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9 October 2023

AfricaIgnite Hosts the African Leg of the Start-up World Cup at Africa Tech Festival

Location: News

Wait for it…AfricaIgnite, formerly AHUB, Africa Tech Festival's (https://tmt.knect365.com/Africa-Tech-Festival/) flagship event for the African continent's start-ups and innovators, has been announced as the host for the African leg of the globally prestigious Start-Up World Cup 2023, and 10 African start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch for a spot at the grand finale to be held in San Francisco, USA on 1 December 2023.

USD1 million up for grabs – The AfricaIgnite Start-up Pitch showcase will take place at Africa Tech Festival in November in Cape Town, South Africa. To enter, African early-stage start-ups and scale-ups with seed fundings of up to $15million will need to apply (https://apo-opa.info/3PGV3Lz) by 15 October. The finalists, to be unveiled on 30 October, will then need to make their way to Cape Town and pitch in front of hundreds of investors and tech leaders on 16 November.

The winner of Africa Tech Festival's pitch competition will then be invited to compete in the grand finale of the Startup World Cup, to be held in San Francisco on 1 December, for that impressive 1 million US dollar investment, in front of industry greats such as ABC's Shark Tank Barbara Corcoran, Sundeep Jain, Chief Product Officer at Uber, Daniel Sturman CTO at Roblox and more.

Since launching in 2016, the festival's start-up platform has been committed to supporting the growth of Africa's nascent entrepreneurs and innovators. The interest in the offering has grown significantly to the point where AfricaIgnite has now taken on a life-force of its own.

James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech: “Africa's bright and forward-thinking minds need a platform to network, get inspired, and co-build a stronger tech start-Up investment ecosystem, which is exactly what AfricaIgnite offers. As Africa Tech Festival, we are excited to be partnering with The Startup World Cup to offer our African colleagues the opportunity they deserve to present their businesses on a global stage. This is a very exciting partnership, and the first, we hope, of many as the continent's innovation sector gathers momentum.”

Investment by the numbers

In 2022, Africa was the only region where start-up investment grew with around USD4.8 billion put into around 1,000 businesses. That said though, this sum still only represents a paltry 1.2% of all start-up funding raised globally. However, this is predicted to change quite rapidly in the years ahead as the continent's entrepreneur, start-up and SMME ecosystem fully embraces the digital revolution and connectivity, whilst Africans create the solutions to many of their own, and the world's challenges.

In the 2021 – 2022 period, 37% of investment was channelled to the FinTech space, but its dominance is now being challenged by innovation and new business ideas that solve Africa's energy and waste difficulties. Other sectors that are attracting interest also include the likes of the telecoms, media and entertainment space, logistics and transport, retail, agriculture, and food, as well as the growing proliferation of deep tech.

“We are very happy to partner up with AfricaTech Festival for the Startup World Cup South Africa Regional and are delighted by the quality and enthusiasm of the start-ups who are competing,” said Anis Uzzaman, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures, who created the Startup World Cup competition in 2016. “Each year we have been able to reach more entrepreneurs in more cities around the world and, in turn, connect more innovation ecosystems to Silicon Valley and the rest of the world.

“We hope this partnership creates new valuable opportunities for the competing start-ups from Africa.”

In good company

Africa Tech Festival also holds its own when it comes to the investor community, with databases of several thousand investors and venture capitalists predominantly spanning Africa and the United States, as well as a strong community of founders, entrepreneurs, and start-ups.

Aside from the exciting early-stage start-up Pitch Showcase, AfricaIgnite in 2023 is looking to up the ante with a curation of content that is exciting, informative, and definitely going to take participants places. The AfricaIgnite space located in the AfricaTech Hall will be a centre of activity with an offering of excellent networking and matchmaking between founders and investors, a start-up marketplace and demo area (no pitching required), along with a host of dedicated workshops and masterclasses presented by top professionals.

Delegates, start-ups, and those considering taking a leap of faith into the new world of business, can explore content that covers useful topics such as what to expect from year one as a founder – what to do, get good at and what to ignore; the power of collaboration in building a global company; perfecting the next “X”-tech for future generations; founding, funding and running your start-up in economically challenging times; concept to company – demystifying the entrepreneurial process plus a raft of funding talks and presentations, as well as the all-important insight into exit planning 101!

Never has the time been more right to head to Cape Town 13 – 16 November to be part of the action at Africa Tech Festival, the world's largest and most influential Africa-focused technology, telecoms, and media gathering. In 2023, expect big things to happen in this space.

For more information, please see website here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 - The Home of AfricaCom & AfricaTech (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu)

To apply for the pitch competition, please click here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 – pitch competition (https://apo-opa.info/3PGV3Lz)

View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact:
Kaz Henderson
kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199.

(Please note that all requests are adjudicated and there may be some delay before you hear back from us).

Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3LIdCxG
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3EZ7RYB
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3EcywR6

About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition with the goal of bridging start-up ecosystems worldwide. The competition gives start-up companies from all over the world a chance to win a US $1,000,000 prize in the form of an investment. This year, there will be 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading up to the Grand Finale in San Francisco in September. Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm.

About Africa Tech Festival 2023:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech and AfricaIgnite is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 12000 delegates.

Key themes for 2023 continue to explore the creation and sustainability of a connected Africa and the impact this can have for the people of the continent but also the commercial prospects for local and global businesses and governments. Topics will include Telcos of Tomorrow, Connecting the Next Billion, Digital Infrastructure Investment, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, ICT Policy and Regulation, Fintech & MFS, Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Pioneer Tech, the Future of Work and Talent and Skills Development. Africa Tech Festival also incorporates and the Africa Tech Festival Awards, an exclusive ceremony celebrating Africa's tech pioneers and held at the luxury 5-star The Bay Hotel, as well as the LeadersIn Africa Summit, an exclusive, VIP-only feature offering high-level presentations and roundtable discussions to Africa's tech elite.

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5 October 2023

Power Players – Africa Tech Festival’s 2023 Headliner Line-up

Location: News

Africa has abundant economic potential and the enormous uptake of digital technology socially and in the business sector, has positioned the continent for explosive growth, but there are challenges that lie in wait. Many of these will be spotlighted at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu) in Cape Town 13-16 November, along with innovative solutions all led by a line-up of headline speakers including several African government ministers.

“Businesses across Africa have benefitted enormously from leap-frogging traditional technology to the digital world and wireless connectivity, and this is spurring incredible growth across the continent,” says James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech. “The incredible advantages of digitalisation are, however, dependent on a plentiful and reliable source of power, and it's essential that the public sector has strong strategies in place to drive this growth.”

The tech world is driven by entrepreneurial innovators, but it relies heavily on the public sector to provide infrastructure, regulations and often funding to smooth the way for technological advancement, especially in terms of providing access and infrastructure for the public to access to engage with and benefit from the technology.

Among the 200-plus speakers, presenters and panellists will be Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, whose input on how the South African government is tackling the critical issue of loadshedding will no doubt ensured a packed hall of delegates all hopeful of hearing positive news. The dynamic H.E. Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa's Minister in the Presidency responsible for electricity, will provide backup to the Minister in shining a light on the country's energy crisis.

Not to be missed, is the panel discussion ‘Universal Power Access: Plotting a Route Through Africa's Electricity Challenge', which puts the future of digital transformation squarely on the shoulders of electricity and citizens' access to energy.

In Africa, energy insecurity has been a chronic inhibitor of economic development for decades, and continues to cripple enterprise growth and innovation, and the panel will unpack why a staggering 30 of Africa's 54 nations face daily power shortages and supply interruptions, all of which play economic havoc with local business and consumer activity. It's important to understand how the collaboration of public and private funding is essential for striking the right balance between the two sectors to create the perfect solution to the crisis.

Also addressing delegates will be H.E. Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, the Republic of Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, as well as Namibia's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, H.E. Minister Dr Peya Mushelenga, and their Executive Director & Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Audrin Mathe.

Another key area of public sector engagement with the tech sector will be discussed in the keynote panel ‘Unleashing Digital Prosperity: How Progressive Policy is Shaping Africa's Tech Transformation'. This session will present African Ministers from across the continent with an opportunity to share how they are tailoring policy to their unique national environment and priorities, in addition to the need for a more continental, collaborative approach.

“The process of developing and implementing policy across myriad industries and sectors is, however, an inherently complex and lengthy process and relies heavily on industry consultation, sector-specific legislation and flexibility to evolve with rapidly changing sectors,” says Williams, highlighting the importance of the growing number of Ministerial delegations at Africa Tech Festival year on year.

Among the high-level speakers sharing with delegates over the three days are:

Dion Jerling (Co-Founder, Connect Earth)
Richard Cazalet (Exec: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA)
Robert AOUAD (CEO, ISOCEL Telecom)
Russell Southwood (CEO, Balancing Act)
Vuyani Tati (Managing Partner, AfriTech Catalytic Growth Fund),
Jocelyn Nyaguse (Head of Marketing and Storytelling, Startupbootcamp AfriTech)
Calvin Govender (General Manager ICT Fixed Services, MTN)
Marjorie Saint-Lot (Country Manager, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Uber)
Evan Jones (CEO, The Collective X)
Nfaly Sylla (Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Republic of Guinea)
Kellie Murungi (Chief Investments Officer, East African Power)
John Davies (TMT Equity Research Analyst, EMEA, TMT, Bloomberg Intelligence) An expanded list of speakers is noted below).

Aside from presenting cutting-edge content and a speaker line-up of note, the Africa Tech Festival is also the meeting place of Africa's largest community of tech champions and offers this vibrant grouping the ideal space to connect and interact. However, just as these connections are so important for the industry, so is the connecting of 1.2-billion people across Africa's 54 unique nations, vital for the continent's growth, with cross-border connectivity a particular concern.

