the world’s top global human capital firms

the cornerstone of every company’s capital structure. When well-designed, an insurance and risk management programme frees you to pursue your vision; unhindered by concerns that you may need to hoard precious financial capital or maintain unusually high levels of liquidity”.

Aon continues in regards to the second arm, Human Capital Consulting: “Aon Hewitt is among the world’s top global human capital and management consulting firms, providing a complete array of consulting, outsourcing and insurance brokerage services.

“We can help you achieve better business results by finding, developing, motivating and rewarding employees in ways that fit with your broad financial and business goals.”

Aon Benfield represents the third strand - Reinsurance - which once again stands as a world-leading broker in providing clients with integrated capital solutions and services.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

179

A O N

K E N Y A

BRITAM

B

ritam is a leading diversified financial services group, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, with interests across the Eastern and Southern Africa region.

The company offers a wide range of financial products and services in insurance, asset management, banking and property. Our product range includes: life, health and general insurance, pensions, unit trusts, investment planning, wealth management, off-shore investments, retirement planning, discretionary portfolio management, property development and private equity.

Britam is committed to providing clients with great service and competent financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals.

www.britam.co.ke The Company’s resources facilitate the delivery of its services around the world

Knowledge without borders

“To effectively deliver these, and other services, Aon has developed a global network of local resources brought together via our global business units and strategic account management system,” the Company notes. “These resources let us deliver services around the world – to multinational companies, small businesses, independent agents or brokers, associations and affinity groups, and even individual consumers – with the local expertise necessary to meet your specific needs.”

This ethos fits in with a much broader Aon Advantage philosophy which accounts for what the Company considers to be the two most important issues in the economy today; risk and people.

“With an employee base of 66,000 people working in more than 120 countries, we can anticipate how changes in one sector impact

180

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Aon has developed a global network of local resources brought together via our global business units and strategic account management system

another,” the Group affirms. “Another advantage is our client focus: Every day our employees ask, “How can we help a client or how can we help a colleague help a client?”

“Because each of our client groups have unique needs, our professionals - coordinated by strategic account managers, or relationship managers - specialise by product, function and client industry; to help you uncover risks and discover new opportunities to make your business more successful, now and into the future.”

To achieve this, an extensive employment strategy is in place to not only ensure that the Company retains its market-leading position, but also to enrich people in the surrounding communities, separate from its core service functions.

Combining this element with its unrivalled global reputation and “knowledge without borders”, Aon’s presence in Kenya is set to thrive for

F

I

N

the foreseeable future; capitalising on a globalisation trend to achieve local prominence.

“Aon recognised many years ago that our clients want products and services built around their unique needs and provided by professionals with deep expertise in their industries and local markets,” the Company concludes.

“We saw that globalisation demanded two capabilities: to gather the best thinking from around the world and to then deliver solutions locally.

“With worldwide distribution, a vast base of intellectual capital, and leading technology, we have built a professional services company to achieve these important goals, all focused on areas increasingly in demand; insurance brokerage, risk management and human capital consulting.

A

N

C

E

We have the tools & Resources you need.

Motor Insurance Home Insurance Life Insurance TALK TO US ON +254722-444117 +254733-605480 +254-20-2900000

Travel Insurance Personal Accident Medical Insurance Marine & Liability

www.firstassurance.co.ke

Fire & Engineering

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

181

ame Z I M B A B W E

I N S U R A N C E

B R O K E R S

Flexible Risk Solutions

Zimbabwe Insurance Brokers’ reputation in the country goes back more than two decades, evolving from being the nation’s largest reinsurance Company, to reach similar heights in the insurance brokerage industry Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Callum Philp

imbabwe Insurance Brokers is looking forward to a series of technological advancements to usher in the latest phase of a 20-year evolution to the top of the country’s financial domain.

Initiating in 1985 as ZimRe, the business became the largest reinsurance Company in the country, and has subsequently developed to become one of the leading lights in the insurance brokerage sector under the primary ownership of ZimRe Holdings Limited.

182

With offices spread strategically across the business hubs of urban Zimbabwe, the growth and diversification that the business has implemented over the past two decades has been a result of concerted innovation and creativity, choosing this route over mergers and takeovers to form the smoothest route possible for both the Company and its loyal clients.

