Regions – Global Africa Network https://www.globalafricanetwork.com Business, Trade and Investment in Africa Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:24:07 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 Catalytic projects in Durban: iZinga Eco Estate (2026 update) https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/catalytic-projects-in-durban-izinga-eco-estate-2026-update/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/catalytic-projects-in-durban-izinga-eco-estate-2026-update/#respond Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:24:05 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=45774 Overview

The iZinga Balwin Development is situated in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The site covers a gross area of approximately 107 ha.​

The development will have a profound effect on Durban’s housing market, providing affordable housing in an affluent area that was previously reserved for the wealthy and largely unattainable to the majority of the​ community.​

The development will incorporate a school with a sports centre, which will include padel courts, soccer fields, gyms, a swimming pool as well as a retail​ centre including a restaurant, fuel station and convenience store.

Current progress

  • iZinga Eco Estate – Phase 1 – in progress
  • iZinga Eco Estate – Phase 2 – in planning
  • iZinga Lifestyle Center – in planning
  • iZinga Views – in planning
iZinga Eco Estate [Photo: Balwin Properties] [Supplied: eThekwini Municipality]

Next steps

  • Construction of the upgrades to Herrwood Drive to start in September 2025
  • De-silting of exiting sewer line to Ohlanga pump station to accommodate full development flows
  • Construction of the extension of Herrwood Drive to the N2 as well as an underpass and on/off ramps onto the N2
  • Construction of the extension of Preston Drive and the intersection of Preston Drive
[Supplied: eThekwini Municipality]

Project info

  • Investor: Balwin Properties
  • Investment value: 6.14-billion
  • Construction period: 2020 – 2030

Contact project promoter

[contact-form-7]

Investment opportunities in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

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Industrial space available in strategic, high-impact SEZ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/strategic-high-impact-project-nkomazi-special-economic-zone/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/strategic-high-impact-project-nkomazi-special-economic-zone/#respond Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:38:47 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=30001 Located directly south of the N4, directly south of the N4 (national road), 5km from the Lebombo Border Post (between SA & Mozambique) and 73 km to Mananga Border Post, (between SA and Eswatini); the Nkomazi SEZ has unique strengths and advantages.

Its proximity to the Maputo Corridor and the connections to the Port of Maputo provides investors with easy access to East African (146 million people), SADC (277 million) and ultimately, global markets.

The SEZ is supported by well-developed world class rail and road infrastructure, logistically providing efficient connectivity to Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo in South Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini and the Republic of Mozambique.

Position your operation strategically along the Maputo Development Corridor

The Nkomazi SEZ is an attractive investment destination, especially for the agri-industrial and logistics sectors.

Strategically positioned in the border town of Komatipoort, Nkomazi SEZ offers a multi-sector base of operations along the Maputo Development Corridor which provides exporters with good access through Maputo Port to the export markets of South East Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim and Far East Asia.

Focused industrial sectors

The Nkomazi SEZ is designed to be a multi-sectoral industrial zone, focused on:

  • Agro-processing – citrus fruits; subtropical fruits; aromatic plants; ground and tree nuts;
  • Formulation and production of nutraceuticals;
  • Refining of nutritional oils;
  • A sugar mill;
  • Integrated meat processing and attendant leather beneficiation factories;
  • Fertilizer production based on recent South African innovation.
  • Also serve as Logistics Hub
(Supplied)

 

Strategic Objectives of the Nkomazi SEZ

  • Act as an industrial engine to increase agricultural produce throughout the agricultural value chain
  • Contribute to GDP of the province and country;
  • Increase cross-border trade and export to Africa and the rest of the world.
  • Attract Direct Foreign and Domestic Investment;
  • Create more sustainable job opportunities in the agricultural value chains;
  • Promote SMME development through incubation of new entrepreneurs
The entire development is designed to follow a green infrastructure theme, through:
    • Deployment of renewable energy technologies;
    • Hydrogen mobility with associated generation, storage and transportation infrastructure;
    • Recycling of the bulk of water used on the site and adjacent

The Maputo Corridor is bound to develop even more as the Maputo harbour improves its handling and scheduling capacity. In the event that a second rail line to Maputo to complement the current rail link is developed, the shipment of mining products and agricultural produce to and from the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces will increase.

Investors to date

At this stage, 14 investors have committed to the Nkomazi SEZ, operating mainly in the energy, logistics and agro-processing sectors and amounting to a total investment of R50-billion.