Continental broadband penetration is currently around 45%, but this varies dramatically across regions. Connectivity is critical to the rapidly expanding SME business community, as well as for wider socioeconomic development needs. Looking at this the fireside chat, ‘Connectivity Beyond Borders: Unlocking Universal Broadband Access in Africa', will explore how innovations in strategy and technology are aiming to ensure that no individual, business, or community is left behind in Africa's pursuit of universal broadband access.

While most of the discussions and presentations relate to most players in the industry, the event has been structured in such a way as to ensure that specialists are also able to sit in on the most relevant content to them, either by staying in one venue for a series of talks, or by exploring the ‘centre stages' in each of the exhibition halls in which masterclasses and presentations will take place.

Other major topics on offer this year include:

Connectivity for All: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities
Driving Innovation: Unravelling the Business Applications of 5G FWA in Africa
The Changing Role of Satellites to Leapfrog Africa Into an Era of Online Connectivity.

This year, the Africa Tech Festival will offer delegates several new features, along with six presentation stages and a staggering amount of content, while hundreds of exhibitors on the show floor will once again engage with the brightest tech gurus from around the continent and globally, who will all descend on the Cape Town International Convention Centre to discover the latest products and services and to connect with other tech professionals.

Williams shares that: “This year we have added a new interactive feature to the festival - a dedicated tech demo area that we are sure will draw crowds throughout the three days. It's a chance to engage with the cutting-edge innovations that Africa needs to know about… as well as some of the exciting innovations that Africa has to offer the world.”

For more information, please see website here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 - The Home of AfricaCom & AfricaTech (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu)

View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r).

(Please note that all requests are adjudicated and there may be some delay before you hear back from us).

List of Speakers:

Dion JerlingCo-FounderConnect Earth (https://apo-opa.info/46gFyRs)

Richard CazaletExec: Strategy and TransformationTelkom SA (https://apo-opa.info/3ZFTeTq)

Miriam AltmanDirector: Altman Advisory & Professor of 4IR PracticeUniversity of Johannesburg (https://apo-opa.info/3F2uvzd)

Guy ZibiManaging DirectorXalam Analytics (https://apo-opa.info/46vWqE5)

Robert AOUADCEOISOCEL Telecom (https://apo-opa.info/48DshE8)

Ronan De RenesseSenior Research Director, Service Provider MarketsOmdia (https://apo-opa.info/3ZEV4nH)

Russell SouthwoodCEOBalancing Act (https://apo-opa.info/3Fad7bL)

Matt ReedChief Analyst, Service ProviderOmdia (https://apo-opa.info/3Q0SYLJ)

Vuyani TatiManaging PartnerAfriTech Catalytic Growth Fund (https://apo-opa.info/3Q2cdEx)

Jocelyn NyaguseHead of Marketing and StorytellingStartupbootcamp AfriTech (https://apo-opa.info/3Q38KWg)

Nathan-Ross AdamsData & Tech LawyerMichalsons (https://apo-opa.info/45l5JVP)

Paula GilbertEditorConnecting Africa (https://apo-opa.info/45nYfRL)

Matshepo SehlohoAssociate EditorConnecting Africa (https://apo-opa.info/45jiVKW)

Calvin GovenderGeneral Manager ICT Fixed ServicesMTN (https://apo-opa.info/46yJixt)

Marjorie Saint-LotCountry Manager for Uber Ghana and the Ivory CoastUber (https://apo-opa.info/45minno)

Joseph NdabaCEO of Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub4IR Commissioner: Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Commission (https://apo-opa.info/48IAhUv)

Marion BalandraFounder & CEOMeridian Remote Teams (https://apo-opa.info/3RHf8E3)

Evan JonesCEOThe Collective X (https://apo-opa.info/3RP8Dir)

Badi SudhakaranCo-FounderVALR.com (https://apo-opa.info/45iLiIU)

Nfaly SyllaChief of CabinetMinistry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Republic of Guinea (https://apo-opa.info/46yzZxs)

Mumbi Ndung'uChief Growth and OperationsPower Learn Project (https://apo-opa.info/48QSa3w)

Dr Cherise DunnCo-founder and COOSouth Africa Makes (https://apo-opa.info/46yrSks)

Judith GardinerVice President, Growth and Emerging MarketsEquinix (https://apo-opa.info/46jvC9O)

Robinson Tombari SibeMD/CEODigital Footprints (https://apo-opa.info/3Q3M4oW)

Bernard WanyamaPresident, Kampala ChapterISACA (https://apo-opa.info/3tgQSyh)

Ryan Van den BerghManaging Executive: Group Technology Strategy, Architecture, Spectrum & AssuranceVodacom (https://apo-opa.info/45l7DWt)

Andy HalsallCEOpoa! Internet (https://apo-opa.info/46ArUrZ)

Sabrine ChennaouiCo-FounderMONSAPO (https://apo-opa.info/3tjBYHA)

Pablo MlikotaSenior Vice President – International Mobility Servicese& GROUP (https://apo-opa.info/3ZEWvT7)

John DaviesTMT Equity Research Analyst, EMEA, TMTBloomberg Intelligence (https://apo-opa.info/3Q4dAmn)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact:
Kaz Henderson
kaz@networxpr.co.za
Call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199.

