Category Archives: Africa

Africa

South African High Commissioner visits Aberthaw in strategic milestone in UK–South Africa Net-Zero Partnership

The UK2070 Commission Taskforce led a strategic international mission welcoming His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, High Commissioner of South Africa to the United Kingdom, to the former Aberthaw power station on the south coast of Wales.

 

The visit was hosted by CCR Energy Limited, a company wholly owned by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and established to oversee redevelopment into a low carbon destination.

 

As a flagship component of the UK2070 Taskforce Programme, this post industrialisation collaboration linking Teesside, Cardiff and Komati in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa, the Aberthaw site exemplifies the transformation of legacy infrastructure into a model of clean energy innovation and regional regeneration.

The visit reinforced growing cooperation between UK regional leadership and South Africa on shared challenges including industrial decarbonisation, skills transition, and inclusive growth.

Professor Michael Henson, Chair of the UK2070 Taskforce Programme, commented: “High Commissioner Mamabolo’s visit underscores the Taskforce’s commitment to delivering international collaboration rooted in place. Aberthaw demonstrates how strategic repurposing, led by regional innovation and backed by global diplomacy, can unlock real change.”

 

His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo stated: “It is a privilege to witness the transformative progress underway at Aberthaw. We hold in high regard the work of the UK2070 Commission Taskforce, not only in advancing net-zero objectives but also in promoting a people-and-place-centred approach to development. This partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can support inclusive growth, shared prosperity and sustainable communities across both South Africa and the United Kingdom.”

 

Baroness Wilcox of Newport added: “As an advocate for Wales and the people of Wales, I was proud to join this important visit. Aberthaw stands as a powerful example of local ambition connected to global opportunity. This international partnership is beyond invaluable – for our communities today, and for future generations across both nations.”

 

Professor Steve Cummings, Pro Vice Chancellor and Knowledge Exchange, Teesside University said: “This visit reinforces Teesside University’s commitment to research-led transformation in collaboration with global partners. We are proud to support the UK2070 Taskforce in advancing practical innovation and cross-continental knowledge exchange – connecting places like Teesside, Aberthaw and Komati through shared values, research excellence and sustainable growth.”

 

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Chair of CCR Energy, said: “It was a privilege to welcome High Commissioner Mamabolo to Aberthaw, a site at the centre of our region’s clean energy ambitions. His visit highlights the strength of our growing international partnerships. We thank the UK2070 Commission and Baroness Wilcox for their continued support, and look forward to future collaboration with South Africa and Teesside – driving innovation, opportunity, and a just transition for our communities.”

 

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader, Monmouthshire Council, and Chair, Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), added: “Partnerships are at the heart of our work here at CCR. We value this significant international collaboration, as we share the common mission to deliver transformational clean energy projects that will shape our regions, grow our economies, and create a future that is inclusive and prosperous for generations to come.”

Highlighting the investment by Cardiff Capital Region in the repurposing of Aberthaw by its company, CCR Energy, the visit showcased the importance of international cooperation, and the region’s vision for a clean energy future.

 

The visit included site tours, stakeholder roundtables and forward-planning sessions on:

  • The co-design of Virtual Net Zero Centres in South Wales, Teesside and Komati, South Africa
  • Academic collaboration through the South African Presidential PhD Programme
  • Joint funding opportunities
  • Ongoing engagement with the South African Presidential Climate Commission, CCR Energy, Cardiff Capital Region, Cardiff University, Teesside University, and South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation

 

This VIP visit confirms the UK2070 Taskforce’s leadership in shaping global partnerships that drive forward climate action, innovation, and regional renewal – anchored in local assets and connected across borders.

Africa, News, Travel

Virgin Limited Edition Announces a Full Interior Refurbishment of Mahali Mzuri

Exclusive new renderings released for Sir Richard Branson’s tented safari camp, which will re-open in June 2025

27 January 2025 – Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of award-winning hotels and retreats is delighted to announce a full interior refurbishment of its luxury tented safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The project will include a re-concept of the 12 luxury tents and common areas, including the dining tent, bar and lounge, and breathtaking swimming pool, which directly overlook the valley encompassing the route of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

The new interior design concept has been carefully curated in partnership with Lynne Hunt London to enhance the guest experience by providing an immersive and serene environment that further connects Mahali Mzuri’s guests with the surrounding nature. While the camp will retain its iconic tented structures and deep-seated connection to the Maasai culture, the re-design will reflect a contemporary interpretation of African style, utilising natural materials and an earthy colour palette complemented by splashes of vibrant red and black in a nod to traditional Maasai attire. Local East African artists will also be celebrated throughout the camp with a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary artworks.