“Since formation, the Company has experienced phenomenal growth through adopting competitive strategies which has made it one of the largest locally-owned insurance brokers and a pace setter in the

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

market,” Zimbabwe Insurance Brokers (ZIB) says. “In 1994, ZIB was converted into a Public Company through a secondary listing conducted via the Post Office and in 1995, ZIB set up Reinsurance Brokers International (RBI).”

Arguably its most significant selling point was cemented more than a decade later in 2006 when it became the first and only ISO certified broker in Zimbabwe; a status still held proudly to this day.

Looking forward, this same commitment to business flexibility and offering something unique stands firm,

F

I

N

A

and will be epitomised by a series of technological introductions in years to come; including an extension of its electronic regional services bridging downloads, policies, claims and quotes.

Smart and professional

Made up of three core service strands, ZIB’s offering encapsulates all that you would expect from an insurance specialist operating on a national scale.

The Company finds a differentiator, however, through the personable approach that is applied throughout its dealings, keeping clients’ wellbeing at

N

C

E

the forefront of it all.

The first of the three divisions addresses short-term insurance, incorporating asset policies, fire and allied perils, accident perils, business interruption and self insurance.

Also comprising insurance across areas of transport - engineering, motor insurance, marine and aviation - its short-term services set the tone for arguably its most comprehensive area of expertise, in regards to its employee benefit division.

Dealing with long-term business and, ultimately, employee welfare, the consultancy and secretarial services

provide cover insured funds, group life assurance schemes and group funeral schemes; all the while maintaining the same customisable and flexible approach to suit each individual’s needs.

“We do not have a standard approach to longer-term appointments. Instead, we develop a smart and professional service that meets your long-term needs and requirements,” the Company emphasises. “In that light, we continually strive to: be a leading fund consultancy and administrator; create and maintain excellent relationships

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

183

Z I M B A B W E

I N S U R A N C E

B R O K E R S

OLD MUTUAL RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS MANIFESTO Three simple words lie at the very heart of everything we do at Old Mutual.

They represent a commitment to our customers, to ourselves and to every community that we serve across this great awakening continent. It’s a commitment to uplift the lives of those in need, to educate those who need the knowledge, to guide those who need our wisdom, to invest in those who journey with us, to offer returns for those who place their trust in us and remain committed to leaving the world we live in today a better place than it was yesterday.

It is about ENABLING... POSITIVE...

FUTURES. These three words are a guiding light for everything we do in every minute, of every hour, of every day. As a company, we do so much more than sell financial solutions, so much more than protect people from challenges and losses, so much more than invest and grow people’s wealth.

Consultancy and secretarial facets combine to fulfil the overriding strategic functions adhered to throughout all claims

with clients and the stakeholders; maintain integrity in our dealings at all times by effectively utilising, safeguarding and maintaining the assets and resources under our control and eliminating unnecessary expenditure; be a harbour of proactive solutions with regards to employee benefits; and to uphold the service level agreements.”

The consultancy and secretarial facets combine to fulfil the overriding strategic functions adhered to throughout all claims, to strike the perfect balance between bespoke customer service, and a consistent philosophy and model to underpin it.

184

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Because we invest in people, in schools, in small businesses, in roads and homes.

We invest in renewable green energy.

We invest in uplifting communities, the youth and education.

In its simplest form, risk management means knowing at all times: what your risks are; what they mean in financial terms; what can reasonably be done to eliminate or reduce them

Because we believe that it’s our responsibility to see over the horizon and ensure that we are enabling a positive future for all. So, as we continue to create great financial solutions for our customers, we’ll continue to enable positive futures for the Greater Good of this country and this continent. Because, when you work at Old Mutual, you don’t just work for Old Mutual, you also work for a “Greater Future” for all.

T +263 4 308815 E insure@oldmutual.co.zw

Z I M B A B W E

I N S U R A N C E

B R O K E R S

The extra mile

The work that goes into administrative efficiencies and the continual compliance with ever-changing legislation is pivotal across both short and long-term services, but vitally also brings into play its third strand; risk management.

ZIB explains: “In its simplest form, risk management means knowing at all times: what your risks are; what they mean in financial terms; what can reasonably be done to eliminate or reduce them; what financial resources you have to absorb them economically; and what insurance is necessary for the potential catastrophes which remain.