Social Media Handles:
Facebook: @africatechfestival
Twitter: @africatechfest
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3EcywR6

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5 October 2023

The 9th edition of the African Women Writers Symposium launches its own Award!

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium takes place from 8 to 20 of October 2023, featuring keynote addresses, panels, workshops and more on all things literature. The Symposium will kick off on Sunday 8 October at the Soweto Theatre and will result in the launch of the first ever African Women Writers Literary Award. The …

2 October 2023

Logistics Leader DSV to Operate from Agility Logistics Park – Maputo

Location: News

DSV, one of the world's largest freight and logistics providers, has chosen the Agility Logistics Park (www.Agility.com) in Mozambique as the location where it will manage storage and distribution for a global beverage customer .

The Agility park is the leading warehouse facility in Mozambique's capital, Maputo. DSV has leased 12,000 SQM at the facility with the possibility to add an additional 2,000 SQM to help its customer meet seasonal demand for raw materials, bottles, packaging and finished products.

Philipp Buechler, Managing Director, DSV Mozambique, commented “At DSV, a safe, secure, and efficient distribution center is fundamental to our business model. The Agility warehouses provide the necessary infrastructure to meet exacting international standards and our operational requirements. Agility Logistics Parks also ensures that strict HSSE standards are followed within the park, something that is very important for optimal operations. This partnership is one of the key milestones in our supply chain strategy, which will support our further business growth in Mozambique.”

The Agility Logistics Park is located on the Maputo Ring Road, at Chiango area in Marracuene and is strategically situated for efficient distribution both across the country and into Maputo. The park is within a 25-kilometer radius of the Maputo port and airport, the N4 highway to South Africa, and the capital's Central Business District.

Agility is funding and developing 300,000 SQM of warehouses on the site, a center of excellence for warehousing in the region, to support businesses operating in and from Mozambique. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multi-national companies and local businesses that need storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing space.

Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that DSV chose to lease warehouse space in the Agility Logistics Park in Maputo. We believe that the provision of international-standard warehouses for storage, distribution and light manufacturing is one of the fundamental building blocks necessary for economic growth. Demand in Maputo has been strong post the pandemic from both local and international companies, and we are now expanding the warehouse park and investing in further warehousing to support economic growth, jobs and prosperity in Mozambique.”

White added: “Across Africa Agility is funding and developing warehouse parks that provide move-in-ready warehouses, enabling fast deployment, flexibility and reduced capital commitments for our existing and new customers. The provision of secure, ready-built, quality, warehouses with consistent power and IT connectivity in the Maputo market is a true enabler of growth and prosperity in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.

For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820

Social media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3ZBi6M2
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3ZEKPzz
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3ZBNSIU

About Agility Logistics Parks:
Agility Logistics Parks is one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It funds, builds and manages world-class facilities and infrastructure that help companies operate in the world's fastest-growing markets. Agility Logistics Parks' parent, Agility, is a pioneer in emerging markets and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a publicly traded company with $2.8 billion in annual revenue. For more information about Agility, visit www.Agility.com

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1 October 2023

How Finish I Find A Qualified Web Designer?

Location: MyPR

I. Introduction Explanation of the Importance of a Good Web Designer In the digital age, a well-crafted website is indispensable for conveying the essence and values of a business or personal brand. A proficient web designer not only provides aesthetic appeal to your online presence but also ensures optimal user experience, functionality, and alignment with …

29 September 2023

The 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium presented by Afro Arts SA Supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

29 September 2023

An ‘incredible opportunity’ for South Africa’s rising talent – Smith

Location: Sport

All six squads confirmed as 20-year-old Matthew Boast fetches joint-highest price of R1.6million in auction Thursday, 28 September 2023: Betway SA20...

27 September 2023

AUTO24 launches its pre-owned car marketplace to four current markets

Location: Business

AUTO24.africa redefining automotive retail across the continent offering unparalleled and exclusive services; AUTO24 is a subsidiary of Africar Group in which Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com/en) has a controlling stake; This expansion positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars; Stellantis, continues to back the platform on its ambitious journey.

AUTO24.africa, an innovative pre-owned car marketplace, announced its expansion into four new African markets: Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. This move comes after a remarkably successful first year in Ivory Coast and positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars. Following last year's investment from Stellantis, AUTO24.africa is revolutionizing the African automotive sector with first-of-its-kind customer offerings.

AUTO24.africa offers unparalleled and exclusive services, including a five-day refund policy, a six-month warranty, one-year maintenance, and one-year insurance plans for all vehicles. The platform also provides convenient financing options in association with several partners. These benefits are a first in many African countries and redefine the standard for car ownership across the continent.

