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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has, today, 20 May 2025, engaged with South African and French businesses during a Roundtable Breakfast Dialogue hosted by MEDEF International in Paris.
MEDEF is France's largest business federation, representing over 750,000 companies, from SMEs to large multinationals. It plays a central role in promoting French economic diplomacy, supporting private sector development, and facilitating international investment and trade relationships.
The Business Dialogue is an important platform for businesses from both countries to expand on existing cooperation and identifying new areas of cooperation with a specific focus on trade and investment.
Addressing the Business Dialogue, the Deputy President said, "The South African Government has committed to spending more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years. This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports, and power our economy. Moreover, investors have an opportunity to collaborate with the South African Government by investing in infrastructure such as ports, rail, electricity, and manufacturing to improve local value-addition and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area."
The Deputy President also touched on the European Union-SA Summit, which took place in Cape Town in March 2025, where there was an announcement of the EU investment package of around R90 billion to support investment projects in South Africa.
In addition, the Deputy President met with Mr Thierry Deau, Group CEO of Meridiam and Chairman of the Global Long-Term Infrastructure Investors Association.
Meridiam is a global investment firm specializing in public infrastructure, with assets under management exceeding €12 billion. It focuses on long-term investments in transport, energy, social infrastructure, and environmental projects, with a commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
During the meeting, the two discussed, among others, the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including infrastructure investors, policymakers, and academia, as being crucial for promoting responsible and long-term private capital deployment in public infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Deputy President indicated that he is certain that South Africa and France can achieve new heights of prosperity through strengthening their economic links and encouraging closer cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Cross Switch (https://Cross-Switch.com/), a provider of class-leading payment solutions, has strengthened its African presence by officially launching services in Kenya and partnering with licensed local payment provider Pesawise.
This collaboration makes the most of Pesawise's solid regulatory standing and trusted reputation, allowing Cross Switch to establish it's footprint and, together with Pesawise, immediately deliver robust payment solutions to businesses, merchants, and charitable organizations throughout Kenya.
Cross Switch brings to the partnership a highly scalable global payments infrastructure, allowing merchants simple and frictionless acceptance across multiple payment channels, including Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, mobile money and bank platforms.
Through Cross Switch's unified platform, businesses can now take advantage of simplified payment processing, significantly reduced costs, and faster transaction settlements.
The Cross Switch solution is tailored to support businesses of every shape and size, driving financial inclusion while at the same time empowering social impact organisations.
Numerous merchants across multiple sectors, including hospitality, e-commerce and delivery services and crypto (in approved markets) are already using Cross Switch's innovative solutions on the African Continent and across Latin America. The confidence the Kenyan market has already shown in Cross Switch has already shown immediate effect in Kenya with the with Pesawise partnership.
Cross Switch has a powerful track record of success, and it relies on Pesawise, a nimble locally licensed payment provider with a young and dynamic management team, to contribute meaningfully to Cross Switch's growth ambitions and customer-focused philosophy.
Cross Switch's CEO, Tim Davis, remarked “During the establishment phase of this partnership it is refreshing to see a shared common set of values with Pesawise, to provide our customers with best-in-class service levels and straightforward solutions. And a common mission to democratize technology and drive social impact across Africa. With their exceptional team and proven ability to provide relevant value-added services, we believe Pesawise will excel in the fast-moving fintech space.”
Pesawise, a fully regulated and authorised Payment Service Provider, is in good standing with the Central Bank of Kenya, ensuring rigorous compliance and secure handling of merchant funds in trusted Tier-1 banks.
Jamal Khan, Pesawise's CEO said, “We're thrilled to take this next step in our journey with Cross Switch as our technology partner. Their deep knowledge and robust technology solutions will enable us to provide innovative solutions tailored to the needs of emerging markets. Together, we aim to strengthen the digital payments ecosystem in Kenya. We've already secured key wins together—including supporting merchants like Glovo Kenya—through a combination of Cross Switch's expertise and our dedicated local team.”
As it has done in all markets, Cross Switch is committed to delivering advanced payment solutions backed by exceptional fraud prevention, risk management, and efficient reconciliation capabilities, further strengthening its value proposition in an evolving financial landscape.
