e-Commerce: MOBOfree Records Outstanding Performances in Africa

e-Commerce: MOBOfree Records Outstanding Performances in Africa

44% increase in the number of registered users in Nigeria; 1555% increase in the number of registered users in Uganda

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 22, 2015/ -- MOBOfree.com (http://www.mobofree.com), the leading African social marketplace, today announced that it had experienced an increase of more than 44% in the number of registered users of MOBOfree.com in Nigeria over the past 12 months, resulting in a 1042% increase in the number of classifieds published on MOBOfree.com in Nigeria which makes more than 500 000 active listings on platform in Nigeria only. Over the same period, the number of registered users of MOBOfree.com in Uganda increased by more than 1555%, resulting in a 5548% increase in the number of classifieds published on MOBOfree.com in Uganda.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/mobofree-1.png

Screenshot: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1309

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1896 (Cristobal Alonso, CEO and co-founder of MOBOfree)

With 4 million registered users, including 2 million monthly active users in Nigeria and a strong footprint in Uganda and Zimbabwe, MOBOfree is one of the largest and most successful classifieds platforms in Africa.

"Online trading is growing rapidly across Africa as the IT and mobile infrastructure across the continent continues improving. Despite that, part of our challenge still is convincing people of the value of using the internet to buy, sell or swap items and services," said Cristobal Alonso, CEO and co-founder of MOBOfree. “In line with that, we understand that African countries have their own culture, different rates of internet, mobile and smartphone penetration, so every African market should be approached with an individual strategy. Things that work in Europe or United States can be totally unacceptable for African users. MOBOfree entered the African markets with a unique concept as it connects social networks and classifieds together in a single platform. The substantial growth achieved by MOBOfree confirms that this concept is well accepted in African markets as number of users is quickly growing and more and more people seem to prefer MOBOfree to traditional classifieds companies,”  added Alonso.

Nigeria’s e-commerce market is developing rapidly, with an estimated growth rate of 25% annually and a potential worth of $10 billion – with around 300,000 online orders currently being placed on a daily basis. A report released by McKinsey & Company indicated that e-commerce could account for 10 % of retail sales in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economies, by 2025.

The MOBOfree technological platform makes buying and selling online easy for any African user with any device, not only for PCs and smartphones but also for old phones with small screens (known as “feature” phones).

MOBOfree.com (http://www.mobofree.com) is a leading African social marketplace allowing people to buy, sell and swap products and services with other trusted people. MOBOfree.com combines a social network and classifieds board in a single integrated online platform and makes buying and selling online more personal and safe.

MOBOfree currently has almost 4 million registered users, with more than 2 million monthly active users in Nigeria and a leading position in several other African countries such as Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Over 3000 new registered members are joining MOBOfree every day, thousands new items are listed daily; more than 5 million personal messages are exchanged between buyers and sellers every month on MOBOfree.

Company is backed by eVa Ventures Fund and has offices in Lagos, Nigeria and Vilnius, Lithuania.

Premier Mabuza says municipal performance is affected by politics

Premier Mabuza says municipal performance is affected by politics

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza says internal political infightings at municipalities are some of the reasons for poor performance of the municipalities in the province as its leadership focuses on it instead of delivering the services.

Speaking today [Wednesday, 22 April 2015] at a meeting with the Auditor-General Mr Thembekile Makwethu in White River, attended by all mayors, members of the executives and heads of departments from the provincial departments, Premier Mabuza said the preliminary municipal audit outcomes were not encouraging as they indicated lack of visible progress in terms of performance.

During the meeting, the Auditor-General had revealed again that only Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and Ehlanzeni District Municipality in Mpumalanga that received clean audits in the 2013/2014 financial year, which ends in June.

Mr Makwetu had told the meeting that only five municipalities [Lekwa, Dipaliseng, Govan Mbeki, Nkangala District, Mbombela] received unqualified audit outcomes with findings.

