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South Africa’s Credit Market Expanded During Q2 2025 Amid Eased Interest Rates and Shifting Consumer Risk

Location: Business
  • Millennial consumers drove significant new credit card growth, although new card limits dropped significantly
  • Vehicle asset finance growth trend continued, with more than two thirds of loans originated by Gen Z and Millennial consumers
  • Eased interest rates drove year-over-year growth in home loan originations, although affordability pressures may be impacting performance

South Africans responded to a more favourable interest rate environment during Q2 2025, leading to increased new account originations across most consumer credit products, particularly for credit cards and vehicle finance. Home loan activity also showed signs of recovery, as consumers felt more confident in committing to longer-term credit obligations. Retail revolving loans were the exception, with origination volumes declining despite growth in balances.

These are some of the findings of TransUnion’s Q2 2025 South Africa Industry Insights Report, which also found that South Africans were managing their credit better, as delinquencies improved across most consumer credit products during the quarter.

Credit Card Market Continued Upward Trajectory

Credit card originations increased by a robust 36.5% year-over-year (YoY), underscoring this product’s relevance as a flexible financial tool for consumers seeking convenience and/or liquidity in what remains a challenging economic environment. Millennials (born 1980 to 1994) drove this growth, with originations in this cohort making up 47.6% of all originations in the period.

Lenders seeking to expand market share continued to extend credit to consumers in higher-risk prime and below risk tiers[1], with originations to subprime consumers increased by 49.2% YoY. They balanced this growth among higher-risk borrowers with smaller credit limits. The average credit limit on new credit cards decreased by 19.5% YoY during the quarter.

Delinquency trends showed mixed results. Credit card balance-level delinquency rose slightly to 18.1%, up 13 basis points (bps) YoY, indicating a marginal increase in overdue balances. In contrast, account-level delinquency rates declined by 32 bps YoY to 12.1%. This decline in account-level delinquency suggests that while some consumers accumulated larger balances, many were able to make payments to keep their accounts active.

“The latest credit cards trends reflect strategic credit use and disciplined repayment behaviour among a financially stretched borrower base,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “The combination of rising origination volumes and shrinking new credit lines suggests that lenders are working to balance growth with prudent risk management. Lenders may need to refine their segmentation strategies, enhance early warning systems, and tailor credit line management to sustain portfolio health while supporting customers’ financial needs.”

Vehicle Asset Finance Shows Continued Growth

Vehicle asset finance originations increased by 21.0% YoY in Q2 2025, and average new loan amounts increased by 3.5% while the number of active accounts increased by 2.1% YoY. Growth was mainly driven by Gen Z (aged 18 to 28) and Millennial (aged 29 to 44) consumers who accounted for 64.3% of originations.

Outstanding balances grew by 7.6% YoY, and average balances have increased by more than 30% over the last five years, reflecting both higher vehicle prices and a sustained trend toward longer loan terms, which slows loan balance paydown rates. Loan terms granted during Q2 2025 averaged 74 months, up from 73 months in Q2 2024 and 72 months in Q2 2023. Longer loan terms, while slowing balance paydown, result in lower monthly payment amounts, which help consumers manage monthly cash flow in a high-cost environment.

Younger consumers are beginning to look for more ways to enter the vehicle market, including taking advantage of more cost-effective imported vehicles. However, 65% of vehicle finance originations were made by repeat buyers during Q2 2025, suggesting that access to vehicle finance remains limited for new entrants. At the same time, lenders need to be mindful of rising risk levels: in the second quarter of 2025, 44% of new-to-vehicle finance consumers fell into the subprime risk tier. These trends highlight the need for lenders to design credit products that support younger buyers, while ensuring responsible credit practices are upheld.

Account-level delinquencies for vehicle asset finance improved by 24 bps YoY to 5.1%, demonstrating that repayment behaviour for this product remained relatively stable, and that the overall risk profile of this portfolio is improving.

