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The SPAR Group Ltd has signed an agreement to sell its entire shareholding in SPAR Switzerland to Tannenwald Holding AG, a privately held Swiss investment company for CHF (Swiss franc) 46.5 million, approximately R1,025 million. This milestone marks the finalisation of SPAR’s European portfolio review, with only the UK process still underway, and represents a …
Standard Bank Group (the Group) has announced the appointment of David Hodnett as Chief Executive Officer of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA). Hodnett, who currently serves as the Group’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and leads its Corporate Affairs portfolio, brings over 30 years of leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge to his …
By Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa (www.mtu-Solutions.com).
Across Africa, the lights are coming on—literally and figuratively. Industrial zones are expanding. Urban populations are booming. Power projects are rising from Kenya to the Cape. But behind this momentum lies a challenge few are discussing: who will build and maintain this future?
Power plants don't run themselves. Microgrids don't install themselves. Even the most advanced systems require skilled engineers to operate safely and efficiently. As Africa races to industrialise, decarbonise, and digitise, its biggest constraint isn't technology—it's talent.
According to the Engineers for Africa 2025 report, sub-Saharan Africa has fewer than seven engineers per 10,000 people, compared with a global average of over 50. In Burundi, there is one registered engineer per 825,000 people; in Uganda, one per 30,000; in Tanzania, one per 8,000. Even South Africa, the region's industrial hub, is falling short. In 2023, it produced 32,141 engineering and science graduates—5,000 below target—and many lack the practical experience employers require.
Meeting Africa's projected doubling of energy demand by 2030 will require over 610 GW of installed capacity, up from under 250 GW today. This growth hinges on an expanded workforce across electrical, mechanical, civil, and advanced technology disciplines. Renewable and hybrid projects could generate 3.3 million new jobs by the end of the decade, with nearly 40% requiring tertiary or technical training (FSD Africa, 2024). Yet fewer than 25% of university students pursue STEM fields (UNESCO, 2024).
South Africa is currently the only African country with full signatory status in the Washington Accord, a global framework recognising the equivalence of university engineering degrees across 25 countries, including the UK and USA. This allows South African-educated and trained engineers to be recognised by global corporations without requalification—and sets a benchmark for the continent. Expanding this recognition would complement the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by enabling the freer movement of qualified talent across borders and boosting employer confidence in local skills.
At Rolls-Royce, we are committed to being part of the solution. Our new Power Systems regional facility in Johannesburg is more than an operations hub. It supports customers of our mtu products and solutions across Africa with everything from standalone and critical backup power generators to the high-performance engines that drive locomotives and the world's largest mining trucks. It is also a centre for capacity building. Alongside assembling and servicing mtu power and propulsion systems, we deliver accredited training in borescope inspections, engine fault isolation, e-learning, and both line and base maintenance. We aim to cultivate engineering excellence that matches the performance of the technology we deliver.
Across Southern Africa, promising training initiatives are emerging to address critical skills gaps in transport, energy, and industrial sectors. Long-term apprenticeship programmes are preparing artisans such as welders, electricians, and fitters for national infrastructure projects, while bursaries in mechanical and transport engineering are helping to build a pipeline of future specialists. In the oil and gas sector, technical academies are delivering training across the full value chain, from exploration to downstream operations. These programmes—often developed in collaboration with vocational institutes and national skills authorities—demonstrate how industry can shape a workforce capable of supporting complex systems.
At the same time, industries are increasingly investing in digital readiness. Newly formed in-house academies and partnerships with universities are not only producing core industrial technicians but also launching AI and cybersecurity initiatives to prepare young people for the future of engineering. These efforts demonstrate that when the private sector leads with purpose, meaningful progress can be achieved.
Africa needs more graduate placements, stronger university–industry partnerships, and wider access to alternative learning pathways—from bootcamps and workshops to maker labs and apprenticeships. These models can rapidly equip people with market-ready skills, align training with evolving technologies, and accelerate delivery of the continent's infrastructure, industrial, and energy ambitions.
