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You are here: Home / Archives for News

News

14 August 2026

Could One Resignation Bring Your Business to a Standstill?

Location: MyPR

Durban: The employee who is hardest to replace may be the one quietly holding your business together. By Arnold Muscat, Director of College Africa Group CAG Executive Question of the Week If the person who understands one of your most important business processes resigned today, could somebody else take over tomorrow? At 08:07 on a Monday …

Read moreCould One Resignation Bring Your Business to a Standstill?
14 August 2026

Africa’s Business Heroes Announces Top 20 Entrepreneurs Advancing to 2026 Semi-final in Nairobi

Location: News
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH)

  • 20 Entrepreneurs selected from an expanded Top 100 cohort
  • Semi-Finalists will pitch before business, investment and entrepreneurial leaders
  • ABH returns to the city that hosted its inaugural Semi-Final

The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, today announced the 20 entrepreneurs who will advance to its 2026 Semi-Final, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 21–22 August.

The Top 20 were selected from an expanded Top 100 cohort drawn from more than 24,000 applications across all 54 African countries. Candidates advanced through three-person judging-panel interviews that assessed leadership, innovation, impact, scalability and commercial strength. The process was reinforced by on-the-ground visits to every company advancing to the Semi-Final and comprehensive due diligence conducted by PlusVC, allowing ABH to test the written applications against the businesses, teams and communities behind them. The selected 20 entrepreneurs will now compete for 10 places in the ABH semi-final.

Together, the ABH 2026 Top 20 cohort represents 12 African countries and 11 sectors, with 8 women entrepreneurs accounting for 40% of the cohort. Collectively, their businesses generated approximately US$85 million in 2025 and span diverse sectors including agriculture and agritech, healthcare, manufacturing, climate technology, financial services, education, energy, and technology.

Site visits reveal the people and purpose behind the businesses

Site visits are central to ABH's approach because they reveal what even a strong application or pitch can miss: whether a founder has earned trust, whether a team can execute under pressure, and whether demand is real. That context matters in African markets, where sophisticated businesses are often underestimated because their strengths are not always visible through conventional investment filters. By combining interviews and due diligence with on-the-ground observation, ABH does more than identify compelling storytellers; it surfaces entrepreneurs with the operational depth, community legitimacy and resilience to build lasting enterprises. The platform then helps close the gap between proven local capability and the capital, networks and visibility required to scale it.

Building global connections through Hangzhou, China

The second edition of ABH's Hangzhou learning and market-access trip will take place in China from 14–18 September, extending the program's support well beyond the competition stage. Approximately 40 participants from more than 10 African countries are expected to join, including primarily 2024 and 2025 Top 10 Heroes, alongside other alumni, selected entrepreneurs, judges and participants from the Alibaba Digital Lion program. The trip reflects a central part of ABH's value: giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to step outside their immediate operating environments, learn from a leading technology and commerce ecosystem, exchange ideas with peers and return home with new inspiration, practical knowledge and a broader sense of what their businesses can become.

A return to Nairobi

The 2026 Semi-Final marks ABH's return to Nairobi, the city that hosted the program's very first Semi-Final. The return carries both symbolic and practical significance. Nairobi has developed into one of Africa's most dynamic centers for technology, entrepreneurship and investment, bringing together ambitious founders, established businesses, universities, innovation hubs, development institutions and a growing community of local and international investors.

This year's event will welcome a larger investor audience, giving participating entrepreneurs more opportunities to engage directly with funders and strategic partners from across Africa and beyond. Their presence reflects a broader ambition for the Semi-Final: to serve not only as a competition, but also as a marketplace for ideas, relationships and capital through which investable African businesses can be discovered, understood and supported.

Join Africa's leading entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem builders in Nairobi for two days of live pitches, insights and connection. Register to attend the 2026 ABH Semi-Final (https://apo-opa.co/4gu8hJY).

