Africa Outlook - Issue 50

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As a proudly South African private entity, Busamed Hospital Group is prioritising care above profit in its goals to provide safe and cost effective treatments

MANUFACTURING INDABA EAST AFRICA 16

Deloitte’s Mike Vincent sheds light on East Africa Manufacturing Conference

SUBATI GROUP LTD 84 Delivering exceptional roses from the equator

OLD MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY MALAWI LIMITED 96

Enabling positive futures across Malawi

MAN TRUCK AND BUS SOUTH AFRICA 126

Maximising 250 years of engineering heritage

AFRICA OUTLOOK ISSUE 50 TODD WONKKA - INKSHARES | FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE LTD | METROPOLITAN LESOTHO

Business Travel Guides

A complete guide to the world’s most popular locations

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Bloemfontein South Africa’s ‘fountain of flowers’ is the birthplace of numerous heroic figures in the country, including J. R. R. Tolkien, but remains the unsung hero when it comes to international acknowledgement Writer: Matthew Staff

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loemfontein has quietly and assuredly etched its way into the positive consciousness of South Africans and indeed anyone who has been fortunate to visit the quiet and confident city.

Somewhat overshadowed in terms of grandeur and scale by its counterparts in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the judicial capital of South Africa - also known as the fountain of flowers or city of roses - has become an unsung hero that even one of its most favourite sons, J. R. R. Tolkien would have been proud to champion.

As the sixth biggest city in the country, its appeal comes from the ability to retain a small town or even

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Writer: Matthew Staff

Bloemfontein T O W N

FACTS & FIGURES

Country: Province: Municipality: Languages: Area: Population (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: .

Climate: Highest recorded temperature:

South Africa Free State Mangaung Afrikaans, Sotho, English, Xhosa 236 square kilometres 256,185 Rand UTC+2 +27 .sa Semi-arid 39.3°C

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Our Business Travel section not only gives executives the complete guide to the world’s most popular and populous locations, but also gives said locations the perfect opportunity to showcase their own businesses, events, venues and services to a truly international audience and readership of more than 165,000 each month.

acknowledgement hero when it comes to international R. Tolkien, but remains the unsung figures in the country, including J. R. is the birthplace of numerous heroic South Africa’s ‘fountain of flowers’

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village-like feel despite being so key on a national scale as a legislative hub.

From an economic standpoint this has traditionally culminated in a make-up based on smaller international firms or large domestic enterprises looking to set-up shop within the area.

That being said, for those lucky few who have been called into the city for a business travel experience, they won’t be left with any shortage of things to see or do, as long as they arrive with their minds open and their more adrenalineinducing instincts subdued.

The key to enjoying Bloemfontein is to take the city at a leisurely pace, to take in the best that African nature can offer, and to bask in the humility - and sunshine - that the quaint little capital can offer.

ability to retain a small town or even country, its appeal comes from the As the sixth biggest city in the to champion.

J. R. R. Tolkien would have been proud that even one of its most favourite sons, of roses - has become an unsung hero known as the fountain of flowers or city judicial capital of South Africa - also in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the grandeur and scale by its counterparts Somewhat overshadowed in terms of the quiet and confident city. anyone who has been fortunate to visit Africans and indeed consciousness of South way into the positive and assuredly etched its loemfontein has quietly

- that the quaint little capital can offer. and to bask in the humility - and sunshine in the best that African nature can offer, take the city at a leisurely pace, to take The key to enjoying Bloemfontein is to inducing instincts subdued. minds open and their more adrenalineor do, as long as they arrive with their be left with any shortage of things to see business travel experience, they won’t who have been called into the city for a That being said, for those lucky few set-up shop within the area. large domestic enterprises looking to based on smaller international firms or traditionally culminated in a make-up From an economic standpoint this has on a national scale as a legislative hub. village-like feel despite being so key

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temperature: Highest recorded Climate: Internet TLD: .

Dialling code: Time zone: Currency: Population (2015): Area: Languages: Municipality: Province: Country:

39.3°C

Semi-arid .sa

+27

UTC+2 Rand

256,185

236 square kilometres English, Xhosa Afrikaans, Sotho, Mangaung Free State

South Africa

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put your own offering on our map, then please contact our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser or Ryan Gray to find out more.

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joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

W E L C O M E Care over Profit Inevitably, in such a business-driven world, the overwhelming barometer of success revolves around financial gains, but this month we take a slight break from this norm in honouring two companies that don’t solely place fiscal consequences as their indicators of triumph.

The healthcare sector has been a growing focus for Africa Outlook over the course of 2017 so far, and culminates in this month’s headliners in the shape of Busamed Hospital Group and Total Health Trust.

The former has made a name for itself via its mission to prioritise care over profit; making the wider sector as innovative and safe as possible across each of its six hospitals in South Africa.

Similarly, Total Health Trust is realising its vision as a national leader in Nigeria, bringing quality healthcare to the country’s population via an accessible network of equally committed providers and hospitals.

Another sector at the forefront of our showcasing assortment of late has been agriculture, and as we enter the summer months, we once again venture into the fields to highlight the success stories of Flamingo Horticulture and Subati Group Ltd; the latter especially capitalising on Kenya’s thriving horticulture industry.

Such natural prominence is also a key feature of our Business Travel Guide selection this month in the form of Bloemfontein: ‘the city of roses’.

Moving into more clinical territory we - as always - take a look on the industrial side of economic prosperity as well, kicked off by a substantial finance influence courtesy of Old Mutual Life Assurance Malawi Limited, Metropolitan Lesotho, Chama Insurance Agency and Uganda Reinsurance Company Limited.

Elsewhere, manufacturing is catered for by MAN Truck and Bus, as well as a Deloitte review of the East Africa Manufacturing Conference.

And finally, we revisit a couple of old faces; firstly in the form of AZMET Technology and Projects who we catch up with for the second year in succession, and also with Outlook friend, Todd Wonkka whose debut novel, ‘Under The Rug’, has hit Inkshares and is ready to reach bookshelves in the foreseeable future.

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As a proudly South African private entity, Busamed Hospital Group is prioritising care above profit in its goals to provide safe and cost effective treatments

MANUFACTURING INDABA

EAST AFRICA 16 Deloitte’s Mike Vincent sheds light on East Africa Manufacturing Conference

SUBATI GROUP LTD 84 Delivering exceptional roses from the equator

OLD MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY MALAWI LIMITED 96

Enabling positive futures across Malawi

MAN TRUCK AND BUS

SOUTH AFRICA 126 Maximising 250 years of engineering heritage

AFRICA OUTLOOK ISSUE 50 TODD WONKKA - INKSHARES | FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE LTD | METROPOLITAN LESOTHO

EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Phoebe Calver phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Mandy Farnell mandy.farnell@outlookpublishing.com Images: Thinkstock by Getty Images

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Heads of Projects: Arron Rampling arron.rampling@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Training Development Manager: Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Sales Managers: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com Project Managers: Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Richard Thomas richard.thomas@outlookpublishing.com Stuart Parker stuart.parker@outlookpublishing.com

ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Office & Finance Manager: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com WEB DESIGN: Hamit Saka IT: James Le-May

OUTLOOK PUBLISHING Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Chairman: Mark Weaver CONTACT Outlook Publishing Ltd Woburn House, 84 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB, United Kingdom Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0)1603 959 655 Email: matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

www.africaoutlookmag.com Like us on Facebook - facebook.com/africaoutlook Follow us on Twitter - @Africa_Outlook

Matthew Staff

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue of Africa Outlook...

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NEWS

All the latest top stories from across Africa

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ART & CULTURE Todd Wonkka: Under the Rug

Todd Wonkka’s gripping first novel is now available on Inkshares

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MANUFACTURING East Africa Seeks Sustainable Manufacturing Success Deloitte’s Mike Vincent sheds light on April’s East Africa Manufacturing Conference

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TECHNOLOGY Fixed Broadband Wireless Technology for Africa

Meeting the demand for better services

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CONSTRUCTION Africa’s Hospitality Construction Boom

Sustainable construction from niche to mainstream

BU SI N ESS TR AVEL GUIDE

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BLOEMFONTEIN Lord of the Cities

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SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

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BUSAMED HOSPITAL GROUP Prioritising Care above Profit

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OLD MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY MALAWI LIMITED Responsible Investment

Enabling positive futures across Malawi

MANUFACTURING

Healthcare in an innovative and safe environment

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TRUCK AND BUS 126 MAN SOUTH AFRICA

TOTAL HEALTH TRUST LTD Make the Right Choice

Efficient and Economical

Maximising 250 years of engineering heritage

Connecting Nigeria to affordable, reliable healthcare

MINING & RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY 132 AZMET AND PROJECTS

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Going for Gold

Together We Can

Professional, environmentally safe, cost effective metallurgical services to the global mining sector

Celebrating 50 years of financial wellness in Lesotho

INSURANCE 110 CHAMA AGENCY

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The Agency for Investors

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A world-class provider of professional, reliable and unequalled insurance services

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH ZAMBIA A Healthy and Productive Zambia Advancing healthcare through communication technology

REINSURANCE 114 UGANDA COMPANY LIMITED

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EXPRESS SUPPORT SERVICES LDA Refuel and Refresh

Finding value in the human element

Placing Trust in Local Reinsurance

Committed to serving Uganda’s reinsurance market

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FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE LTD

By Growers, for Growers

C O N S T R U C T I O N AFRICA 142 PDM From Experience to

Farming for the future, through the delivery of fresh, colourful produce to the world

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Excellence

Shaping the direction of real estate in East Africa

SUBATI GROUP LTD Pure Expressions

Delivering exceptional roses from the equator

E V E N T ENERGY & UTILITIES POWERTECH 120 IPT GROUP

Leading Guaranteed Savings on the African Continent

Providing top-class telecommunications across Africa

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AFRICA ENERGY FORUM Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water & Environment to join discussions at the Africa Energy Forum in Copenhagen

AFRICA INSURANCE 150 THE AND REINSURANCE CONFERENCE

Seeking ways to increase insurance penetration on the continent

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HEALTHCARE

Middle East Rules Hinder South Africa’s Mediclinic Earnings

South Africa’s biggest private hospital group by market value, Mediclinic International, reported a 19 percent drop in underlying annual earnings recently, the Group hurt by regulations in the Middle East that have now been changed.