Gert Sibande District, Chief Albert Luthuli, Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Victor Khanye, Thembisile, Umjindi, Bushbuckridge, Nkomazi and Dr J S Moroka municipalities received qualified audit outcomes with findings,

It was only Mkhondo, Emakhazeni, Thaba Chweu, Emalahleni and Msukaligwa that received the disclaimers.

Bushbuckridge improved from a disclaimer to a qualified while Lekwa, Dipaliseng and Govan Mbeki moved from qualified to unqualified audit opinion.

According to the Auditor-General, an unqualified audit outcome with no findings means that the institution produced financial statements that are free of material misstatements, and that the institution reported in a useful and reliable manner on performance as measured against predetermined development objectives and that it complied with key legislation.

On the other hand, an unqualified opinion with findings means that an institution produced financial statement without misstatements but struggled to align its performance reports to the development objectives they committed to in their integrated development plan.

Further, the institution must set clear performance indicators and targets to measure their performance against their predetermined objectives, report reliably on whether they achieved their performance targets and determine which legislation they should comply with and implement the required policies, procedures and controls to ensure compliance

With a qualified opinion, the institution has the same challenges as those that were unqualified with findings but, in addition, they could not produce credible and reliable financial statements. It further means that the municipality has material misstatements in their financial statements, which could not be corrected before the financial statements were published.

With adverse and disclaimer audit opinion, it means the municipality has so many material misstatements in their financial statements that the auditor-general disagree with almost all the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.

Further, it means the municipality was unable to provide sufficient supporting documentation for amounts in the financial statements and achievements reported in the annual performance report and it did not comply with key legislation

Again the Auditor-General stressed during the meeting that the root causes for the poor audit outcomes were the slow response to address the root causes of poor audit outcomes, key positions not filled or key officials lacking appropriate competencies, and inadequate consequences for poor performance and transgressions.

The Auditor-General told the meeting that Emalahleni and Mkhondo local municipalities did not submit annual performance reports for auditing while Emakhazeni Local Municipality submitted an annual performance report that was not reliable and useful.

The Auditor-General also took time to explain the term unauthorized expenditure, as it was widely misinterpreted by the media. Mr Makwethu said his office was on a campaign to educate especially the journalists that unauthorized expenditure does not necessarily refer money spent doing wrong things, but in the main it refers to failure to follow proper processes such as those of supply chain management.

Frustrated by the preliminary report, which he described as “demoralizing” the Premier lashed out at the mayors and their municipal managers for behaving in the manner that they were naïve.

“Instead of going forward we are going backward, we have made no movement. As seasoned leaders you are quite acquainted with these issues in your institutions and as mayors you are almost at the end of your term. These matters have been repeated many times by the Auditor-General, and yet we are making no progress.

“Some of you could not even meet the required deadline. You cannot even work within the given deadline and yet you are in the leadership positions. It is not good for the office of the Auditor-General to come here and talk about the same issues, they are getting discouraged about us that we are a wheelbarrow,” said Mabuza.

He said the mayors needed to admit if they could not do the work and call it a day, as they had nothing to loose since they were left with few months in office.

“Don’t be afraid to tell us that you cannot do this work. We can admit ourselves that it’s time to call it a day. You have travelled this distance and you have got nothing to loose. We have fought and we have tried to make peace, but the situation is still the same,” said Mabuza.

He explained that most municipalities lost focus in doing their work, as they were concentrated on politics.

The Auditor-General later awarded Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and Ehlanzeni District Municipality with MFMA trophies for their continued work of achieving clean audits.

At the same time, the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust, Gambling Board, Finance Departmetns, Social Development Department and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department were also awarded with Public Finance Management Act Awards for clean audits in 2013/2014 financial year.

SANParks Condemns Xenophobic Attacks

SANParks Condemns Xenophobic Attacks

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to condemn in the harshest terms the recent spate of xenophobic attacks currently happening in various parts of our country. These attacks run contrary to everything that the struggle for liberation stood for and are undermining both social cohesion within the country and our international reputation.