“For vehicle finance lenders, the rise in originations alongside modest growth in loan amounts suggests an opportunity to support demand while maintaining portfolio discipline,” said Hatea. “The improvement in delinquency rates is encouraging, but ongoing monitoring will be essential as economic recovery remains uneven. Vehicle finance lenders may benefit from refining pricing models, reassessing vehicle segmentation strategies, and balancing growth with prudent risk management.”

Home Loan Market Responds Positively to Eased Interest Rates

Lower interest rates, moderating inflation and improved real wage growth led to stronger consumer sentiment, giving lenders an opportunity to re-engage with consumers seeking home loans. New home loan account originations increased by 6.8% YoY during Q2 2025, showing early signs of recovery after declines in growth over previous quarters.

Favourable interest rate conditions and enhanced credit access drove broader access to home ownership this quarter, with 51% of home loans granted to individuals taking a home loan for the first time — the highest proportion in over five years. Among these, 56% were Millennials and 24% were Gen Z.

Delinquency trends showed mild deterioration, with the account-level delinquency rate increased by 29 bps to 7.5%. These movements suggest that while the market is stabilising, repayment stress remains a concern.

“These trends indicate a home loan market that is stabilising, but not without risk,” said Hatea. “For home loan lenders, the uptick in originations presents an opportunity to re-engage with the market, but rising delinquency rates underscore the need for vigilance. Portfolio strategies may need to shift toward enhanced consumer profile assessments, proactive risk monitoring, and targeted engagement with borrowers showing early signs of strain. As the market navigates this transitional phase, balancing growth with resilience will be key.”

 Table 1: Key South African Credit Market Metrics (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024)

Product

YoY origination growth

Serious account-level delinquency rate*

YoY basis points (bps) change in delinquency rate
Credit card

36.5%

12.1%

-32 bps
Bank personal loan

2.2%

25.9%

-72 bps
Non-bank personal loan

18.8%

41.3%

256 bps
Clothing accounts

6.5%

25.9%

-265 bps
Retail instalment

21.4%

25.5%

-238 bps
Retail revolving

-6.3%

14.9%

-251 bps
Home loans

6.8%

7.5%

29 bps
Vehicle finance

21.0%

5.1%

-24 bps

 *Account-level serious delinquency rate, measured as a percentage of accounts three or more months in arrears

[1] Scores are based on TransUnion’s CreditVision® generic scoring methodology. Risk distribution key: subprime (0-625), near prime (626-655), prime (656-695), prime plus (696-720), super prime (721-999).

Read moreSouth Africa’s Credit Market Expanded During Q2 2025 Amid Eased Interest Rates and Shifting Consumer Risk

TransUnion Study Reveals Key Insights Into South Africa’s FinTech Borrowers as Market Poised for Growth

Location: Business
  • TransUnion analysis reveals actionable insights for FinTech lenders seeking to navigate market complexities to achieve growth targets
  • FinTech lending is not the main gateway to financial inclusion, with most consumers choosing a clothing account as their first credit product
  • FinTech borrowers are loyal when it comes to subsequent products, but FinTech lenders are lower in consumers’ payment hierarchy than other lender types

TransUnion’s latest research into South Africa’s FinTech lending market reveals critical insights into borrower behaviour, loyalty and risk based on an analysis of 4.3 million South Africa consumers. The study highlights patterns that present both opportunities and challenges when navigating a rapidly digitising credit ecosystem.

South Africa’s FinTech sector is undergoing rapid transformation, signalling a major shift in how consumers will engage with credit in the next five years, and beyond. As digital adoption accelerates, lenders will need to adapt their approach to South African consumers if they’re to attract, retain and grow relationships with digitally engaged borrowers.

Emerging FinTechs are offering diverse solutions such as buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans with interest free payments, flexible financing for small and medium enterprises, point-of-sale credit and insurance coverage. Financial services are now more accessible than ever before. However, it’s essential that the lenders behind these solutions understand who is using them, how they engage with credit, and whether borrowers’ loyalty can help drive sustainable growth.

“As competition intensifies and regulatory frameworks evolve, lenders must go beyond product innovation and develop a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “Our study offers a data-driven lens into the FinTech borrower profile, helping lenders build loyalty, manage risk, and drive inclusion.”