Stellantis, as main investor, continues to back AUTO24.africa in its ambitious journey which is perfectly aligns with Stellantis' strategic plan DARE FORWARD 2030 by participating to expanded of our offer of mobility solutions to widely meet the customer needs in Africa.

Africar Group, the parent company of AUTO24.africa, has been a pioneer in online automotive classifieds in Sub-Saharan Africa since its founding in Australia in 2016. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to offer seamless digital experiences that meet the unique needs of the African market.

This year's expansion is a part of AUTO24.africa's long-term vision to become the leading multi-brand certified pre-owned car retailer in Africa. The platform aims to introduce even more features and capabilities that will further elevate the automotive buying and selling experience, all with trust and transparency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/48ueEXZ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3Pcrv8c
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3PGD2OG
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3EDsBF6

About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.

About Africar Group:
Africar Group Pty Ltd is an Australian entity, owning, operating and growing the largest network of automotive marketplaces in Africa. Available in more than 45 countries, and covering markets totalling more than 1 billion people, it has been helping millions of buyers and sellers of pre-owned vehicles to transact safer and easier over the last 5 years. Africar Group is a venture initiated by Emerging Classifieds Ventures (www.ECV.Ventures), specialising in building and operating marketplaces in emerging markets. For more information, visit www.AfricarGroup.c om

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22 September 2023

Be cautious of cybercrime

Location: News

Be vigilant of cybercrime

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has called on the public to be wary of cybercriminals targeting unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms.

“The public must be aware of cybercriminals, who target unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms with the purpose of causing harm, demanding ransoms and scamming,” the MEC said on Thursday.

This follows the kidnapping of a University of the Witwatersrand student on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

The student was reported missing by his roommate on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

According to reports, the student was lured to the suspects through the dating site, Grindr. The suspects demanded an amount of R30 000 from the student’s family for his safe return.

A team comprising members from Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Investigations, Hillbrow Detectives, Johannesburg Trio Detectives, Johannesburg Metro Police K9, security companies - including Vision Tactical, JT VIP, CAP Security, Fidelity Strategic Team - and Cellular Data Investigation, operationalised the information that led them to an ATM, where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money on the M2 Road.

The police held an observation and placed the suspect under arrest as soon as he arrived. He then led the team to Denver Men's Hostel, where the victim, aged 18, was found bound and unconscious.

Seven suspects were arrested, while three knives and the student’s personal items were also recovered. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended the swift response by a multi-disciplinary team for the rescue.

The MEC commended the rescue team for their efforts.

“I would like to commend the heroic law enforcement officials, who carried out the rescue operation. The successful apprehension of the suspects is a result of collaborative efforts by various law enforcement agencies and private security companies,” said MEC Mazibuko. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:38

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21 September 2023

Africa among regions with highest number of industrial systems under attack in the first half of 2023

Location: News

Malicious objects of all types were detected and blocked on 34% of Industrial Control System (ICS) computers in the first half of 2023, according to the ICS CERT landscape report (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719) by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za). In Africa over this period attacks were detected on 40,3% of ICS computers, placing it in first place among the other regions. The top industries under attack were energy (45,9%), engineering & integration (44%) and building automation (40%). All these attacks were blocked after detection.

ICS computers are used in oil & gas, energy, automotive manufacturing, building automation infrastructures and other spheres to perform a range of operational technology (OT) functions – from the workstations of engineers and operators to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) servers and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Cyberattacks on industrial computers are considered to be extremely dangerous as they may cause material losses and production downtime for the controlled production line and even the facility as a whole. Moreover, industrial enterprises put out of service can seriously undermine a region's social welfare, ecology and macroeconomics.

An analysis of the most significant and targeted threats detected on ICS computers in selected countries of Africa in the first half of 2023 shows that the threat landscape can vary between countries and between industries due to the differences in the security maturity of different countries/industries and the current focus of threat actors. In South Africa in the first half of 2023 malware was detected and blocked on 29,1% of ICS computers, in Nigeria on 32,6%, in Kenya on 34,5% of machines.

There are different types of cyberthreats that OT-related computers face – malicious scripts, spy trojans, worms, ransomware, and others. In the first half of 2023 Africa had the highest percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked (9,8%). The Middle East and Southeast Asia had similarly high percentages (8,3% and 8,1%). The global average stands at 6,1%.

Africa was also the region with the highest percentage of ICS computers (14,8%) on which attacks from denylisted Internet resources were blocked (these are web resources associated with distributing or controlling malware). The global average is 11,3%.

Viruses and worms spread across ICS networks by means of removable media, shared folders, infected files, such as backups, and network attacks on outdated software. The percentage of ICS computers on which worms were detected was very high in Africa (7% vs. 2,3% global average), making this region the leader by percentage of ICS computers on which threats were detected after removable devices were connected.

