Business Tech Africa's Weekly Wrap - 13 November 2026

 Google's AI Lab, Shoprite's CEO Incentive and Volkswagen's Tengo

Greg Stewart and Roy Melenga cover three stories from the week in business and technology news. They look at Google's first Applied AI Lab cohort in Africa, a contested CEO share incentive at Shoprite, and Volkswagen's plan to build a new model in South Africa.

Google's 10 African Startups in Its First Applied AI Lab

Roy leads with Google's selection of 10 African startups for its first Applied AI Lab. Examples include:

• A Kenyan satellite that processes data in orbit to reduce transmissions to Earth.
• Uganda's Crane AI Labs, which is developing AI tools for affordable smartphones.
• Senegal's Tobai, which combines satellite imagery with voice-based agricultural guidance for smallholder farmers.

Greg discusses AI in agriculture, including water and fertilizer management, planting and harvest decisions, and possible yield improvements. Roy says the startups' progress after training and incubation should be tracked.

Shoprite's Proposed R176m CEO Share Incentive

Greg's first story is Shoprite's proposed CEO incentive of about R176 million in shares, conditional on KPIs. Investors including pension funds and international groups opposed the additional award. The board supported it after strong company results. The vote passed with Christopher Wiese's support. Greg says Wiese owns just over 10% of shares but controls over 30% of votes through preferential shares.Greg says the debate shows a tension between investors seeking short-term return and a company wanting to retain its CEO for a longer-term programme. He contrasts this with SpaceX's broader employee shareholding. His lesson: founders should structure ownership and incentives early to retain control and reward those creating long-term value.

Volkswagen's Planned South African Taigo Production

The final story is Volkswagen's plan to produce the Taigo compact SUV in South Africa, the first new locally produced VW model in some time. Greg says this matters amid concern about the Eastern Cape automotive manufacturing hub, as much South African vehicle production is for export. He hopes to share more details after seeing the vehicle.