TransUnion analysed South Africans who held at least one open FinTech credit obligation in Q4 2024, including long-term personal loans, short-term personal loans and credit cards, to learn more about the consumers driving growth in the sector. The study examined risk profiles, delinquency trends, product breadth, and loyalty patterns among FinTech borrowers. Further, the study compared those characteristics to similar-risk consumers using traditional lender products only (non-FinTech borrowers[1]), providing a deeper understanding of growth opportunities for South Africa’s credit market.

Five Themes Shaping FinTech Lending Strategy

1.     FinTechs are not yet the main gateway to financial inclusion.

Despite South Africa’s high mobile penetration[2], 69% of New-to-Credit consumers – those with no prior reported credit history – enter the market via retail accounts, with clothing accounts being the most common first product. FinTechs have an opportunity to reposition themselves as enablers of financial inclusion by partnering with retailers and mobile ecosystems to reach underserved segments.

2.     FinTech borrowers are concentrated in below prime risk tiers[3].

While many FinTech borrowers have experience managing credit, 95% of FinTech borrowers with 0–1 month loans are in below prime risk tiers, compared to 29% for bank borrowers and 69% for non-bank lender borrowers. For 2–12 month loans, 94% of FinTech borrowers are below prime, in contrast to 58% for banks and 50% for non-banks. This highlights greater risk exposure among the FinTech borrower base and suggests that FinTech lenders could benefit from leveraging trended and alternative data to better predict repayment risk and reduce delinquency rates, particularly among below-prime borrowers.

3.     FinTech borrowers are not all underserved.

Among 0–1 month term borrowers, 44% of FinTech consumers already hold two or three credit products and 27% hold four or more, debunking the assumption that FinTech borrowers have limited access to credit. Additionally, more than 56% of FinTech personal loan borrowers hold credit products with non-FinTech lenders. These multi-lender relationships underscore the need for lenders to view borrowing patterns holistically and better understand the reasons why borrowers may be seeking credit from different lender types, in order to develop strategies for capturing more of their customers’ wallets.

4.     FinTech borrowers underperform on repayments.

While there are no material differences by lender type for longer-term loans, there are significant differences for 0-1 month loans. This is an important consideration as these shorter-term loans are more likely to be used by borrowers earlier in their credit journeys when they are potentially more financially vulnerable. After controlling for borrower risk score, delinquency rates (consumers 2+ months in arrears on a loan) were highest among FinTech borrowers: The consumer-level delinquencies were 74% for 0–1 month loans from FinTechs compared to lower rates for bank loans (53%) and non-bank lender loans (53%), underscoring the need for enhanced risk management strategies tailored to the FinTech segment.

5.     FinTech borrowers are loyal to FinTech lenders

TransUnion’s research provides compelling evidence of borrower loyalty within the FinTech lending ecosystem. Among consumers who originated a 0–1 month personal loan, 65% opened another 0–1 month loan within 12 months, and 93% of those chose a FinTech lender. More than one fifth (21%) of these borrowers progressed to a 2–12 month loan, with 80% remaining with FinTech providers.

Among consumers who started with a 2–12 month personal loan, 95% opened another 2–12 month loan, with 60% choosing a FinTech lender. In addition, 85% of these borrowers also opened a 0–1 month loan, and 38% did so with FinTech lenders. These patterns demonstrate a strong preference among borrowers to remain within the FinTech category, even as they take loans over longer time periods. This loyalty presents a strategic opportunity for FinTech lenders to deepen relationships through personalised engagement, targeted product offerings, and proactive risk management.

However, loyalty in product originations does not necessarily translate into repayment prioritisation. When consumers hold loans with both FinTech and non-FinTech lenders, they tend to prioritise repayments to traditional institutions. Among consumers with 2–12 term personal loans from both FinTech and non-FinTech non-bank lenders, delinquency measured as 1+ month in arrears was 33% for FinTechs, compared to 26% for non-FinTech non-bank lenders. Similarly, for those with loans from both FinTechs and banks, delinquency was 30% for FinTechs versus 28% for banks.