Businesses interested in simplifying their payment processes are invited to connect directly at https://apo-opa.co/43usg4F to discover how Cross Switch's tailored solutions can drive their growth and operational efficiency.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cross Switch.
Contact:
South Africa: (+27) 21 205 5818
Luxembourg: (+352) 2088 1454
https://apo-opa.co/43usg4F
About Cross Switch:
Cross Switch is a payments technology company founded in 2022, operating across emerging markets, with active operations in South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast and across Latin America. It provides flexible, secure and scalable solutions that support both local and cross-border transactions, helping merchants, fintechs and non-profits expand their reach and streamline their operations. Cross Switch is committed to driving financial inclusion and growth through collaboration, robust infrastructure, high service levels and a strong focus on emerging market needs.
About Pesawise:
Pesawise is a licensed payment service provider headquartered in Kenya. Pesawise offers robust, API and Platform-driven solutions for local collections, payouts, and virtual accounts. Trusted by leading enterprises and SMEs (such as Kuehne + Nagel and SeamlessHR), Pesawise is dedicated to reducing transaction costs, easing reconciliation challenges, and enhancing transparency for merchants, individuals, and digital ecosystems. Through deep market expertise, reliable infrastructure, Pesawise is shaping the future of digital commerce across Kenya.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Proprietary Limited (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com), through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM), has invested USD14.9 million in a new state-of-the art production line in Lilongwe.
This investment marks a significant advancement in CCBM's production capacity, allowing it to produce bottled water and beverages bearing Coca-Cola's trademarks as well as the iconic local brand Sobo, all on the same line.
The line is capable of producing 19,200 bottles per hour in pack sizes ranging from 300ml to 2 litres. This increase in production will facilitate the export of beverages to Zambia.
The new production line uses artificial intelligence (AI) to proactively identify and resolve issues before they cause stoppages, thereby minimising downtime and reducing costs.
The introduction of new technology has also created the opportunity for employees to be trained in new skills, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce for both the business and the country.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA said: “This investment in Malawi reaffirms the Coca-Cola system's local approach - we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally. Our value chain includes a significant number of businesses, many of them small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
“This investment goes beyond numbers, it's about creating shared opportunities across the value chain,” said Neil French, General Manager of CCBM.
Gupta echoed the sentiment, adding: “This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Malawi.”
Gupta also highlighted CCBA's broader efforts: “As a customer centric, digitally-enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence across our value chain. Efficient operations allow us to offer faster delivery and improved service. This new production line is another step in our journey to achieve execution excellence.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.
ISSUED BY:
Godwin Ngoma
Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director
CCBA in Malawi
Tel: +265 995 36 15 55
Email: gngoma@ccbagroup.com
Keli Fernie
Head: Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 82 419 8766
Email: KFernie@ccbagroup.com
Follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4cFhA6r
ABOUT CCBA:
CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the African continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 735,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Learn more at www.CCBAGroup.com
Access Bank PLC (www.AccessBankPLC.com) successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to drive solutions for accelerating intra-African trade and unlocking the continent's economic potential. The conference tackled critical challenges, including limited access to capital, market information gaps, trust deficits between trading partners, and the urgent need for modernised trade infrastructure.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for discussions by highlighting the critical barriers hindering trade across Africa. He emphasised the urgent need for financial sector collaboration to facilitate seamless access to capital and foster a business environment where African enterprises can scale and compete globally.
“We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that 'Made in Africa' is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation,” Ogbonna stated.
With Africa's population projected to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as the most significant free trade initiative since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. By fostering economic integration, AfCFTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics across the continent, creating a unified market that enhances industrialisation, boosts employment, and strengthens Africa's global competitiveness. Recognising this transformative opportunity, H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, emphasised the urgency of fully implementing the agreement to unlock its immense benefits.
"The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa's industrialisation and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalising the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive,” Mene stated.
Also, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders. She reaffirmed Afreximbank's commitment to championing trade finance solutions and infrastructure investments that will unlock Africa's trade potential.
