Today saw African Bank receiving a welcome S&P Global Ratings upgrade in recognition of the progress made by the bank in strengthening its balance sheet and introducing additional financial product offerings. The Bank indicated that this was also recognition and affirmation of its founding purpose: That of making banking accessible to all South Africans. S&P Global Ratings announced on 1 July 2025 African Bank’s long-term global scale issuer credit rating upgrade to ‘B+’ from ‘B,’ with a stable outlook, and affirmed the short-term global scale rating at ‘B.’ And the South Africa national scale ratings were also raised to ‘zaA/zaA-1’…
Author: Greg Stewart
With the world seemingly focussed on a single nation’s current focus on import tariffs, with the Trump administration seeking to rebalance its trade deficit, after years of low or no import tariffs, we take a look at that African continent with a deep dive into which countries charge what Tariffs. Wy Import Tariffs? The most common reason for the introduction of import tariffs is an attempt to protect specific local industries. However there are various reasons for tariff implementation and this includes: Do Tariffs have advantages? Economic theory however suggests that tariffs may distort markets and raise consumer prices, but…
Business & Tech News South African Banker Questions High Interest Rates: Soon to retire, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie, has expressed his view on current South African interest rates yesterday, and indicating he believes that interest rates in South Africa should actively support the economy. At a media briefing, Fourie said “For me, a better way to look at inflation targeting is to ask if the gap between the real interest rate and inflation is big or small. What is the real cost of interest, and what should that be?” The comments come as South Africas interest rates are being maintained…
The Tesla Model 2 is apparently already reached production stage and is et to be launched in the third quarter of 2025. Much speculation about the new model exists with Tesla keeping the model and much of its details under close wraps prior to launch. Speculation over Price The Tesla production process has been overhauled for the new vehicle with the goal of simplifying process and saving on production costs with the goal of making the new vehicle as affordable as possible. The big question of price has driven wild speculation with recent reports indicating the price could be below…
Business & Tech News Platinum Maintaining its Price Momentum Futures in Platinum fell by around 6.5% in early trade this morning, to near $1,366 per ounce, but has since recovered to $1352 per ounce, indicating the bull run on the precious metal is not over. Platinum hit a 10-year high on June 26, as demand was driven by various factors. Platinum remains nearly 50% higher in 2025, than last year driven by tight availability in hubs like London and Zurich. The World Platinum Investment Council has indicated the likelyhood of a major supply shortfall of nearly 1 million ounces this…
Scaling Innovation for the Future of Education in Africa A new Boston Consulting Group report, reveals both the potential—and the current roadblocks—of EdTech in transforming learning outcomes for the world’s youngest population group who have been set back by numerous challenges. The report highlights four levers required to unlock Africa’s EdTech potential: Fast-tracking education change with digital solutions Technology can strengthen education at all levels, starting from early childhood to adult training. The BCG analysis indicates, through multiple examples, the different ways in which digital solutions can be more inclusive, as they deliver scalable, cost-effective means to reach all populations.…
As Technology rapidly alters the way most work processes are formed, with AI driving a distinctive landscape-shaping movement, it is starting to raise the question of intellectual property rights on a daily basis. High profile court cases are starting to flood the courts over intellectual and creative property rights that will play out how future workspaces adopt Tech legally and without causing massive harm to bottom lines and brand reputational damage. The piece below, written from a legal perspective, lays out some of the potential pitfalls and considerations that companies should take into consideration. The Impact of Technology on Intellectual…
Business & Tech News Trump Tariff Deadline Announcement President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the 90-day pause on the introduction of tariffs, will not be extended beyond 9 July. True said his administration will notify all countries that are affected by the trade tariffs which will be in effect unless they finalise trade deals. Trump said in the announcement that “Letters will start going out “pretty soon” before the approaching deadline”. “We’ll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good — some countries we don’t care, we’ll just send a high number out,”…
A Legacy of Innovation Business Chat today Features CEO Craig Palmer who spoke to me about how VAS-X’s journey began with a vision to create technology solutions “by Africans for Africa.” This ethos has driven the company to develop products that cater to the unique needs of the African telecommunications landscape. In 2021, VASX was acquired by the Lumine Group, a move that has allowed it to leverage global best practices across its reach in Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. Comprehensive Solutions for MVNOs At the heart of VASX’s offerings is the VXSync platform, a comprehensive OSS-BSS solution that integrates…
Lenovo has unveiled their all-new Lenovo Legion 9i (18”, 10) at Tech World Shanghai 2025. The laptop is a powerfully enhanced machine aimed at the creator and gaming fraternities.The laptop is a powerfully enhanced machine aimed at the creator and gaming fraternities. While not yet available in South Africa (Lenovo confirmed with Business Tech Africa it should be available here from October / November 2025, the revolutionary processor, will be a leap forward in how South Africans can play, create, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital entertainment. Topline Features: “The most powerful gaming laptops deliver seamless performance…