“This approach should form the basis of your protection plan and the principles are the same for all enterprises, big and small.”

The ability to apply the very best and most relevant service to each client has stood the Company in good stead in Zimbabwe over the years, built upon its five key pillars of why people choose ZIB; its promise, vision, mission, principles and values.

“Our promise, with all pieces to the puzzle, is to guarantee cost-effective and innovative solutions to risks aligned

Our promise, with all pieces to the puzzle, is to guarantee costeffective and innovative solutions to risks aligned to your business’s personal needs

186

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The ability to apply the very best and most relevant service to each client has stood the Company in good stead

F

I

N

A

N

C

E

Guaranteed cost-effective and innovative solutions

to your business’s personal needs,” the Company states. “Our vision is to be the preferred broker in the provision of risk management solutions, and our mission is to provide valuable risk management solutions to customers, in line with our principles and values.”

Those principles and values encapsulate integrity, consistency, transparency and empathy through a customer-driven, proactive, innovative, competitive and team-orientated approach, to ensure optimum professionalism throughout all functions.

ZIB concludes: “We commit ourselves to understanding the risks that may affect your wellbeing whether it be on a business or personal level.

“It has been and still is our mandate to guarantee that we do whatever it takes to ensure your insurance issues are catered for as fast as possible. At ZIB we go the extra mile so that you can have peace of mind.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

187

ame K E N Y A

P O R T S

A U T H O R I T Y

The

Region’s

Hub

In line with Kenya’s Vision 2030, Kenya Ports Authority is expanding the Port of Mombasa in order to cater for increased cargo and traffic volumes, all contributing towards the country’s desired position as the ‘Hub of East Africa’ Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Tom Cullum

Mombasa Port on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast: Photograph taken by the Kenyan Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism (MEAACT).

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEAACT PHOTO / STUART PRICE

188

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S H I P P I N G

&

enya Ports Authority (KPA) has been responsible for the Port of Mombasa since 1978, overseeing the country’s transformation into the ‘hub of Africa’ that it is often considered as today.

With a mandate to maintain, operate, improve and regulate all scheduled sea ports situated along Kenya’s coastline, KPA has the challenging task of balancing stable operating profits with the right level of investment in modernisation of the port’s facilities in order to better handle the increased traffic in the present day trade environment.

“Located in the Northern Corridor, the Port of Mombasa is the biggest asset in Mombasa County and is of great historical importance, with roots

L O G I S T I C S

tracing back to the 19th century; to a time when dhows called at the Old Port on the north side of Mombasa Island. It offers essential international maritime linkage for Kenya and the landlocked East and Central African countries of Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. In addition to Mombasa, the largest port in the region, KPA also operates other ports including Lamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Shimoni, Funzi and Vanga.

“As a result, it is important that we implement the right development programmes with the ultimate aim of making the Port of Mombasa among the best ports in the world,” explained the Company on its website.

Over the past 10 years, the Port has recorded significant growth

in traffic volumes, which has put a strain on existing port infrastructure; necessitating costly investment to improve operations and service delivery. Between 2002 and 2006, the Port saw a total cargo increase of approximately four million tonnes, jumping from 10.2 million tonnes of cargo in the former, and 14.4 million tonnes in the latter; representative of a 40 percent growth during this time and accounting for a 12 percent share of global trade.

Continuous improvement

At present, the Port of Mombasa has 19 functional berths with a capacity to handle more than one million TEUs, and two new container berths with 1.2 million TEUs capacity; in line with this, container traffic has been growing

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

189

K E N Y A

P O R T S

A U T H O R I T Y

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS

M

agal Security Systems is a leading international provider of solutions and products for physical and cyber security. Over the past 45 years, Magal has delivered tailor-made security solutions and turnkey projects to hundreds of satisfied customers in over 80 countries – under most challenging conditions.

Magal offers comprehensive integrated solutions for critical sites, managed

by Fortis4G, our Physical Security Information Management system integrated with Security Information & Event Management. The solutions leverage our broad portfolio of homegrown Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems, advanced outdoors CCTV / IVA technology and Cyber Security solutions.