The solutions are known. The models are tested. What's missing is scale—and urgency.
We believe in training through hands-on experience. The future of power isn't just in megawatts, it's in the hands of the people who make it possible.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rolls-Royce Solutions.
Additional Information:
https://apo-opa.co/3V5ZS48
For more than 122 years, Ford has stood with communities through good times and bad. As a family company, Ford is driven by strong values and a deep commitment to service and philanthropy – values shared by our employees and dealers – since day one. We know we accomplish so much more when we all …
Stellantis participated in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) held in Algiers on September 5–6, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the future of mobility and industrial development across Africa. It was a distinct honor for Stellantis to welcome His Excellency the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and other high-ranking government officials to …
Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced a partnership between its Cloudmania business and global independent software vendor AvePoint (https://www.AvePoint.com/) (Nasdaq: AVPT). Under the agreement, Cloudmania will distribute AvePoint across Africa, opening new markets and opportunities for secure cloud adoption across the continent.
“Partnering with AvePoint is another significant milestone in our journey to becoming the leading provider of cloud solutions in Africa. Incorporating AvePoint's globally proven solutions into our services enables us to strengthen our existing offerings, equipping our partners and customers with the tools they need to close cyber security gaps, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Oswald Jumira, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid C2.
The partnership will see AvePoint's specialised data protection, governance, migration, and SaaS management tools integrated into Cloudmania's comprehensive portfolio of Microsoft-based solutions. These additional solutions will complement Cloudmania's current services and help partners and resellers across all industries deliver more secure, scalable, and efficient digital services.
“Africa is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing markets for cloud. Our exclusive partnership with Cloudmania means we can bring our innovations to a wider audience, empowering organisations of every size and sector to protect their data, streamline their operations, and realise the full value of their digital transformation strategies,” said Mohammed Helaly, Sr. Sales Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa
Hosted on Microsoft Azure and leveraging regional data centres, AvePoint's solutions meet local compliance requirements while maintaining the highest security standards. This, along with simplicity and ease of deployment, provides a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional storage-based backup models.
The partnership between Liquid C2's award-winning distribution business unit, Cloudmania, and AvePoint is another example of how collaborative partnerships are empowering African businesses through holistic technology solutions that enhance operational resilience and enable digital transformation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2, a subsidiary of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company's offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://LiquidC2.com/
About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is the distribution business unit of Liquid C2. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023 The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. For more information https://Cloudmania.africa/
About AvePoint:
Beyond Secure. AvePoint is the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, going beyond traditional solutions to ensure a robust data foundation and enable organizations everywhere to collaborate with confidence. Over 25,000 customers worldwide rely on the AvePoint Confidence Platform to prepare, secure, and optimize their critical data across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other collaboration environments. AvePoint's global channel partner program includes approximately 5,000 managed service providers, value-added resellers, and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit https://www.AvePoint.com/
Messe Frankfurt South Africa is pleased to announce that AERO South Africa, the leading trade show for the general aviation community, will take place from 10 – 12 June 2026 at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg. Building on the strong foundation of the past five editions, the 2026 event will once again bring together the full …
For most South African high school learners, the workplace exists only in their imagination, and this lack of exposure leads to wasted potential and uninformed choices after school. Now, Hyundai Automotive South Africa is changing that narrative with the launch of Drive Your Dreams, a mentorship programme that guarantees learners an employment opportunity once they …
Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent's most influential technology and innovation gathering, has released details of AfricaIgnite (https://apo-opa.co/3HPwCvv), its core event track aimed at driving growth, investment, and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem.
The event provides a platform for showcasing Africa's most promising startups, founder journeys, and innovation ecosystems. Crucially, AfricaIgnite also connects startups and investors to the broader tech ecosystem – from corporates and telcos to policymakers and industry leaders – offering access to networks and partnerships they would not ordinarily encounter. This unique positioning makes AfricaIgnite a gateway to opportunities that can accelerate growth and scale across the continent.