A large proportion of guests to our national parks are international visitors and we appear to be sending a message that foreigners are not welcome in our country. It is worrying to note that we have already had a number of booking cancellations from neighboring countries. We are also extremely worried about these occurrences as they could also undo years of successful work done in the establishment of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA’s) managed as part of cross border relationships in the research, tourism, cultural heritage, science and conservation functions. 

According to SANParks Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fundisile Mketeni, SANParks bought into the concept of TFCA’s,facilitated by the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), in support of an idea of re-connecting with shared cultures which had been divided by centuries of conflict and colonialism. “We have been working tirelessly to perfect a vision of vast conservation areas cutting across national borders, even soliciting the support of our late beloved statesman, Dr. Nelson Mandela, as Chief Patron of the Peace Parks concept. The Transfrontier Conservation Areas are not just about conservation – they are also about building bridges within southern African society and breaking down the artificial barriers that were created between people by our colonial history. We fear that the current wave of attacks on our fellow Africans will undermine the good work that has been done in this regard.”

Mketeni said SANParks enjoys good working relations with countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya amongst others. “This assists in our efforts of staying abreast with current trends in conservation, tourism and related fields while our colleagues in SANParks also give advice on complex functions in our field of interest.”

SANParks currently forms part of a number of TFCA’s which includes, /Ai / Ais Richtersveld bordering Namibia, Kgalagadi TFCA with Botswana and Namibia, Maloti Drakensberg TFCA with Lesotho, Great Limpopo TFCA with Mozambique and Zimbabwe as well as Greater Mapungubwe TFCA with Botswana and Zimbabwe.  “It is for this reason that we call on all South African’s to take time to reflect on the negative impact these attacks have on our sense of humanity and our standing within the broader international community,” concluded Mketeni. 

RAPPERS CREATE THEIR OWN BREAK

RAPPERS CREATE THEIR OWN BREAK

By Kopano Dibakwane

Edmond Shabangu and Sthembiso Thanjekwayo are members of the rap group, Blue Noise, from Sabie, Mpumalanga. They say they are very keen to revolutionise South African hip-hop with their experimental sounds of rock, classic, traditional and r&b. The group was formed in 2008 and has been brewing in Mpumalanga’s underground hip hop circles.

The confident lyricists said they established an independent record label called, Millionaire Music Group, to sustain them in the music business.

“Our music speaks to different people from all races and backgrounds. Our record label has a team of producers and artists and we draw inspiration from each other’s talents. Millionaire Music Group is a movement and it will become one of the best independent record labels in the country,” said Shabangu.

The group said they have performed in many shows around the province, but added that the highlight of their career so far, was performing at the 2009 International Gold Panning event, held at Pilgrims Rest, also in Mpumalanga.

“The Gold Panning show opened our eyes and taught us to respect what we are doing. It taught us to share our experiences through our music. We are working on our mix tape to be released around mid-year and we’ll be shooting a music video for our first single called, “something outta nothing,” said Thanjekwayo.

The two are currently organising a provincial tour to promote their single and brand. They’ll be connecting with their followers through radio interviews and live performances. They said that Mzansi hip hop fans must be ready for raw street music.

Blue Noise can be found on Facebook on their official page, The Real Millionaire Music Group.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) committed to strong action against Malaria

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) committed to strong action against Malaria

Leaders Gather in Jeddah for World Malaria Day; Call for Increased Investment to Save Lives & Advance Development Efforts

JEDDAH, KSA, April 23, 2015/ -- In advance of World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on 25 April, leaders from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) (http://www.isdb.org), The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership have organized a town hall meeting and photo exhibition at the headquarters of IDB in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to raise awareness on the scourge of malaria in OIC countries. Leveraging the importance of the final World Malaria Day under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), participants noted the tremendous progress made against the preventable and treatable disease over the past 15 years and called for increased commitment and collective action to advance efforts toward ambitious malaria elimination targets, particularly in OIC countries.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/isdb.png

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1615(Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

In his message on the occasion, Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, OIC Secretary General, underscored the centrality of health to overall socio-economic and human development. Accordingly health was a priority issue on the OIC agenda with disease prevention and control as one of the six major thrusts of the OIC Strategic Health Programme of Action (SHPA-2014-2023). Mr. Madani reaffirmed the commitment of the OIC to further strengthening its ongoing collaboration with Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and the Global Fund. He called upon the OIC Member States to continue to accord due attention to malaria control and elimination and enhance national efforts in that regard. He strongly appealed to donor countries, organizations and philanthropists in the OIC region to increase their contributions for malaria control and elimination efforts with a view to bridging the financing gap for achieving universal coverage of malaria control efforts.