Mediclinic, which has stakes in Britain’s Spire Healthcare and Switzerland’s Hirslanden, extended its reach into the United Arab

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Emirates when it bought Al Noor last year.

Underlying earnings per share came in at 29.8 pence per share for the year to the end of March compared with 36.7 pence a year earlier, largely impacted by shares issued to acquire Al Noor and adverse operating performance in Abu Dhabi.

A co-payment system for private healthcare in Abu Dhabi had been

weighing on the firm’s operations in the United Arab Emirates, but the Government has since scrapped it.

“Recent regulatory changes provide support for the gradual recovery in performance of the Abu Dhabi business and future investment decisions,” the firm said in a statement.

Progress on the regulatory front has also been made in recent weeks in Switzerland, Chief Executive Danie Meintjes said.

In the Zurich region, after lobbying

by Mediclinic’s Swiss business, lawmakers last month voted against a hospital levy on privately insured patients, the Company said.

A slowdown in economic growth in Mediclinic’s home market convinced the company to explore more affordable options there.

“In South Africa we decided on a strategy to roll out day clinics adjacent to our main hospitals that are under pressure in terms of occupancy,” Meintjes told Reuters.

While the firm’s priority is to extend its reach in its current markets with a new hospital in the UAE and more outpatient facilities in Switzerland, it is also looking at possible expansion in other regions.

“We are looking to grow, and part of that growth could come outside of the existing platforms,” said Chief Financial Officer Jurgens Myburgh, referring to the areas where the company operates.

Mediclinic said revenue rose 30 percent to 2.75 billion pounds ($3.57 billion) and operating profit was up 26 percent.

Johannesburg-listed shares in Mediclinic declined 2.2 percent to 144.50 rand and was down 1.7 percent in London by 0830 GMT, compared with a 0.2 percent drop in the JSE’s benchmark Top-40 index.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

ENERGY & RESOURCES

Efacec brings Electricity to Rwanda Efacec has been chosen by the winning consortium of the international tender launched by the Republic of Rwanda for the construction of three new 200kV substations. These infrastructures are essential to distribute power to the country’s rural areas, such as Rwabusoro, Mamba e Rilima.

The technical abilities and skills of Efacec’s High Tension Substations area was the reason behind being chosen by the tender’s winning company - STEG International Services, from Tunisia - to implement the project of engineering, supply, supervision and commissioning of the three new substations on a turnkey basis. This contract is worth approximately 10.5 million euro and has an 18 month execution deadline.

This construction work will be fundamental to give flow to the 80MW produced in Mamba’s Biomass Power Station for the national electricity grid.

Currently only 25 percent of Rwanda’s households have power. This project is part of the Government ambition to bring electrical energy to 70 percent of Rwanda’s families, until 2018.

According to Ângelo Ramalho, Efacec’s Chief Executive Officer:

“Being chosen for this project attests, once again, to Efacec’s skills. We are proud of this new act of trust bestowed to our company. We’ll continuously work in order to bring power to all the parts of the world.”

The partnership established with STEG results from an ongoing project that Efacec has in Tunisia for STEG: the execution of a substations contract.

“We have a long list of routes we could operate,” he said, adding they could operate flights jointly with Kenya Airways or target destinations that the parent airline does not serve.

Jambojet offers no frills flights to popular destinations such as the coastal city of Mombasa. It charges for extras like drinks and food.

It started operations with leased planes but it has since started operating its own flights, a move expected to further lower costs, the Chief Executive said.

Hondius said leasing additional planes would also help address challenges.

The carrier was forced to apologise at the start of this year following cancellations and delays during the peak December holiday season.

About a third of Jambojet’s customers had never flown before and were enticed by the low prices. Hondius said he expected more growth as the middle class increases.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Kenya Airways’ Budget Carrier Plans International Flights Kenyan budget carrier, Jambojet expects Government approval to start flying to destinations outside the country, and will lease more planes to start the flights in the next two years, its Chief Executive said.

The airline, fully owned by national carrier, Kenya Airways, was established in 2014 to cater to local travellers by offering low-cost fares of as little as 3,200 shillings ($30.99) one way.

Jambojet, which carried 600,000 passengers last year using a fleet of Boeing 737s and Bombardier Q-400 planes, will consider possible international destinations after it gets approval, CEO Willem Hondius said.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

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OIL & GAS

Nigeria Hopes for Oil Upturn after Economy Shrinks Again Nigeria’s economy stayed in recession in the first quarter and shrank more sharply than thought at the end of last year, data showed, as signs of growth in the oil sector fuelled hopes of an upturn in the coming months.

The economy shrank by 1.5 percent in 2016 for its first annual drop in 25 years, hit by a shortage of hard currency and lower revenues from its dominant oil sector as world crude prices stayed under pressure.

Gross domestic product shrank a further 0.52 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Tuesday, also revising the fourth quarter contraction to 1.73 percent from 1.30 percent.

Average oil production inched up 0.07 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.83 million barrels in the first quarter, the statistics office said.

Razia Khan, chief economist Africa at Standard Chartered Bank, said the state of pipeline repairs and a weak base of comparison suggested the oil sector should grow far more sharply from the second quarter.

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Coca-Cola South Africa Sells Stake in Appletiser Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has sold a 17.5 percent stake in carbonated fruit juice brand Appletiser to investment holding company African Pioneer Group, as part of a merger agreement with SABMiller.

CCBSA also sold a four percent stake

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MANUFACTURING

GM to Cut Operations in South Africa General Motors Co plans to sell operations in South Africa, the latest steps in a strategy of focusing cash and engineering effort on fewer, more profitable markets.

The Detroit automaker said it will take a $500 million charge in the second quarter to restructure operations in Africa, India and Singapore.

GM President, Dan Ammann commented that the latest restructuring moves - and a series of to Sipho Excellent Madlala, a manager at CCBSA, as part of merger conditions stipulating it should sell 20 percent of Appletiser to a black economic empowerment holding.

Appletiser, a fruit juice based drink,

earlier decisions to quit unprofitable markets - allows GM to focus more money, engineering effort and senior management time on expanding where the Company is strong, including China and the North American pickup and SUV business, where GM has a ‘product onslaught coming’.

GM plans to stop building Chevrolet vehicles in South Africa and sell its South African factory to Japan’s Isuzu Motors Ltd, along with the 30 percent stake the US automaker owns in a truck venture with Isuzu Motors. Isuzu agreed in February to buy out GM’s 57.7 percent stake in a joint venture in Kenya. was previously owned by SABMiller which merged its African soft drink operations with Coca-Cola to become the continent’s biggest Coke drink bottler.

The agreement handed 20 brands including Appletiser, whose fruit juice concentrate is sourced from South African producers, to Coke.

SABMiller was acquired by the world’s largest brewer, AnheuserBusch InBev, in a $100 billion-plus deal last year in one of the largest corporate mergers in history which takes the company into Africa for the first time.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

H O S P I TA L I T Y

MINING & RESOURCES

Zambian Government Close to Agreement on Electricity Price Rises Zambia is close to reaching an agreement with mining companies over its plans to increase electricity prices.

The Government last month proposed introducing a flat tariff of 9.30 US cents/kilowatt hour (kWh) backdated to January for mining companies, instead of individually negotiated rates that have averaged six US cents/kWh, but mining

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Telekom Networks Malawi to Invest in 4G Network Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), the country’s second-largest mobile network operator is to spend an additional $30 million on improving its 4G broadband service.

TNM, whose main rival is the local

South Africa’s Tsogo Sun Holdings Property Fund Stake companies opposed the plan.

A team headed by the minister of energy was due to hold talks with mining companies, including First Quantum Minerals.

Last week Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved a 75 percent increase in the price of electricity for retail customers.

unit of India’s Bharti Airtel, said it aimed to give better 4G coverage in Malawi’s four main cities.

“The upgrade aims to improve the agility, speed and stability of our mobile internet services,” it said in a statement.

TNM, majority-owned by Malawian conglomerate Press Corporation, has more than 3.3 million subscribers, which compares with a national population of about 17 million people.

South Africa’s Tsogo Sun Holdings has sold 29 hotels to Hospitality Property Fund for a 3.6 billion rand ($268 million) mix of cash and shares, the companies said.

The transaction is part of Tsogo’s strategy to lessen its direct exposure to the hotel business and focus more on entertainment and gambling.

“The transaction represents an attractive acquisition for Hospitality, with the Tsogo portfolio comprising 29 successful and established hotel properties,” Hospitality said.

M I N I N G & R E S O U R C E S

Gold on Track for Biggest Gain in Five Years

Gold has had its best week in five as the dollar softened on political turbulence in the United States, boosting bullion’s safe-haven appeal.

Spot gold was up 0.5 percent at $1,253.31 per ounce, putting it up 1.9 percent. US gold futures slipped 0.1 percent to $1,251.60 an ounce.

“Political risk is back on again after market participants became overly complacent following the outcome of the French elections,” Commerzbank analyst, Carsten Fritsch said.

Gold is often seen as an alternative investment during times of geopolitical and financial uncertainty, gaining alongside bond yields and the yen while stocks usually take a hit.

GO TO WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM AFRICA

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UNDER THE RUG

sychological and satirical fiction writer, Todd Wonkka has released his first novel, Under The Rug, to Inkshares, realising an ambition that has blossomed since his teenage years.

The Massachusetts-born author’s opening instalment tells an enthralling tale of Jake, whose traumatic childhood contributes to an addictive search for true loyalty in adult life; “questioning the integrity of his family, substance abuse, sex, and violence” along the way. Jake ultimately “has to make a choice that will change his life forever - acceptance or vengeance?”