T +972-3-5391444 E sales@magal-s3.com

www.magal-s3.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEAACT PHOTO / STUART PRICE

190

KPA’s core business is to provide:

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEAACT PHOTO / STUART PRICE

at an average rate of 11 percent per annum over the past few years. In the face of this continual growth, KPA has made significant strides to improve efficiencies at the Port of Mombasa, starting with the automation of key port services and the use of technology in its internal processes to improve accuracy and reliability.

“KPA’s IT strategy is driven by its vision to achieve a rating among the top 20 ports in the world in terms of reputation and performance for the Port of Mombasa. To achieve this, we have adopted a fully-integrated IT strategy that encompasses enterprise resource planning systems, a water front system and community based system all available on the web. It is the only port that is fully developed with modern equipment, hence making it the principal Port in the region,” said the Company.

Furthermore, to improve interaction and response time to customers, KPA has teamed up with other key

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Safe navigation Pilotage Berthing Mooring Pollution control Stevedoring Shore handling Storage services

stakeholders to offer a 24-hour service at the Port. “This change helped us to keep abreast of global shipping trends and handle more traffic, while maintaining better longstanding relationships with customers,” detailed KPA.

Harbour expansion

In 2014, the number of vessels calling at the Port of Mombasa increased by 3.6 percent, from 1,768 to 1,832; with total imports handled rising by 8.3 percent to 20.8 million tonnes and exports increasing by 12.8 percent to 3.4 million tonnes. While business leaders who gathered at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit said these statistics are encouraging as they point to a vibrant port growth, KPA is now reaching full capacity and will need to expand to deal with the increase of cargo.

In efforts to further expand the Port of Mombasa KPA recently shortlisted 12 firms to bid for the tender to run the second container terminal at the

S H I P P I N G

&

L O G I S T I C S

A World Leading Provider of Integrated Solutions for Physical and Cyber Security

T: +972-3-5391444 | E: sales@magal-s3.com | www.magal-s3.com

Port, and accelerated the deadline to commission the facility; from March 2016 forward to November this year.

The first phase of construction is already 75 percent complete, with the second phase set to begin in 2018.

“KPA has borrowed KSh34 billion to finance the expansion and the additions include the construction of two main container berths with lengths of 300 metres and 210 metres respectively;

the former will be dredged to a depth of 15 metres while the latter will be 11 metres,” commented a press release in August, 2015.

“Moreover, the development will also call for advanced and efficient cargo handling systems to be deployed at the Port, and we are currently outsourcing some of this work to cargo freight stations.”

With Kenya’s economy expected

to grow six percent this year, the Northern Corridor has to function as a vital artery from the heart of East Africa through to the veins of the world. The harbour expansion will inject much needed investment into the Port of Mombasa, promising improved flow of import and export traffic within East Africa; further contributing to the country’s Vision 2030 economic development goals.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEAACT PHOTO / STUART PRICE

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

191

ame K O U G A

W I N D

Kouga Wind Farm remains committed to its ‘doing it right’ ethos, not only in generating much needed energy for the national grid, but in uplifting the local regions in which it operates Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Cullum s South Africa continues to stabilise its energy sector, the reliance on wind power is becoming more and more pivotal; epitomised by the work currently ongoing at Kouga Wind Farm as it embarks on its first full year of operation.

Connected directly to the Eskom grid, the importance of projects such as Kouga Wind Farm cannot be underestimated and the past few years of development have raised expectations about what can be achieved through this renewable medium.

Supported by numerous other projects in the country, and headed

192

F A R M

RIGHT up by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), the 32 turbines have now been erected and the substantial completion stage has been reached; paving the way for more tangible figures to be attached to the Farm.

“Commercial operation of the Kouga Wind Farm officially commenced on 17 March, 2015,” the Company affirmed at the time. “The Kouga Wind Farm is an 80MW wind farm consisting of 32 2.5MW wind turbines which means that the Kouga Wind Farm will add approximately 300 million KWh of clean electricity annually to the grid; enough to supply approximately 50,000 average South African households with electricity annually.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Concrete foundations

The total capacity of the Wind Farm, across the 32 turbines, amounts to 80MW, a figure that justifies the project on its own. The amount of planning, construction, and logistical refinement that has occurred in the lead up to 2015 tells the story of a more multi-faceted project however, beyond the resultant facts and figures.

