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Johannesburg, South Africa – As the silent destroyers of homes and businesses, termites pose a significant threat to property owners in South Africa, where the warm and humid climate creates a favorable environment for multiple termite species. Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg with 15 years of hands-on experience, is committed …
Teachers express excitement and positive feedback after merging the ATB and Think Equal curriculums during a three-day training session. 23 January 2024 Location: Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre In a ground-breaking initiative and just in time for International Day of Education, the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani (ATB) and Think Equal training programs, sponsored by Capitec Bank, …
Take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme
The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 9th application window, opening on 25 January until 31 March 2024.
The development of the GTIP was informed by escalating electricity prices, the intensifying pressure on the national energy grid and negative impacts of load shedding, as well as water scarcity and drought conditions which negatively impact the tourism sector.
This programme encourages private sector tourism enterprises to move towards the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources.
GTIP has already assisted 173 tourism businesses across the country with electricity and water solutions to the total grant value of R104 285 673.
The solutions that were installed as part of this process helped reduce input costs and increase operational sustainability and competitiveness. A further 419 active applications are at various stages of processing, according to the department.
For this financial year, the department has set aside R199 151 179 to disburse to successful GTIP applicants.
The department said it has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to develop the GTIP for the sector to ensure an enhanced and uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists. Funding applications and approvals for the GTIP are managed by the IDC.
Eligible applicants are able to qualify for the full cost of a new energy and water efficiency audit or the review of an existing audit.
Furthermore, eligible applicants are also able to qualify for grant funding of between 50% and 90% (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant) on the cost of approved solutions that will improve energy and water efficiency and reduce the costs of their tourism operations.
“This programme is one that I am most proud of that the department is able to offer the tourism sector where by going green, tourism establishments are able to offer an uninterrupted visitor experience and ensure that the sector can continue to operate despite energy and water constraints,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.
“This initiative is also vital to our efforts to adapt and mitigate to the impacts of climate change by helping businesses use water wisely and use clean forms of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions.
“I encourage businesses to apply for this support by the Department of Tourism so that we can keep the tourism sector green,” de Lille said.
The GTIP has yielded many success stories.
Ingrid Young of Cliffhanger Cottage from Rheenendal, Knysna, is one of the guesthouse owners the department assisted with water tanks and installation of solar panels for generating energy as well as pumping water in her establishment through the GTIP.
She confidently said she is now able to accommodate her customers as she can operate her business with ease.
“This programme installed solar panels which is assisting me in heating geysers, cooking as well as pumping of water from the borehole. I am content as my tourism business is now booming, because of the number of bookings I receive,” Mehlomakulu Mehlomakulu from Fort Hook Guesthouse in Phelandaba outside Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape said, thanking the department.
Anthony Maitland, the owner of Teniqua Tree Tops Guesthouse situated between Thatchfield and Knysna, said: “The water pumping system in my guesthouse as well as frequent load shedding in the area used to be a huge problem until the installation of solar panels which is assisting with the water pumping system as well as curbing load shedding in my guesthouse.
“I am now at ease to operate the business without any fear of energy outages. I can recommend this programme to emerging and existing tourism establishments.”
The GTIP does not only assist in reducing pressure on the national electricity grid and water resources of the country, but also reduce operational input cost and facilitate increased competitiveness and operational sustainability in the tourism sector.
The department said it continues to advance climate action in tourism for the resilience of the sector as well as strengthening adaptive capacity.
For more information or to apply for the GTIP programme visit www.tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 15:23
Expert Advice on Overcoming Car Overheating from Moreleta Service Centre Are you grappling with the common but distressing issue of a car overheating? Moreleta Service Centre, with its vast 25-year experience in the automotive service industry, addresses this prevalent concern by providing expert insights and practical solutions. Unraveling the Mystery of Car Overheating The rising …
The Department of Tourism invites all eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme's (GTIP) 9th application window, opening on 25 January until 31 March 2024.
The development of the GTIP was informed by escalating electricity prices, the intensifying pressure on the national energy grid and negative impacts of load-shedding, as well as water scarcity and drought conditions which negatively impact the tourism sector. This programme encourages private sector tourism enterprises to move towards the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources.
