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The African Agri Council on top of the game revolutionizing engagement

The African Agri Council (AAC) hosted their first edition of the AAC Spotlight Virtual Event Series: Managing the Agri-Food Sector at Unprecedented Times on 21 April 2020. Titled ‘The Impact of COVID-19: Agri-Food Crisis Management’ the AAC hosted 327 attendees who participated in the high-level plenary session discussions and moved seamlessly between three parallel sessions followed by the very successful automated one-on-one networking.

“With the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions this is the perfect platform for the AAC to bring together industry experts to address the key challenges faced by the agri-food sector, particularly the urgency to prioritize the development of robust food supply chains, drive technology adoption and promote value chain integration as well as market access.” said Ben Leyka, CEO of AAC.

With the COVID-19 pandemic having deep economic and social impacts that are being felt like shockwaves across the world causing logistical bottlenecks in the agri-food supply chain.

The speakers and panellists addressing solutions to this crisis included:
  • Wendy Green, Business Advisor and Investor across Energy, Water and Agriculture
  • Atsuko Toda, Director- Agriculture Finance and Rural Development, African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • Vaughan McTaggart, Managing Director: Agriculture Development, AFGRI
  • Jaco Maass, General Manager, SHIFT Digital Acceleration (Member of the BKB Group)
  • Jan Willem van Casteren, Director, eProd
  • Quentin Rukingama, Managing Partner, JBQ Africa
  • Ben Leyka, Chief Executive Officer, African Agri Council
  • Dr Golden Mahove, Chief of Party, USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment HUB

In the Plenary session addressing Resilience under Uncertainty, Atsuko Toda stated that “The COVID-19 crisis poses a huge challenge for food security and livelihoods. Closures, quarantines and disruptions, challenges in logistics, inflationary pressures on food prices will restrict access to sufficient/diverse nutritious sources of food. We need to act together and fast to ensure food availability and access so that the COVID-19 crisis does not become a food crisis.”

Jaco Maass of SHIFT, the digital arm of BKB Grain, took a realistic view of Facing up to Digital Disruption stating “The world is changing fast, and we need to break from our traditional way of doing things and adopt new ones. It is now the time to embrace new technologies through a next-generation digital shared service platform to seize opportunities in economic growth.”

And Quentin Rukingama, Managing Partner of JBQ Africa in Kenya sharing his views: “The good news is that currently, FAO confirms food availability globally, however food accessibility remains a challenge in a few countries worldwide notably in Africa. Therefore, it is crucial for African governments to lead data and insights gathering for more accurate food balance sheets, partnership with the private sector and civil society for a coordinated response to a potential food security crisis, solidarity to support the most vulnerable among us and agility to respond to evolving challenges triggered by COVID-19.”

And Jan Willem van Casteren, Director of eProd applied 15 years of ICT agri experience in Africa to address ‘How ICT can enhance and secure supply chains’ made the point that: “We have to rethink our whole food supply ecosystem! The world after Corona will be different! ICT can enhance and secure supply chains helping to solve the problems caused by pandemic events providing unique opportunities to manage remotely critical services. Recently an eProd client, unable to go to their farmers, took only a matter of days to distribute seed to hundreds of farmer groups via the local busses and matatus, coordinating with the area chiefs, farmer leaders and farmers, and the local ministry of agriculture, all via bulk SMS and eProd management reports.”

The AAC is planning monthly AAC Spotlight Virtual Event Series, with the next edition taking place on:

26 May: ICT & AgTech
30 June: Finance & Investment
28 July: Supply Chain & Market Access

“We’re excited about our new AAC Spotlight virtual event series connecting agri-food stakeholders from across the supply chain, sustainably bringing people together more gathering, interacting and growing.” Ben Leyka added.

For more information, visit: https://www.africanagricouncil.org/virtualevents

 

The 6th annual Junior Indaba: The junior mining sector in Africa

The 2020 Indaba, known for its straight-talking and frank discussions, will take a critical view of the state of play both in South Africa and other ‘hot spots’ in the rest of Africa.

Local and international experts will provide input on the latest political, economic and regulatory developments and why certain regions have a thriving exploration and junior mining sector.