“At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realise its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade,” Awani remarked.
The conference featured an insightful testimonial from Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the IFC/World Bank Group, who pointed out the pivotal role of trade finance in enabling cross-border transactions and supporting financial inclusion. She underscored the long-standing partnership between IFC and Access Bank in fostering Africa's economic resilience.
Several high-level panel discussions explored strategies to overcome trade barriers and enhance market access through innovative solutions. Experts from leading institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, OWP Partners, Fiducia International, and more, examined how infrastructure improvements, digital solutions, and policy harmonisation could drive economic growth and boost intra-African trade.
Dr. Marc Auboin from the World Trade Organization (WTO) shared key insights on how digital transformation is reshaping Africa's supply chain landscape, creating efficiency and unlocking new global market opportunities. Tanya Dos Santos-Ford from GIBS Business School also led a session on sustainable trade practices, emphasising the need for environmentally responsible economic growth strategies.
The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to intra-African trade and economic transformation. Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Chemaf International FZE (DR Congo), and Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia) were honoured for their impact on SMEs and women-led trade enterprises. Bulkstream Limited (Kenya) and Electricidade de Moçambique (Mozambique) received awards for advancing intra-African trade, while Tennant Metals South Africa Pty Ltd was recognised as an Emerging Leader in Trade.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was awarded the Climate Finance Leadership Award, while Afreximbank received the Champion of Intra-African Trade Award. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) were celebrated for their roles in economic transformation and infrastructure finance, respectively. The prestigious African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their significant contributions to Africa's economic progress.
As the conference ended, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting trade finance, fostering regional integration, and championing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses across Africa.
For inquiries:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.
About Access Bank PLC:
Access Bank PLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning three continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Access Bank's parent company, Access Holdings PLC, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998 (now Nigerian Exchange (NGX)). The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent's largest retail banks.
As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire, a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (www.Ecobank.com), the leading Pan African Bank, takes a major step forward in its commitment to financial inclusion with the launch of the first Gender Bond in West Africa. This groundbreaking bond issuance, amounting to XOF 10 billion, aims to mobilize funding for women-owned and women-led businesses, reducing financing inequalities and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Named "Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029," this bond has been structured and arranged by EDC Investissement Corporation (EIC), Ecobank's Brokerage and Asset Management subsidiary. It marks Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire's second bond issuance after its initial fundraising in 2013. Aligned with international sustainable finance standards, the Gender Bond has received an independent second-party opinion from Morningstar Sustainalytics, ensuring compliance with global best practices in responsible investment.
Since its inception, the ELLEVER program has made a tangible impact on women entrepreneurship. In 2024, over 3,465 businesses registered, benefiting from XOF 13.25 billion in disbursed loans. However, access to financing remains a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs in West Africa, where less than 20% of women-led SMEs have access to adequate funding. Globally, Gender Bonds represented only USD 14.5 billion, accounting for just 1.5% of the sustainable bond market in 2023, underscoring the need to expand such initiatives.
According to Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire, women's financial inclusion is a major economic priority. "This Gender Bond provides a tangible solution to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in West Africa. Today, women-led businesses are recognized for their resilience and performance, yet they remain significantly underfunded. Through this issuance, we reaffirm our commitment to building an ecosystem where women have full access to the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. This is a powerful tool to transform access to financing and sustainably accelerate the growth of women-led businesses."
The "Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029" offers investors and the public a unique opportunity to combine profitability with social impact. This five-year bond provides an attractive annual interest rate of 6.5% with a two-year capital repayment grace period. The total issuance of XOF 10 billion consists of one million securities with a nominal value of XOF 10,000 each.
All funds raised will be fully allocated to strengthening the ELLEVER program, financing initiatives led by women, and providing them with tailored financial and technical support. Roseline Abé, Chief Executive Officer of EDC Investissement Corporation, highlights the significance of this initiative: "We have structured this bond to be attractive to investors while delivering a strong impact on women's empowerment in Côte d'Ivoire. This is a unique opportunity to combine financial performance with social inclusion."