The individual tent accommodations, including a dedicated family tent, will feature spacious, open-plan suite-style living, incorporating large wrap around windows and terraces offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and bringing the outside in. The camp’s communal open firepit area and bar will continue to offer central spaces for social gathering post-game drives, or to simply relax and take in the wildlife in the valley beyond.

Wilson Odhiambo, General Manager for Mahali Mzuri, commented: “I am thrilled to announce this exciting refurbishment of our beloved camp and to have the opportunity to encourage our guests to connect even further with Mahali Mzuri’s majestic surroundings and, of course, the wildlife.

“Our continued partnership with the local Maasai people is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m delighted to be able to celebrate local culture and craftsmanship through a refreshed design incorporating custom Maasai beadwork and bronze spear finials, among many other elements.”

The newly refurbished camp will re-open in June 2025, ready for guests to take their front row seats to the Great Migration, which occurs every year during July and August when the wildebeest travel from Loita Hills to the Serengeti. The Great Migration is central to the origins of the camp, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, who’s concept was born out of a need to protect the route and land that was coming under threat.

 

As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability and community will remain at the heart of the camp, which proudly employs 80% of staff who come from the surrounding Maasai villages. From its inception, Mahali Mazuri has worked hand in hand with the local landowners and conservation managers to protect the wildlife and uplift the local communities by spearheading projects such as the decade-long development and continued running of a primary school for 300 pupils, funded by generous guest donations. The sustainable operation of the camp is equally front of mind. A solar farm allows the camp to run on up to 100% renewable energy, a rainwater harvesting system is in place, and an ever-expanding kitchen garden supplies the chefs with home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs.

 

Rates at Mahali Mzuri start from $1,100 per tent per night, including all meals and drinks, twice-daily game drives, transfers from Olare Orok airstrip, laundry service and all taxes and levies. Book from June 2025 onwards here or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com  

Africa, Global Trade, International News, News, Technology

Global expansion for Leeds tech firm.

A Leeds-based automotive technology firm is growing its exports with new customers in Australia, the Middle East and South Africa.

Mad Devs supports car manufacturers and dealers with lead and document management software to improve operations and the customer experience. It has rapidly grown and now assists 1,800 sites worldwide.

Over the last 12 months, the company has created 10 new jobs in the region across sales and digital teams and has championed remote working.

David Boyce, CEO at Mad Devs

Commenting on the expansion, David Boyce, CEO at Mad Devs, said: “We have grown rapidly thanks to a relentless focus on solving problems for our customers with innovation. It’s attracted some of the biggest brands in the world as customers, and we are now well-positioned to accelerate our global expansion.

“Leeds is a great place to grow a digital business with access to a world-class talent pool and a supportive eco-system.”

Mad Devs operates two main platforms: iTrackLEADS, which helps the sales team manage customer enquiries more effectively, and iStoreDOCS, a document management system that facilitates the seamless flow of digital documents. This allows dealers to benefit from compliance, document storage, and customer retention tools.

Following the pandemic, buying a car has become more digitised, and Mad Devs is growing quickly by helping dealers transition from in-person to online. It will launch new products in 2025 to further assist retailers in the industry’s rapid changes.

—

Pictured: David Boyce.

iStoreDOCS was developed by Mad Devs, an automotive software solutions company launched by industry veteran David Boyce and partners Adrian Favill and Mark Craven. The company’s open platform technology helps facilitate the digital transformation of automotive retail.

To find out more about Mad Devs, visit: https://www.maddevs.co.uk/

Africa, Charity & CSR, News, Tech

Walk on the Wild Side: Juice gears up to walk 23,000 steps to help end animal exploitation

Leading tech accessories brand Juice is excited to announce its upcoming involvement in a fundraising event for international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation.

Having recently collaborated with Born Free for the launch of its new and exclusive ‘Animals’ range, Juice is now taking part in the charity’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ campaign, created specifically to help end the exploitation of lions.

On Friday 9th August – the day before World Lion Day – the Juice team will be walking 23,000 steps to represent the 23,000 lions left in the wild, with all funds being donated towards vital projects including anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration and community education.

Jolyon Bennett, founder and CEO of Juice said: “At Juice, we believe in harnessing our resources and community to support important causes. The vital work that the Born Free Foundation does aligns perfectly with our own values, so we’re excited to contribute towards their efforts through taking part in this fundraising campaign.

“The Walk on the Wild Side initiative is a powerful reminder of the precarious situation facing many species today. With only 23,000 lions left in the wild, immediate action is required to ensure their survival and end their captive exploitation. By participating in this event, Juice aims to not only raise much-needed funds but also awareness about the plight of these majestic creatures.