Panel discussions will focus on such themes as the demand and future role of coal in the African energy markets; which commodities are hot this year; the impact of 4IR and the transition to a low-carbon economy on junior miners; and how local and international investors view the risks and challenges of junior mining.

Crucial questions will be debated, including:
  • What is happening across Africa? Where is exploration taking place and investment flowing?
  • Do we have clarity, consistency and stability in South African mining policy and legislation to attract investment?
  • What is the potential of junior mining in terms of economic activity, GDP contribution and job creation?
  • What are the most appropriate funding vehicles for juniors? What new financing options are available?
  • What does the transition to a low-carbon economy mean for junior mining?
  • What does the ‘just transition’ away from coal mean for African junior coal miners?

Popular features of the programme include: Project Showcase sessions (featuring junior miners from across Africa); Myth Busters, Lessons from the Legends and Peter Major’s Facts and Fiction!

Keep checking our website to see the latest additions to our speaker line up here.

Chaired by Bernard Swanepoel, early confirmed speakers include:

Luis Almeida, CEO, Sodim Group; Morne du Plessis, CEO, Minergy; Tim George, CEO, Pensana Metals; Dr Roger Key, Head of Exploration, Kalahari Key Mineral Exploration Company; Simone Naiker, Chemical Engineer, Process Development, Exxaro; Nick von Schirnding, Chairman & CEO, Arc Minerals; William (Bill) Witham, CEO, Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group; Helium One; ARX Resources amongst others.

Registration is now open so don’t wait, book now and take advantage of our early bird rates.

An extensive guide to COVID-19 funding options for small businesses

In a recent study by Startup Genome, 42% of small businesses globally have less than three months before they will not be in existence any more. This means that should these businesses not be able to create revenue or get funding in the next few months they will struggle.

Are you one of these businesses? If so, here are some funding options to look into. Remember when considering funding it is important to understand the terms and conditions of the fund. You should also speak to a financial advisor if anything is unclear about the fund.

Find information on the various funds which are available here:

An extensive guide to COVID-19 funding options

Learn more about the NSBC’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Centre

We need fast action to make the thousands of small businesses throughout South Africa more resilient to coronavirus-related economic disruptions.

Small businesses are vital economic engines, the mainstay of our economy and the future of job creation. More than two-thirds of the working force work in a small business today. This is why we need to make sure we bridge businesses through these tough times.

Our goal is to make sure businesses stay in business and that we keep workers employed. Although this is a time to be careful, it’s not a time to panic and stop shopping locally, it’s the time to stand together.

Some of the few key areas include:
  • Creating a business continuity plan
  • Digital marketing strategies in a time of crisis
  • How to handle and implement hygiene protocols and new staff policies
  • How to move from face-to-face to online meetings
We will also campaign on behalf of all small business to encourage providers to implement:
  • Low-interest disaster recovery loans
  • Moratorium on vehicle and equipment leases, bond repayments etc
  • Negotiating and staying in contact with suppliers
  • Landlord negotiation with regards to property leases
Learn more: https://www.nsbc.africa/COVID-19

The NSBC is Africa’s leading SME organisation and the fastest growing organisation of its kind in the world, committed to helping business owners and entrepreneurs become tomorrow’s business legends.

African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa goes virtual in May

The organisers of African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa have announced that a free, virtual conference will take place in May.

“Although the event was recently postponed to November,” says event director Evan Schiff, “we recognise that the need for information, expert opinion and connection with your peers and customers is required now. We have therefore created a Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, that will bring our partners in the power, energy and water sectors timeous content to answer their most pressing concerns now.”

The live online event will take place from 11-15 May and the programme will include the following topics:
  • Exploring private sector participation in African power and water sector
  • Maintenance: key to keeping the lights on
  • Best practices for utilities’ financial health worldwide: How to better plan for the unexpected
  • Investment opportunities for South African SMMEs working in the green economy
  • Solutions for City and Municipal revenue management
  • Adopting new behaviours to influence emissions across Africa
  • The energy transition for Africa in a post COVID-19 world
  • Energy access matters
  • Impact of COVID-19 on Africa’s water sector

Key considerations in smart grid and metering communication

Committed to power and water sectors

“While at this stage the Covid-19 epidemic’s lasting economic impact is still unknown,” says the African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa event director, “African economies are expected to be hit the hardest and there can be no doubt that the effects on all aspects of the economy will be keenly felt. The public sector utilities delivering crucial electricity and water services as well as the companies servicing these sectors, ranging from multinationals to SMMEs, will not be spared either. 2020 is our event’s 20th anniversary and we remain committed to the African power and water sectors and we are excited to explore new digital formats to support connections across the continent.”