For this financial year, the Department has set aside R199 151 179 to disburse to successful GTIP applicants. GTIP has already assisted 173 tourism businesses across the country with electricity and water solutions to the total grant value of R104 285 673. The solutions that were installed as part of this process helped reduce input costs and increase operational sustainability and competitiveness. A further 419 active applications are at various stages of processing.
The Department has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to develop the GTIP for the sector to ensure an enhanced and uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists.
Funding applications and approvals for the GTIP are managed by the IDC.
Eligible applicants are able to qualify for the full cost of a new energy and water efficiency audit or the review of an existing audit. Furthermore, eligible applicants are also able to qualify for grant funding of between 50% and 90% (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant) on the cost of approved solutions that will improve energy and water efficiency and reduce the costs of their tourism operations.
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said: “This programme is one that I am most proud of that the department is able to offer the tourism sector where by going green, tourism establishments are able to offer an uninterrupted visitor experience and ensure that the sector can continue to operate despite energy and water constraints. This initiative is also vital to our efforts to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change by helping businesses use water wisely and use clean forms of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions. I encourage businesses to apply for this support by the Department of Tourism so that we can keep the tourism sector green”.
GTIP has yielded many success stories. Mr Mpho Marothi from Kgarebana Boutique Guesthouse near KwaMhlanga township in Mpumalanga stated that the solar system which was installed in November 2023, was an early Christmas gift as his establishment was fully booked this festive season.
“My guesthouse is now able to operate 24-hours without any hassles of loadshedding, because of the solar system which was installed by the Department of Tourism. The solar system assistsin providing power supply for air-conditioning, heating of geysers and other household purposes in my guesthouse and as such, I can recommend the GTIP to emerging and existing tourism establishments,” said Mr Marothi.
Ms Ingrid Young of Cliffhanger Cottage from Rheenendal, Knysna, is one of the guesthouse owners the Department assisted with water tanks and installation of a solar system for generating energy as well as pumping water in her establishment through the GTIP. She confidently said she is now able to accommodate her customers as she can operate her business with ease at all times.
Thanking the Department, Ms Maureen Mehlomakulu from Fort Hook Guesthouse in Phelandaba outside Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape said: “This programme installed a solar system which is assisting me in heating geysers, cooking as well as pumping of water from the borehole. I am content as my tourism business is now booming, because of the number of bookings I receive.”
The owner of Teniqua Tree Tops Guesthouse situated between Thatchfield and Knysna, Mr Anthony Maitland stated: “The water pumping system in my guesthouse as well as frequent loadshedding in the area used to be a huge problem until the installation of a solar system which is assisting with the water pumping system as well as curbing loadshedding in my guesthouse. I am now at ease to operate the business without any fear of energy outages. I can recommend this programme to emerging and existing tourism establishments.''
The GTIP does not only assist in reducing pressure on the national electricity grid and water resources of the country, but also reduce operational input cost and facilitate increased competitiveness and operational sustainability in the tourism sector. The Department continues to advance climate action in tourism for the resilience of the sector as well as strengthening adaptive capacity.
For more information or to apply for the GTIP programme, visit www.Tourism.gov.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa.
By Andy Jury, CEO at Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com)
Taking stock of fintech in the broader African context while looking forward to opportunities in the year ahead.
At this time of the year there is usually a flurry of articles attempting to lay out trends to look out for in various industries over the coming months. This is a good exercise as it gets one thinking about industries broadly and technology specifically. However, it would be remiss to embark on this exercise without first taking stock of where we are now. The fintech ecosystem is currently in a period of stress, less so for incumbents but noticeably for newcomers.
This stress is a direct result of macroeconomic pressures piling up to generate headwinds for new market entrants. As we all know, when the macro picture is less than rosy it affects play out on the ground. In summary, there is less money floating around – less money from investors and most notably, less disposable income in the hands of consumers.
Let's take a moment to appreciate how this looks in the broader African context. Firstly, it means there is significantly less money knocking on the doors of new and innovative businesses that need investors.
Just recently, a payments processor headquartered in France lost 53% of its value - this kind of scenario has a knock-on effect across borders. However, there is a massive opportunity for fintechs that have bootstrapped themselves up in the uniquely African context.
What does this opportunity look like? For starters, there continues to be a great deal of disruption in the market. Fintechs, mobile network operators (MNOs) and banks will approach the challenges and opportunities differently. The ones that emerge from this phase in a strong position will be those that have thought about the economics of their proposition carefully, because the opportunity that presents itself in tough times is likely more scalable from an addressable market perspective.