Experienced judges bring investor, operator and alumni perspectives

The Top 20 will present before a distinguished judging panel:

  • Kome Oruade-Etim, Global Program Manager for Acumen Angels and former West Africa Lead for Acumen Academy, brings extensive experience supporting purpose-driven leaders and early-stage enterprises addressing complex social challenges.
  • Wandia Gichuru, Co-founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, brings the perspective of an entrepreneur who has built and scaled one of East Africa's most recognizable fashion businesses.
  • Thomas Njeru, Co-founder and CEO of Pula Advisors and a 2023 ABH Top Three finalist, returns as a judge. Having stood on the ABH stage as a finalist, he understands the entrepreneurial journey, the pressure of the competition, and the qualities required to translate a compelling vision into a scalable enterprise.
  • Jason Pau, Executive Director (International) at the Jack Ma Foundation, who co-founded and has actively led the ABH program for the last 7 years.

Meet the 2026 Top 20 Heroes

  1. Farah Emara — FreshSource (Egypt) — AgriTech
  2. Nour El-Assal — Tagaddod (Egypt) — Renewable Energy
  3. Salma Tammam — REME-D (Egypt) — Healthcare
  4. Ahmed Shaaban — Simplex (Egypt) — Manufacturing
  5. Affiong Williams — Reelfruit (Nigeria) — Manufacturing
  6. Kelvin Umechukwu — Bumpa) (Nigeria) — Enterprise / SaaS
  7. Ikechukwu Anoke — Zuri Health Ltd (Kenya) — HealthTech
  8. Naom Monari — Bena Care Limited (Kenya) — HealthTech
  9. Joseph Mungai — AceleAfrica Limited (Kenya) — Energy
  10. Louisa Gathecha — Bottle Logistics East Africa Ltd (Kenya) — Industrial (ClimateTech)
  11. Meriem Benabad — Z.6 or Z.SYS INC (Morocco) — Retail (FMCG) – Marketplace
  12. Nidal Tafah — MIRRIAH (Morocco) — AgriTech
  13. Samson Fentaye — Thur Biotech Manufacturing Plc (Ethiopia) — Agritech
  14. Jess Roussos — BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) — EdTech
  15. David Kamugundu — eFiche Ltd (Rwanda) — HealthTech
  16. Joseph Paul — Dawa Mkononi (Tanzania) — HealthTech
  17. Gildas Zodome — Bio Phyto (Benin) — Agritech
  18. Appessika Adanin Laurent Koffi — Green Agro Valley (Côte d'Ivoire) — Agritech
  19. Hagasata Rakotoson — Solidis S.A (Madagascar) — FinTech
  20. Rodney Kofi Kyei — Crux Global Limited (Ghana) — Media and Entertainment

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Media resources and press kit:
2026 ABH Top 20 (https://apo-opa.co/4xE80tE)

For media inquiries:
pr@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition identifies, supports and celebrates talented entrepreneurs from across Africa who are creating economic and social impact in their communities. The program provides grant funding, mentorship, training and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with business leaders and investors from Africa and around the world. Learn more at https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

About Alibaba Philanthropy:
​
Alibaba Philanthropy is the social-impact arm of Alibaba Group and is committed to harnessing technology and partnerships for good. Its work spans rural revitalization, environmental protection, disaster relief and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. In Africa, Alibaba Philanthropy supports flagship initiatives including Africa's Business Heroes, helping entrepreneurs build inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

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14 August 2026

High-Speed Tactics and Precision Logistics

Location: Sport

The first day of racing at the Team Racing World Championship in Stockholm delivered close racing, challenging tactics and a remarkable logistical operation on the water. With starts every four to five minutes and up to three races running simultaneously, there was little room for error. The first day of racing on Riddarfjärden got off …

Read moreHigh-Speed Tactics and Precision Logistics
14 August 2026

Women Looking to Finish Strong in Fiji

Location: Sport

The Springbok Women will be determined to continue with their improved performance cycle when they face Fiji for a second time in a week and to be able to be successful, they will need to execute a mindset of reset and go again. That is the view of Bok Women captain Babalwa Latsha as they …

Read moreWomen Looking to Finish Strong in Fiji
14 August 2026

SA Tourism Board Must End CEO Guliwe’s Vacation

Location: News

Statement by Haseena Ismail MP – DA Spokesperson on Tourism: The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the new South African Tourism Board to urgently bring the long-running matter involving suspended CEO Ms Nombulelo Guliwe to a conclusion. As soon as the new Board Chairperson is confirmed, I will write to them to advise them on …

Read moreSA Tourism Board Must End CEO Guliwe’s Vacation
14 August 2026

eThekwini’s Wasteful Appeal Against Sewage Crisis Judgment

Location: News

ActionSA condemns the eThekwini Municipality’s wasteful decision to appeal the landmark Pietermaritzburg High Court judgment ordering it to fulfil its constitutional obligation to provide residents with clean and safe water.