With this Gender Bond, Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire cements its leadership in sustainable finance and paves the way for greater economic inclusion. The bank's ambition goes beyond this issuance, as it envisions a long-term strategy to promote innovative and inclusive financial instruments.
Paul-Harry Aithnard concludes: "This issuance is just the beginning. We will continue to develop tailored solutions to enhance women's participation in the economy and encourage other financial institutions to follow this path."
Through this initiative, Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire is transforming access to finance and reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
Media Contact:
Cynthia KOIDIO
Corporate Communications Manager
Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire
Email: ckoidio@ecobank.com
Tel : +2250787733729
About Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire:
Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading independent pan-African banking group, whose parent company is Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).
The Ecobank Group employs over 13,000 professionals, serving approximately 32 million customers across retail, commercial, and corporate banking sectors in 33 African countries. The Group also holds a banking license in France and maintains representative offices in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Johannesburg (South Africa), Beijing (China), London (United Kingdom), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Ecobank offers a comprehensive range of banking products, services, and solutions, including deposit accounts, cash management, advisory services, trading, securities brokerage, and wealth management. ETI is listed on multiple stock exchanges, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange (Lagos), the Ghana Stock Exchange (Accra), and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (Abidjan).
For more information, visit www.Ecobank.com.
Innovation Fund: Everything you need to know
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has expressed its strong support for government's vision to bolster innovation as articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The department said the Innovation Fund will be a key priority for the government in the 2025/26 financial year, with implementation overseen by the DSTI Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande.
In his address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the Innovation Fund, which aims to bolster the growth of innovative startups and technology-driven Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“To build an innovative economy, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will establish an Innovation Fund to provide venture capital to tech start-ups that emerge from our higher education institutions,” the President said in his speech.
What is the DSTI’s Innovation Fund?
In 2021, the DSTI launched the Innovation Fund as part of its comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation.
According to the department, the primary goal of the Innovation Fund is to stimulate the development and ongoing expansion of the high-tech SME sector.
It also aims to reduce risks associated with early-stage SME creation, fostering sustainable pipelines of viable, investable high-tech enterprises that can attract later-stage investments from the private sector.
In contrast to conventional financing institutions like private equity firms and commercial banks, the Innovation Fund is less stringent and offers more flexible yet thoroughly enforced financial support.
Who does this Fund target?
The Innovation Fund cuts across various stages of the SMEs’ business development life cycle and is structured to drive public-private co-investment in innovative high-tech SMEs.
The Innovation Fund model also leverages the investment expertise of institutions such Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the SA SME Fund and the Public Investment Cooperation (PIC), which in turn, drive the syndication of investment with various venture capital fund management entities.
What is the objective of the Fund?
Leverage Private Capital: Attract additional private sector investments into the South African innovation ecosystem and venture capital industry.
Stimulate Innovation: Encourage the development and commercialisation of locally developed IP and innovative products and services.
Support startups and tech-enabled SMEs: Provide catalytic capital backing to early-stage startups and tech-enabled SMEs.
Build a resilient innovation ecosystem: Strengthen the infrastructure and support systems for innovation and venture building, including venture studios, incubators, accelerators, hubs, and so on to ensure a robust and interconnected ecosystem.
DSTI’s financial investment:
The department has currently invested nearly R917.2 million in various investment intermediaries, including TIA, PIC, and the SA SME Fund.
This Fund has successfully leveraged over half a billion in co-investments from the private sector.
To date, it has provided support to 12 venture capital firms and approximately 96 technology investment opportunities and enterprises.
How can SMEs access the Fund?
More information on the Fund can be accessed at https://innovationbridge.info/ibportal/innovation-fund.
For current open calls visit https://www.tia.org.za/innovation-fund-first-time-and-emerging-fund-managers/ or https://epftechfund.orcaa.ai.
For further inquiries on the Fund please contact Mr Konanani Rashamuse on Koanani.Rashamuse@dsti.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 13:29
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As the festive season gets into full swing, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa face one of the busiest and most financially critical periods of the year. With increased consumer spending, the opportunity to grow revenue is immense, but so are the challenges such as managing cash flow, ensuring secure payment options and …