Amongst others, DP World is committed to create a logistics terminal (Komatipoort Dry Port) that can handle cargo containers and bulk material transport through transshipment of road cargo to rail (intermodal). Another investor, Vutomi Energy, is constructing a 100MW Gas to Energy Powerplant. These developments are already in an advanced stage.

The Nkomazi SEZ is set to provide One-Stop-Shop services, incentives, an innovative platform, a competitive and transparent market environment and timeous and efficient responses to investors’ market requirements.

Contact

Potential investors are encouraged to contact the Nkomazi SEZ team to discuss all available options and opportunities:

[contact-form-7]

More information about the Nkomazi SEZ:


About Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities that are supported through special tax incentives. An SEZ aims to be an economic development tool to promote rapid economic growth by using various support measures to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments and technology. 


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Global study highlights growing fraud readiness gap among risk leaders  https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/company-news/global-study-highlights-growing-fraud-readiness-gap-among-risk-leaders/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/company-news/global-study-highlights-growing-fraud-readiness-gap-among-risk-leaders/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:59:30 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=45423 Fraud is evolving faster than many organisations can adapt. A new global study shows that while executives are increasingly aware of emerging threats, a significant number acknowledge they are falling behind in their ability to respond—especially as fraudsters adopt artificial intelligence and automation to scale attacks with greater speed and precision. 

A global leader in AI-powered Decision Intelligence, Provenir, highlights the growing strain on organisations to strengthen fraud defenses while still delivering seamless, low-friction digital experiences that customers expect .

Executives acknowledge difficulty responding to new fraud trends 

One of the study’s most striking findings is that 50% of credit risk and fraud executives worldwide say their biggest challenge is the inability to detect and react quickly to new fraud trends. This acknowledgement points to a fundamental vulnerability in many existing fraud prevention strategies, where static rules and fragmented data often fail to keep pace with modern fraud techniques. 

As fraud schemes grow more dynamic and adaptive, companies are increasingly exposed to risks that can materialise and escalate in real time — often before traditional controls are able to respond. 

Rising anxiety around AI-enabled fraud 

Concerns are intensifying as fraudsters adopt artificial intelligence to automate attacks, mimic legitimate behaviour, and exploit digital onboarding and application processes at scale. The survey found that 77% of executives are concerned about AI-enabled fraud threats, reflecting widespread recognition that fraud has entered a new era of sophistication. 

These concerns span industries, from financial services and insurance to retail and telecommunications, as organisations contend with fraud attempts that are faster, more personalised, and harder to detect than ever before. 

Companies accelerate adoption of AI-driven defenses 

In response to these challenges, many organisations are accelerating investments in advanced fraud prevention technologies. The survey shows that 75% of respondents are deploying AI-driven, adaptive fraud prevention solutions, while 74% are leveraging real-time anomaly detection to identify suspicious activity as it occurs. 

These approaches signal a shift away from reactive, rules-based models toward more dynamic systems capable of learning, adapting, and responding to emerging fraud patterns in real time. For many leaders, AI is no longer optional—it is becoming foundational to effective fraud management. 

Defining the building blocks of a strong fraud strategy 

When asked to identify the most important elements of a comprehensive fraud strategy, executives emphasised the need for better data visibility, integration, and customer-centricity. 

  • 33% said gaining a comprehensive fraud risk view of customer data was most important 
  • 23% cited reducing friction in the customer experience as critical 
  • 22% emphasized aligning data at the customer level rather than by channel 
  • 19% pointed to breaking down data silos between fraud and credit teams 


These findings highlight a growing understanding that fraud prevention cannot operate in isolation. Instead, it must be integrated across teams and systems to provide a unified, real-time view of risk at the customer level. 

Future priorities: Automation, accuracy and fraud loss reduction 

Looking ahead, organisations are focused on strengthening both efficiency and effectiveness within their fraud and risk operations. Survey respondents identified several key areas of investment over the next phase of their fraud prevention journeys: 

  • 54% aim to enhance operational efficiency and automation 
  • 54% plan to improve the accuracy of artificial intelligence and machine learning models 
  • 52% are focused on reducing overall fraud losses 

These priorities reflect the dual mandate facing risk leaders: manage growing volumes of transactions and data while maintaining precision and minimising false positives that can frustrate customers and strain operations. 

