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Power, Connectivity, and the Operational Realities of African MSMEs
Running a business in Sub-Saharan Africa as a MSMEs often means balancing growth ambitions with continuous interruption risks. One moment laptops are humming, customers are engaged, and machines are running the next sudden thing is, lights cut out, networks stall, and productivity drops with the grid. For many MSMEs, infrastructure is not a silent backbone
THE MINING WRAP
Debmarine Namibia has launched its newest autonomous mining crawler, developed with robotics firm Upstream Technology. The unit operates at significant ocean depths using precision sonar, real-time seabed mapping, and adaptive motion control systems. Before deployment, the crawler underwent full-scale land simulations to ensure reliability in harsh marine conditions. The system is expected to improve recovery
Connectivity and Cost Challenges in AI Adoption Across Africa
Africa’s ability to fully harness its AI potential remains constrained by two critical barriers cost and connectivity. While the continent shows growing interest in AI Technology for sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education, the financial and infrastructural realities make scaling adoption a formidable task. The High Cost of AI Infrastructure Building and deploying AI systems
Energy Recovery Systems in African Smelting Plants
Smelting operations across Africa are among the most energy-intensive industrial processes, consuming vast amounts of electricity and fuel to extract metals from ore. Yet, a large portion of this energy is lost as waste heat through furnace off-gases, hot slags, and cooling circuits. Harnessing this thermal energy through Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) presents an opportunity
Scaling Up with Social Media and Digital Payments for Start-Ups and SMEs
Marketplaces have changed dramatically through Social Media. What once relied on physical stalls, word of mouth advertising, and direct face-to-face interactions has evolved into vibrant digital spaces where a single post, reel, or live session can connect entrepreneurs to thousands of customers across cities, countries, and continents. The boundaries that once limited small businesses geography,
Mobile Based Learning and Blended Training for SMEs
Mobile based learning has emerged as a practical way for entrepreneurs,SMEs and employees to gain relevant skills, enhance business operations, and access timely information without stepping away from their usual workplaces. This development is driven by the growing adoption of smartphones and improved internet access, which are fundamentally changing the capacity-building paradigm for Small and
Calibration as a Pillar of Risk Management in African Mining
Precision underpins both safety and profitability In Africa’s mining industry and the smallest measurement error can trigger cascading effects from equipment malfunction and material loss to environmental hazards. Calibration, the process of verifying and fine-tuning measurement instruments, serves as a critical safeguard against these risks. It ensures that readings from key equipment remain accurate, reliable,
Why Business Fundamentals Still Matter in the Age of AI
Businesses have clearly gone digital fast, and artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in business within the shortest period of time making it one of the most influential forces shaping modern strategy and operations. From predictive analytics and customer insights to automation and generative tools, AI is changing
Voices of Africa “Founder Fridays” Financial Minds South Africa
This Founder Friday, we spotlight KC Rottok Chesaina, a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) whose innovative approach to finance, sustainability, and leadership is transforming how organizations in South Africa and beyond navigate complex financial landscapes. Recognized as one of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 in 2015, KC combines technical expertise with strategic vision, making him a trailblazer
THE MINING WRAP
BME and Strayos form an alliance to optimize blasting operations in Mining using artificial intelligence (AI). The collaboration integrates AI-powered analytics and 3D modeling to enhance fragmentation control, allowing operators to plan blasts more accurately and efficiently. This reduces both operational costs and environmental impact by minimizing overbreak, lowering energy consumption, and controlling dust and
Overcoming Barriers to Entry for African SMEs in the Mining Sector
The mining sector remains one of Africa’s most lucrative and strategic industries, contributing significantly to GDP, exports, and employment across the continent. However, despite its potential, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face substantial barriers when attempting to enter or expand within the mining value chain. These obstacles ranging from limited access to finance and
Accessible Training Models for Township Based Entrepreneurs Across Africa
Township-based entrepreneurs across Africa represent one of the continent’s most vibrant yet under-supported economic forces. From food vendors in Soweto to digital repair shops in Lagos, these entrepreneurs embody resilience and innovation. However, they often face significant barriers to formal business training ranging from cost and accessibility to language and digital exclusion. To unlock their
Best Practices for Calibration in African Mining
Calibration the process of verifying and adjusting measurement instruments to ensure accuracy plays a crucial role in African mining. From load cells and pressure gauges to environmental monitors and weighing systems, accurate readings are essential for operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. Inaccurate measurements can lead to under-reported production, safety hazards, or even regulatory violations. As
Digital Competence as the New Currency for African Small Businesses
The ability to use digital tools effectively has become the line that separates thriving businesses from those fading into obscurity. Digital competence is no longer just an additional extra or optional it’s a strategic necessity. For small enterprises operating with limited resources or in informal markets, technology now functions as both a growth engine and
Anglo American Withdraws from Zambian Copper Project
Arc Minerals, a junior mining company, announced on Monday the “mutually agreed termination” of its 2022 joint venture with Anglo American for copper exploration in Zambia where Arc minerals will now assume full control. The move marks the latest in a series of exits by the British mining giant from African projects, following its recent
Strategies and Lessons for African SMEs Expanding into New Markets
Expanding into new markets presents African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with valuable opportunities to increase revenue, diversify their customer base, and strengthen business resilience. However, entering unfamiliar territories also introduces challenges that require careful research, strategic planning, and operational flexibility. Without a structured approach, businesses risk inefficiencies, regulatory missteps, or launching products and services
Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems in African Mining
Cybersecurity for African mining's Industrial Control Systems (ICS) requires a multi-faceted approach as operations become increasingly automated, they face growing cybersecurity risks. Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which manage critical mining operations, are now prime targets for cyberattacks, making cybersecurity a pressing concern for the industry. The outlook for cybersecurity in African mines is challenging, as the
Voices of Africa “Founder Fridays” Uku’hamba (Pty) Ltd
South Africa faces ongoing challenges in providing timely and affordable prosthetic and assistive devices to people living with disabilities, with long public sector waiting times often leaving individuals without essential mobility support for years. Amid these gaps, entrepreneur Sibongile Mongadi is positioning her company, Uku’hamba (Pty) Ltd, as a transformative solution. By Using 3D printing,
BYD Unveils Ambitious EV Charging Network for South Africa
China’s BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing to transform South Africa’s EV landscape. Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, revealed during her first visit to Johannesburg that the company plans to deploy a nationwide network of ultra-fast charging stations. This marks one of the most significant developments in South Africa’s fledgling electric
Workforce Engagement as the Key to Digital Success in African Startups
Today’s startups have challenged traditional business models through innovation. From payment platforms that expand financial access to smart-agriculture tools that improve crop yields, technology is driving change across industries. But the real difference between momentum and stagnation isn’t the tools themselves it’s how effectively teams engage with them. Why Workforce Engagement Matters In many African