On the other hand, those who react will focus on price. A war on price is a race to the bottom. On the contrary, the businesses and fintechs that get through the tough times will be those that focus on customer experience (CX). It may be considered an intangible that sits between the bricks and cogs of a business, but it is crucial.
In difficult conditions, every business focuses on customers returning and using their products and services more frequently. This isn't easy, or everyone would be getting it right. Customers with less money in their pockets become more discerning, and in our experience are looking for a full basket of genuinely personalised customer experience where affordability is a crucial component, but most certainly not the only one.
We have learnt that speed, access, trust, convenience and safety in the payments space continue to be exceptionally important drivers in customers' decision making on where to spend their hard-earned money. At Mukuru we build very tight feedback loops with our customers and the feedback we get time and time again is speed, ease of use and safety is primary to how they develop their consideration set.
Looking ahead, regulation will continue to play an important role in how the industry evolves. The FATF's greylisting earlier this year has had a significant impact on businesses such as ours. We are under increasing scrutiny, not because anyone thinks we present any more risk than before, but because accountable institutions must demonstrate that they are confident money isn't being laundered or used for nefarious purposes. The result is that fintechs need to spend more time thinking and planning their products and must be tight in terms of the relationships they build with their customers.
Regulation is also expected to present immense opportunities, especially in Southern Africa. South Africa, for example, lags other regions in the realm of mobile money. Legislation which is expected to come into play in 2025 will effectively form the framework within which e-money capabilities will be governed. This moment will be a significant game changer for the region. The ability for more people to use e-wallets more frictionlessly will add immense value in the South African context and will fundamentally change the landscape of how money is stored, used and moved.
Looking toward this big disruption on our doorstep, businesses will approach the opportunity differently. There will be those who throw mud at the wall and see what sticks, whereas we believe the real winners will be those that remain crisp and precise with their customer propositions. In this context, we believe partnerships will be vital for stability and growth, where partners enter mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships. These can take many shapes and forms, such as payment providers bridging the gap between the informal and formal sectors solving a problem for fintechs who need ways to enable their customers to pay for goods and services, and where the payment provider gets access to millions of previously unreachable customers.
Digitisation and diversification will continue to be important trends in the coming months and years. Take a moment to consider the power that MNOs and banks have traditionally exerted in the formal payments ecosystem – fintechs who are agile can enter into partnerships with other fintechs to offer similar one-stop solutions to those currently offered by the MNOs and banks. This trend will see an equalisation of influence.
Lastly, those that prioritise customer needs and wants will emerge stronger. There are two schools of thought on how you digitise money. The first is that you place a wallet in someone's hands and encourage them to use it. This would be the traditional approach. The Mukuru approach, and certainly the approach of the more agile players, is to find a way to help people with their payment and remittance needs and then graduate them towards using a digital store of value as they develop trust in the brand and the technology.
These are divergent approaches, but in difficult economic conditions our experience – which has seen us sign up 14-million customers across many countries – says it is better to listen to what customers want and then walk a journey with them as they become more sophisticated in their digital journeys. Our approach is to solve a problem and then gradually build trust and extend the services and products we offer, as opposed to building a shiny product and waiting for customers to arrive.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/48HwI0k), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Mukuru was also celebrated for innovation and excellence at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards, receiving the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award - an acknowledgment of the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
Further information can be found at www.Mukuru.com.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sex. While there are medications available to treat ED, some men prefer to explore natural remedies. However, it’s important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of herbal supplements for …
Elevate always-on control room operations to the next level with clear, dynamic, and reliable solutions from LG. In today’s interconnected world, control rooms serve as nerve centres for various industries, from mining, to transportation, retail, security, and emergency services. These control rooms require advanced technologies that can support constant connectivity, seamless collaboration, and efficient information …
Afroteq Advisory, an AFMS Group company, has promoted Xolisa Fumba to Executive Director, effective 1 November 2023. Xolisa has been with the Afroteq Advisory group for the past decade. He says he enjoys working for the company as it gives him the freedom to do what he is passionate about: manage projects from inception to …
In the case of complex air-cooling systems, it is better to proactively address potential issues before they escalate. Let’s be real—nobody wants to be blindsided by a malfunctioning HVAC system, especially during summer. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play an important role in ensuring comfort and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial …
Living in a beautiful town like Cradock comes with its own set of joys and challenges. While the Eastern Cape town boasts stunning scenery and a rich historical tapestry, managing water usage, especially with unpredictable rainfall patterns, can be a concern. That’s where prepaid water meters come in, empowering residents to take control of their …
Deadline reminder for provisional taxpayers, trusts
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has reminded individual taxpayers and trusts that are provisional taxpayers, to file their income tax returns for the 2023 tax year as the deadline is around the corner.