Fraud prevention’s expanding role in business strategy 

The study also reveals that fraud prevention is no longer viewed solely as a defensive function. Organisations increasingly see it as a driver of broader business outcomes and competitive advantage. 

Beyond reducing fraud losses, respondents said their fraud strategies are expected to help:

  • 57% increase in customer retention and loyalty 
  • 55% enhance customer experience and reduce friction 
  • 51% improve overall profitability or risk-adjusted returns 
  • 50% enable event-driven, real-time decisioning 

These results demonstrate a growing alignment between fraud prevention, customer experience, and revenue growth—areas that were once managed separately but are now deeply interconnected. 

Executive insight on the speed of fraud evolution 

“The biggest risk today isn’t just fraud itself, rather it’s the speed and sophistication at which fraud vectors are evolving, with half of institutions indicating keeping pace with this race remains their greatest challenge,” said Carol Hamilton, Chief Commercial Officer, Provenir. “AI-driven, real-time, and adaptive fraud prevention is essential to improving model accuracy and protecting customers without adding friction to the experience.” 

Her perspective reflects a broader industry shift toward viewing speed and adaptability as the defining factors of successful fraud prevention in the modern digital economy. 

About the study methodology 

The survey was conducted in early December 2025 by The Harris Poll and included 203 respondents across North America, EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.

Participants held the title of director or higher and were responsible for deploying AI-based solutions within their organisations. All respondents were involved in risk evaluation, credit approvals, fraud detection, or personalised offers across industries, including banking, credit unions, financial services, FinTech, insurance, wholesale, retail and telecommunications. 


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Join the 2025 Limpopo Investment Conference – livestreamed today https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/limpopo-investment-conference/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/limpopo-investment-conference/#respond Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:03:10 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=43769 The Limpopo Investment Conference will further position the province’s investment and industrialisation discourse, emphasizing the opportunity to take advantage of the untapped and latent business opportunities flowing from traditional and new growth sectors.

The two-day conference will bring investors, industrial players, economists, business experts and academics to debate and bring about solutions for growing new industries, to thereby support job creation, aid in reducing poverty and contribute towards overall economic growth.

Limpopo Province has a keen interest in further encouraging and optimising private sector investment into the province.

Day 1 (30 October): View the livestream recording

Day 2 (31 October): Join the Livestream here

 

 

Note: Online registration gives you access to the live stream & digital materials only. It does not include in-person seating.

 


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Iza Crafts: Weaving heritage into every stitch https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/company-news/iza-crafts-weaving-heritage-into-every-stitch/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/company-news/iza-crafts-weaving-heritage-into-every-stitch/#respond Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:16 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=43304 From a modest backroom in Mdantsane, where one seamstress and three beaders worked with  determination, Iza Crafts has grown into a celebrated symbol of artistry and cultural pride. Founded in 2001 by Thembeka Metele, the enterprise was born from her lifelong commitment to community upliftment and her passion for preserving isiXhosa and Mfengu traditions.

Over the years, Iza Crafts blossomed into a vibrant creative hub in Quigney, East London, where skilled seamstresses and beaders poured their talent into every garment and accessory. Today, although Thembeka has retired, her daughter Nosipho Metele carries the torch, ensuring that the legacy of craft and cultural storytelling continues for generations to come.

Iza Crafts’ creations are instantly recognisable. From hand beaded necklaces, bangles, and headbands to authentic isiXhosa and Mfengu attire, the brand captures the essence of tradition while embracing contemporary flair. Shawls, doeks, and modern bags are adorned with bold colour palettes, intricate beadwork, and traditional materials that reflect the artistry of the Eastern Cape.

Each item tells a story, woven with heritage, shaped by skilled hands, and finished with pride.

The reach of this craftsmanship has extended far beyond provincial borders.

Iza Crafts has earned accolades such as the Master Crafter Award in 2018 and the Proudly South African Craft Award. Their work has graced international stages, from bespoke pieces for the Edinburgh Festival theatre production to exclusive collections for Axis Gallery in New York and New Jersey. Most recently, their designs adorned the Winnie Mandela sculpture created by artist Nicola Holgate for the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.

Beyond recognition, Iza Crafts has become a catalyst for cultural preservation and community empowerment.

The business has trained seamstresses and beaders who have gone on to build successful careers of their own, while also giving back through donations and support for vulnerable children and disadvantaged groups. In every respect, Iza Crafts has remained true to Thembeka’s original vision: to use craft as a vehicle for dignity, pride, and opportunity.