Throughout Todd’s life, he has travelled, found himself on the music scene, started a family, and currently works as a tennis pro in Rancho Santa Fe, California but the one unwavering draw for him has been the love of writing; listing the likes of Bukowski, Elmore Leonard, Easton-Ellis and Hunter S. Thompson among his influences.

“It’s about telling a story with your guts, something that rips the page,” he emphasises as he begins work on his second novel - Tennis Monster - while Under The Rug continues to make headway on Inkshares; a crowdfunding platform set to launch Todd’s dream into mainstream consciousness.

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A psychological coming of age story about a young boy’s addictive search for true loyalty Writer: Matthew Staff

Inkshares.com is an incredible platform for writers. They use the mechanics of crowdfunding to test the market for your book. You post a teaser (in my case I’ve posted the prologue and first five chapters for the audience to read), then you spread the word. If you hit your goals you get funded. You can preorder your copy/copies here.

Inkshares has two publishing-goaloptions: • If you get 250 pre-orders (Quill) in three months, Inkshares will edit, print and publish it • If you get 750 pre-orders in three months, Inkshares will edit, print, distribute, publish, and give it the full marketing and promotional treatment

Pre-order your copy/copies of Under the Rug at https://www. inkshares.com/books/under-the-rug - Todd Wonkka

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What’s important to remember is that authors are not able to fund their own books. At the end of the three months, assuming you’ve hit one of your goals, the book will go into production. If you get less than 250 pre-orders at the end of the three months, then everyone is refunded.

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TELL US YOUR STORY

AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD AFRICA OUTLOOK is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of Africa.

We reach an audience of 165,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from FREE coverage across both digital and print platforms, a FREE marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for free, in one of our upcoming editions.

W W W. A F R I C A O U T LO O K M A G . C O M Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650 Email: ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

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East Africa Seeks Sustainable Manufacturing Success East Africa’s answer to South Africa’s Manufacturing Indaba debuted in Nairobi in April, as delegates from around the continent analysed the region, and indeed the wider continent’s sector competitiveness Writer: Matthew Staff

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he 2017 East African Manufacturing Conference made its debut in Nairobi, Kenya in April, representing one of the region’s biggest ever forums for both the private and public sector to analyse one of the region’s most pivotal sectors.

Led by the team who created and runs the South African Manufacturing Indaba, there was a strong turnout for the inaugural expo, including East African community representatives, Kenya’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, and representatives from the Kenya Manufacturers Association. And all of them

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soaked up East Africa’s approach to the sustainable growth of the manufacturing sector in East Africa.

Mike Vincent is a Director at Deloitte Africa and is the leader for Deloitte Africa Industrial Products & Services for which Manufacturing is a key focus, and he shared with us his take on the industry in Africa at present, and his experiences and reviews from the twoday gathering.

Africa Outlook (AfO): It has been noted that there was a strong presence of South African companies in attendance at the event so could you firstly talk me through the current state of the

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manufacturing industry in South Africa, and the subsequent reasons for the region’s high attendance rate?

Mike Vincent (MV): There was a strong presence, and from those that participated the sentiment was that the prospects for growth in South Africa are currently quite low, and as a result, many of these companies are seeking growth opportunities in new markets; and the East African region provides an exciting possibility for future growth.

Overall, the SA manufacturing sector is still considerably larger, and there was little to no indication from those

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present of divesting. However, the opportunity to grow, even off a smaller base, is what is causing South African manufacturers to look north of the Limpopo.

Mike Vincent

AfO: How would you compare the state of South Africa’s manufacturing sector at present to compared to East Africa, where the event was held?

MV: According to World Bank US dollar-based data (2015), manufacturing as a percent of GDP in 2015 for SA was 13 percent while 11 percent for Kenya, 10 percent for Nigeria and 17 percent for Egypt. The Kenyan and East African economies

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are smaller than SA and the Southern African region. Southern Africa is a historically more industrialised region and has experienced economic development and growth through, in part, a focus on mineral extraction.

This has been less evident in EA. However, the reliance on commodities as a growth driver is declining on the continent, and a shift towards demand-driven growth is where the opportunity lies with the EA region.

The growth opportunity is reflected in regional growth rates over the past few years as well as in forecasts for the short to medium-term.

AfO: On an even wider note, how would you assess Africa, as a continent’s, manufacturing evolution and competitiveness in comparison to other regions such as the US, EU, or China?

MV: We are comparing a post industrialised world in the US and EU and to a lesser extent China, to an industrialising and re-industrialising continent in Africa. As such, the drivers of competitiveness are contextual to the regions and countries. As a continent, African is coming off a relatively smaller base, however, there is opportunity

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Three steps to enhancing competitiveness in Africa’s manufacturing sector: 1 Increase private and public sector collaboration throughout the policy development journey 2 Increase investments in infrastructure to create easier access to markets for the trade of goods and services; thus increasing manufacturing investments 3 Invest further in skills development for the good of the sector from both private and public perspectives

for growth. Sentiment from the conference was that a minimum eight-10 year investment horizon is required for manufacturing sector investment decisions on the region, and that these investments should

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follow an incremental investment strategy. This is indicative of both the recognition of the opportunity, the uncertainty in business stability in the region, as well as the appreciation of African investment nuances.

In the Deloitte report titled, ‘Global Manufacturing Competitiveness’, global CEOs ranked the top drivers of global manufacturing competitiveness as: one, talent; two, cost competitiveness; three, workforce productivity; four, supplier network; and five, legal & regulatory system.

When considering these drivers from an African perspective, based on a recent African Manufacturing Competitiveness survey Deloitte has run, cost competitiveness is by far the most important driver of competitiveness to African manufacturers. Workforce productivity, supplier network and local market attractiveness are very important; whereas talent that ranked first in the global index, ranks fifth [here]. Local market attractiveness is ranked significantly higher in Africa than global perspectives while physical infrastructure ranked fifth in Africa compared to seventh globally.

The results are our preliminary findings from the survey and the full results and report will be launched in July.

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AfO: What main themes do you believe are driving or hindering African manufacturing competitiveness at present, and how can these be capitalised on or resolved as the case may be?

MV: From an African Manufacturing Competitiveness perspective, in the short-term (the next 18 months), when asked about business concerns, the number one response was ‘government corruption’ followed by ‘exchange rate fluctuations’ and three ‘cost inefficiencies’.

Africa faces the dual challenge of economic development and job creation. There are many differing perspectives on the growth of manufacturing that is technologydriven, as the question arises whether mechanisation will decrease the availability of unskilled employment opportunities in the sector. The other school of thought promotes taking advantage of advanced technologies to drive manufacturing-led growth, which, by virtue of this economic growth will indirectly create valueadded value chain job creation, while directly changing the type of jobs available in the sector.

It is not clear whether this will provide an overall positive or deficit

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SMME manufacturers. Sentiment appears to be that the use of advanced technologies, while recognised as a possibility, is not that well understood from a practical perspective. Bridging this ‘digital divide’ will be a challenge; while most SMMEs are focused on daily survival, it proves difficult to look to the future and consider future-facing investments in this space over focusing on getting increased efficiencies for the business of today.

‘The other school of thought promotes taking advantage of advanced technologies to drive manufacturingled growth, which, by virtue of this economic growth will indirectly create value-added value chain job creation’ in job creation. However, there is acknowledgement that to compete on a global scale, technology-driven innovation is an imperative. This might be more of a possibility for an MNC, yet the challenge lies with your

AfO: What do you feel can be done to change this culture and to what extent was this voiced at the event?

MV: A stable regulatory environment can help create certainty which positively impacts investment decisions while uncertainty suppresses investments. A resounding call from those that participated at the EA Manufacturing conference was for ongoing robust communication between the private and public sectors. This requires an inclusive collaborative approach to policy development which will help to bridge the gap between policy development, implementation and effective outcomes and impact for the private sector and economy.

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Fixed Broadband Wireless Technology for Africa Dmitry Okorokov, Chief Executive Officer of InfiNet Wireless highlights the exciting future of fixed broadband wireless technology in Africa, in particular the way in which it is perfectly suited to the continent Writer: Phoebe Calver he ever increasing demand for connectivity in Africa has made it the ideal continent for fixed broadband wireless technology, which it is hoped will bridge the divide between urban and rural areas.

Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, in its physical landscape, political, economic, social, technological and environmental outlook, with every country and region having its own separate and unique set of challenges

and advantages to tackle.

There have been numerous changes occurring in recent years, particularly with the introduction of 3G technologies - which is now being followed by mobile broadband, based on 4G - which have made a monumental difference to the continent.

At present, there is a heightened consumer adoption of mobile devices in direct response to the lack of adequate fixed infrastructure, leveraging broadband wireless technology providers to play a much bigger role in relieving the pressure for backhauling data traffic from the mobile operators’ base stations to the rest of their network.

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A huge demand for reliable internet platforms is everpresent, all of which are being supplied from various types of service providers that wish to replace legacy worldwide with microwave access (WiMAX) deployments; paired with the requirement for high-capacity backhauling solutions from mobile operators.

With numerous projects already up and running, the wireless market is really taking shape in all areas of the continent - a market which InfiNet Wireless has been working in for many years - this influx in improvements in connectivity have added significant value to the economy in Africa.

As Africa continues on with its necessary steps towards building and strengthening

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its economy through the adoption of modern wireless technology, all the major stakeholders and businesses will continue to play a crucial role in the route Africa is taking to improve its overall economy.

The use of mobile devices has increased significantly in the past few years and it is estimated that by the year 2020, there will be more than half a billion new mobile subscribers.

Dmitry Okorokov, Chief Executive Officer of InfiNet Wireless discusses the way in which fixed broadband wireless technology will have a huge impact on Africa’s economy and connectivity.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Firstly could you talk me through a brief history of InfiNet Wireless, including the improvement strategies over the years that have brought the Company to this point?