The takeaway for lenders is that while FinTech borrowers are loyal in terms of repeat borrowing, they may deprioritise FinTech repayments when under financial pressure. This highlights the need for FinTech lenders to strengthen their engagement strategies, build trust, and implement early intervention tools to improve repayment outcomes and long-term value.

“If lenders are to benefit from the anticipated growth in the FinTech lending market, it’s essential that they offer financial literacy and awareness education to help consumers understand how responsible credit use can support their financial goals. Once consumers have opened FinTech-issued products, lenders can activate lifestyle triggers to anticipate consumer progression so that they can deliver timely, relevant engagement to drive loyalty and long-term value. This can be further supported by deploying predelinquency models to identify early signs of consumer stress, and to initiate recovery efforts before risk escalates,” said Hatea.

[1] FinTech consumers were those with an open FinTech long-term personal loan, short-term personal loan, or credit card. Non-FinTech consumers were a control group with no FinTech obligations of any type in their history, who held a long-term personal loan, short term personal loan or credit card from a non-FinTech lender

[2] 118,600,000 connections across 60,690,000 people https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-south-africa

[3] Scores are based on TransUnion’s CreditVision® generic scoring methodology. Risk distribution key: subprime (0-625), near prime (626-655), prime (656-695), prime plus (696-720), super prime (721-999).

Read moreTransUnion Study Reveals Key Insights Into South Africa’s FinTech Borrowers as Market Poised for Growth

Drakenstein Municipality Must Come Clean About the Felling of Trees in Ward 10

Location: News

The Drakenstein Municipality has, over the past week, indicated that it is conducting community engagements on the proposed removal of trees in Ward 10, trees that have stood for more than 40 years and have become part of the community’s social and environmental identity.

The post DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALITY MUST COME CLEAN ABOUT THE FELLING OF TREES IN WARD 10 appeared first on For Good.

Read moreDrakenstein Municipality Must Come Clean About the Felling of Trees in Ward 10

Public Land Must Serve the Public, Not Just the Privileged

Location: News

GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook,GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor 15 July 2025 The City of Joburg’s plans to dispose of key portions of public land have made headlines but much of the outrage being stirred up by certain political parties is rooted in a “Not In My Backyard” mentality that protects privilege […]

The post CITY OF JOBURG: PUBLIC LAND MUST SERVE THE PUBLIC, NOT JUST THE PRIVILEGED appeared first on For Good.

Read morePublic Land Must Serve the Public, Not Just the Privileged

R562 Million Later – No Permanent WCED Head Office, No Inner-City Housing, and No Accountability

Location: News

The Western Cape Government has spent over half a billion rand on office space for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED),yet it still has no permanent headquarters. This alarming misuse of public funds was revealed in written responses to GOOD by current Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers and former MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela, following parliamentary questions submitted in November 2020, and again in April and June 2025.

The post R562 MILLION LATER – STILL NO PERMANENT WCED HEAD OFFICE, NO INNER-CITY HOUSING, AND NO ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on For Good.

Read moreR562 Million Later – No Permanent WCED Head Office, No Inner-City Housing, and No Accountability

Spaza Shop Fund Sets Alarm Bells Ringing

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is seriously concerned about the Department of Small Business Development’s funding plan for spaza shops. According to this funding plan, spaza shops will be required to purchase all their stock from a single state-approved “distribution partner”, which will presumably cut costs. This could, however, undermine competitiveness in the value […]

The post Spaza shop fund sets alarm bells ringing appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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Unlocking Africa’s $180 Billion Digital Trade Economy

Location: Business
dmg Nigeria events

The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion.

The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge.

“The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.” H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment

“Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.” Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta.

Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace (www.Matta.Trade) and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions.

This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation.

Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines.

Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets.

As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come.

West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition

21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events.

Contact Details:
Roshan Jan-Mahomed
Head of Marketing – Africa
Email: info@westafricaimt.com
www.WestAfricaIMT.com

About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025:
The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution

The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity.

Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities.