“Africa's industrial landscape is diverse, ranging from large-scale mining operations to small-scale agriculture. This means that ICS cybersecurity solutions need to be adaptable to various sectors and technologies. In some regions, legacy ICS systems that lack modern security features are still in use. These systems are often more vulnerable to cyberthreats and require significant upgrades. Lastly, some critical infrastructure in Africa is located in remote areas with limited connectivity, which can make it difficult to monitor and secure ICS assets effectively,” comments Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky ICS CERT. “By understanding these risks, organisations can make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and efficiently fortify their defenses. In doing so, they not only protect their bottom line but also contribute to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.”

Read more about the ICS threat landscape in the first half of 2023 on the Kaspersky ICS CERT website (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719).

To keep your OT computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:

Conducting regular security assessments of OT systems to identify and eliminate possible cyber security issues.
Establishing continuous vulnerability assessment and triage as a basement for effective vulnerability management process. Dedicated solutions like Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (https://apo-opa.info/451Yguw) may become an efficient assistant and a source of unique actionable information, not fully available in public.
Performing timely updates for the key components of the enterprise's OT network; applying security fixes and patches or implementing compensating measures as soon as it is technically possible is crucial for preventing a major incident that might cost millions due to the interruption of the production process.
Using EDR solutions such as Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response (https://apo-opa.info/3OsQQvs) for timely detection of sophisticated threats, investigation, and effective remediation of incidents.
Improving the response to new and advanced malicious techniques by building and strengthening your teams' incident prevention, detection, and response skills. Dedicated OT security trainings for IT security teams and OT personnel is one of the key measures helping to achieve this.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman | INK&Co.
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
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Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3OaLeGw
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/41wO7V6
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Blog: https://apo-opa.info/42Apbxn

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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20 September 2023

Stellantis Invests ZAR 3 Billion in South Africa, Establishing State-of-the-Art Automotive Plant in Coega

Location: News

Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com) MEA COO Cherfan and SA Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition Patel shake hands on a new manufacturing plant in South Africa; Rapid progress has been made since the MOU signing in March 2023 with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic); this bold initiative reinforces Stellantis MEA Region's Dare Forward 2030 ambition to sell one million vehicles by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy.

Stellantis has confirmed its intention to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility in Coega in South Africa with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). Minister Ebrahim Patel, senior officials from the IDC and Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer met at the Parliament Buildings in Cape Town to agree on investment in the South African motor industry.

“It is a wonderful day for all South Africans when a global company of Stellantis' proportions decides to expand its manufacturing footprint in South Africa, to assemble completely knocked down units,” said Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. “South Africa currently has the capacity to produce close to 700 000 vehicles annually. This will add considerable additional capacity, just as we prepare to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country remains a great investment destination and this commitment from Stellantis to invest in our local motor industry highlights the success of our manufacturing sector policy, its capability and potential. We look forward to welcoming Stellantis to South Africa and sharing in the detailed plan for employment and investment”.

“We are delighted with the speed at which we are progressing on this project, thanks to the commitment of Minister Patel and the great collaboration with IDC, CDC and dtic teams,” commented Samir Cherfan-Chief Operating Officer Stellantis Middle East and Africa. “This project reflects our focus and trust in South Africa as one of the most important markets in Africa & Middle East. It is also the execution of our Dare Forward 2030 Strategy to reach over 22% Market Share in the region by 2030 with 70% regional localization of our sales leading to over 1 million units produced. We believe in South Africa and we intend to develop industrially and commercially bringing value to our customers”.

The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Coega situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The greenfield manufacturing project is planned to complete by the end of 2025. The first launch planned early 2026 is a 1 T pick-up truck with volumes expected to reach up to 50,000 completely knocked down (CKD's) units annually including export, in line with the industry masterplan, known as the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP). The plant will be predisposed in terms of space and painting to go up to 90K units / year.

Direct employment to support the first capacity step is expected at 1000 jobs. Stellantis will be massively investing in over 500 000 hours in training and skills to develop and support the local teams to the level of global standards. We are targeting a localization rate over 30%.

“The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is enthralled for Stellantis to have chosen the proposed site in Coega for their Southern African manufacturing operations. Joining other major manufacturers in the area makes the Coega region the primary automotive hub in the country. The investment in the plant, employment, training and skills transfer will certainly benefit the region tremendously. “This is a much needed and welcomed economic boost for the Eastern Cape Province with an anticipated economy wide impact on the province's GDP of R 664 million. Household income is anticipated to increase to R558.4 million within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and R577.4 million for the entire Province. Most importantly, an anticipated 1800 jobs will be created in the Metro and around 2 097 for the EC Province,” said Khwezi Tiya, CEO the CDC.

Stellantis continues to work closely with the IDC in developing a viable joint venture (JV) partnership that will be evaluated by appropriate credit committees. “Stellantis' success with similar manufacturing plants around the world is well-known and our planned JV with Stellantis to build another greenfield plant in South Africa is progressing well. The investment is in line with IDC's intent to drive investment that supports the development of the regional automobile value chain,” said Mr. TP Nchocho, CEO of the IDC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

For more information, contact:
Tshepo RAMODIBE
+27 269 3106
TshepoR@idc.co.za

Deidre Du PLESSIS
+27 10 252 5000
deidre.duplessis@stellantis.com

communications@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com

Social Media:
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About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep_®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.