In his remarks IDB President, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali stated that human development is the cornerstone of IDB’s developmental activities, and that can only be achieved by completely eradicating diseases like malaria which has become a health challenge in our member countries.

“We must work together to ensure that malaria is consigned to the dustbin of history, rather than surviving on our people. It is unthinkable to talk about development without having a healthy society.  The malaria scourge has been one of the health issues our member countries are working hard to eliminate. It should be seen as a global problem that must be solved once and for all, and IDB is committed to play its role.” said Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of IDB.

“We have seen tremendous progress in recent years – including in some OIC countries – but much work remains as we transition to a new post-2015 development agenda and set our sights on ambitious elimination targets,” said Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.  “Increased financing will be critical so we can continue saving lives and driving development efforts. I urge leaders from OIC member states – endemic and donor countries alike – to increase their commitment to malaria control and elimination efforts so communities in these countries might thrive.”

Present during the World Malaria Day celebration in Jeddah were the health ministers of Turkey, Senegal and Saudi Arabia’s Under Secretary General of Health.                 

Despite best efforts, the World Health Organization estimates that malaria continues to cause an estimated 198 million cases of infection around the world each year, claiming the lives of approximately 584,000, nearly 80% of which are children under 5. With an estimated 131 million cases and 402,000 associated deaths each year, OIC countries account for more than half of all malaria burden globally and associated social and economic toll. Roughly 85% of malaria cases occurring in OIC countries are in sub-Saharan African member states. 

Today, 13 OIC countries are among the 23 most malaria-affected nations worldwide that make up nearly 80% of global cases, including Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Niger, Guinea, Indonesia, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Pakistan and Benin. In sub-Saharan Africa specifically, 12 OIC countries are included in the list of the 18 highest-burden malaria-endemic countries, which together accounted for 90% of malaria infections in the region in 2013.

With more than half of the world’s population at risk of infection, malaria presents an alarming threat to global development. Each year, malaria costs the African continent – home to 23 OIC countries – an estimated minimum of US $12 billion in lost productivity, and in some high-burden countries it can account for as much as 40% of public health expenditure.

With increased financing and greater coordination under the RBM Partnership, malaria mortality rates have decreased by 47% worldwide and 54% in Africa alone since 2000. Since 2001, it is estimated that more than 4 million malaria-related deaths have been averted, the large majority of which have been children under 5.

Malaria has consistently proven to be one of the most cost-effective health interventions in history, with related interventions saving lives and advancing broader development efforts by reducing school absenteeism, fighting poverty, increasing gender parity and improving maternal and child health, among others. Lives saved from malaria control interventions have been linked to a 20% of reduction in all-cause child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa since 2000, creating healthier generation of youth and driving progress toward MDG4.

For OIC member states, strong political leadership and support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has seen more than US $4 billion for malaria control and elimination projects since 2002, including more than 210 million insecticide-treated nets distributed and millions of malaria cases treated in accordance with effective national guidelines.

Yet much work remains to overcome the disproportionate burden malaria continues to place on OIC communities around the world. Throughout the discussion in Jeddah, leaders called for stronger commitment by governments, philanthropists and non-governmental organizations, urging multisectoral action to ensure all necessary measures are taken to eliminate malaria in OIC countries by 2030. 

Increased financing will be critical to further advancements, as current international and domestic financing for malaria of US $2.5 billion in 2012 amounts to less than half of the US $5.1 billion RBM estimates is needed annually through 2020 to achieve universal coverage of malaria control interventions. OIC countries in Africa alone face a funding gap of an estimated US $2.8 billion through 2017 for adequate scale-up of malaria control and elimination interventions.