The post ActionSA Condemns eThekwini’s Wasteful Appeal Against Sewage Crisis Judgment appeared first on ActionSA.

Read moreeThekwini’s Wasteful Appeal Against Sewage Crisis Judgment
14 August 2026

Boksburg Upcoming Artist

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Boksburg-born independent artist Kwanda (KayDa1st) Peterson is continuing to pursue his passion for music with the release of original songs that reflect real life, hope, and personal experiences. As an independent musician, KayDa1st has remained committed to creating meaningful music while balancing the responsibilities of everyday life and fatherhood. His goal is to inspire listeners …

Read moreBoksburg Upcoming Artist
14 August 2026

NSFAS Crisis Casts Pandor’s Remarks in a Harsh Light

Location: News

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The issues, which were raised this week in the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, include allegations of unauthorised remuneration of consultants, problems with the payment of accommodation allowances and general poor administration. It casts a harsh light on […]

The post NSFAS crisis casts Pandor’s remarks in a harsh light appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreNSFAS Crisis Casts Pandor’s Remarks in a Harsh Light
14 August 2026

It is Time to End Energy Poverty in Africa, Attend the IAEOG Namibia 2026

Location: News
African Peace Magazine

Africa stands at a critical energy crossroads. Despite being richly endowed with oil, gas, solar, hydro, and wind resources, the continent is facing a deepening energy crisis. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and more than 900 million rely on biomass such as firewood and charcoal for cooking—leading to deforestation, poor health outcomes, and economic stagnation.

As the world races toward energy transition and net-zero emissions, Africa risks being left behind—not due to a lack of resources, but due to underinvestment, policy misalignment, and fragmented strategies. The continent loses an estimated $130 billion in GDP annually due to inadequate energy access and unreliable infrastructure. Furthermore, less than 3% of global energy investments are currently directed to Africa, despite its immense potential and rising demand.

With the continent's population projected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, and urbanization accelerating at an unprecedented rate, the pressure on energy systems will only intensify. Without bold action, Africa's energy poverty could worsen—jeopardizing industrialization, food security, healthcare, and climate resilience.

ABOUT IAEOGS 2026

The International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS), is organized by, International Energy Summits ltd, with African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK African Energy Academy ltd as strategic partners.

This edition is convened in partnership, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST; ILLH), and CRG Research & Consulting Ltd (CRG) based in Namibia and South Africa as co-host.

IAEOGS 2026

The International African Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (IAEOG) stands as Africa's premier platform for innovation, investment, and dialogue in the energy sector. Now in its fourth edition, the summit continues to gain momentum, drawing over 2,500 high-level delegates from more than 100 countries, including CEOs, ministers, investors, regulators, entrepreneurs, and global industry leaders—united in unlocking Africa's full energy potential.

2026 THEME: “IGNITING AFRICA'S ENERGY AND LAND GOVERNANCE FUTURE”

This year's theme, “Igniting Africa's Energy and Land Governance Future,” reflects Africa's urgent need for inclusive, innovative, and sustainable energy solutions. With over 600 million Africans still lacking access to electricity and just 17% of the continent's vast renewable energy potential currently utilized, the summit aims to catalyze transformative action. Energy poverty costs the continent an estimated 4% of its GDP annually. IAEOG 2026 will tackle these challenges head-on by promoting policy harmonization, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships, aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.

The summit will feature eight thematic tracks, including:

  • Energy Transition & Innovation
  • Climate Finance & Sustainability
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Oil & Gas Technologies
  • Regulatory Reforms & Land access
  • Capacity Building & Local Content
  • Investment & Finance
  • Digital Transformation in Energy

IAEOG 2026 is poised to catalyze over $10 billion in clean energy investments.