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20 September 2023

Navigating Web Optimization in Johannesburg

Location: MyPR

In the digital age, having a strong online presence is more important than ever, especially for businesses in bustling cities like Johannesburg. From SEO to social media marketing, there are various ways to boost your online visibility. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective digital marketing strategies in Johannesburg. Why Digital Marketing …

19 September 2023

Host of international T20 stars to disappear under the hammer at Betway SA20 Season 2 auction

Location: Sport

Kane Richardson, Colin de Grandhomme, Robin Uthappa, Angelo Mathews among the players on the list Friday, 15 September 2023: Australian...

14 September 2023

Are we winning the battle against fraud?

Location: MyPR

Are we winning the battle against fraud? Significant work has been done to address the impact of fraud and scams on the South African consumer. However, it is still pertinent to take a step back and ask if we are winning any major battles regarding addressing this challenge. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) recently released a …

12 September 2023

South African Telecoms Customers Only Prepared to Wait 5 Minutes

Location: News

SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the world's leading telecoms technical customer support vendor, today reveals new research on the South African market, providing key insights into the online habits and customer support expectations of South Africans.

South Africans are spending increasing amounts of time online

The global shift towards digitalisation hasn't bypassed South Africa. Rather, as South Africans transition to the latest smartphones, they're spending more and more time online. According to a recent ProxyRack report, for example, the average South African now spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day online – making them the world's heaviest internet users.

A new study by Sweden's Subtonomy, provides unique insights into how South Africans are spending this time, revealing:

97% are using at least one social media platform
88% are watching the latest movies or streaming TV
86% are paying bills or reading news online
74% are using their mobiles to work from home or to access video conferencing apps
56% are gaming on their handsets
28% are controlling smart home applications.

What all of these advanced data applications have in common, is that they require a robust, stable and always-available network, and this is precisely where customers say there's a big problem - with 7 in 10 admitting they're frequently experiencing problems with their connectivity.

Excellent customer support has become a critical decision point for customers

In addition to dealing with the demands of more complex services, and responding to changing customer needs, South African service providers have the added challenge of regular and unpredictable load balancing events to cope with. But while South Africans don't necessarily blame their service provider - indeed 8 out of 10 say they're doing a great job supporting them – disruptions to their service have become such a significant issue that customer support quality is now seen as a key decision point when deciding which network to use.

But what does excellent customer service look like to the average South African? Increasingly, they expect it to be fast, convenient, proactive and digital.

FAST - 53% of customers say they're only prepared to wait a maximum of 5 minutes to access service.
CONVENIENT – 39% of customers expect round-the-clock support, and in the 50-54 demographic this rises to 56% of customers.
PROACTIVE - 94% of customers say they'd like to be notified about planned maintenance ahead of time, so they can take mitigation actions, and want to be notified in real time about any outages.
DIGITAL – although 51% of customers are resolving their problems via the call centre, 30% said digital self-service is now their preferred support channel, and a further 56% said they'd choose self-service via their mobile app IF their service provider could troubleshoot and fully resolve problems from within the app.

Fast, convenient, proactive, digital support is available today

The good news is that the type of fast, convenient, proactive digital support South Africans want has already been developed, tried and tested, and is now being routinely delivered in the advanced mobile markets of Scandinavia. South African service providers are now actively seeking to replicate this type of experience in order to meet customer expectations, drive down support costs, and deliver a world-class experience to customers.

“All networks experience both planned and unplanned problems at one time or another,” explains Fredrik Edwall, EVP Sales & Marketing, Subtonomy. “But what differentiates service providers is the ability to rapidly pinpoint exactly what's causing their customer's problem and then quickly resolve it, while at the same time keeping the customer informed and updated throughout.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.

Contact Tina Rosén to set up an interview: tina.rosen@subtonomy.com

Click here (https://apo-opa.info/48cLpc0) to download a full copy of Market Study 2023: Customer Attitudes to Support in South Africa.

About Subtonomy:
As the only telecoms vendor dedicated to technical customer support, Subtonomy isn't just a solution, we're at the forefront of a customer experience revolution - blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly tools to break down barriers, streamline and future-proof telecom operators' businesses.

When precision matters our solutions dive deep, revealing detailed service experiences and addressing current needs while preparing for the dynamic telecoms market of tomorrow.
Harnessing automation to meet customer expectations via Subtonomy's Self-Service API which helps enhance every digital touchpoint, with effortless but complex troubleshooting thrown in.
When shifting from reactivity to proactivity our advanced tech support solutions mean you're not just acting faster, but reaching out proactively to keep customers informed via mobile app, website, or IVR.

To find out more about how Subtonomy is reshaping customer support and helping deliver stellar customer experiences today see Subtonomy's website (https://www.Subtonomy.com/).