The 2023 year of assessment refers to the period between 01 March 2022 to 28 February 2023. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
“SARS has made it easy for taxpayers to comply through online filing solutions. The personal income tax return (ITR12) and trust income tax return (ITR12T) may be obtained on eFiling while an appointment with a SARS branch may be made on the SARS website. Taxpayers are encouraged to refer to the SARS website for further information on their tax obligations, trusts, tax filing season 2023 and provisional tax.
“SARS is taking a zero-tolerance approach to taxpayers not registering for the applicable tax, not filing tax returns, not making accurate declarations in their tax returns and failing to make payments due to SARS where applicable. Non-compliance with these obligations is a criminal offence and will attract penalties and interest,” SARS said on Thursday.
A provisional taxpayer is any person who receives income or to whom income accrues, other than remuneration.
A Trust is included under the definition of a “person” in terms of the Income Tax Act, no.58 of 1962 and is therefore regarded as a taxpayer.
“All trusts are required to file a tax return annually, including those that are not economically active. A trustee is the representative taxpayer of a trust and is liable to file on behalf of the trust or appoint a registered tax practitioner to do so,” SARS said.
As of the 2023 year of assessment, trustees are required to submit mandatory supporting documents during the filing process.
These documents include amongst others, the trust instrument, annual financial statements, letters of authority, resolutions/minutes of trustee meetings and an organogram depicting the beneficial ownership of the trust.
Additionally, beneficiaries of trusts are required to declare their income, including income derived from a trust, in their personal income tax returns. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:24
In the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce, logistics and transportation play a crucial role. From specialised medical deliveries to international shipping, the logistics industry offers a myriad of services to cater to diverse needs. This guide highlights various essential logistics services that facilitate seamless operations in different sectors. 1. Multi-Temperature Warehouse and Distribution Effective logistics …
Clairfield International, a top-ranked Europe-based global corporate finance partnership, and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) (www.RMB.co.za), a division of FirstRand Bank Limited (part of FirstRand Limited, the largest financial services group by market capitalisation in Africa), are delighted to announce that they formally agreed to partner, marking both firms' commitment to global expansion and delivery of top-quality corporate finance advisory solutions for clients.
This partnership will position RMB as the gateway for Clairfield clients into South Africa, Nigeria, and the broader sub-Saharan African market, while Clairfield opens doors for RMB into Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. Following from Clairfield's successful partnership with top Japanese advisory firm Yamada Consulting in 2023 that covers Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, this new access to sub-Saharan Africa creates unparalleled coverage for midmarket corporate, private equity, and family business clients worldwide.
Clairfield International advises entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and financial investors on M&A and other corporate finance solutions with special expertise in cross border situations through over 30 country teams globally. Clairfield International has completed 780 transactions on behalf of clients in the last five years totalling EUR 30 billion in disclosed deal value.
“We are optimistic about Africa's long-term growth, driven by technology, the high demand for infrastructure and rapid urbanisation, and we are eager to explore business opportunities across the continent. RMB has a corporate finance team of over 70 people, and with their reach and expertise on the ground, Clairfield can vastly expand its client offerings across sub-Saharan Africa,” says Alexander Klemm, Executive Chair of the Clairfield board of directors. “This partnership is a transformative step for both firms, enhancing our global footprint. Together we can access exciting global deal flow, buyers, and investors for our clients.”
RMB's award-winning corporate finance team partners local and global clients offering differentiated advice and innovative thinking on strategic topics as well as access to capital to enable their growth ambitions. RMB Corporate Finance has an unrivalled track record in corporate finance advisory in sub-Saharan Africa and is consistently the top-ranked advisor in the league tables in South Africa and Nigeria.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to building an M&A advisory capability that is internationally relevant to our clients,” says Krishna Nagar, Co-head of Corporate Finance at Rand Merchant Bank. “The increase in M&A activity across Africa positions us favourably with companies seeking global opportunities and expertise. Our collaboration with Clairfield has already proven fruitful as interest from Clairfield clients is evident in our mandates. We look forward to a continued partnership and access to Clairfield's expertise in developing and facilitating that global deal flow.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.