●        15+ African ministers

●        25+ countries represented from around the globe

●        70+ expert industry speakers

●        250+ exhibiting companies

●        500+ conference delegates

●        2,500+ attendees

About dmg Nigeria events:
dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses.

DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions.

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year.

This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change.

For more information on dmg events, visit: www.dmgevents.com

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Igniting Africa’s Energy and Water Future – Just One Week to Go!

Location: Business
Vuka Group

The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution.

A powerhouse of vision and innovation

Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo

From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen.

Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus

Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water & Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives.

Unparalleled networking and business opportunities

Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom).

Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure.

The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment.

Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025

  • Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors.
  • Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom.
  • Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans.
  • Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor.
  • Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management.
  • Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape.

Programme highlights

  • 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future.
  • 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
  • 22 May: Join the Energy & Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow.

For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water.

Join the movement

With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on www.Enlit-Africa.com or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@wearevuka.com or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.

Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.

For media inquiries, contact:
VUKA Group Media Team
Email: media@wearevuka.com
Website: www.Enlit-Africa.com

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel. 

Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.

For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at https://Enlit-Africa.com/ or contact our team at info@enlit-africa.com.

About The Vuka Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve. 

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Giants of Africa Festival 2025

Location: News
Giants of Africa

Giants of Africa (https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.

“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” says Ujiri. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa's leaders of tomorrow.

Taking place across Kigali Sports City's BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa's sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.

The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival's championship and all-star games.

This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon's Hortense Mbea (Afropian: https://apo-opa.co/4d97Od4), Niger's Alia Baré (Alia: https://apo-opa.co/3GMuRyk), and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo (Masa Mara: https://apo-opa.co/4377tTx) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.

Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women's Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival (https://apo-opa.co/42RZZFe) which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit's 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali's local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda's own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025.

Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025's Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit www.GOAFestival.org or email info@giantsofafrica.org.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Giants of Africa.

For the festival launch video and still images: 
https://apo-opa.co/430fZUd

For more information, please contact:
Tamara Kamaka - Giants of Africa
tamara@giantsofafrica.org

Emmanuel Ainamani - SRC Agency
emmanuel@srcagency.com

Social Media:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4d7L5Og
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44t3xik
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dbdpj9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4k6P14f

About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa:
Masai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri's unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri's ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life.

https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/

Partners:
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 would like to express its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to making this event possible:

● The Lake Family's All One Fund

● RwandAir

● ALX Africa

● Kensington

● Sport Court International, LLC

● BK Arena

● DHL Express Canada

● Imbuto Foundation

● Ministry of Sports

● Visit Rwanda

● Volkswagen Move

● Zaria Court

● Bralirwa PLC

● Toronto Raptors

● Marriott

Media files
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Read moreGiants of Africa Festival 2025

Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

Location: News

Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

Government has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated R500 million support fund aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned Spaza Shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

Addressing the launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF), Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the fund will transform the spaza shop landscape by creating jobs, alleviating poverty, promoting economic inclusion and empowerment as well as stimulating local economic growth.

The fund provides for funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.

It allocates funding specifically for initial stock purchases, infrastructure improvements, business development tools, and Point of Sale (POS) system adoption.

Through the fund, shop owners will be provided with assistance in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products.

“We are committed to ensuring that every spaza shop that benefits from this fund also gains access to the necessary health and safety training and resources. This holistic approach will help create workplaces that are not only economically vibrant but also secure and sustainable for the future,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Soweto.

He indicated that studies show that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation in South Africa. 

“By equipping spaza shop owners with financial support, infrastructure upgrades, and essential business training, we are setting the stage for sustainable job creation. This means more opportunities for local talent and a reduction in poverty levels, as spaza shops expand their roles as community hubs.

“Every spaza shop supported by this fund is an engine for local growth. When these businesses thrive, they create ripple effects that boost surrounding sectors—be it suppliers, service providers, or local artisans. 

“This fund is a catalyst for economic dynamism, injecting energy and resources where they are most needed. It is an investment in our people, our neighbourhoods, and ultimately, the entire South African economy,” he explained.