“The Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa is a completely free initiative,” Evan Schiff explains, “open and available to any interested parts of the sector. It is our way to offer both our long time partners and friends as well as new acquaintances the opportunity to learn, connect and engage. As always, the event will feature world-class speakers, an insightful programme and business matchmaking opportunities, albeit online.”

To view the speaker line-up and to register for the Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, go to https://www.african-utility-week.com/virtual

 

Leading event

The 20th annual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa conference is the leading conference and trade exhibition for African power, energy and water professionals. The event brings together over 10 000 decision makers from over 90 countries, including 35 African countries, to source the latest solutions and meet over 350 suppliers. Along with multiple side events and numerous networking functions, the event also boasts a CPD-accredited strategic conference and technical presentations with over 300 expert speakers.

African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa recently won the AAXO ROAR Award for Best Trade Exhibition in the 12000+ sqm category for the third time.

Renewable energy storage giving a new lease of life to end-of-lifecycle mine shafts

Image courtesy of Gravitricity

The new power source, dubbed “gravity energy” is being developed by Gravitricity, and mimics hydropower projects which have played a key role in helping to balance the electricity grid.

Gravitricity’s “virtual battery” design is created by hoisting and dropping 12,000-tonne weights – more than the weight of the Eiffel Tower – down disused mine shafts, according to Imperial College London.

This system effectively stores energy by using electric winches to hoist the weights to the top of the shaft when there is plenty of renewable energy available, then dropping the weights hundreds of metres down vertical shafts to generate electricity when needed.

A full-scale project would drop 24 weights totalling 12,000 tonnes to a depth of 800 metres to produce enough electricity to power 63,000 homes for more than an hour. By controlling the winches Gravitricity said it could extend this period by allowing the weights to fall at a slower rate and release electricity over a longer period.

Ideally suited to network-constrained users and operators, distribution networks and major power users, the technology operates in the 1 MW to 20 MW power range and enables existing grid infrastructure to go further in a renewable energy world. Electrical power is either absorbed or generated by raising or lowering the weight. The weight is guided by a system of tensioned guide wires to prevent it from swinging and damaging the shaft.

The system was developed by Gravitricity’s founder, Peter Fraenkel, who also invented the world’s first full-scale tidal energy turbines. The tidal energy design was subsequently bought by the German industrial firm Siemens.

The company is currently in discussion with mine owners in the UK, South Africa, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where mine shafts can be more than 2,000 metres deep.

Charlie Blair, Gravitricity’s managing director, said: “The beauty of this is that this can be done multiple times a day for many years, without any loss of performance. This makes it very competitive against other forms of energy storage – including lithium-ion batteries.”

Oliver Schmidt, the lead author of Imperial’s report, said Gravitricity’s model is the most price competitive energy storage option because it has a relatively low upfront cost and a potential lifespan of more than 25 years.

The report found that electricity released by a typical 10 MW lithium-ion battery project would cost $367 per megawatt-hour over its lifetime compared with a cost of $171/MWh for electricity from a Gravitricity project.

Schmidt said: “I don’t expect Gravitricity to displace all lithium batteries on grids, but it certainly looks like a compelling proposition.”

Images are courtesy of Gravitricity.

Mining could be the best thing to stabilise the South African economy after the COVID-19 crisis

It is evident that in order to tackle the effects of the current situation, South Africa will be required to pass a set of constructive economic reforms to improve the country’s financial performance and productivity. These measures are also going to be critical for achieving previously set targets to reduce poverty and unemployment.

Unfortunately, the only way South Africa can return to a reasonable investment grade will be through significant economic restructuring, especially since Moody’s has now lowered South Africa’s credit rating. Earlier this year, the country’s economic growth forecast was similarly greatly reduced, boosting the need for sizable economic restructuring.