About RMB:
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) is a leading African corporate and investment bank (CIB) and part of the largest financial services group (by market capitalisation) in Africa – FirstRand Bank Limited (which is wholly owned by FirstRand Limited). We offer our clients innovative, value-added advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing solutions.
With a presence in 10 African countries, we have a significant footprint on the continent. We also have access to a network of retail banks, representative offices and branches across Africa, the UK, India and the US.
For more information visit: www.RMB.co.za
About Clairfield International:
Founded in 2004, Clairfield International provides advisory services on middle-market transactions for large companies, private investors and private equity, public sector clients, and family businesses. Headquartered in Europe with locations in every major region worldwide, we offer clients access to corporates, investors, key decision-makers, and sector experts, combined with a deep understanding of local regulations and cultures. Closing over 190 transactions annually, Clairfield ranks as one of the top independent M&A advisors in league tables worldwide.
For more information visit: www.Clairfield.com
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, proudly announces its attainment of the Cisco Gold Certified Partner certification level for its South African operations. Liquid SA is now one of a few select partners in Africa to achieve this milestone, joining an elite group of system integrators with proven expertise and competency in Cisco technologies and solutions.
“The Cisco Gold Certification is another validation for our customers as we continue to be the digital service provider of choice for businesses in South Africa. This certification reflects our team's expertise and commitment to meeting the highest industry standards. While this is an accomplishment for Liquid SA, it is a win for our customers, who will reap the benefits of higher levels of expertise, access to advanced technologies, comprehensive support, and the assurance that they are working with a partner that has a proven track record in delivering Cisco solutions,” says Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa.
The Gold Certification confirms that Liquid SA will deliver superior service and support capabilities, underpinned by an extensive evaluation process. The certification also ensures that customers are supported by a team of ISO quality-level personnel proficient in delivering network and managed services.
"For us, collaboration and the power of partnerships is what drives innovation to meet evolving customer needs. This milestone not only reflects the dedication and expertise of Liquid Intelligent Technologies but also exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing network services in South Africa. We are proud to partner with a company that upholds the highest standards of excellence, and together, we look forward to shaping the future of connectivity for South African customers with cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled service deliver,”says Hayward Rose, Partner Channel Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cisco.
While these services are available with immediate effect to existing and potential Liquid SA customers, the Gold Certification represents a culmination of years of successfully delivering Cisco projects and services as part of the company's goal to enhance its customers' experience on their digital journey, while ensuring that no African business is left behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group with operations in over 25 countries in Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.
About Cisco:
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom (https://apo-opa.co/47zxJ9i) and follow us on X at @Cisco (https://apo-opa.co/3u7sRKK).
In today’s fast-paced world, managing waste efficiently and responsibly is more crucial than ever. With environmental concerns on the rise, finding eco-friendly recycling solutions is vital. These solutions not only cater to different budgets but also ensure that your waste is handled in the most sustainable way possible. For those dealing with construction or renovation …
From OLED TVs to webOS Content, LG Wins the Most Awards in History to Total 33, Including Two Best of Innovation Awards LG Electronics (LG) has been recognised for the technological and design excellence of its latest lifestyle solutions, earning more than 30 CES® 2024 Innovation Awards across Home Appliance, Home Entertainment and B2B categories, …
Dedicating a Special Exhibition Zone to Experimental yet Innovative Products, LG Presents Creative Ideas Tailored to Various Lifestyles LG Electronics (LG) geared up to showcase its latest lineup of innovative and pioneering products at CES 2024, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition. LG dedicated a special exhibition space to LG Labs, its marketing …
2024 UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor Lineup Introduces Pixel Sound Technology, Delivering Clear, Cinematic Audio That Brings a New Dimension to Gaming LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its latest lineup of UltraGear™ OLED gaming monitors, designed to provide superior gaming experiences. The expanded lineup includes the highly anticipated 32-inch 4K gaming monitor (model 32GS95UE), which boasts a …
As we head into 2024, the renewable energy sector is set to see innovation that will transform the way energy is accessed, stored and deployed across Africa. Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/), discusses 4 key trends that he thinks will profoundly shape the industry over the next year.