Taking place from 11 to 13 November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, Africa Tech Festival features four anchor events: AfricaIgnite, AfricaCom, AfricaTech, and The AI Summit Cape Town. Framed by the event's central 2025 themes of Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, and Policy Harmonisation, AfricaIgnite serves as a bridge between early-stage entrepreneurs and the investors, policymakers, and corporate partners that can help them scale.
Under the banner AfricaIgnite – Where Scale Begins, the programme has evolved into a high-impact hub for startups. This year, founders will gain unprecedented access to venture capitalists, angel investors, corporate innovation teams, and development finance institutions through targeted networking sessions and curated introductions.
These include sector-focused networking sessions, such as our Fintech, Climate Tech, and Female Founder Meetups, which provide founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers with opportunities to connect. Additionally, the Founders Learning Hub will offer a programme of practical upskilling opportunities covering fundraising strategies, go-to-market planning, scaling operations, and regulatory navigation. Exclusive founder/investor matchmaking will connect promising ventures with decision-makers actively seeking deal flow in untapped African markets.
The 2025 speaker line-up underscores AfricaIgnite's stature as the continent's go-to startup platform. Delegates can look forward to insights from Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of Co-Creation Hub; Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-Founder and COO of Piggyvest and Co-Founder and General Partner of FirstCheck Africa; Zach George, Managing Partner at Launch Africa; and Ogugua Osakwe Adegbite, Principal at Partech Partners, amongst others.
AfricaIgnite will welcome startup delegations from across the continent and beyond, thanks to sponsors and partners such as the International Trade Centre (ITC), which is bringing innovators from multiple markets. The Africa Impact initiative will also lead a delegation of high-potential founders to the event.
“We're excited to showcase Africa's next wave of innovators at Africa Tech Festival. From South Africa, ITC is bringing 10 green tech startups under the UKTP programme (https://apo-opa.co/3JPL2MM), from carbon tech pioneers to circular agritech innovators. Additionally, five of Sierra Leone's dynamic startups, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the READY Salone project, will be showcasing innovative solutions in e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech. Africa Tech Festival is a great platform for these entrepreneurs to exhibit, pitch their solutions, build global partnerships, and find clients in new markets. Visit the startup exhibitor pods in Hall 8; P21-P35!” added Milou Emily van Bruggen, Digital Sector Development at International Trade Centre (ITC).
“By integrating AfricaIgnite into Africa Tech Festival's broader investment and policy conversations, the event positions early-stage entrepreneurship as a critical driver of Africa's digital transformation,” says Ciara Mcdonald Heffernan, Senior Producer for Africa Tech Festival for Africa Tech Festival. “This approach ensures that startups are not isolated but connected to the infrastructure, regulation, and capital flows shaping the future of African tech. It reinforces Africa Tech Festival's positioning as the key platform for informed debate, strategic partnerships, and investment that drive Africa's digital growth story.”
The 2025 edition of the Africa Tech Festival will also align with key global dialogues on technology and innovation, as it coincides with South Africa's hosting of the G20 Leadership Summit. Additionally, the event will host the second, expanded edition of The Ministerial Summit, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for policy-driven discussions and high-impact collaborations.
Registration for Africa Tech Festival 2025 and its anchor events is now open. Secure your place at the continent's premier gathering for technology, investment, and innovation using the relevant registration link below:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events:
With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) is proud to announce the third annual Bellville Business Expo, taking place on 28–29 October 2025 from 09h00 to 16h00 daily at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre Arena. Don’t miss the Northern Suburbs ’only business expo – a flagship event that provides a vibrant platform for businesses to stand out, …
In an ideal world, a single steam user has consistent load demand and operates continuously. However, reality is rarely this simple – and managing a dynamic steam plant operation featuring multiple users requires strong technical skills, good communication and close attention to optimise results, explains AES Commercial Director, Dennis Williams. Variations, including time and duration …
03 September 2025 – Pan-African telecommunications and Africa’s quality network services provider, Paratus Group today launches the first private mobile network in Namibia with LTE and 5G technologies. Challenging the dominant state-owned companies in that country and coinciding with Paratus Namibia’s 20th anniversary of operations, the launch is a celebration of two decades of investment
The post Paratus launches first private mobile network in Namibia first appeared on Impact Newswire.