“We invite all of our employees, customers and the general public to support this noble cause and join us in making a difference. Whether it’s by joining the walk, spreading the word, or donating, every action counts!”

 

For the last 40 years, Born Free has worked tirelessly to protect threatened species and end the suffering of individual animals. The charity opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns for a future where animals and people can coexist, for the benefit of all life on earth.

Similarly, Juice maintains the mantra of “doing the right thing” for the planet and has focused on its sustainability efforts over the last few years. Now, the Banbury based manufacturer is looking to extend this collective action and collaborate with a like-minded organisation in trying to make the world a better place.

 

Juice is already contributing 20% of all profits from its cute and colourful ‘Animals’ range – based around the critically endangered and legally protected Giant Panda, Sumatran Tiger, Grevy’s Zebra and Snow Leopard – to the Born Free Foundation since the collection of charging cables, speakers and headphones launched in April this year.

For more information about joining or donating to this cause, please visit: https://bornfree.enthuse.com/pf/juicers

Africa, Agriculture, News

Dynamic Partnership in place to Empower Ghanaian Farmers and Enhance Agricultural Traceability

UK-based Phlo Systems and Ghana-based Farmerline, both industry pioneers committed to revolutionising the agricultural landscape, proudly announce a new partnership today (14 December, 2023) that aims to transform the agricultural sector in Ghana and enhance traceability within the supply chain.

Farmerline, established in 2013, has been at the forefront of empowering farmers across Ghana. With operations initially reaching 800 farmers and a vision to revolutionise the entire sector, Farmerline has already left a significant mark. Through its own platform, it has reached 1.7M farmers by deploying its tools and services through 3,000+ strategic partners across 48 countries.

Phlo Systems, a leading provider of international supply chain management solutions, delivering innovative digital solutions for end-to-end physical goods and commodities supply chain operations, joins forces with Farmerline to amplify the impact of its collective efforts.

This partnership will enable the company to extend its reach to more originators and farmers across Africa, LatAm and South Asia, providing essential guidance and support to ensure compliance with EU DR standards and enhancing monitoring, traceability with the use of intelligence tools.

Alloysius Attah, Co-Founder and Group CEO at Farmerline, said, “Our goal has always been to catalyse lasting profits for farmers and bring about a positive impact in the agricultural sector. We began in 2013 with a vision to revolutionise the industry, and today, we’re empowering over 1.7 million farmers globally.

“Our partnership with Phlo Systems is a significant step towards achieving our vision and ensuring full traceability of commodities right back to the farmers.”

Saurabh Goyal, CEO of Phlo Systems, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Farmerline, an organisation that shares our dedication to transforming the agricultural sector. Together, we will leverage our expertise and resources to provide farmers, originators, traders and operators with the necessary tools and knowledge to comply with EU DR standards and achieve sustainable growth. The ability to trace commodities back to the farmers is a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability within the supply chain.”

This partnership signifies a significant milestone in the efforts to empower farmers, enhance agricultural traceability, and ultimately drive sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector. By combining strengths and expertise, Phlo Systems and Farmerline are set to create a lasting impact on the lives of farmers in Ghana and beyond.

Africa, News

Devastating Floods in Libya & Earthquake in Morocco: Expert Warns Casualties Will Rise, Calling for Urgent and Long Term Support

“It is vital the donor community looks past the politics of the past in Libya and sees this tragedy for what is – one of human suffering. People need support, and they need it quickly.”

In the aftermath of two humanitarian disasters in Libya and Morocco, one of the country’s top humanitarian experts has warned “the world can’t afford to look away”. Shameet Thakkar, founder and managing director of Unimed Procurement Services, who works with charitable organisations and NGOs to provide lifesaving medical commodities to countries in need worldwide, said:

 

“The last few days have been absolutely horrendous, and it is heartbreaking to watch such scenes of devastation unfold.

“The pace at which events are moving in Libya in the last 24 hours is almost unimaginable.

“More than 5,000 people are feared to have died, but that number could double according to experts working on the ground.

“Eyewitnesses describe the scenes there as being like ‘Doomsday’, with water taking the ground from underneath victims’ feet.

“In humanitarian and recovery terms, dealing with a crisis of this nature would be difficult in any region.

“But in Libya it is particularly challenging.

“One of the biggest issues is that Libya is divided between two rival governments, with one operating from Tripoli and another one in the east.

“This immediately creates the risk of confusion due to not having one centralised approach from which to deliver a strategy.