The ECDC has been an instrumental partner in this journey, providing platforms to showcase Iza Crafts on national and international stages, from arts festivals to fashion showcases. This support has positioned the enterprise as part of a broader movement to ensure that Eastern Cape creativity is celebrated locally and recognised globally.

At its heart, Iza Crafts is more than a business, it is a story of heritage carried forward. Every stitch and every bead is a tribute to the past, a reflection of the present, and an inspiration for the future.


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Trump’s tariffs and AGOA uncertainty: What African supply chain managers need to know https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/trumps-tariffs-and-agoa-uncertainty-what-african-supply-chain-managers-need-to-know/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/trumps-tariffs-and-agoa-uncertainty-what-african-supply-chain-managers-need-to-know/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 16:29:50 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=41273 With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) also set to expire this year, many African exporters face additional uncertainty over their preferential access to US markets. As global trade routes shift and geopolitical tensions rise, Africa’s supply chains, which are already vulnerable, must rapidly adapt, SAPICS cautions.

Rising import costs, congested supply routes, rising freight prices and currency volatility are some of the negative impacts that Trump’s policies are having on African supply chains, the organisation notes.

“Even if African countries aren’t directly targeted by tariffs, they will feel the ripple effects. Many goods imported into Africa – especially machinery, electronics and raw materials – come from Asia. When the US applies tariffs to China, for example, costs rise globally as supply chains reroute, production shifts and suppliers face higher demand elsewhere.

“As US firms seek alternatives to Chinese suppliers, Southeast Asian capacity is stretched thin. African businesses face longer lead times and increased costs when sourcing from the same regions. Freight rates may climb due to reconfigured global logistics patterns.

“Trade disputes between superpowers unsettle currency markets. Many African countries already struggle with currency instability, so supply chain managers must now navigate not only rising prices but also fluctuating exchange rates, making cost forecasting a nightmare.”

This is compounded by AGOA hanging in the balance, SAPICS states. This Act allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the US duty-free. It has been critical to the growth of Africa industries, including the agriculture and automotive sectors.

Trump’s 2025 administration has yet to confirm AGOA’s renewal. If it is not renewed or restructured unfavourably, African exporters could lose critical price advantages in the US market. “For supply chain managers, this represents a serious threat, not only to export volumes, but to production planning, workforce stability and customer confidence,” warns SAPICS.

The not-for-profit supply chain body advises African supply chain managers to mitigate their risks by diversifying sourcing and export markets, by building regional value chains, strengthening supplier and buyer relationships, monitoring policy and engaging proactively, and reassessing their contracts and inventory. SAPICS also recommends that organisations accelerate their digital transformation in order to improve visibility, transparency, decision-making and collaboration across their supply chain.

“Relying on one export market or import region is now a major risk. Managers should explore alternative suppliers outside of high-demand regions and within Africa itself via the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Trump’s policies highlight the need to reduce dependency on global imports and build African self-reliance. Sourcing from or manufacturing within Africa, even if is more expensive initially, helps protect supply chains from external shocks.

“Strong relationships mean better access to capacity, more favourable terms and early warnings of disruption. Now is the time to negotiate long-term agreements, collaborate on forecasting and co-invest in resilience. Reviewing terms with suppliers and buyers to ensure flexibility in pricing, currency adjustments and delivery timelines should also be on the agenda. Holding additional inventory for critical items may be worth the cost,” SAPICS states.

The organisation urges supply chain professionals to stay close to developments around AGOA. “Belonging to an industry association or collaborative network is more critical than ever,” SAPICS stresses. “In a volatile global trade environment, African supply chain managers cannot afford to operate in silos. Being connected, engaged, sharing knowledge and collaborating across supply chains and sectors is vital. The advocacy provided by an industry body, the collective voice and the risk mitigation enabled by collaboration are among the benefits, particularly amid the current uncertainty and challenges. Industry bodies also ensure that members are kept abreast of significant developments and updates, and that they have access to vital training and skills development to navigate supply chain shifts and challenges.”

Since 1966, SAPICS’s mission has been to elevate, educate and empower supply chain professionals in South Africa and across the continent. The upcoming annual SAPICS Conference, which takes place in Cape Town from 8 to 11 June 2025 is the leading learning, knowledge sharing and networking event in Africa for supply chain professionals.