Teaming up with globally-renowned manufacturer, Nordex Energy, the operation has been every bit as efficient and international as the trend it is catering for, as the Company emphasised at the time of the announcement: “Nordex not only supplies the turbines but is also responsible for the final design and the

E

N

E

construction of the wind farm.

“Nordex have engaged wellestablished, reputable South African contractors to undertake the civil and electrical work; Power Construction and Actom respectively.”

Maintaining an intrinsically

R

G

Y

South African presence within the construction and formulation of the Wind Farm was a core focus of Kouga’s in ensuring that sustainability thrived both throughout the process and the aftermath of the site.

The inner-workings and assembly of the turbines themselves required optimum manufacturing excellence, however, which Nordex accomplished well within the given time constraints over the past two years.

“The turbines have an 80 metre high tower and the blades are 90 metres in diameter. The tower is made up of four sections and there are three blades,” Kouga explained. “The turbines require concrete foundations of about 20 metres in diameter and each foundation is designed and based on the ground conditions where it is situated.”

Remaining flexible and proactive enough to overcome certain logistical challenges was further compounded

Lukhanyo Ndube, CEO, Kouga Wind Farm

by the construction of gravel roads linked between the turbines in order to transport materials efficiently, and also through the erection of cranes in order to precisely control the construction process in ironically difficult windy conditions.

Doing it right

While the primary benefits of a wind farm such as Kouga’s are clear for all to see, the advantages that have been produced by this particular project spread far beyond the energy readings and the Eskom grid.

The Wind Farm will inject in excess of R250 million into local upliftment projects in order to benefit members of historically disadvantaged communities in the region; thus cementing its longevity as an enrichment project.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

193

K O U G A

W I N D

F A R M

TMF GROUP

O

n 11 November 2014, TMF Group, the Amsterdam-based corporate services company acquired GMG Trust Company (SA). The acquisition expanded TMF Group’s footprint in Africa to seven countries alongside eighty other countries worldwide. John Doidge, CEO of TMF Corporate Services (South Africa) explained: “The merger of the local business with that of the wider group has been an outstanding success. We are currently involved in more than 50 renewable energy projects in South Africa and we can now offer a wider range of services across Africa.” The acquisition has made TMF Group a major service provider on the African continent.

T 021 657 6010 E john.doidge@tmf-group.com

www.tmf-group.com/southafrica The capacity of the Wind Farm, across the 32 turbines, amounts to 80MW

“Key to the development of the Kouga Wind Farm is the ethos of ‘doing it right’ and this involves ensuring a strong positive impact on the communities and areas in which we are involved,” the Company states.

“We aspire to build relationships with the community, facilitating community participation in our wind farms through a broad-based empowerment trust, as well as by actively investing in the communities themselves.

“The fact that wind energy will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus also help reduce global warming and related sea level rises in the long run may also have a positive impact in the future on the communities of coastal towns, which are already experiencing significant impacts from seashore erosion.”

This positive impact across the board continues into the classrooms, healthcare sector, transport domain and infrastructural entities in order to deliver on a corporate social

194

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Key to the development of the Kouga Wind Farm is the ethos of ‘doing it right’ and this involves ensuring a strong positive impact on the communities and areas in which we are involved

E

N

E

R

G

Y

Facility Agent I Security Agent I Calculation Agent Escrow Agent I Bond Trustee I SPV Management Company Secretarial Services I Public Officer Accounting Services I Payroll Services

With operations in a number of key jurisdictions in Africa – two offices in South Africa alone – TMF Group is a key player in the renewable energy space. Our client-focused team of lawyers and accountants are supported by strong, professional administrators with a proud record of excellence, offering a full range of corporate services to help clients reduce risks, be compliant and simplify operations.

Where can you find us in Africa?

TMF Group is proudly

Contact us to find out more:

Ethiopia I Ghana I Kenya I Mauritius I Nigeria South Africa I Tanzania

associated with

john.doidge@tmf-group.com T: +27 21 657 6010

Our full range of services include:

Kouga Wind Farm

tmf-group.com/southafrica

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

195

K O U G A

W I N D

F A R M

investment promise which has subsequently been mirrored by all its suppliers; including Nordex South Africa, Power Group and Actom, as well as the Kouga Wind Farm Project Company.