Dmitry Okorokov (DO): InfiNet Wireless is by no means the new kid on the block, back in the 1990s we primarily operated as part of a larger telecoms distribution group; at the time it was focused on requirements of the domestic wireless operators and built the first wireless solution

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in Russia.

In 2003 we received our first injection of investment, InfiNet Wireless came to be as an independent Company with its own brand identity and it was these early days that we decided to enter the international market, while also achieving success in the domestic market. China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia were the first international markets where the Company achieved success, since growing to provide solutions to more than 100 countries around the globe.

AfO: How much of an impact would you say upping capabilities of fixed broadband will have on the economic benefits of improvements in connectivity in Africa?

DO: Today we see connectivity as the cornerstone of our lives - both in business and socially. Africa is a particularly unique market because every country within the continent is incredibly varied when it comes to connectivity. Collectively there is huge growth opportunity to deliver services that match those in the western world; Africa is a particularly important market for InfiNet Wireless because we know that what we can offer addresses the challenges the continent faces in terms of connectivity and associated applications.

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as the preferred connectivity solution, of course the customer’s needs have also changed and for them it is all about data. For this particular reason we have seen a huge uptake in the deployment of wireless networks.

The key advantage we have over wired networks is geography and particularly the landscape, in many countries particularly South Africa - there really is no option but to use wireless.

Key demands for the future are also being driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) where your fridge could be connected to your mobile, your car or just about anything you can think of. Products are already being developed to meet the needs of the future, pushing physics to the limits and beyond in order to provide the capacity that will be required by users.

AfO: How much development in the industry have you witnessed in recent years and how do you believe it is set to progress from here?

DO: There is always development, and this has been particularly evident in recent years, however, today we know that a ubiquitous solution is not always the best solution. What we see now is that once competing technologies - 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi and 5G - are being used together, because they are each suited to very specific applications.

We are also aware that the success of a network - regardless of its size - is dependent upon how the different technologies including wireless and wired, coexist in the same infrastructure ecosystem.

Five years ago our consumers were happy with 128kbps and businesses were satisfied with 1Mbps, today however the situation has changed significantly and providing anything less than 10Mbps isn’t acceptable. We have always been able to differentiate ourselves in the market by providing a solution - hardware and software - that is tailored to our customer’s needs, something our competitors are yet to achieve.

AfO: How have you had to adapt your solutions in order to be successful in the current market?

DO: Wireless technology has come a long way, 10 to 15 years ago it was far less reliable and users reluctantly chose the wireless route because it was the only option available to them; it was also affordable and could be installed on the premises, where it would be quickly replaced with new technology.

The evolution of wireless has gone full circle and today it is often viewed

There is huge growth opportunity to deliver services that match those in the western world

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Africa’s Hospitality Construction Boom Africa’s hospitality construction industry is changing at a rapid rate, embracing exciting new cultural innovations which will revolutionise the continent’s hotels Writer: Phoebe Calver

he African hotel construction industry looks set for a meteoric rise in the next couple of years, with a number of international investors setting their sights for brand expansion on the continent. News like this will not only work wonders for the construction industry, but also the tourism sector that works with and

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around hospitality construction.

One of the aforementioned recent announcements came from the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) who are presently set to build six new hotels on the continent, adding to the Company’s already impressive current portfolio in Asia and the Middle East, while providing an increased number of construction jobs during the building process and permanent roles

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upon completion of the build.

Some of the hotels already in the planning stages for IHG include the Holiday Inn Alegiers Cheraga Tower in Algeria and the Holiday Inn Mutare in Zimbabwe.

Trail-blazing construction

There has been a prominent push in recent times to maximise job creation in the construction sector for

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Africa’s growing young population; the development of the right skills and a greater uptake in the sector is perfectly timed for the hospitality construction boom.

This has been particularly noticeable in Cape Town, a place that is becoming a hive for hotel construction, with the Radisson Red Hotel acting as a trailblazer in the city. The hotel employs up to 100 people and is handily

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located close to the Cape Town Airport. Not only has it been innovative in the actual construction of the building, but embeds a number of first-class technologies while also providing guests with stunning views of the local landscape, supported by the high-class quality service that you would expect.

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The hotel has been inspired by art, music and fashion, placed in the vibrant and newly rejuvenated Silo District which already provides an endless array of cultural activities that locals and travellers alike will enjoy; the perfect spot for the Radisson Red Hotel to set up camp.

The hotel which is due to open its doors in the latter part of 2017 looks set to revolutionise the South African hospitality industry, in a particularly exciting time for hotel construction.

Sustainable building

It is becoming ever-more apparent that steady progress is being made when it comes to the creation of sustainable building in Africa and particularly in Cape Town. A large part of this has been influenced by prominent links to the tourism industry and the Africa Responsible Tourism Awards. The event continues to form part of the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Awards, which were established in 2014.

The award observes the continent’s unique natural and cultural landscapes and embraces Africa’s multitude of opportunities for the employment of responsible tourism. The awards aim to celebrate the particular efforts made by individuals, organisations and

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‘It is becoming evermore apparent that steady progress is being made when it comes to the creation of sustainable building in Africa and particularly in Cape Town’

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destinations in Africa with the aim of changing the face of tourism.

The construction industry particularly in Cape Town - is adopting the simple principle of the Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, that construction and particularly building new hotels from niche to mainstream, can and should be organised in a way that preserves, respects and benefits destinations and the local people.

A prime example of this is Cape Town’s Hotel Verde, which has recently become the first hotel in the world to become double-platinum green building certified, setting the benchmark within the African construction industry.

Currently Egypt is topping the ranks when it comes to building the most hotels of all countries in Africa and subsequently the hotel pipeline coming into the country is looking healthier than it has in many years.

With the interest that African hotel construction is attracting, Hilton has recently established a dedicated development office; this is a clear sign of its intentions on the continent, specifically within North Africa.

This development is relatively unsurprising for those within the industry, with Africa becoming an increasingly enticing region for hotel groups to branch into, particularly with the rising demand on hotel rooms for the continent.

Currently there are 336 new hospitality and hotel construction projects underway in Africa and once completed they will create an additional 88,524 rooms - naturally having a positive effect on the tourism industry.

Although Egypt is leading the pack in terms of large scale hotel construction

projects in Africa, countries such as Morocco could easily surpass it in the next few years to become the continent’s top hotel constructing enterprise.

As previously mentioned South Africa has long been positioned as one of the best countries for tourism in Africa, particularly due to its inherent natural beauty that is well known for its ability to attract outdoor thrill seekers from across the globe.

Although at present it isn’t topping the scoreboard for its hospitality construction, it will be exciting to see how that expands and develops over the coming years.

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B L O E M F O N T E I N

Bloemfontein South Africa’s ‘fountain of flowers’ is the birthplace of numerous heroic figures in the country, including J. R. R. Tolkien, but remains the unsung hero when it comes to international acknowledgement Writer: Matthew Staff

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loemfontein has quietly and assuredly etched its way into the positive consciousness of South Africans and indeed anyone who has been fortunate to visit the quiet and confident city.

Somewhat overshadowed in terms of grandeur and scale by its counterparts in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the judicial capital of South Africa - also known as the fountain of flowers or city of roses - has become an unsung hero that even one of its most favourite sons, J. R. R. Tolkien would have been proud to champion.

As the sixth biggest city in the country, its appeal comes from the ability to retain a small town or even

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village-like feel despite being so key on a national scale as a legislative hub.

From an economic standpoint this has traditionally culminated in a make-up based on smaller international firms or large domestic enterprises looking to set-up shop within the area.

That being said, for those lucky few who have been called into the city for a business travel experience, they won’t be left with any shortage of things to see or do, as long as they arrive with their minds open and their more adrenalineinducing instincts subdued.

The key to enjoying Bloemfontein is to take the city at a leisurely pace, to take in the best that African nature can offer, and to bask in the humility - and sunshine - that the quaint little capital can offer.

FACTS & FIGURES

Country: Province: Municipality: Languages:

South Africa Free State Mangaung Afrikaans, Sotho, English, Xhosa

Area: 236 square kilometres Population (2015): 256,185 Currency: Rand Time zone: UTC+2 Dialling code: +27 Internet TLD: . .sa Climate: Semi-arid Highest recorded temperature: 39.3°C

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The Business End

City Hall

DESPITE BEING QUITE a modest city in terms of size and - on the face of it - what it can offer a potential tourist or business traveller, it is actually fair to say that Bloemfontein is set up to rely quite prominently on the tourism sector.

While its role as legislative hub in South Africa inevitably brings in both people and income over the course of each year, the scarcity of large conglomerates or thriving industries surrounding that judicial centre puts a lot of pressure on industries like food & drink, leisure, nature reserves and hospitality to balance the Bloemfontein books.

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The hotel domain in particular has thrived over the years with the likes of Marriott identifying the potential honeypot that exists when attracting the country’s leading legal professionals each year, and many others have followed suit; making for a competitive abundance of hospitality options available in the city.

Similarly, the outdoor lifestyle represents unlimited opportunities for businesses to hone in on, whether that comprises a round of golf, its beautiful waterfront complex, or the sprawling suburbs which house some of the country’s most renowned nature reserves.

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Out & About BLOEMFONTEIN DOESN’T PROFESS to boast the same level of active lifestyle and abundant attractions that the likes of Cape Town and Johannesburg does, but what it can claim is a humble representation of South African life; bringing villagelike values and community spirit to the scale of a thriving city.

Renowned for its safety and sprawling suburbs to complement its inner economic hub, there is a bit of both worlds when it comes to either exploration or relaxation.

Representing the former is a budding restaurant scene, which very much focuses on fine dining as opposed to a more raucous drinking culture that you might expect from some leading cities’ nightlife.