To find out more about corporate and individual membership of SAPICS, visit: https://www.sapics.org/membership

To find out more or to register to attend this year’s 47th annual SAPICS Conference, contact event organiser Upavon Management by emailing info@upavon.co.za or calling +27 11 023 6701

For more information email: info@sapics.org.za


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Bellville steps into the spotlight as GTP joins City of Cape Town’s Content Partnership Programme https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/bellville-steps-into-the-spotlight-as-gtp-joins-city-of-cape-towns-content-partnership-programme/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/bellville-steps-into-the-spotlight-as-gtp-joins-city-of-cape-towns-content-partnership-programme/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 08:28:46 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=41228 The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has been named as the official content partner for Bellville in the City of Cape Town’s award-winning Content Partnership Programme for 2025, powered by the Destination Marketing Unit. The official 12-month contract was signed at a ceremony held on Thursday, 10 April 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Bellville’s story to reach the world.

This announcement positions GTP as the strategic destination promoter for the region, charged with capturing and sharing the pulse of Bellville, its people, places, and possibilities, with global audiences.

Having GTP as the City’s content partner for Bellville forms part of a broader effort to unlock Bellville’s potential as a thriving secondary city, not just for Cape Town, but for South Africa and beyond.

Now in its second year, the City Cape Town’s Content Partnership Programme is redefining destination marketing in Cape Town. Rather than pushing out centrally produced campaigns, the City is empowering a diverse network of trusted partners – including iconic attractions and local institutions like Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and the Two Oceans Aquarium – to share real, homegrown stories. These are then amplified through highly targeted digital campaigns across international markets.

This year, Bellville joins that network, and GTP will be at the forefront – showcasing the dynamic life of the city’s second largest Cape Town metropolitan node to local and international visitors and investors.

“Bellville is more than just a place you pass through, it’s a place you arrive in,” says Warren Hewitt, CEO of GTP. “It’s alive with movement, ambition, and culture – ripe with opportunity. This partnership is our chance to share the true spirit of Bellville as a place where ideas take shape, futures are built, and people connect.”

Bellville from the air. Credit: GTP

Telling Bellville’s story to the world

Located at the heart of Cape Town’s transport network, Bellville is one of the most accessible places in the metropole and a rising hub of opportunity. With 350,000 trips made daily through the city’s busiest transport interchange, three major universities, 150 schools, Tygerberg Hospital (Africa’s second-busiest), and some of the fastest internet connectivity in the Western Cape, Bellville is fast becoming a key destination for those looking to live, work, study and invest in the Mother City.

It also sits just minutes from Cape Town International Airport and serves as a vital intermodal hub to the Port – giving it both a physical and strategic edge.

“Bellville is more than a city and it’s on the move, powered by people with purpose. What makes it exciting is not just its infrastructure, but its people – entrepreneurs, students, artists, and families, who all shape their own futures here. GTP gets to share Bellville’s essence and opportunities with the world,” adds Hewitt.

Alderman James Vos at the signing ceremony.

As part of the programme, GTP will share quarterly content including photos, videos, and written pieces that highlight Bellville’s unique offerings. This content will be amplified globally via paid campaigns across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, targeting specific international markets by interest, language and location.

This announcement positions GTP as the strategic destination promoter for the region, charged with capturing and sharing the pulse of Bellville, its people, places, and possibilities, with global audiences.

But the partnership goes beyond content alone. GTP will regularly host other members of the content network, offering immersive experiences that open a window into the heart of Bellville. These visits are designed to build stronger relationships, inspire collaboration and spark new, authentic narratives, often captured spontaneously by those on the ground.

This aligns with GTP’s evolving identity centred on creating better places for people. Rather than a traditional top-down model of area promotion, GTP’s approach is human-first, amplifying real voices, real work, and real change.

Looking ahead

Having GTP as the City’s content partner for Bellville forms part of a broader effort to unlock Bellville’s potential as a thriving secondary city, not just for Cape Town, but for South Africa and beyond. Bellville’s time is now, and the world is invited to watch, listen, and be part of the story.

For more information visit www.gtp.org.za and follow @the_gtp on social media.

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2nd Annual Africa Supply Chain Optimisation https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/2nd-annual-supply-chain-optimisation/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/2nd-annual-supply-chain-optimisation/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:21:47 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=39119 The 2nd Annual Supply Chain Optimisation event is a must-attend gathering for professionals and decision-makers from both the private and public sectors who are eager to tackle Africa’s most pressing supply chain challenges.