World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States during the 2007 World Health Assembly and is celebrated on 25 April each year to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria control and elimination. The theme for the 2013-2015 campaign is “Invest in the Future. Defeat malaria”.

GOVERNMENT WORKING TIRELESSLY TO STOP ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

GOVERNMENT WORKING TIRELESSLY TO STOP ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

The South African government is doing everything in its power to bring an end to the attacks of foreign nationals taking place in various parts of the country, and to ensure that residents stay in peace and harmony with foreign nationals. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina. He was addressing the dialogue on xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals hosted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The dialogue, which was held under the theme “Advancing Social Cohesion-Stop Xenophobia,” took place at the Germiston Civic Centre today. 

“Government is worried about the cost and the negative impact of the attacks on foreign national on the country’s image and its economy. We cannot have these attacks continuing as they will hurt the African continent, particularly the South African economy,” said Deputy Minister Masina.

 He highlighted that South Africa was playing a vital role in intra-Africa Trade in order to accelerate regional integration and that he was concerned that the attacks would delay the process.

Deputy Minister Masina also condemned the attacks and extended an apology to the African continent. He further urged those who were involved in these attacks to stop embarrassing the country and reversing the historic achievements that the country had attained.

He assured the African continent that xenophobia was not a policy of the South African government and that government was working tirelessly to curb these attacks.

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Mondli Gungubele reiterated the commitment of the Municipality to make sure that the attacks were curtailed and those affected have access to service delivery in a way of shelter, food, water, electricity and medication, amongst others.

Gungubele, who described the attacks as a human challenge, pleaded with the citizens of Ekurhuleni to stand together and ‘say no’ to xenophobia and to also understand the value of other human beings.

The purpose of the dialogue was to interact with the communities and promote peaceful co-existence with foreign nationals. It was attended by community members, political leaders, government officials, church representatives and representatives of the destitute foreign nationals amongst others.

Ekurhuleni is affected by these attacks and to date two camps accommodating over 1000 destitute people have been erected.

SANCO SAYS NOT IN OUR NAME XENOPHOBIA PRESENTS THE LEVELS OF MORAL EROSION

SANCO SAYS NOT IN OUR NAME

XENOPHOBIA PRESENTS THE LEVELS OF MORAL EROSION

That was the press release from the South African national Civic Organization.

SANCO MP wants to add its voice in strongly condemning the recent spate of xenophobic violence that has engulfed certain parts of the country. 

SANCO's view is that these attacks to fellow African brothers expose the high level of moral erosion and intense absence of consciousness in communities.

As much as we appreciate the frustrations yield by the by the socioeconomic challenges, that doesn't justify the infliction this horrific and deadly pain to our brothers and sister. Xenophobia represents backwardness, retrogression, barbarism and inhumanity. 

How do these barbarisms fulfill their quest when driving defenseless babies and their mothers to the streets and cold? Are we not supposed to embrace each other, share the shelter and wealth as mandated by the freedom charter?

All these cannot happen in the glorious name of the Rainbow Nation. The implications of these has started showing at the international level.  It shall take time to reverse the adverse name and character that has recently portrayed the South African nation, as a result of moral eroded, regressive and self-hating individuals. As much as Mpumalanga is relatively calm, the PEC isn't leaving anything to chance. We have directed our structures to convene mass and block meetings to raise consciousness against xenophobic elements. We shall be closely assessing the situation, and if necessary, the PEC shall decent to “hot sports” to address and eradicate these elements.

We call for our all sectors and segments of our society, from government, nongovernmental organizations, churches, schools, individual members of communities and political parties, to rise up through action to raise consciousness and restore the moral values of the communities. 

 Government and the police in particular, must leave no stone u turned in unmasking the perpetrators and leaders of these xenophobic outbreaks. It's time we treat xenophobia as the crime against humanity, because that is all it represents.