And while the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre does offer a slight break from the norm in terms of exhilaration, it’s fair to say that the majority of your trip will be spent on the more sedate side of the

tracks. A plethora of museums await the more learned traveller - including the Anglo Boer War Museum, Oliewenhuis Art Museum and The National Museum - and to go one step further, Naval Hill Planetarium remains one of Bloemfontein’s most standout attractions.

Langenhoven Park Farmers Market and Mimosa Mall offer diverse options when it comes to retail therapy, and as far as hospitality goes, the city is awash with a mix of franchised five and four-star options - including Southern Sun Bloemfontein and Marriott’s Protea Hotel at Bloemfontein Willow Lake - as well as lower budget lodges and hostels.

However, no trip to Bloemfontein, or indeed South Africa, would be complete without taking a walk on the wild side, and the city and its suburbs duly oblige courtesy of Free State National Botanical Garden and Bagamoya Wildlife Estate.

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Outlook recommends “With the feel of a small country village, despite its double-capital status, Bloemfontein is one of South Africa’s most pleasant cities.” - Lonely Planet

MUSEUMS

HOSPITALITY Southern Sun Bloemfontein Anta Boga Hotel Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake

Anglo Boer War Museum

RETAIL

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

Langenhoven Park Farmers Market

The National Museum

Mimosa Mall

NATURE

RESTAURANTS LEISURE

Longhorn Grill Seven on Kellner

Naval Hill Planetarium

Margaritas Seafood & Steaks

Windmill Casino & Entertainment Centre

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Bloemfontein Zoo

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Traditional Hospitality & Contemporary Style

IN THE HEART OF BLOEMFONTEIN

147 CLASSICALLY DECORATED ROOMS

A beautifully landscaped garden setting, sparkling outdoor pool, and proximity to nearby city attractions, ensures that hotel guests can relax, while travellers and tourists are only minutes away from golf

3 FLEXIBLE VENUES

courses, theatres, stadiums, and the Bloemfontein city centre.

ESCAPE WITH US GARDEN GRILL RESTAURANT

Cnr. Nelson Mandela and Melville Drive, Brandwag, Bloemfontein Telephone: +27 51 444 1253 GPS Coordinates 29°6’30.92’’ S | 26°11’57.59’’ E WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

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Transport Links

Bloemfontein is blessed with a comprehensive rail network

CERTAINLY NOT AN indictment of Bloemfontein’s appeal in itself, it’s far to say that one of the big advantages of the city is its road networks to other larger cities in South Africa.

The N1, N6 and N8 national highways all meet in the judicial capital, making it one of the most accessible cities and one of the best initial ports of call if you’re looking to embark on more of a national tour.

Johannesburg, Cape Town, Maseru, Port Elizabeth and Kimberley are all on the road radar to varying extents, with the N1 especially popular in heading towards Gauteng.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the car is the most advised mode of travel when visiting Bloemfontein.

Not just because it offers a flexible route to other cities, but also

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because it provides the most agile method of transport to access the city’s numerous natural attractions on the periphery. With reserves like Bagamoya Wildlife Estate and the National Botanical Garden more of a drive than a walk from the city centre, four wheels is definitely the best way to go.

However, if you’re looking to remove all strains from your visit, then Bloemfontein is equally blessed with a comprehensive rail network when it comes to conjoining the major South African metropolises.

Finally, when it comes to actually arriving at and departing from the area, Bloemfontein has two airports, with its Bram Fischer International Airport holding the fort when it comes to domestic travel if neither road or rail are your thing.

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Both bus and air transport are available

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Landmark Attractions Loch Logan Waterfront and the Free State Stadium

“Overlooking a lake, the Loch Logan Waterfront’s claim to fame is that it’s the biggest shopping mall in central South Africa. The mall is usually a hive of activity with plenty of shops, restaurants, and boutiques. On rainy days, this is a great place to catch a movie at the cinema or indulge in some retail therapy. When the sun is shining, shoppers can relax at one of the waterfront restaurants or cafes. Parking is ample, and many sports fans nab a space here when catching a rugby match at the nearby Free State Stadium.” Planet Ware

Free State National Botanical Garden

“This garden, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, spans a valley between picturesque dolerite koppies. The natural vegetation comprises tall grassland and woodland, dominated by magnificent wild olive and karee trees. The harmony of the Garden has been achieved by retaining and

highlighting the best elements of the natural landscape. From November to March, most of the plants in the Garden are in full leaf and from March to June the colourful autumn shades of yellow and red dominate.

The natural areas of the Garden are a haven for wildlife, including 144 bird species, 54 reptile species and about 32 mammal species.” - South African National Biodiversity Institute

Bagamoya Wildlife Estate

“The experience of a lifetime with our unique interactions. Truly the Ultimate Lion Experience. Our focus is the animals, and you get the privilege to watch them as well as interact with them in their natural habitat. Situated 30 km outside of Bloemfontein nearby Maselspoort, the estate is the perfect venue for functions of any kind; weddings, conferences, kids parties, corporate functions and more. Unique accommodation for a lovely weekend getaway for a couple, among friends or family, to just relax and forget about the everyday hassles.” - Bagamoya Wildlife Estate

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is a leading business-to-business publication promoting and showcasing the leading companies across an array of sectors on the continent.

Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching more than 165,000 business executives.

Each month we feature leading companies and business executives by profiling their operations and success stories. Covering areas of best practice, capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is good about the industry and the region, with your company taking centre stage throughout it all.

Producing business profiles across the full range of sectors and every corner of the continent, Africa Outlook is the platform to promote your business success.

Read on for this month’s profiles.

Phoebe Calver, Deputy Editor phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

If you want to enjoy the exposure and coverage we can offer, please feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunity further.

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world.

Matthew Staff, Editorial Director Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

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Prioritising Care

ABOVE

The Busamed Hospital Group is a proudly South Africa private hospital, providing specialist services with friendly care that is cost effective and above all safe Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Callam Waller

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he exciting recent acquisition of the operations at both Gateway and Hillcrest private hospitals originally owned by Ross Healthcare and two of South Africa’s top-tier private medical care facilities - is incredibly exciting for the Busamed Hospital Group, as one of the first black-owned healthcare groups already boasting six hospitals to its name spread across the country.

The exciting role of an expanded Busamed will have it positioned in a strong manner to negotiate medical aid schemes on the pricing of services, as well as an increase in competition in an industry that is particularly dominated by limited retention of specialist doctors and quality nursing staff.

“At Busamed, our vision is prioritising care above profit, we recognised that it attracts and retains leading medical professionals that are highly specialised in key or rare medical disciplines, as well as assembling the technology, building up the systems and acquiring the properties that allow the required medical professionals to innovate and flourish,” explains Dr Diliza Mji, Chairman and Founder of Busamed. “Alongside the ability to attract top healthcare professionals in the industry, we also offer technology and system advantages such as robotic arms and paperless systems, all of which contribute towards the worldclass healthcare on offer in Busamed hospitals.”

Each of the six hospitals working under the Busamed umbrella has a core speciality; Gateway hospital has the main focus on Cardiology, Neuro Surgery and orthopaedics, while Hillcrest - although a general facility - will focus on orthopaedics, general surgery, medical, maternity and cardiac.

A multitude of disciplines

Perhaps the biggest challenge that the Company will face is in

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Ice Dome : 2014 Winter Olympic Games Sochi Russia One & Only Hotel : Cape Town Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital : Johannesburg Denis Hurley Centre : Durban

Durban | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Bloemfontein | Polokwane Head Office: 59 Musgrave Road Durban 4062 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa +27 31 301 6122 info@rubenreddyarch.co.za www.rubenreddyarch.co.za

Modderfontein Private Hospital, Gauteng Harrismith Private Hospital, Kwazulu-Natal Paardevlei Private Hospital, Cape Braam Fischer International Hospital, Free State Modderfontein Subacute Hospital, Gauteng

Durban | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Bloemfontein | Polokwane Head Office: 59 Musgrave Road Durban 4062 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa +27 31 301 6122 info@rubenreddyarch.co.za www.rubenreddyarch.co.za

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World-class healthcare driven by state-of-the-art facilities

Employee engagement is at the centre of our HR strategy. We strongly believe as a Group that there is far more productivity when the head, heart and hand are aligned...

Executive suite

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attracting the right specialists in a multitude of different disciplines; this is compounded by the fact that it takes time to earn the confidence of communities when a new hospital is opened in their local area. However, this can be overcome very quickly by employing the right combination of staff and effectively marketing its high quality hospitals, placing particular emphasis on the hotel-style offering it can provide.

“We have done this by advertising in both local and national media, consulting top head-hunting agencies for our particularly specific senior positions,” adds Dr Mji. “It is pivotal to find the right person for the job in terms of technical expertise, alignment of personal and organisational values and a cultural fit.

“Employee engagement is at the centre of our HR strategy. We strongly believe as a Group that there is far more productivity when the head,

Durban | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Bloemfontein | Polokwane Head Office: 59 Musgrave Road Durban 4062 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa +27 31 301 6122 info@rubenreddyarch.co.za www.rubenreddyarch.co.za

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stablished in 1988, Ruben Reddy Architects is a balance of seasoned professionals and up and coming young talent, diverse architectural experience, skills and cultural backgrounds, which all merge to create innovative and inspirational design.

Service delivery is key to our success. With a team that is solution driven, we work closely with our clients and the relevant stakeholders, to produce projects and outcomes, that meet the needs of both the client and the end-user.

With a staff of 59, based at six offices around South Africa, Ruben Reddy Architects has an established reputation in sport architecture, healthcare and public sector buildings, as well as extensive experience in large-scale transportation hubs, spatial planning and urban design.

Our partnership with Busamed Ruben Reddy Architects is priveleged to have worked with Busamed right from the beginning of their healthcare journey.

We provide a full range of architectural services for projects at both a local and international level. In addition, we have the professional expertise, in-depth knowledge and proven experience to provide the specialist services in sports consulting, sport bid development, and sportevent planning, as well as education, healthcare, hospitality and institutional facilities.