Batteries will provide benefits far beyond backup for behind-the-meter projects
One of the most significant shifts in solar technology revolves around the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) – especially for behind-the-meter solar (also known as onsite solar). Traditionally, batteries were seen primarily as backup storage when paired with a solar system, ensuring a steady power supply during cloudy days, nighttime or when the grid is unavailable. However, in 2024, the focus is vastly shifting towards load management, where batteries play a dynamic role in optimising energy consumption.
As the trend for the deployment of batteries across the continent grows, cutting-edge management systems will become a key part of solar installations with an integrated battery component. These systems use advanced algorithms to predict energy demand patterns. This allows for the strategic use of battery storage – discharging it during expensive peak times and charging it using solar energy or the grid during off-peak – to reduce the costly demand charges that come with variable tariff structures. Along with enhancing the efficiency of solar systems, integrated battery storage solutions can also contribute to grid stability by reducing strain during high-demand periods.
When it comes to front-of-the-meter (or offsite) storage, BESS is also set to play a bigger role in the deployment of utility-scale renewable energy technology like wheeling - where power is generated at an offsite location (like a solar or wind farm) and transported using the available power network to different off-takers.
In South Africa for example, the national energy provider Eskom announced the deployment of around 343 MW in BESS projects as part of an overall 500 MW BESS initiative aimed at addressing the country's long-running electricity crisis. The systems will be in remote areas (with limited access to Eskom's network) but still close to renewable energy plants built by independent power producers (IPPs).
This collaboration between the public and private sectors supports more widespread deployment of utility-scale power and the adoption of renewable energy projects. By adding battery storage components to the national grid, businesses and consumers can gain quicker access to reliable electricity while the power utility can address peak energy demands more easily. This also ensures that the increasing amount of power generated from utility-scale solar projects can be stored and consumed outside of daylight hours to avoid stranded grid capacity.
Data, banking and tourism: The rise of sustainable off-grid solar solutions
Off-grid renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, offer a unique opportunity to expand modern energy access services. The distributed nature of these systems allows them to be tailored to local conditions, tap into available renewable resources, deliver diverse energy services, and utilise local capacity to ensure long-term sustainability.
We will see a rise in these solutions as more and more commercial and industrial businesses realise the value of effectively moving off-grid. This will be prevalent in three industries:
Data centres: Africa is a global hub for data centres. According to research from African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), there is around 250 MW of installed data centre capacity across Africa – with the demand for centres in Africa expected to exceed supply by 300% by 2030. These powerhouses of technology rely heavily on a steady and safe electricity supply. From operating to maintaining their vast cooling systems, large data centres simply can't afford the risk of a grid collapse or any possible power interruptions. Power autonomy is the name of the game here, making battery storage a necessity from the get-go.
Banking: While the prevalence of mobile financial services continues to soar on the continent, there is still a tangible need for brick-and-mortar banks and ATMs in countries where access to these services remains essential. These sites need to remain operational should there be any sort of grid collapse or catastrophic power failures - making an off-grid solution a non-negotiable component of the future of banking in Africa.
Tourism: With the rise of conscious consumerism and eco-tourism, sustainability is fast becoming the differentiating factor for discerning travellers choosing their next holiday destination. Luxury lodges in popular destinations in East and Southern Africa are fast moving towards fully off-grid solar battery operations to offer their guests uninterrupted access to power while boosting the lodge's green credentials in the process.
As more and more businesses become aware of the benefits of off-grid solar, it is likely that we will see an even greater adoption of this technology in the coming year.
Seamless access to renewables through a reimagined aggregation model
We will certainly see a shift towards aggregated solutions, wherein energy providers will consolidate diverse technologies and services into comprehensive packages in 2024. This trend is driven by the recognition that a holistic approach to energy solutions is not only more convenient for consumers but also more effective in optimising energy production and consumption.
This can be done in several ways. For example, trading of electricity in South Africa allows a service provider of solar energy to buy and sell, excess wind energy without having to invest substantial capital expenditure amounts. Similarly, instead of having gas-powered energy compete with renewable energy, the aggregation model will also allow providers of such services to aggregate their energy solutions and provide the client with a holistic offering. The goal is to provide consumers with a seamless and integrated final product that maximises the benefits of renewable energy across various aspects of their daily lives. The real value for customers lies in a collaboration of providers who can meet their specific needs and power the entire energy lifecycle.