The South African government has certainly been proactive in its response to COVID-19, with the country now in a 21-day lockdown. The lockdown has generally been well-received and supported by business, including the Minerals Council of South Africa. The collaborative efforts of the Department of Minerals Resources & Energy and the Minerals Council have shown that the country is putting the health of employees first and is committed to delivering essential services and minimising the damage to the operational capacity of the sector.

Industry experts believe that the 21-day lockdown could have a positive effect on metal prices in the longer term. It is forecast that platinum will benefit most from the current situation, a boon for South Africa, which last year contributed close to 75% of global output. The lockdown will particularly benefit those producers who are able to keep a sizable proportion of operations functional due to heavily automated processes and successful implementation of new technologies.

Iron ore could similarly benefit from the current situation, given that South Africa is one of the largest producers, whilst Chinese demand is slowly recovering as the country successfully leaves the COVID-19 crisis phase. Furthermore, the interest in bulk commodities has remained relatively high despite global quarantine measures being rolled out across some of the world’s largest economies.

Guernsey demonstrates strengths in a “land of opportunity”

It was clear from our trip to South Africa in February that the short-term picture in the country is nervous – but longer term is there is opportunity for many in South Africa, particularly with investment in infrastructure going on in the country.

Clients want to invest offshore at this time. Large flows of funds are leaving South Africa, heading for unit trusts, money markets and retail investment funds, and they are attracted to Guernsey for a number of reasons, not least diversification.

The significant business ties in financial services between South Africa and Guernsey are well established, and we were also speaking to more companies who are interested in setting up in Guernsey.

James Crawford, International Business Development Director at Guernsey Finance

We saw firms keen to invest in Guernsey, and others actually looking to establish a base in the island, as part of a move away from Mauritius and Cayman as default offshore jurisdictions for South Africans.

They were telling us that they saw a Guernsey platform as being more sustainable and offering them wider leverage, and spoke of Guernsey as being “ahead of the pack” compared to competitor jurisdictions. One manager said Guernsey “meets investors’ expectations as a reputable destination with a strong reputation”.

What are Guernsey’s strengths?

  • Excellent regulation
  • Same language, culture and time zones
  • Closest offshore financial services centre to London
  • Europe’s leading specialist centre for private equity administration
  • Internationally recognised by both US and European markets
  • Early and positive adopter of the Common Reporting Standard

Find out more about what Guernsey can do for you as a base for offshore investment. Go to https://www.weareguernsey.com/finance-industry/investment-funds/

Guernsey ready to ‘lend a hand’ for offshore investment

I am writing this while flying from Cape Town to Gatwick, following a busy week at the end of February in warm and welcoming South Africa.

The Guernsey delegation which I was part of were learning, always learning, about the local market and spreading the good word about the role that Guernsey plays in supporting it – and it was clear that there is so much more that can be done.

In the midst of a (medical and media-frenzy) pandemic, with markets shaking and shuddering more than the Boeing 777 now beneath me, it was refreshing to reflect on the long-run opportunities for a continent that will be home to seven of the world’s 20 most populous nations by 2050.

Paul Wilkes, Group Partner, Guernsey

This time round, in addition to meeting with friends new and old in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, we attended the SAVCA conference in Stellenbosch.

It is safe to say that the southern African private equity and venture capital ecosystem is vibrant, active and diverse. Taking place in the same week as SuperReturn Berlin, I am sure that the same conversations were taking place about the search for returns, valuation challenges and exit strategies in both hemispheres.

Here are a few of the themes that came up in my discussions with South African fund managers, allocators and investors.

Key asset classes

There was a bit of everything (as one would hope in a functioning economy), but the repeating strategies were infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture. Perhaps of comfort for some, there was a healthy supply of talk about fintech, agritech and biotech.

Infrastructure followed China’s belt and road initiative (as we all do) but was much broader – reflecting the impending demographic dividend across the continent. Healthcare and education covered both private service and the extended supply chain.