With infrastructure gaps, limited technology adoption, regulatory inconsistencies, and governance barriers continuing to hinder supply chain efficiency, this event offers a vital platform to explore actionable solutions. For governments, the struggle to address budget constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption creates an urgent need for innovative strategies and collaboration.

This event will deliver unparalleled insights into overcoming these challenges through sessions led by industry leaders and policy experts. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on leveraging technology, transforming procurement practices, fostering public-private partnerships, and building resilient supply chains that can drive economic growth and service delivery.

For private entities, the event offers an opportunity to understand evolving regulations, explore sustainability initiatives, and enhance collaboration with public sector stakeholders. For governments, it provides a forum to address governance issues, streamline procurement processes, and attract investment for infrastructure development.

With an agenda that addresses critical topics, from regulatory updates and professionalisation to ESG integration and cutting-edge technologies, this event is your gateway to becoming part of Africa’s supply chain transformation.

View or download the 2025 Agenda here.

Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and lead the change towards more efficient and sustainable supply chains.

Find out more: https://africasco.co.za/

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Unlocking China’s high-growth potential for South African investors https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/unlocking-chinas-high-growth-potential-for-south-african-investors/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/featured/unlocking-chinas-high-growth-potential-for-south-african-investors/#respond Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:27:24 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=39037 As Altvest Capital prepares to investigate the feasibility of a launch of the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, we are excited to present an unprecedented opportunity for South African investors to access one of the world’s most dynamic and promising venture capital markets: China.

This listing brings to South Africa an investment vehicle previously reserved for institutional and high-net-worth individuals, offering retail investors and retirement funds access to the unparalleled growth and diversification opportunities that Chinese venture capital (VC) provides.

My recent visit to China cemented my confidence in the country’s powerful economic trajectory, particularly in sectors like technology, biotechnology and renewable energy. These industries are aligned with China’s long-term growth objectives and bolstered by robust government support, creating an environment where innovative companies are scaling rapidly.

Through the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund (AOOF), Altvest is making these exclusive opportunities available on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), marking a pivotal shift in South African investment options.

A gateway to China’s thriving VC ecosystem

The VC market in China is the second largest globally, driven by the country’s evolution from “the world’s factory” to a high-tech innovator. China’s VC landscape is bolstered by a booming domestic market, extensive R&D investment and government support in targeted sectors. This presents tremendous growth potential in industries at the forefront of global innovation, such as artificial intelligence, life sciences and renewable energy.

For instance, companies like WeRide in autonomous driving and Zeekr in electric vehicles are scaling to global prominence with support from the VC ecosystem. The country’s five-year plans specifically promote growth in these sectors, giving investors in Chinese venture capital a unique alignment with national strategic priorities.

However, the exclusivity of Chinese venture capital has meant that most retail investors cannot participate due to high minimum investments, commitment-based structures and limited liquidity. Traditional VC funds typically require large sums of committed capital, sometimes locked for a decade or more with no secondary market for exits. In contrast, AOOF’s listing on the JSE addresses these barriers by providing retail investors a pathway to high-growth opportunities within a regulated, publicly-traded structure.

Structured for flexibility and high-growth potential

Altvest has designed the AOOF with a phased, diversified investment strategy to manage risk and maintain flexibility. The initial capital raised will be placed in liquid, China-focused public equities and short-term treasury instruments, ensuring immediate exposure to Chinese economic trends while providing a flexible treasury function.

This strategy allows us to deploy capital into high-potential, venture-backed startups as opportunities arise. RisCura, our trusted partner in managing AOOF, brings significant local presence and expertise in China, leveraging deep networks and due diligence capabilities to navigate this complex market. With over a decade of experience in Chinese markets, RisCura offers essential on-the-ground insights, an invaluable advantage when investing in emerging markets.

The AOOF then transitions to a focus on venture capital, capitalising on high-growth companies at various stages of development. This approach diversifies the portfolio across emerging sectors and growth stages, balancing risk while maximising potential returns. Through our partnership with RisCura, we’re investing in funds like the Orient Opportunities China Venture Capital Fund (OOCVCF), gaining access to exclusive opportunities in sectors identified as core to China’s growth trajectory.

Comparative fee structure: accessing venture capital without the premiums

One of the most attractive aspects of the AOOF is its competitive fee structure. Traditional VC funds charge substantial fees, often comprising a 2% management fee and 20% performance fee, or “carry”. For instance, prominent VC funds in the United States and Europe operate on a “2 and 20” model, which can significantly impact investor returns, especially over long investment horizons where fees accumulate.