Tackling complexities through an increasingly consolidated sector
As the solar industry matures, a trend towards consolidation will become increasingly evident in 2024. Larger energy companies will consider merging or acquiring smaller players, creating more robust and diversified entities. This consolidation is driven by the desire to achieve economies of scale, increase market share, and foster innovation by pooling resources and expertise.
Consolidation in the industry is not limited to manufacturers but extends to service providers, research and development firms, and energy management companies. By joining forces, these entities can tackle the complexities of the evolving energy landscape more effectively, driving down costs and accelerating the adoption of alternative energies across the continent.
This trend is fostering the emergence of holistic service providers capable of providing end-to-end solutions that address the diverse needs of businesses, consumers and communities. Our recent market-milestone merger between Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/) and SolarAfrica (https://SolarAfrica.com/) is a case in point. Customers in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa can access our comprehensive mix of cost-effective solutions that provide power security and carbon reduction. These include solar energy, battery storage, wheeling, and energy management, among others.
The future is bright. If 2023 was anything to go by in terms of transformation for the energy sector, 2024 will be marked by accelerated innovation and a collective commitment to harnessing the full potential of renewable energy that holds the promise of a more resilient, more sustainable, and more tightly connected energy future for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.
Company Outlines Direction and “Break Through Limits” Management Policy During Press Conference in Las Vegas LG Electronics’ (LG) CEO William Cho and key company executives introduced the strategies LG is implementing to achieve its ‘Future Vision 2030’ goal, during a press conference held for Korean media in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., on January 10. The …
Neosun Energy (https://Neosun.com/), a Global Solar Energy company focused on construction of solar power stations and battery storage solutions has recently ventured into the South African market. This move aims to provide commercial solar panels and energy storage solutions with capacities ranging from 200kW to 10MW for commercial and industrial projects (C&I) not only in South Africa but worldwide.
The entry comes at a critical time as businesses face heightened energy access issues due to load shedding and driven by soaring electricity and fossil fuel costs, along with the persistent challenge of numerous off-grid areas in Africa lacking energy access.
Known for its global outreach, Neosun has already extended its services or components to 16 countries encompassing CIS, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. With significant contracts under its belt from reputable clients like Allianz, Adidas, CBN and Polymetal, Neosun has established itself as a force to reckon with in the solar energy sector.
"Thousands of enterprises in Africa are unable to fulfill business operations and are bearing financial losses due to the limited access to the grid. Such solutions as solar PV stations and energy storages are the means to resolve these issues. - says Ilya Likhov, the CEO of Neosun. - The surge in renewable energy investment to $495 billion in 2022, juxtaposed against the $371 billion in oil and gas, reflects a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Neosun's venture into South Africa is a step towards mitigating business losses incurred due to electricity scarcity and propelling the region towards a sustainable energy future."
Targeting primarily small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Neosun's expansion into South Africa, and ongoing negotiations in other African countries and regions, underscore its commitment to bridging the energy gap. The focus industries include manufacturing, warehousing, shopping malls, commercial offices, mining & industrial facilities, and pharmaceuticals. The South African market, hit hard by electricity shortages leading to business losses exceeding $13 billion in 2022, presents a significant opportunity for Neosun to make a positive impact.
Neosun carries out solar projects worldwide, focusing on remote African regions where such initiatives provide electricity to enterprises and settlements, changing lives. For instance, a recent project in a Kenyan village involved a 300kW capacity system for a local workshop, which allowed the business to extend operational hours and double its income by running two shifts. The installation also generated 600,000 kWh of energy, enabling sales of excess electricity to nearby areas. This created an additional income source for the village, illustrating the transformative effect of Neosun's solar solutions for local economies in off-grid locations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Neosun.
About Neosun:
Neosun Energy (https://Neosun.com/) is an international Solar EPC company that provides Commercial Solar PV & Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) with capacity from 200kW to 10MW for Commercial and Industrial projects Worldwide. The company constructs solar power plants and energy storage systems (ESS) on a turn-key basis, covering all stages of construction including design, equipment supply, construction, and commissioning. The company has implemented solar PV projects in 16 countries worldwide.
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The retail industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by the internet, customer expectations, and emerging technologies. Retailers need to adapt and innovate to survive and thrive in this new era of digital retail.
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.