“A positive impact on the surrounding communities is key to the development of the Kouga Wind Farm,” the project’s Chief Executive Officer, Lukhanyo Ndube said. “This has involved building relationships to facilitate community participation and actively investing in these communities.”

Environmental protection

Building a meaningful and impactful influence on South African energy

196

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Ndube also noted that the combined budget of the entire construction team, encompassing all business partners, enabled the project itself to become more meaningful and impactful; a mission statement which Kouga looks set to apply in addressing the overwhelming environmental concerns as well.

“As a renewable energy company, and a local developer, the protection of the environment is a cause close to our hearts,” Kouga Wind Farm said.

“We are aware of the need to balance the benefits of wind power with the possible effects on the environment.

“To this end we avoid environmentally sensitive areas and involve independent consultants to ensure that the impact of each wind farm is kept to a minimum.”

E

N

E

R

G

Y

Kouga Municipality

Kouga Wind Farm

Oyster Bay

Kouga Wind Farm has consequently entered into a proactive agreement with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to monitor potential impacts of the Wind Farm on key bird species’ in the area, as well as working with local NGOs to identify further conservation-sensitive aspects of the region.

Being a registered clean development mechanism (CDM) further enforces its environmental stance in being allowed to carry out emission-reduction

As a renewable energy company, and a local developer, the protection of the environment is a cause close to our hearts

Two years of work is coming to fruition

projects, and once again paving the way for even further growth of the Wind Farm in the years to come.

“Benefits of CDM projects include investment in climate change mitigation projects in developing countries, transfer or diffusion of technology in the host countries, and improvement of communities through the creation of employment or increased economic activity,” the Company concluded.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

197

A F I F

2 0 1 5

E V E N T

F O C U S

The Africa Finance & Investment Forum

Lord Boateng, AFIF 2015 keynote speaker

The Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) is an annual business platform initiated in the framework of EMRC international activities, aimed at strengthening Africa’s private sector and attracting investment to the continent.

THIS YEAR’S EDITION is organised in collaboration with EIB (European Investment Bank), DEG (German Development Finance Institution) and in partnership with ECOWAS-TEN, Agri Academy (South Africa), Pfizer and BlueCloud (UK).

AFIF 2015 will take place in Cape Town from 24-26 November, 2015 and will be preceded by a one day training workshop on entrepreneurship.

Among the already confirmed keynote speakers will be Lord Paul Boateng, former British High Commissioner to South Africa (20052009); Steven N Adjei, Founder and Managing Director of Blue Cloud; Eric Kacou, Founder and Managing Director of ESP; CEO of IFMR Capital, Kshama Fernandes; Michael Fisher, Director of Regional Officer of Southern Africa for KFW/DEG; Dr Thakker, CEO and a founding Director of Kenya Healthcare Federation, the Health Sector Board for KEPSA; and Hendrik Jordaan, President and CEO of One Thousand and One Voices, amongst many others.

“This year, with AFIF being held in Africa for the first time, the meaning

198

of North & South and South & South partnerships will be truly put into practice. This is the essence of AFIF and we expect that strong business partnerships and results will be established,” said Idit Miller, EMRC Vice President and Managing Director.

AFIF regroups three key target groups; entrepreneurs (project owners, CEO etc), financial institutions (banks) and investors interested in investing directly into banks or projects (DFIs/IFIs/ Foundations).

There will also be the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2015, providing an existing, African SME with a financial contribution and exposure for a project. Alongside this, B2B meetings will take place throughout the forum.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

E V E N T

D E TA I L S

WHEN: 24-26 November, 2015 WHERE: Cape Town, South Africa CONTACT: Ines Bastos, Senior Project Manager Tel: +32 (0) 2 626 15 15 ib@emrc.be WEBSITE: www.emrc.be

Technology leader Maximized customer benefit Turnout system solutions for Africa and the rest of the world

voestalpine VAE SA (Pty) Ltd 23 Anvil Road, Isando 1600, South Africa Tel: +27 11 928 3700, Fax +27 11 928 3910 sales.VAESA@voestalpine.com www.voestalpine.com/vaesa