WHY ATTEND IAEOG NAMIBIA 2026

IAEOG is more than just a summit—it is a catalyst for action, innovation, and opportunity. Participants can expect:

  • Executive panel sessions and keynote addresses
  • Master classes and technical workshops
  • High-impact exhibitions and product showcases
  • Dedicated investment and pitch rooms
  • Curated B2B meetings and networking lounges

With over 740 senior-level delegates, including government ministers, CEOs, and regulatory leaders, and 700+ global investors, the event will host 500+ private investment meetings. The exhibition is expected to feature 2,000+ participants from 80+ countries, offering unmatched exposure and collaboration.

AWARDS, EXHIBITION & CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

A key highlight will be the African Energy Excellence Awards, recognizing organizations and individuals making transformative contributions in the energy space. The Exhibition Hall will showcase 100+ innovations across oil, gas, renewables, and clean tech sectors.

The Charity Golf Tournament, hosted at the Windhoek Golf & Country Club's 18-hole Championship Course, will blend leisure and philanthropy—raising funds for youth empowerment and community development initiatives across Africa.

PARTICIPATION & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

IAEOG 2026 offers a range of engagement opportunities including:

  • Speaking slots
  • Sponsorship packages
  • Exhibition booths
  • Media and content partnerships

All participants will receive:

  • Certificates of Participation
  • Access to post-event insights
  • Priority inclusion in matchmaking & networking sessions

Early Bird Offer: Register four delegates and receive one complimentary pass—ideal for organizations seeking knowledge, visibility, and strategic advantage.

SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY

Join us in Windhoek, Namibia, this October to connect with global leaders, close high-value deals, and shape the energy policies that will power Africa's future.

Let's drive Africa's energy transformation—together.

#EnegrySecurity #EndEnergyPoverty #Unity #Summit #IAEOGS2025 #AfricaNow #GetInvolved #EndAfricanDebts #TechSolution #IntraAfricaTrade #AfCFTA 

For inquiries regarding sponsorship, speaking engagements, media partnerships, or participation, kindly contact:

Issued by:

The IAEGOS 2026 Organizing Committee

13th, August, 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Media Contact:
Prudence Ramotso
Group Head Events & International Affairs
+2348033975746 | +447407399766, |+27651766722 | +2648123522
info@iaegos.com | info@iaegos.com
Website: https://AfricanPeace.org/
https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/
https://IAEOGS.com/

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14 August 2026

Cherop targets victory at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Location: MyPR

After winning last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on her South African debut, Doreen Cherop (Kenya) will be looking to claim another victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 23 August. “The 10km course was amazing and the race was very well organised. I wasn’t expecting to win. I …

Read moreCherop targets victory at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
14 August 2026

When an Insect Bite Is More Serious Than You Think

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness about the warning signs of potentially dangerous insect bites and stings. Insect bites are a common part of everyday life, especially during warmer months, but they should not always be dismissed as harmless. With World Mosquito Day (20 August) highlighting the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases …

Read moreWhen an Insect Bite Is More Serious Than You Think
14 August 2026

Review Decision Regarding Knysna’s Acting Municipal Manager

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) calls on Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, to urgently approach the High Court with an application to review and set aside the Knysna municipal Council’s unlawful decision to extend Mr Boy Manqoba Ngubo’s appointment as acting Municipal Manager. Mr Ngubo was initially appointed as acting Municipal […]

The post Review decision regarding Knysna’s acting Municipal Manager appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreReview Decision Regarding Knysna’s Acting Municipal Manager
14 August 2026

Africa’s CX Leaders Meet in Cape Town

Location: News
VUKA Group

CEM Africa 2026 will return to the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 18–20 August, bringing together senior customer experience, marketing, digital, customer service, technology and transformation leaders for the 14th edition of Africa's leading customer experience summit.

With organisations across the continent under growing pressure to improve customer outcomes while navigating AI adoption, automation, rising expectations, fragmented journeys and commercial scrutiny, the 2026 programme has been built around a central question: how can businesses use technology to improve customer experience at scale without losing trust, relevance or the human connection?

Across three days, CEM Africa will combine strategic conference discussions, hands-on workshops, technology demonstrations, an exhibition, networking activations and peer-to-peer exchange, giving delegates the opportunity to move from big-picture industry questions to practical frameworks they can apply inside their organisations.

