In a move that escalates ongoing trade tensions, China announced on Tuesday that it will impose new tariffs on U.S. imports in response to Washington’s recent tariff hikes. The retaliatory measures include a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large vehicles, and pickup trucks. These countermeasures follow the U.S. government’s decision over the weekend to introduce a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, further straining economic relations between the two nations. The trade dispute intensified on Saturday when President Donald Trump revealed a series of tariff increases targeting key…
Author: Yanga Manci
Pick n Pay has reported mixed results for its 2025 financial year, with overall sales growth driven primarily by its discount retail arm, Boxer. However, excluding Boxer’s strong performance, Pick n Pay’s core supermarket business faced challenges, including a net closure of 32 stores. In a trading update for the 45 weeks ended 5 January 2025, released on Tuesday, 4 February, Pick n Pay announced a 3.6% increase in total sales, with like-for-like sales rising by 3.3%. However, this growth was largely attributed to Boxer’s impressive performance, following its spin-off in November 2024. Boxer reported an 11.4% increase in sales…
Qualcomm has launched the latest edition of its ‘Make in Africa’ Startup Mentorship Program, inviting early-stage African startups to apply. This initiative is designed to support ventures that harness advanced connectivity and processing technologies, fostering innovation across the continent. As part of Qualcomm’s African Innovation Platform, the equity-free program provides selected startups with invaluable resources, including business coaching, engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on intellectual property (IP) protection. By equipping entrepreneurs with technical expertise and strategic insights, Qualcomm aims to accelerate the growth of Africa’s deep-tech sector. Successful applicants will have direct access to Qualcomm’s engineers and business…
Henkel South Africa has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the official launch of its solar farm at the Alrode manufacturing plant. This groundbreaking initiative ensures that 100% of the plant’s electricity needs during daytime operations are met through renewable energy sources, reinforcing Henkel’s commitment to sustainability. The newly installed solar farm boasts a peak capacity of 1.8 megawatts and is seamlessly integrated into the plant’s energy grid. This ensures uninterrupted and efficient energy use while significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Beyond its operational benefits, the project aligns with Henkel’s broader sustainability goals and supports South…
In a surprising move, Figure AI, a robotics company developing general-purpose humanoid robots, announced on Tuesday via X that it is terminating its partnership with OpenAI. Instead, the Bay Area-based firm will pivot towards developing its own artificial intelligence, citing a “major breakthrough” in its research. While details remain scarce, Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock hinted in a conversation with TechCrunch that the company is on the verge of unveiling a game-changing innovation for humanoid robots within the next 30 days. OpenAI has been a key investor in Figure AI, with the two companies previously collaborating to develop…
Leading data analytics, insights, and merchant services company, Touchsides, has rebranded as Kazang Insights and is now integrated into Kazang—the prepaid value-added services (VAS) and card acquiring division of JSE-listed fintech, Lesaka Technologies. This strategic move strengthens Kazang’s ability to monetise data and drive market innovation, reinforcing its position as a leader in South Africa’s informal economy. Kazang Insights is dedicated to transforming raw data into actionable insights, helping businesses thrive in the informal market. Through its extensive network of electronic point-of-sale (ePOS) terminals, it gathers and monetises data in collaboration with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, retailers, wholesalers, route-to-market…
As Africa’s manufacturing sector enters a new era, technological advancements, economic growth, and a heightened focus on sustainability are shaping the industry’s future. To navigate this evolving landscape, businesses are increasingly turning to innovative Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. Here are five key trends revolutionizing African manufacturing and the critical role ERP systems play in facilitating these changes. 1. Accelerated Digital Transformation Digital innovation is redefining business operations worldwide, and Africa’s manufacturing sector is no exception. In 2025, ERP systems will be at the core of this transformation, driving operational efficiency and enhancing global competitiveness. The integration of ERP platforms…
In response to the recent fire disasters in the Western Cape that has affected four major informal settlements in the space of four days, the MTN SA Foundation has donated a total of R300,000 to Gift of the Givers to bring a sense of relief to the over 2,000 people who have been affected by these disasters. This past weekend, the SST Section in Khayelitsha were victims of a fire blaze with 82 structures burnt down, affecting close to 300 residents. In the same week, an extensive fire broke out and spread through the Langa township – destroying 30 shacks and eight hostels, displacing an additional 120…
As 2025 dawns, Africarare is proud to announce a transformative evolution. Africa’s first metaverse is now UBU, a name inspired by the Ubuntu ethos of community and interconnectedness. This rebrand marks a bold new chapter in the potential for Web3 to connect Africa with the global digital economy through cutting-edge innovation. Over the past 15 months, the UBU team have been hard at work, re-building this revolutionary platform powered by AI, developed entirely in-house as proprietary technology. UBU V3 represents a leap forward in user experience, functionality, and innovation, setting a new benchmark for immersive digital environments. Welcome to UBU: The…
The technology industry has seen a surge of innovation over the past year, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and shifts in virtualization creating new opportunities. Red Hat and its partners have been at the forefront of these changes, driving progress and preparing for the future. In 2024, Red Hat took a significant step forward by introducing the first phase of updates to its partner program. These updates included a modular program framework, standardized incentives, and enhanced digital tools—all designed to help partners remain agile in a rapidly evolving landscape. Building on this foundation, Red Hat is now unveiling the…