In contrast, the AOOF offers a 1% annual advisory fee, a 2% initial fee and a 5% carry, making it a more cost-effective alternative. This structure benefits both professional and retail investors by reducing the fee burden, ultimately allowing for more capital to be deployed in the market and enhancing potential returns. For South African investors, this means an affordable entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing VC ecosystems, previously out of reach for most individuals and smaller funds.

Exclusive access to high-growth markets

The AOOF listing on the JSE democratises access to venture capital in an emerging market while allowing retail investors to benefit from a secondary market for potential liquidity. This setup differs significantly from the commitment-based structures typical in the venture capital industry, where investors are locked in for long periods with limited liquidity options. By listing Class D shares, Altvest provides a flexible exit mechanism – a unique advantage for retail investors, especially in the venture capital space, where liquidity is notoriously constrained.

Through the AOOF, retail investors can participate in a sophisticated asset class with a level of access, transparency and flexibility that has not been available before. This innovation aligns with Altvest’s mission to democratise finance, empowering ordinary South Africans to participate in global growth.

Understanding the rewards and risks of venture capital

Venture capital is a high-risk, high-reward investment that focuses on early-stage companies with the potential for exponential growth. Historically, VC funds follow a “power law” distribution where a small number of investments yield outsized returns, while many others may fail or underperform. This pattern is both a risk and an opportunity: it underscores the importance of selecting the right investments and the expertise required to navigate volatile and emerging markets like China.

The AOOF’s structure, which combines immediate liquidity options with strategic VC investments, is designed to provide a balanced risk-return profile. However, investors must understand the volatility inherent in venture capital. Market conditions, regulatory changes and geopolitical tensions are all factors that may impact returns, particularly in a complex and fast-evolving market like China’s.

Our partnership with RisCura, a firm with a decade of experience in Chinese markets, ensures that we are well-positioned to navigate these challenges with expert insights and disciplined management.

Why IFAs should consider AOOF for their clients

For financial advisors, the AOOF represents an innovative addition to any diversified portfolio. The Fund’s exposure to high-growth sectors like technology, healthcare and renewable energy – paired with competitive fees and enhanced liquidity options – offers a compelling opportunity for clients seeking returns beyond traditional asset classes. With an expected listing on the JSE, the AOOF provides IFAs with a unique tool to broaden their clients’ portfolios, particularly in high-potential, non-correlated markets.

The Chinese venture capital market is a powerhouse of innovation and growth, and we believe that the AOOF provides a fitting vehicle for South African investors to access this potential. As Altvest prepares to launch this fund, we invite IFAs and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® to explore how the AOOF can meet the growing demand for alternative investments among South African investors.

For more information about the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund and how to participate in this landmark offering, please visit our website or contact our team.

www.altvestcapital.co.za
Also see: The Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund is opening doors
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2024 Limpopo Province Investment Conference live streaming now! https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/2024-limpopo-province-investment-conference/ https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/sectors/services/transportation-logistics/2024-limpopo-province-investment-conference/#respond Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:02:00 +0000 https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/?p=37566 The Limpopo Provincial Investment Conference, scheduled for 7–8 November 2024, follows on the SA Investment Conference hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2020.

The two-day conference will bring together investors, industrial players, economists, business experts, academics and other stakeholders, to debate and bring about solutions for growing new industries. Limpopo Province is endowed with natural resources and its economic strength in the primary sectors is an impetus contribution in the growth of manufacturing.

Register for the Live Stream, here: https://limpopoinvestmentconference.co.za/

The investment conference will further position the province’s investment and industrialisation discourse, emphasizing the opportunity to take advantage of the untapped and latent business opportunities flowing from traditional and new growth sectors imbedded in the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone.

The two-day conference will bring investors, industrial players, economists, business experts, academics and others to debate and bring about solutions for growing new industries.

Limpopo has a keen interest in further encouraging and optimizing private sector investment into the province, with a promise to a long-term strategic plan focused on inclusive growth – in the wake of the 4IR (building on the strength of small businesses, industrialists, and new upcoming entrepreneurs).

Join the Live Stream: https://limpopoinvestmentconference.co.za/
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation to join the 2024 Limpopo Investment Conference and invest in Limpopo:
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