MEC’s TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS DURING A SITTING

MEC’s TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS DURING A SITTING

                                       

The Hon Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs Thandi Shongwe invites media representatives to attend a Sitting of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature scheduled as follows:

Date               :   Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Time               :   14:15

Venue            :   Legislature Chamber, Building 1, Government

                          Complex, Mbombela

During the House Sitting, there will be a snap debate on Workers Day and Members of the Executive Council will give an oral reply to questions that were forwarded to them regarding service delivery in the province.

DEPUTY MINISTER MZWANDILE MASINA TO ADDRESS THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY CELEBRATION IN PRETORIA

DEPUTY MINISTER MZWANDILE MASINA TO ADDRESS THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY CELEBRATION IN PRETORIA

Members of the media are invited to the World Intellectual Property Day celebration where the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina will deliver the keynote address on Friday, 24 April 2015 at 09:00. 

That will take place at South African State Theatre Precinct, 320 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

The celebration will be held under the theme, Get Up, Stand Up For Your Rights, and is part of the World Intellectual Property Day which is celebrated globally on April 26 every year.

The objective of the event is to celebrate human creativity and acknowledge the socio-economic importance of intellectual property. The celebration is a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) and the South African State Theatre.

Uncharted African regions and sectors offer growth opportunities for SMEs - DHL

Uncharted African regions and sectors offer growth opportunities for SMEs - DHL

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, April 16, 2015/ -- Despite the recent prediction by the World Bank(1) that economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa will slow in 2015, the region is still home to one of the fastest-growing middle class in the world. As a result, there are vast opportunities on the continent for progressive African entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/dhl_logo2.jpg

Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer-1.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)

Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (http://www.dpdhl.com), says one sector providing plentiful prospects is the agricultural industry, which is Africa’s largest economic sector representing 15% of the continent’s total GDP and more than $100 billion per year(2). “It is estimated that more than 60% of the globe’s available and vacant land is situated in SSA(3), which suggests that the sector still offers incredible growth.”

Another industry seeing significant growth is the banking sector, which has grown extensively over the last decade and has become a substantial player in emerging-market banking2. Brewer says that the rising middle class and ‘unbanked’ African consumers should continue to drive the industry. “Other industries experiencing growth and offering prospects on the continent include technology, consumer goods and telecommunications.”

In addition to these thriving industries, Brewer identifies five unexpected ‘boom towns’ and cities that are enjoying growth on the back of these industries, therefore providing opportunities for African businesses:

•          Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso: This second city is blossoming due to substantial growth in the food and agriculture sector. Many small and medium enterprises are setting up factories to locally produce products for both the domestic and export markets, with the main products being fruits, cereals, cotton, vegetable oil, soap and other artisanal products.

•          Ebène, Mauritius: This is an up and coming technology hub which, due to its advanced infrastructure and facilities, has attracted many financial institutions and international legal firms. 

•          Mbarara, Uganda:  Mbarara is a growing industrial town 280km from Uganda’s capital Kampala, which is located in the center of the dairy farming district. As a result of its location, favourable climate and abundant land availability, it has attracted investors involved in the manufacturing of dairy products, as well as breweries and beverage companies expanding to the area.

•          Farafenni, the Gambia: Situated on the north bank of the Gambia River, about 120km inland from the capital Banjul, the town is home to numerous banks and insurance firms. It is experiencing fast growth mainly due to its geographical location on the main road between Dakar and Casamance (the southern area of Senegal), and its close proximity to the ferry to cross the Gambia River.

•          Konza Techno City, Kenya: Having just finished its infrastructure phase, the new technology city is situated 60km southeast of Nairobi and will focus on four economic sectors; namely education, life sciences, telecommunications and business process outsourcing. It is predicted to significantly stimulate technology spending, investment and growth in Kenya.

“DHL is present in every African country and territory, with 37 years of express logistics experience on the continent. With our extensive footprint in Africa, we are uniquely positioned to service these ‘boom towns’ and burgeoning industries,” concludes Brewer.