Impact investing

Investing for impact was a prevalent theme both in and out of the official sessions. Impact being taken in its broadest sense – sustainability and climate change; financial inclusion; access to waste and healthcare; gender empowerment and more. If you have an SDG, there is an urgent and lasting business case right here and right now to attack it. And attack it profitably.

Yemi Lalude of the private equity firm TPG was at pains to say that their $2.2 billion Rise Fund, focusing on impact investment, had a few key missions – to prove that you can impact invest at scale and prove that impact investing does not mean lower returns.

Mauritius

As the private equity and venture capital sector continues to draw international attention and demand, the historical preference for Mauritius as the fund domicile is being challenged.

Investor comfort, time zone challenges, talent scarcity and a diminishing tax benefit (including direct tax leakage in the island and a weakening tax treaty network) have led managers to look to more established fund centres, such as Guernsey, for long term stability. And Guernsey is ready and willing with the capacity, regulatory regimes, and hunger to lend a hand.

 

African Travel and Tourism Awards finalists announced

Africa is as unique as it is beautiful. It is underneath our starry skies that generations of storytellers have held court while telling their folktales.

The African Travel and Tourism Awards is a celebration of all that lies beneath our African skies. They honour the stars of African tourism and the enchanting tales they weave for our industry. These Awards recognise the best of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognises outstanding private sector companies and individuals.

With over 100 entries across the eight categories, the judges had the challenging task of choosing the finalists. Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director for Africa Travel Week went on to say, “The submissions were of an extremely high calibre, featuring tales of magic weaved from diverse voices, celebrating the stories that lie Under African Skies – stories of vitality, riches, movement, time, strength, change and promise.”

All the finalists for the Awards have demonstrated how through through vivid marketing campaigns and/or providing unique travel experiences they attracted travellers to their destination, venue or to use their product offering. The finalists have written the most compelling stories in the book of African travel.

WTM Africa Travel & Tourism Awards

The finalists are:

Most Compelling Tourism Story
  • Cape Town in Modern South by Cape Town Tourism
  • Spring Marketing Campaign by Northern Cape Tourism Authority
  • Cradle of Human Culture by WESGRO
Most Compelling Innovation and Technology Story
  • Q2B Booking Gateway by Q2B Solutions
  • VISTA Destination Network by Rainmaker Digital
  • Virtual Reality for Tanzania by View 4D
  • Travelstart Buses by Travelstart
Most Compelling Agency Story
  • Love Africa Marketing for Blood Lions
  • Have You Heard for Cape Town Tourism
  • CNN International Commercial for Dangote
  • Big Ambitions for SATSA
Most Compelling Luxury Story
  • Kololo Game Reserve by Kololo Game Reserve
  • Table Mountain Ring by Shimansky
  • Desert Rose by Shimansky
  • Rockwell Showroom by Shimansky
Most Sustainable Story
  • Eco Messages by Emboo Camp
  • How Many Elephants by How Many Elephants
  • Sierraously Inspiring by OhThePeopleYouMeet
  • International Dark Sky Certification Campaign by !Xaus Lodge
Most Digital Story
  • Back to Africa by Black and Abroad
  • JAW Designs for eBucks Travel
  • De Zeven relaunch by EcoAfrica Digital
  • Blood Lions by Love Marketing Africa
Most Compelling Adventure Story
  • Bronze Whalers by Marine Dynamic Tours
  • Pioneer Trail by Gondwana Game Reserve
  • Namib100 Hike by Live The Journey
  • Road Less Travelled by TravelNews East Africa
Most Compelling Foodie Story
  • Farm to Table by CNN International Commercial with Dangote
  • Travel with Purpose by 4Roomed eKasi
  • Africa’s Original Elephant Dung Gin by Indlovu Gin
  • Wild Food from Land and Sea by The Vineyard Hotel

The winners were due to be announced on 6 April at GOLD Restaurant as part of World Travel Market Africa 2020 in Cape Town, which has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While the travel industry supports the #SaveTourism Campaign it is vital that we still celebrate the finalists.

The winners will be announced in May 2020.

All finalists and winners will be invited to attend a special event during World Market Africa 2021.

For more information, please visit World Travel Market (WTM) Africa: https://africa.wtm.com/

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