LDV South Africa have officially launched three exciting new models – the Terron 9 (from R699,900), D90 (from R799,900), and Deliver 9 (from R699,900) – at the prestigious Festival of Motoring. Following an exclusive sneak peek, the official launch wowed guests with an extraordinary showcase featuring an impressive display, food, vibrant entertainment, and engaging activities. …
Standard Bank, in partnership with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), announced the official launch of the Standard Bank Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy. This pioneering initiative marks a significant step towards advancing research, innovation, and sustainable practices in South Africa’s hydrogen energy sector. The Centre of Excellence, made possible through Standard Bank’s support …
Standard Bank has been recognised, for the 3rd consecutive year, as one of the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2025, an accolade awarded by Newsweek in partnership with Statista. This prestigious global honour places Standard Bank among a select group of companies that have earned the confidence of their stakeholders through consistent performance, transparency, and …
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to exercise caution when conducting financial services business with persons purporting to be associated with financial services provider (FSP) TCEPMA CC (TCEPMA) (FSP number 36799). It has come to the attention of the FSCA that the impersonators are claiming to be associated with TCEPMA by using …
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA 3rd September (South African AI Association) Africa’s largest Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Automation event, AI Expo Africa, will be running its highly acclaimed conference & trade show at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa 29-31 October 2025. Now entering its 8th year, the annual AI Expo Africa event unites regional and
The post Johannesburg Welcomes 8th Edition of Africa’s Largest AI Trade Event & Conference first appeared on Impact Newswire.
South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Open Chair, proudly hosted The Unspoken Alliance last week, during Women’s Month dinner and conversation designed to bring senior women in the advertising and marketing industry together for connection, collaboration, and collective strength. Taking place at ‘The Pot Luck Club’ in Johannesburg, the special gathering offers women leaders …
Selling your home is a big step, and who you choose to guide you through it can make all the difference. A great agent won’t just list your property and hope for the best. They’ll know how to price it right, market it smartly, and negotiate with confidence to get you the best possible result …
Africa is rapidly becoming a laboratory for payment innovation, where regional corridors, mobile-led economies, and digitally savvy consumers are converging to transform how money moves. With a growing focus on real-time, frictionless payments and regional integration, the continent’s financial future is being rewritten, one transaction at a time. “Payment systems have increasingly become the heartbeat …
The 8th edition of the Festival of Motoring (FOM), powered by WesBank, has officially concluded at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, marking a landmark year for Africa’s premier automotive showcase. With 32,441 visitors, 107 exhibitors, and more than 10,000 track experiences, the 2025 Festival achieved record attendance and cemented its position as a must-attend …
OMODA has partnered with Switch Energy Drink to launch Switch Up Your Life, a nationwide competition offering prizes worth R20 million. At the heart of the competition are 20 brand-new OMODA C7s, making this the biggest competition of its kind in South Africa. Running until the end of January 2026, the campaign turns a simple …
“It is a privilege to work in the automotive industry, with its constant drive to improve! Safety is an important cornerstone, and corrosion protection is part of this. Our success is built around pre-empting customers’ requirements – and ensuring we are not a passenger in the process. A real partnership is defined by taking the …
Leslie Peltier will become Global Communications Director for the Citroën brand on 8 September. She will report to Xavier Chardon, Citroën brand CEO. “I am very pleased to be reunited with Leslie Peltier, with whom I have already had the pleasure of working. Her expertise, professionalism and listening skills are essential assets for strengthening the …