A speaker line-up rooted in real CX leadership

The 2026 speaker faculty brings together leaders working directly across customer experience, marketing, digital transformation, customer service, commerce, technology and organisational change.

Among those joining CEM Africa 2026 are:

  • Bruce Whitfield, business journalist and best-selling author

  • Khensani Nobanda, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Nedbank

  • Francois Retief, Head of Customer Experience, FNB

  • Martin Urrutia, global toy industry leader

  • Marnitz Van Heerden, Head of Customer Experience, Discovery Limited

  • Grace Brown, Head of Customer Experience and Client Services, JSE

  • Khwaṱhelani Tshikovhi, Head: Santam Experience and Client Care, Santam Insurance

  • Shaun Edmeston, Director of Customer Experience, Absa Bank Mauritius

  • Job Thomas, Chief Customer Officer, WooCommerce

  • Richie Sobayeni, Group Head of Customer Experience Design, Equity Group Holdings

  • Julia Ahlfeldt, Customer Experience Strategist and Business Advisor

  • Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director-General, Department of Economic Development and Tourism

  • Katie Stabler, Founder and Director, CULTIVATE Customer Experience by Design

  • Charlie Stewart, CEO, Rogerwilco

  • Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director, WIMBIZ

  • Wavi Mungala, Board Director, Institute of CX – Kenya

The wider faculty spans financial services, retail, technology, insurance, e-commerce, public sector, consulting and customer operations, reflecting the increasingly cross-functional nature of customer experience.

From AI experimentation to measurable outcomes

Artificial intelligence will be one of the defining conversations at CEM Africa 2026, but the programme moves beyond broad speculation about AI to focus on where organisations are seeing - or still struggling to achieve - real operational and commercial value.

Day One will examine how African organisations can move from AI pilots to production, including governance, data readiness, agent co-pilots, voice AI, speech analytics, conversational AI and AI-driven personalisation.

The agenda also tackles the questions surrounding responsible adoption. Sessions will examine AI governance and ethics, privacy, POPIA, customer consent and the challenge of automating at scale without damaging trust.

A dedicated discussion, “Will AI Make Your Brand More Trustworthy?”, will explore whether increased automation strengthens customer confidence or risks undermining it, before the day closes its content programme with the audience-led town hall “Will Humans Still Matter in a World of AI-Driven Customer Experience?”

Data, insight and the business case for CX

For leaders under pressure to demonstrate the commercial return on customer experience investment, CEM Africa will put measurement firmly on the agenda.

Workshops will address customer data quality, real-time insight, first-party data strategy, predictive analytics and Voice of Customer, alongside practical sessions on building an end-to-end CX scorecard, customer lifetime value and mapping journey costs.

Delegates will also be able to explore how to prove CX ROI to executive teams, connecting customer experience activity to revenue uplift, churn reduction, operational efficiency and cost-to-serve.

The emphasis throughout is on turning customer insight into decisions and measurable business outcomes rather than collecting more data without action.

Designing customer journeys that work in African markets

The programme will also address the practical realities of customer engagement across diverse African markets.

Topics include omnichannel journey design, mobile-first experiences, WhatsApp as a service channel, self-service, proactive CX and reducing friction across high-volume journeys such as onboarding, billing, claims and fulfilment.

Sessions will examine how organisations can create accessible experiences for customers with different levels of digital literacy, connectivity and channel preference, while maintaining consistency between physical, digital and human-assisted interactions.

African market realities also feature in discussions on sentiment analysis, conversational AI, language, code-switching and customer behaviour.

The people behind customer experience

Technology is only one side of the CX equation.

CEM Africa 2026 will look closely at employee experience, organisational culture and the changing capabilities required of customer-facing teams.

Sessions will cover customer-centric culture, employee resilience, burnout, hybrid CX teams, human-centred service, AI upskilling, cross-functional collaboration and change management.

The programme will also explore the relationship between employee experience and customer outcomes, recognising that organisations cannot sustainably improve CX without equipping and engaging the people responsible for delivering it.

What the three days will look like

Tuesday, 18 August – Day Zero

CEM Africa begins with an afternoon dedicated to registration, community engagement and relationship-building ahead of the main conference programme.

Delegates can expect networking activities and activations, including tastings, community conversations, the CEM Networking Padel Tournament and sponsored welcome drinks.