Recent projects include: • HOSPITALITY - Tsogo Sun Hotel - Cape Town • EDUCATION - University of Johannesburg/ Soweto campus, student accommodation

At the outset, with no facilities to use as a blueprint, the way forward was an exploratory one for both parties. Today, nine years later, working hand-in- hand in with the Busamed team, three stunning facilities are up and running around the country, with a fourth in Bloemfontein, coming on stream soon, each serving the diverse needs and purpose of the varied communities in which they operate.

Evolved over the years, the result of the mutual trust and support of the partnership and the teamwork of the various players, Ruben Reddy Architects has been able to bring to the design of each unique project, best international practice and standards, setting the benchmark for the future.

• SPORT - Ice Dome Sochi and Tournament Venue Infrastructure Planning for 2018 FIFA World Cup • TRANSPORT – King Shaka International Airport, Durban • HEALTHCARE – The Nelson Mandela Childrens Hospital, Johannesburg

T +27 31 301 6122 E info@rubenreddyarch.co.za www.rubenreddyarch.co.za

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heart and hand are aligned - the head knows what needs to be done, the heart brings the passion and values and the hand provides the output.”

The training initiatives in place in order to fulfil Busamed’s employee engagement strategies are strongly linked to operational deliverables as well as the development of individual personal development goals, using an in-house talent management programme that focuses on career management and talent pooling.

Local quality

The Group utilises Imperial and Pharmed wholesalers as well as UPD for the procurement of ethicals, scheduled substances and patient medication, utilising logistics companies that can provide services seven days a week to all Busamed pharmacies. It has also perfected its emergency service which exists for

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delivering life-saving drugs within the first ‘golden hour’.

“We have worked very hard to ensure our suppliers are of the finest quality, local suppliers are given an opportunity to provide products and we will always ask for an economic empowerment certificate of compliance when working together,” continues Dr Mji. “When it comes to building hospitals, we have built a solid relationship with Ruben Reddy Architects, a local partner for architectural design.

“This has generated job creation and economic growth in South Africa, also requiring local outsourced suppliers for the organisation of our laundry, cleaning, security and catering services.”

There have of course been larger global suppliers involved in the Busamed story and its development over the years, some of these prominent players including T-systems

T-SYSTEMS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ENABLING CONNECTED HEALTH There is only one possible reason why Digital Transformation should be a non-negotiable in healthcare strategy and that can only be about the patient experience.

It starts by ensuring an easy admissions and discharge process to complementing each treatment step with up-to-date patient data from vital signs to allergies and clinical patient history. Accurate coding ensures billing and payment on time and ensures that the patient does not become the ham in the sandwich between the provider and medical insurer.

Any technology that can ensure lower cost of medical care with a higher quality care programme for a patient must be appealing to any provider.

During a series of articles over the next 11 months T-Systems will take you through several articles that could guide such a strategy and key considerations that will ensure that your healthcare digital transformation strategy supports your key business objectives or your public-sector mandate.

Next edition: The days of bespoke technologies are over.

ABOUT T-SYSTEMS T-Systems forms part of the Deutsche Telekom group of companies, placing the Company in a unique position to combine Information Technology and Telecommunications into replicable, cost effective solutions. Since inception in South Africa in 1997, T-Systems has cemented its position as one of the most successful companies in the group outside of Europe.

Contact person: Peter Mills Designation: Healthcare Sales T: 0027 82 882 5862 E: peter.mills@t-systems.co.za

www.t-systems.com Building high quality, hotel-style hospitals

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What We Are Very Proud Of Is The Lives We Touch Every Day Through Our Healthcare Focus – Being There, Behind The Scenes, Enabling Our Healthcare Clients, To Transform Lives When People Are Most In Need

We Are Grateful To Our Existing Clients And Proud Of Their Achievements And Contribution Towards Impacting Healthcare In Africa, And We Invite You To Continue This Journey With Us – Building A Better Nation…Building A Better Africa

t-systems south africa

experts in healthcare ict services

T-systems South Africa Is A Level 2 BBBEE Multi-national On The New ICT Code

Achieved By Working Closely With Customers And Partners By:

100% Of Our Profits Re-invested Locally Socio-economic Development Investment Continues To Touch The Lives Of Many Individuals And Communities We Continue To Shape, Contribute And Participate In Nation Building, With Our Active Role Across Public And Private Enterprise

Listening

Learning

Adapting

Improving

imagine Our Cross-industry Focus Brings The Best Across Many Domains To Healthcare From: Preventive Maintenance To Supply Chain Optimization

sap for healthcare

1 9 #1 ENTERPRISE PLATFORM

99% MORE THAN

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ALL THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE WORLD TOUCH AN SAP SYSTEMS AFRICAN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE INNOVATING WITH SAP SOLUTION

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Hand-picked Partner Landscape Deliver Best-in-class Solutions For Specialized Medical Applications Coupled With Our Own Healthcare Innovation Initiatives Means We Can Lay Claim To Having Made “Every Healthcare Professional, Someone’s Hero” Since 2007, Marking The Journey Of Our Healthcare Industry Focus In South Africa

To Connected Ambulance Each Industry Can Benefit From Innovation In Others

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t-systems healthcare

partnership

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healthcare

Our Partnership With Other Technology Vendors And With Our Clients Help Us Drive And Deliver Innovative Solutions FROM: Managing Hospital Queues To Automating Laundry Management

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Healthcare Is Simply People Caring For People, Making Employees The Most Valued Asset And Certainly The Most Differentiating Element Of Any Healthcare Provider

trust is hard earned

Our Selection Of SAP As A Platform At The Centre Of Our Healthcare As A Service Model, Is Deliberate – As We Believe It Offers Hospitals The Necessary Value It Experts From Strategic It Investment An Answer Current And Future Relevance

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South African Hospitals European Hospitals

Trust T-systems As Their Strategic IT Partner

our unique offering: healthcare as a service At Its Core, We Offer A Cloud Based SAP Healthcare Information System That Addresses The Healthcare Needs Of Our Clients Best Enabled Employees And Puts The Patient In Good Hands

what makes us different?

It’s Really About Knowing A Client’s Need And Addressing That Need, So That They In Turn, Make Address The Patient’s Need – Successfully, Reliably, Repeatedly i. Employing The Best Possible People ii. Applying Industry Best Practices iii. Using The Best Technology And Platforms iv. And Having A Passion For Healthcare

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BOSTON SCIENTIFIC

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oston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world.

As a global medical technology leader for more than 35 years, Boston Scientific advances science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare.

Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, our products and technologies are used to diagnose or treat a wide range of medical conditions, including vascular, pulmonary, heart, digestive, urological and chronic pain conditions.

www.bostonscientific.com A high quality hospital experience translates into value for patients

- the ERP technology platform - and GE, a technology partner.

Dr Mji elaborates: “When it comes to the pharmaceutical supply chain we pride ourselves on the ability to optimise quality, while attracting cost effective products which translate into value for our patients, while also providing a high quality hospital experience. We carefully take into consideration the funder rules and work within the framework of medical aid rules in order to combat medical inflation.”

Raising awareness

As well as working to attain local products and workers where possible, the Busamed Group is both annually and monthly involved in corporate social responsibility schemes.

“The Spin-a-Thon is run with the purpose of raising awareness of cardiac and cardio-vascular diseases and the way to make healthy lifestyle choices,” explains Dr Mji. “It is a monthly challenge and anyone can

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participate providing they submit their mileage done during a specific month.

The challenge is to see how many times we can cycle around South Africa for this very deserving cause.”

The event will often culminate on Heart & Stroke Awareness Day, where

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the Group partners with CVDPRP Rehabilitation and Helderberg Cardiac Support Group, Virgin Active, Pathcare and Ampath for the healthy and fun initiative. The event this year is scheduled for 29 September.

Blood Drives have also become a big

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IT TAKES IMAGINATION TO MAKE SCIENCE MORE GROUNDBREAKING. That’s the difference between making devices and making progress.

An uncompromising pursuit of excellence. An unwavering focus on solutions that will make the most difference for patients. Intently listening and collaborating side-by-side with clinicians to understand their most complex problems. These are the principles for every product, solution and relationship we build. It’s what we do every day to advance science for patients, for life.

To learn more about what it takes to advance science for life, visit www.bostonscientific.com © 2017 Boston Scientific Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved. CORP-421303-AA AUG2016

OUR BEST WISHES to all involved in

Interventional Cardiology in the Busamed Group THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Condor Medical Africa, Suite 102, 1st Floor, Oxford Manor, 196 Oxford Road T: 0027 11 268 2296, F: 0027 86 528 8367, E: info@condormedical.co.za

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A high quality hospital experience translates into value for patients

part of Busamed’s CSR work, having been partnered with WPBTS since inception. The Company hosts blood donation drives at its facilities on a bimonthly basis, with tests conducted generally including screening for cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

“We also host an annual Kidz Health Expo, inviting exhibitors to promote their services as well as creating much needed awareness of child-specific diseases and developments in areas of concern,” Dr Mji describes. “It’s something that we are incredibly proud of and is very well accepted and attended by the local community in particular. Our next expo is scheduled for 26 August, 2017.”

Looking forward, the Company is hoping to take successful schemes such as this and create a bigger presence in the majority of provinces in South Africa.

“Busamed’s aim is to become the healthcare provider and employer of choice in the country,” concludes Dr Mji. “Not only do we believe - judging by our already successful recent history - that this will be a viable possibility, but we also have a vision looking to the future to contribute towards building a national footprint in which we provide access to healthcare.”

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Outlook

Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T : www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

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Make the right

CHOICE Total Health Trust is realising its vision as a national leader in bringing quality healthcare to the population of Nigeria via an accessible network of equally committed providers Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Stuart Parker

otal Health Trust (THT)’s regional reputation for integrity, service innovation and reliability has made it one of the leading health maintenance organisations in Nigeria and the Company is looking to leverage this status in order to bring even more extensive services to the country’s population.