“The other, more pressing matter, is the fact that Libya hasn’t had much donation or donor support in recent years due to previous sanctions.

“The pot is empty at a time when the healthcare system is already in a very, very poor state.

“Now, the events of the last 24 hours will put intolerable pressure on an already creaking system.

“It is vital the donor community looks past the politics of the past in Libya and sees this tragedy for what is – one of human suffering. People need support, and they need it quickly.

 

“The people of Morocco need support too.

“The earthquake in Morocco has been simply devastating. Seeing the events unfold has been truly shocking, and the level of suffering many people on the ground are enduring is impossible to imagine.

“Sadly, it is likely that the already substantial death toll is only set to increase. This disaster has delivered a significant blow to its population – and it’s one that will be difficult to mend.

 

“Up until now, the emergency response provided by humanitarian organisations and governments deserves huge praise. But we need to think about long-term support for Morocco’s population – and the same should be done for Libya.

“Those in charge of the rescue effort can’t simply focus on a short-term response. The aim should be to support the ongoing struggles that will more clearly emerge in the days, weeks and months after the immediate response.

 

“It’s important to note that Morocco’s healthcare system, like Libya’s, was not without its issues before the crisis, with the country struggling to provide high-quality healthcare to some of its population. The earthquake will therefore place an even greater burden on hospitals, and the lack of resources could cause a disaster within a disaster. The most significant issue now isn’t just the risk of a second quake: poorly coordinated services pose a huge risk, too.

“A lot of organisations have responded quickly to source and supply essential resources, and this has been vital. Right now, having access to clean water, medical supplies, food and shelter is essential and it is certainly making a substantial contribution in relieving some of the suffering. Libya needs the same help.

“But as time passes more and more people are becoming in need of aid and support.

 

“My biggest concern is that many charitable organisations won’t be able to provide the long-term support Morocco needs. Hospitals will be impaired for a very long period of time, and so more thought needs to be given to resource distribution, and the extra demand stemming from the crisis.

“In a few months, when their help will no longer be available, Morocco will still need support to rebuild its healthcare infrastructure and care for its population.

 

“In times of crisis, countries must come together to support those affected by natural disasters, and we’ve already seen some positive examples of emergency resources being offered on short notice from countries such as Tunisia, Qatar, Algeria and Spain. The hope is that these will continue.

“Morocco’s population will need continued supplies and assistance, so it is vital that governments and charities focus on long-term preparedness.

 

“We must work towards increasing overall healthcare resilience and building resources for purposes other than emergency response, so that in the case of other natural disasters occurring or healthcare crises arising, countries can be better equipped to tackle them.

“The events we’ve seen unfold in Morocco and Libya have been harrowing. But they are real, and they are ongoing. The world simply can’t afford to look away.”

 

Shameet Thakkar is one of the country’s leading humanitarian experts. He is the founder and managing director of procurement organisation Unimed Procurement Services, winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2022, regularly partnering with charities and NGOs to help deliver lifesaving medical commodities.

 

Image © National Meteorological Centre, Libya showing the aftermath of flooding in northeastern regions of Libya.
Africa, AI, Cloud Providers, News, Tech, Training

CloudSmiths to offer tailor-made generative AI workshops

The South-African based cloud provider to offer custom-tailored private sessions for businesses’ generative AI needs 

CloudSmiths, Africa’s most accredited Google Cloud Partner and top Salesforce Cloud Reseller, has announced the launch of its free generative AI workshops. Each workshop will be a custom-tailored, private session unique to the businesses’ specific challenges.

With the rise of GenAI, businesses need to be looking at how they can best harness the benefits that AI has to offer. Education and training are needed to help businesses navigate through these challenges. CloudSmiths has designed the workshops to help businesses prepare for the future of work and leadership in an AI-driven environment.

These in-person and bespoke designed workshops will focus on each business’s unique environment, industry landscape and distinct challenges. In addition to receiving a comprehensive GenAI action plan, the session will also empower you and your team to:

  • Identify opportunities for GenAI
  • Make smarter procurement decisions
  • Lead with confidence in the GenAI era and
  • Safeguard your transition and mitigate risks

On the launch of these workshops, Tom Fowler, CTO at CloudSmiths comments: “These workshops have been designed with a focus on your unique businesses environments, industry landscape, and distinct challenges. This insight informs our approach, enabling us to propose generative AI solutions that are relevant and worthwhile for your business. Our workshops focus on identifying critical AI use cases within your industry to help guide you toward optimal AI strategies.”

To book your free generative AI workshop, register here: http://gen-ai-workshop.com/