The format is designed to give speakers, delegates, partners and industry leaders an opportunity to begin making connections before the formal summit gets underway.

Wednesday, 19 August – Day One

Day One opens with a strong focus on trust, relevance and measurable customer experience outcomes.

The main stage begins with Deshnie Govender's opening keynote, “The Culture-Led Customer: The Emerging Markets Playbook for Building Trust, Relevance and Loyalty”, followed by sessions examining the future of AI-powered customer experience, journey-led CX orchestration and business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield's keynote, “The Trust Advantage”, exploring how trust can reduce friction and unlock better business results.

From late morning, the programme moves into a series of parallel workshops and panels built around some of the most pressing issues facing CX leaders today.

The first sessions explore building trust in the AI era, with discussions on whether AI investments are delivering measurable business outcomes, the changing role of the CX leader, enterprise AI agents, frictionless customer journeys and lessons from CEM Africa Awards-winning teams.

The afternoon broadens the conversation into customer intelligence, Voice of Customer, Agentic AI, digital trust and human reassurance, alongside a dedicated discussion on how African contact centres and BPO operators are positioning themselves to compete globally.

Later sessions place the human experience firmly back at the centre of CX. Leaders will explore employee wellbeing, emotionally intelligent journey design, empathy in an AI-enabled environment, customer-centric culture and how to lead CX teams through continuous change.

The final workshop block tackles the commercial realities of CX, including moving from NPS to P&L, improving checkout conversion, connecting customer, employee and digital experience, driving loyalty through hyper-personalised research and the realities of stepping into senior CX leadership.

Day One closes with Matchmaking and Happy Hour, followed by the CEM Engage Party, creating further opportunities for delegates, speakers, partners and solution providers to continue conversations and build meaningful industry relationships.

Thursday, 20 August – Day Two

Day Two turns the focus towards human impact, business value and the future direction of customer experience in Africa.

The main stage opens with Zahirah Variawa's motivational keynote, “The Moments People Remember: Why the Experiences We Create Matter More Than We Think”, followed by Rashid Toefy on designing better citizen experiences and building trust through public services.

A QuestionPro and Metropolitan fireside chat explores the use of AI within Voice of Customer programmes, while Katie Stabler and Debi Potgieter's “What the Fluff?” challenges the industry to examine whether CX initiatives have genuine substance when put under pressure.

The morning also features the CEM 2026 Advisory Board Panel, bringing together leaders from across Africa to examine the future of CX through the lenses of trust, technology, business value and human connection, before Martin Urrutia, Head of Global Retail Experience at The LEGO Group, takes to the stage for the keynote “Experience Is the Brand.”

The afternoon workshop programme moves from strategy into execution.

Sessions will explore AI-powered WhatsApp journeys, voice AI in the South African market, the point at which brand promises break down, self-improving human and AI service models and how CX leaders can prove ROI in language that resonates in the boardroom.

The final workshop block looks further ahead. Delegates can explore CX designed for measurable ROI, the Future African Customer 2030, organisational trust, scalable experience design, the risks of poor AI, emerging CX research and Human First experience design.

The programme then closes with WiN CX Africa: Women Shaping Excellence in Every Experience, bringing together female leaders to explore how cultures of safety, trust and inclusion shape stronger customer and employee experiences.

Across both days, the programme reflects the central theme of CEM Africa 2026: Trust, Technology and the Human Future of CX in Africa, with a clear emphasis on moving beyond theory towards customer experience strategies that create stronger relationships, better operational outcomes and measurable business value.

More than a conference programme

Alongside the conference and workshops, attendees will have access to the CEM Africa exhibition, Expo Spotlight Stages, technology demonstrations, networking functions and opportunities to engage directly with CX solution providers and peers facing similar transformation challenges.

For senior leaders, the value lies not simply in hearing what is changing, but in comparing approaches with peers, interrogating technology choices, finding practical solutions and building relationships across Africa's customer experience community.

CEM Africa's broader 2026 positioning - “Excellence in Every Experience: Shaping the Future of Customer Engagement Across Africa” - reflects an industry that is increasingly being asked to connect customer experience directly to business growth, loyalty, trust and resilience.