The Company, a subsidiary of the Liberty Group of South Africa, has been connecting its members to healthcare providers ever since inception in 1998,

THT has built a diverse portfolio of clients

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compiling an unrivalled 18-year track record in the process to culminate in a formidable reputation and an acknowledgement as the HMO of choice for reputable local and multinational corporate clients alike; as well as for Government institutions.

“THT is uniquely positioned to be able to offer a wide range of products which caters for clients across multiple sectors, ranging from the informal sector, local and multinational corporates,” elaborates Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nick Zaranyika. “This has attracted a diverse portfolio of clients from these sectors, particularly multinational companies looking for enhanced employee health benefits for their staff.

“THT is also unique because we go beyond just connecting our clients with healthcare.

We provide industry leadership through a combination of innovative product design, efficient operations and a focused customer

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service orientation. We deliver value-added services as an integral component of our plans which cut across maternal and childcare, chronic disease management and other wellness initiatives.”

The subsequent experience, integrity and sheer longevity that THT can boast in the HMO sector has led to it receiving the HMO of the Year award in 2016 at the Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Awards, once again epitomising the standard, versatility and quality of service that its partners and clients have come to rely on.

“Our products range from traditional managed care plans to innovative

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fee-for-service plans suited to both small medium enterprises and large local and multinational corporate clients, as well as individuals looking for comprehensive health cover and flexibility in accessing care,” Zaranyika continues. “The range of products is offered across two distinct platforms; a pure indemnity fee-for-service model, and a managed care capitation model.”

Comprehensive benefits

The fee-for-service model - also known as Liberty Health Cover - is better suited to companies and individuals with medium to high budgets for healthcare, while managed care capitation plans are

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The comprehensive benefits offered cover a broad range of primary, secondary and tertiary health treatments

geared up for low to medium budgets; emphasising the all-encompassing approach that THT takes.

Regarding the former, “the comprehensive benefits offered cover a broad range of primary, secondary and tertiary health treatments including the ability for members to access any hospital within the THT network and the possibility of access to worldwide care and international evacuations”, Zaranyika explains. “All the plans cover day-to-day (outpatient) and hospital (inpatient) including major disease medical care, with emergency evacuation included in the top tier plans.”

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The CEO continues: “The managed care capitation model caters for all levels of employees within an organisation. The scheme covers primary healthcare and secondary or tertiary care that requires preauthorisation. Members can elect only one primary provider while secondary and tertiary care is referred for specialist attention. We have four options under this model which are among some of the most competitively priced in the market.”

Additional services and programmes under THT’s remit include the National Health Insurance Scheme, Surehealth informal sector plan, third party administration, and other value-added services such as chronic disease management and mother and child support initiatives.

“THT has is also expanding its managed care plans to include plans

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for schools and non-permanent workers,” Zaranyika adds. “THT experienced increasing enquiries from schools looking for health insurance cover for students and teachers, as well as from companies wishing to provide health cover to non-permanent staff. The Company then decided to undertake research and recognised an opportunity to provide solutions.”

To identify such requirements, “THT has a Product Development committee made up of staff from the Marketing, Underwriting & Sales department who work together to get market insights on a monthly basis,” the CEO continues. “These insights are then reviewed with the broader THT management committee to determine core areas of product refocus. The Company also leverages on the actuarial support from its parent company.”

PAELON MEMORIAL CLINIC

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aelon Memorial Clinic is a multispecialist boutique hospital located in Victoria Island, Lagos in Nigeria. It was established in memory of Patricia Elozie Onyia, the 3rd and last child of the current Managing Director & Founding Partner, Dr. Ngozi Onyia, MBBS FWACP MBA CTH. With the tireless support of Total Health Trust (THT)/Liberty Blue, the Company has grown organically from an outpatient clinic to a 10 bed hospital, opening a 2 bed state of the art ICU in 2015.

In October 2016, the Company earned the first ever SafeCare (www.safe-care. org) Level 5 award in Africa for quality improvement and encouraged once again by THT/Liberty Blue, the Company expanded her reach and opened her first branch in Ikeja in March 2017.

We are a guideline and protocol driven hospital and as a result provide evidence and value based, patient centred primary, secondary and tertiary health care services of the highest standard with integrity and are often sought out for honest, professional second opinions.

Whilst trying to be a one-stop shop, we are careful not to overstep our bounds.

We owe a lot of our success to our supportive, responsive colleagues in other disciplines.

We have a wide range of clientele including corporates, health insurance and out of pocket payers of whom THT remains our single largest partner.

T 0909-360-8138 E info@paelonmemorial.com

www.paelonmemorial.com THT has a wide range of services in its remit

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Emergency 0909-360-8138

A World Class Medical Practice, With Well Sought After In-House & Visiting Specialists.

Getting it right the first time, every time.

Providing evidence & value based healthcare

Personalized healthcare services

Family medicine In-house paediatrics In-house obstetrics In-house gynacology Intensive care

Health assessment 24 hour in-house laboratory 24 hour in-house pharmacy In-house radiology In-house physiotherapy

How to Reach Us? For General enquiries, the contact details below will help you get in touch with The Paelon Memorial Clinic.

contact@paelonmemorial.com www.paelonmemorial.com

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Best possible service

Further support from the parent company comes in the ability to make sizable investments year-on-year to ensure the Company is continuously improving and staying ahead of the industry curve.

From a technological perspective, THT has access to the most up-to-date advanced administration systems and this is then capitalised upon by an equally refined and market-leading workforce.

Zaranyika notes: “At THT, we believe that our staff are our greatest asset and therefore as an organisation we have adopted a robust talent management programme for identifying, developing, supporting and optimising local talent to achieve our business objectives.

The same localised approach is adopted within THT’s supply chain and business partner strategy as well, forming relationships with Nigerian

THT contributes to sustainable industry growth

businesses wherever possible.

“All our providers are grounded Nigerian businesses and we go to great lengths to grow and nurture these partnerships,” Zaranyika affirms.

“With our clients however, we have a more diverse set as our products are favoured by multinational companies, local corporates and SMEs.” A local entity attracting international acclaim is the perfect balance from a business perspective but that doesn’t overshadow the domestic commitments that THT has from a corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective. Last year alone, the Company ran a fundraising event for a cancer foundation, while donations to a school for children with special needs have also been carried out.

“This year, we have also earmarked three additional CSR causes to support, all within the realm of enhancing the welfare of the community around us,” the CEO adds. “In addition, THT

99 percent of staff are local

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places huge value on conducting business within strict, good corporate guidelines with a focus on credibility and integrity.”

Driven by this ethos, THT’s overriding strategic objective is to continue to be the number one preferred and trusted health insurance partner in Nigeria, contributing to the sustainable growth of the country and industry.

Zaranyika concludes: “Over the next few years, we are going to dedicate time and effort into ensuring that we maintain this position by providing the best possible service to our existing clients, while simultaneously attracting new clients with our innovative product offerings and excellent service delivery.”

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A Healthy and Productive

Zambia The Ministry of Health Zambia is moving with the times to introduce information technology that will enable easy communication and exciting advancements within the healthcare sector in the country Writer: Phoebe Calver • Project Manager: Callam Waller here is a huge amount of potential when it comes to information and communication technology (ICT) and the Ministry of Health Zambia (MOH) recognises and utilises this as a way to transform healthcare delivery, enabling information access and supporting healthcare operations, management and decision making.

Despite improvements, the Zambian healthcare sector is still largely characterised by a fragmented landscape of ICT start-up projects, not to mention the numerous data and health information systems (HIS) silos, which halt the progression of the effective sharing of information between healthcare participants.

At present MOH, supported by the

Zambian Government, partners and private institutions are continuing to invest in various ICT initiatives particularly due to the noticeable absence of national coordination and planning - in order to progress with the effective utilisation of resources and creation of new solutions.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia through its ongoing health sector reforms aim to improve health outcomes,” explains MOH on its website. “Through part of these reforms, Ministry of Health has developed strategies, including the National Health Strategic Plan - 2011 to 2015 - which enables us to guide priority settings and

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deployment of resources within the health sector.�

Although the implementation of strategies are often promised to produce positive results, having to create the best possible outcomes - particularly when faced with increasingly high pressure situations - does require a fundamental transformation for the healthcare sector and particularly the way it is delivered and managed moving forward; for companies such as MOH, it will be vitally important to stay ahead of this curve.

ICT impact

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SAGEWOOD

The Government of the Republic of Zambia through its ongoing health sector reforms aim to improve health outcomes

As previously mentioned, the impact of ICT has - in the past few years in particular - significantly impacted multiple areas of the society that MOH works within, and it looks set to have a very positive impact on the delivery of healthcare services.

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ith head offices located in London, Sagewood Limited was established in April, 1987 and now has regional offices located in Zambia, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. The Company also has operations running in Ethiopia through local agents, as well as a liaison office in Shenshen, which looks after quality control and production at its partner factory.

Sagewood has accumulated a wealth of practical experience over three decades of international operations, consistently offering quality at a competitive price; the Company aims to provide appropriate technology and solutions which ensure the customers get value for money.

The Sagewood philosophy is centred on supplying its valued customers with a value for money product and service, a key facet being its focus and commitment.

Keeping in close contact with customers is pivotally important, with head office personnel regularly visiting all regional offices several times a year in order to liaise directly with the end users.

The Company has worked as a partner and team player with its customers, ensuring a long-term and mutually beneficial commercial relationship. At Sagewood it values project success and mutual benefits as a driving factor that has enabled the formation of longlasting partnerships.

New customers will always be welcomed into the Company’s business network with the same service and approach, the Sagewood model has enabled work with the majority of its current customer base for the past three decades and will continue to do so in the years to come.