The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA).

“We want a South Africa where economic opportunities are available to all, where the informal becomes formal, and where the entrepreneurial spirit of our townships becomes a driving force for national transformation.

“With this fund, we are taking a concrete step to formalise and empower the informal sector. By supporting spaza shops, we are enabling entrepreneurs, often women and young people, to participate fully in the economic process.
“These small businesses generate employment, drive local commerce, and channel much-needed income into communities that have long been underserved,” Tau said.

In order to access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website.

The following website can be used to apply for funding:

Spaza Shop Support Fund - www.spazashopfund.co.za 
NEF - www.nefcorp.co.za 
SEDFA - https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/

The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za

Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za.

-SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Tue, 04/08/2025 - 16:14
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Read moreGovernment launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

Government empowers spaza shops 

Location: News

Government empowers spaza shops 

With the launch of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF), government is ready to assist entrepreneurs who want to establish startups, expand their businesses, and gain essential business skills to improve the performance of their enterprises.

This is according to the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni.

With the recent drive to have spaza shops registered, government has received 87 407 applications and of these, a total 53% is from South African-owned spaza shops.

“Our commitment with this fund is to support those who heeded the President’s call to register their spaza shops. As the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), we can help you when you have an idea and want to start a business.

“We have incubators that help new and startup businesses. We can help you from being an informal trader to a formal trader, to start a spaza shop and to own a wholesale or an entire distribution channel. We will be working with you to help you to turn things around,” said Ndabeni.

The support fund was launched on Tuesday in Soweto to support South African-owned township community convenience shops, including spaza shops, to increase their participation in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

READ | Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

Jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA), the fund provides critical financial and non-financial support to township businesses, including community convenience stores and spaza shops.

The fund provides various types of support, including the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners, upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security, as well as training programmes, which includes point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.

“The fund will address economy of scale disadvantages by linking spaza shops to buying groups for aggregation and bulk purchasing; building business capacity through training and support to improve shop operations; and enhancing market competitiveness to help spaza shops compete with larger retailers," the Minister said.

The fund will be rolled out nationally to impact spaza shops across all major townships, as well as rural areas.

The Minister said government endeavours to work with entrepreneurs to localise supply chain opportunities for township and rural enterprises.

This will ensure that spaza shops do not procure imported products or simply use the platforms of large companies.

“To achieve this, we will utilise other instruments like the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programmes (TREP), the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP), Asset Assist, and our Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility.

“These programmes in turn have the potential to attract municipalities, the private sector, business and informal trader associations, and other stakeholders to work together in contributing their facilities, expertise and resources in support of new localised supply chains and distribution networks for spaza shops. 

“Logistics management partners will offer logistics management services, including warehousing and delivery solutions. They will ensure that products are stored safely and delivered efficiently, reducing transportation costs, and improving the overall supply chain efficiency for spaza shops,” the Minister said.

DSBD Connect

The department has recruited 52 Business Regulation Officers across all districts and metros to support business registration using the DSBD Connect system.

DSBD Connect is a platform which will be used to collaborate or put together small business to collaborate and/or work together on a particular project. 

This can be businesses within the same industries or different industries but need each other for specific skills or qualifications. 

The platform will put together small businesses within the same geographical area, interests, and skills. 

“Despite their importance, spaza shops face several challenges, including access to capital, security concerns, and competition from formal retailers, like larger retail stores and supermarkets which are encroaching on their markets.

"South African-owned spaza shops also face intense competition from foreign-operated spaza shops, who use more organised supply chains to gain competitiveness.

“Therefore, I want to encourage you to collaborate and establish cooperatives so that you can leverage resources, knowledge, and work together on projects, sharing best practices,” Ndabeni said.

Access to funding 

To access the funding, applicants need to apply to the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA) through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website.

The following website can be used to apply for funding:

Spaza Shop Support Fund - www.spazashopfund.co.za 
NEF - www.nefcorp.co.za 
SEDFA - https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/

The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund call centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za.

Contact details for the NEF call centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA call centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:27
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Read moreGovernment empowers spaza shops