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11 September 2023

Sandton City celebrates 50 years with retail festival

Location: News

Sandton City (www.SandtonCity.com), Africa's premium shopping destination, is thrilled to announce its upcoming 50th-anniversary that will be celebrated with an exquisite retail festival. The unique one-day event, taking place on Tuesday 12 September 2023, promises a day filled with an extraordinary shopping experience, outstanding exclusive offers, and a jubilant atmosphere, as the iconic mall marks five decades of exceptional service and superior retail.

Since its inception in 1973, Sandton City, in Johannesburg, has commanded a unique position of high-end retail, drawing shoppers from across the world to experience its diverse array of over 300 premium retailers, that reflect the most beloved brands from both within South Africa and internationally. As the mall reaches this remarkable milestone, the 50th-anniversary retail festival is a tribute to its commitment to offering unparalleled shopping experiences.

Visitors to the centre on the day can expect an array of delights, including:

Irresistible retailer offers, complimentary gifts and added value: Shoppers will be treated to an array of exclusive offers, at over 90 stores in the centre, ensuring that purchases are accompanied by unbeatable value at participating retailers. For example, Alpha Industries is offering a free t-shirt with any jacket purchased; at Fabiani, the first 50 customers will get 50% off anything in store, at Karl Lagerfeld, an exclusive KARL gift will accompany every in-store purchase over R 5 000; and uniQbrows will offer free Iconic Intense brown brow tints, to name a few. These offers are valid on Tuesday 12 September at Sandton City only, terms & conditions apply.

Extended Trading Hours: Sandton City recognizes that celebrations should know no time constraints. To accommodate the festivity, the mall will extend its trading hours, granting guests ample time to explore and enjoy, with most stores in the centre staying open till 9:00 PM on the day.

Live entertainment: From 12 noon, shoppers can enjoy complimentary live musical performances by, some of South Africa's top artists, DJ Zinhle, Goodluck, Holly Rey and Kings of Weekend in the centre court outside Checkers.

Spend and win competition: Shoppers who spend R 500 or more between 1 – 12 September at any of their favourite stores in Sandton City, may enter a competition to win a R 50 000 Sandton City gift card, with the entry box conveniently placed in the centre court.

Additionally, Sandton City will unveil a captivating History Wall installation, on the fourth level, in close proximity to Clicks, Woolworths, Toy Kingdom and Loads of Living, providing visitors with an opportunity to journey through time. This installation showcases the centre's evolution from its inception to the present day, offering a glimpse into the rich history and transformative journey since its development, and how the remarkable centre has stayed at the forefront of African retail.

Dimitri Kokinos, Asset Manager of Sandton City, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming 50th-anniversary retail festival, stating, “We are immensely proud to celebrate five decades of excellence in retail. Sandton City has been an iconic symbol of luxury, innovation, style and community for fifty years. As we embark on this milestone, we are excited to offer shoppers a day filled with exuberant experiences and unforgettable retail moments, while paying tribute to the centre's legacy as a retail haven, offering an unparalleled mix of luxury brands, fashion, lifestyle, and dining experiences.”

For more information and regular updates go to www.SandtonCity.com or follow the centre on social media @SandtonCitymall.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sandton City.

Notes to Editors:
Entertainment line-up:
12 – 2pm: DJ Soosh

2pm – 2:45pm: Holly Rey

2:45pm – 4pm: DJ Soosh

4pm – 5pm: Kings of The Weekend

5pm – 6pm: DJ Soosh

6pm – 6:45pm: Goodluck

6:45pm – 7pm: DJ Soosh

7pm – 7:45pm: DJ Zinhle

7:45pm – 10pm: DJ Soosh

Artist line-up and performance times are subject to change.

About Sandton City:
Sandton City Shopping Centre is renowned amongst both local and international visitors as one of Africa's leading retail destinations. With an impressive retail, office and leisure space ranking as South Africa's top performing retail destination in terms of trading density, Sandton City has an effective tenant leasing strategy and a low vacancy level. The shopping centre is home to over 300 of the most exciting local and international brands and presents you with a world of luxury in the exclusive Diamond Walk.

Sandton City is six-star green-star rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is the first super-regional shopping centre on the African continent to achieve such a prestigious rating, representing world leadership in environmentally sustainable operational efficiencies. In accordance with the SHORE accreditation standards by international certification body SAFE Asset Group, Sandton City is certified COVID-19 compliant and has also achieved gold level status as a safe retail destination for its ability to prevent, adapt, respond to, recover and learn from operational disruptions. Adjacent to world-class hotels and mega corporate headquarters, winning multiple Best Shopping Mall awards each year, Sandton City continues to be a leader in mixed-use properties.

Sandton City is co-owned by Liberty Two Degrees, Liberty Group and Pareto Limited, and managed by JHI Retail Proprietary Limited.

For more information, please visit either www.SandtonCity.com, www.Liberty2Degrees.co.za, www.Pareto.co.za.

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