With the event now days away, CEM Africa 2026 offers organisations a timely opportunity to understand where customer experience is heading next — and what leaders need to do now to stay relevant.

CEM Africa 2026 takes place from 18–20 August 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.

For the latest programme, speaker line-up and delegate availability, visit https://apo-opa.co/4zgt0bJ.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional links:
https://apo-opa.co/4bQHxAO
https://apo-opa.co/4wSEIrk

Media enquiries:
Steven Dennett
Marketing Manager VUKA Group / CEM Africa
Steven.dennett@WeAreVUKA.com
CEMAfricaSummit.com

About CEM Africa:
CEM Africa is Africa's leading customer experience summit and a platform for senior leaders, practitioners, innovators and solution providers shaping the future of customer engagement across the continent.

Created by VUKA Group, CEM Africa brings together practical insight, strategic collaboration, technology, peer learning and meaningful business connections to help organisations build stronger, more relevant and more commercially effective customer experiences.

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14 August 2026

Is Afrikaans a Dialect?

Location: News

Is Afrikaans a dialect? This is the question that DF Malherbe sought to answer in 1907 with his doctoral thesis at a German university; 32 years after the founding of the “Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners” (Society of True Afrikaners), which is commemorated today on Afrikaans “Taaldag” (Language Day). It was but one of many small […]

The post Baby steps toward greater significance for a beloved, powerful and beautiful language celebrated today on Afrikaans Language Day appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreIs Afrikaans a Dialect?
14 August 2026

The Baton: A Girl From 1976 Meets a Girl From 2026

Location: MyPR

50 years later, Melisizwe asks: what will this generation of young women do with the opportunities the youth of 1976 fought for? WHAT: RISE HER 2026, hosted by Melisizwe Social Enterprise, brings a symbolic schoolgirl from 1976 face-to-face with a Girls in STEM learner from 2026 in a live production marking 50 years since the …

Read moreThe Baton: A Girl From 1976 Meets a Girl From 2026
14 August 2026

Two Semi-final Spots up for Grabs

Location: Sport

The SWD Eagirls, Leopards Women, and Griffons Women will have all to play for in the seventh and final league round of the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 2 when they battle it out to secure a place in next weekend’s semi-finals. Defending champions, the Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women, have already booked a home …

Read moreTwo Semi-final Spots up for Grabs
14 August 2026

How One Subscriber Saved R573 240.00 Using MyPR

Location: MyPR

And potentially made (or missed out) on another R1.2 Million in Turnover Here is a simple way of looking at the benefits of a Featured Press Release Subscription to MyPR. We have one subscriber that has been with us for 4 years and to date has posted 4 877 Featured Press Releases to our platform. …

Read moreHow One Subscriber Saved R573 240.00 Using MyPR
14 August 2026

Seychelles: Minister Faure holds bilateral talks with South African counterpart on the margin of the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit

Location: News
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles

Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Barry Faure, held a bilateral meeting with his South African counterpart, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Ronald Lamola, on the margin of the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit in Durban.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two Ministers to reaffirm the longstanding friendship between Seychelles and South Africa, and to discuss avenues for deepening cooperation between the two countries on a number of bilateral matters.

Minister Faure thanked South Africa for its leadership of SADC and for the hospitality extended to the Seychelles delegation throughout the Summit. Minister Lamola, in turn, expressed appreciation for Seychelles' consistent support to South African candidatures in multilateral organisations, describing the country as a reliable partner within the region and beyond.

Both Ministers underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship between Seychelles and South Africa, particularly in the economic sector, and welcomed the growing interest of South African investors in Seychelles. They also agreed on the importance of convening the 4th Session of the Seychelles-South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation, set to take place in 2027.

On matters of diplomatic representation, Minister Lamola confirmed that South Africa's newly appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles will soon travel to Victoria to present credentials. Minister Faure similarly announced the appointment of Seychelles' High Commissioner to South Africa.

Paying tribute to outgoing High Commissioner H.E. Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, Minister Faure commended her active tenure, particularly her contribution to advancing the Maritime Corridor Strategy, and expressed hope that she would soon pay her farewell courtesy call.

The meeting closed with both Ministers reaffirming the strength of Seychelles-South Africa relations and their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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