T +44 20 8958 0060 E info@sagewood.com

www.sagewood.com ICT is having a significantly positive impact on the delivery of healthcare services

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PASSION TO PERFORM

procurement | delivery | installation | training

Energy Sector/Utilities

Health & Laboratory

We supply all materials from our partner factories based in China, India and Europe. Our association with our partner factories over the past decades has enabled us to develop processes which ensure that quality, material specifications, adherence to international standards and timely deliveries are maintained.

We supply a complete range of equipment and consumables for teaching hospitals, health clinics and rural service clinics. With our ISO13485:2012 medical accreditation, and ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 quality accreditations we are fully qualified to serve the healthcare sector.

We have central warehouse facilities in North and South China and are able to consolidate products from all our partner factories. This enables us to supply a range of products such as cables, pole line hardware, termination kits, circuit breakers, transformers and energy meters and ship as one consolidated shipment to our customers worldwide.

In addition to supply of equipment and consumables, we offer a range of services which covers installation, commissioning and training on products supplied by us.

This is particularly useful for contractors who may want all their materials in one shipment from one single source for ease of operation.

We have a team of qualified personal who are factory trained by the equipment manufacturers. This strength allows us to offer maintenance services to hospitals and health ministries to maintain their equipment on preventative maintenance contracts.

Providing a complete service to industry www.sagewood.com | +44 20 8958 0060 | info@sagewood.com

SAGEWOOD

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“Training in this area is pivotally important for us, with the purpose of this strategy being to use ICT as a way to leverage service delivery,” adds MOH. “These developments actually coincide with the Zambian Government’s adoption of a different paradigm, working on rolling out a ‘SMART Zambia Now’ scheme across the country.

“It is our considered view that with the addition of appropriate commitment and support from Governmental bodies, health workers, cooperating partners (CPs) and other key stakeholders, our strategies will significantly improve and contribute to the management of the health sector as a whole.”

Urging stakeholders to thoroughly involve themselves in the implementation of MOH’s eHealth strategy, has been at the top of the Company’s list of priorities, particularly when it comes to the familiarisation with this important document.

It has also been particularly important to employ a strategy that

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is both holistic and inclusive, with the development of the eHealth strategy, using it as a participatory process which brings together key stakeholders such as CEEGICT, ZICTA, CDC, USAID and CHAI, all of which are able to share their experiences in the implementation of eHealth interventions.

Social and cultural changes

The Ministry of Health’s eHealth strategy recognises the huge impact of improving the delivery of healthcare to the masses, not to mention the benefits that come with systems such as eHealth, making health systems more efficient and responsive to dynamic needs.

“A particularly large contribution has been found through social and cultural changes which work towards building the understanding that the health sector must now integrate ICT into its delivery of quality health services to citizens,” continues MOH. “It is a very exciting time as we are emerging from a severely constrained health system,

STERELIN

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ith a mission to make the world’s leading medical and diagnostic brands available to healthcare providers and patients in Zambia, Sterelin’s influence in the country for the past 14 years has been geared towards achieving just that.

In doing so at affordable prices, the Company has helped to provide ‘healthcare for the nation’; driven by a code of conduct which is adhered to across the board in accordance with laws, regulations and ethics procedures.

To achieve its mission, Sterelin has partnered with the world’s leading pharmaceutical and diagnostics entities, while also providing continuous medical education programmes to aid skills development.

“At Sterelin we emphasise the importance of experience and professional training for our staff, both in product knowledge and customer service,” the Company elaborates.

Cohesive, committed, responsive, attentive, and customer-focused, the Company is subsequently reputed as a market leader; compounded by partnerships with the national health industry and in establishing PPP long-term framework contracts with the Ministry of Health to supply key lifesaving medicines and diagnostic equipment to the public health sector.

The provision of regulatory and compliance advisory services also aids partnerships and sector development on an international scale.

In recent years, Sterelin has embarked on building its own purpose-designed, state-of-the-art office block and warehousing complex at a cost of more than $2 million, eight kilometres south of Lusaka’s city centre; a move which is already helping to cement this highquality service to its customers in the present day and with the future in mind.

T +260 211 849050/53 E mdsoffice@sterelin.co.zm

Stakeholders are encouraged to thoroughly involve themselves in eHealth

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www.sterelin.com

Making the world’s leading medical and diagnostic brands available to the healthcare providers and patients throughout Zambia since 2003

Healthcare for the Nation

Healthcare for the Nation Address: Plot 291, Eureka Farm, Makeni, Kafue Road, Lusaka Tel: +260 211 849050/53 Fax: +260 211 849057 mdsoffice@sterelin.co.zm

Making the world’s leading medical and diagnostic brands www.sterelin.co.zm available to the healthcare providers and patients throughout Zambia since 2003

Making the world’s leading medical and diagnostic brands available to the healthcare providers and patients throughout Zambia since 2003

Address: Plot 291, Eureka Farm, Makeni, Kafue Road, Lusaka Tel: +260 211 849050/53 Fax: +260 211 849057 mdsoffice@sterelin.co.zm www.sterelin.com

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A strongly coordinated focus on the ‘people’ dimension of the national eHealth deployment will be supported by the following mechanisms: National awareness campaigns

Designed and implemented national awareness campaigns that focus on communicating the scope and benefits of high priority solutions to consumers and care providers.

Financial incentive programs

Establish financial incentive programs, targeted primarily at key private provider segments, to encourage the adoption and use of high priority eHealth solutions as they become available.

Care provider accreditation

Facilitate changes to national care provider accreditation regimes to make the adoption and use of eHealth solutions are a core accreditation requirement.

Education and Training

Implement changes to vocational and tertiary training programs to increase the number of skilled, nationally available eHealth practitioners.

Stakeholder engagement forums

Establish national eHealth stakeholder reference forums and working groups with cross sectorial representation and clearly designed objectives and goals.

with many new opportunities on the horizon.”

It is important to remember that Zambia has a particularly high disease burden, characterised by a high prevalence and impact of communicable diseases which have a vast social impact, including malaria, HIV and TB, not to mention the especially high neonatal and child morbidities and mortalities.

“Recently the country has also been faced with a rapidly rising burden of non-communicable diseases - particularly including mental health - which are emerging from a

Recently the country has also been faced with a rapidly rising burden of noncommunicable diseases

severely constrained health system and providing opportunities for the Ministry.”

Socio-economic changes

Zambia’s long-term socio-economic development agenda has and continues to be guided by the National Vision 2030, aiming to transform the country into a prosperous nation by 2030.

“A particularly exciting prospect for the Ministry is the fact that Vision 2030 will be prioritising healthcare in particular,” the MOH expands. “There is a commitment to the attainment

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MISSIONPHARMA ZAMBIA

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issionpharma Zambia is here to make a difference. We aim to strengthen the national healthcare by providing tailored healthcare solutions throughout the country.

Trustful partnerships with a broad range of national stakeholders have made us one of Zambia’s premier distributors of quality pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and hospital equipment.

Our professional workforce has decades of experience and is here to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you to our fully equipped hospital equipment showroom in Lusaka.

We want to accelerate the new Africa – and we have great ambitions for Zambian healthcare.

www.missionpharma.co.zm There is a huge emphasis on continuum of care

of equity and access to the most cost effective quality health services.”

The sector’s particular focus in this regard is the emphasis on a continuum of care, including promotional, preventative, curative and rehabilitation services. Looking forward it is possible that this continuum of care could be challenged by the burden of diseases in Zambia - which presently is very high and characterised by the emerging burden of the aforementioned non communicable diseases.

“The focus is to mitigate the challenges and improve health care services using Government developed policies,” affirms MOH. “Before the implementation of the 1991 National Health Policies and Strategies, the Government had been using the Public Health Act as guidance; however the successive National Development Plans have excellent guides to healthcare.”

The country has been particularly

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HETERO

The focus is to mitigate the challenges and improve health care services using Government developed policies

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etero is one of India’s leading generic pharmaceutical companies and one of the world’s largest global producers of anti-retroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Established in 1993, the Company is in the business of development, manufacturing and marketing of drug intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and finished dosages.

The Company has over 25 state-of-theart manufacturing facilities which have been approved by various regulatory authorities around the world. With over 200 products in its portfolio across various therapeutic areas, the Company has a strong global presence in over 120 countries.

T +91 40 237 04923-28 E access@heterodrugs.com

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focused on developing and implementing this successive Nation Health Strategic Plan since 1995.

However, over such a long period of time, changes in the political, economic, social, technological and epidemiological profile of the country have posed new challenges for the sector.

MOH continues: “From 1995 to date, our Government has developed national policy specific steps towards better healthcare, however, the lack of an overarching National Health Policy is a gap that will need to be filled through developments in the future.”

Zambia’s National Health Policy for Zambia seeks to respond to these challenges, many of which are already being worked on in the context of Vision 2030, taking into consideration other relevant national, regional and global health related policies, protocols and strategic frameworks - including Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

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Health of individuals is determined by the local environment

Environment and circumstance

As we move forward and expand, it is pivotal to provide the right education to equip people with the knowledge and skills that they will need

Developments are Government driven

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Even with all of the developments in policies driven by the Zambian Government to positively impact healthcare, the health of individuals and communities is to a large extent, determined by the environments and circumstances in which they both live and operate.

“Included within these factors are the social and economic environment in which people live, the physical environment, the individuals characteristics, behaviour and circumstances,” explains MOH. “These are commonly referred to as the determinants of health, or the conditions in which people will be healthy or unhealthy.

“These factors, such as the state of the persons surrounding environment, standards of which they reside in, access to food and essential nutrition, levels of education, physical activity and attitudes towards seeking help with their health will have a huge

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impact on their health.”

It is in cases such as this, that the importance of education and in particular education in health is ever increasingly important, with learning being among the major determinants of health and development in Zambia.

“As we move forward and expand, it is pivotal to provide the right education to equip people with the knowledge and skills that they will need to access and understand information on health - including their personal health and that of those around them,” concludes MOH. “General education will also increase the opportunities for job and income security, which will have a direct impact of health and wellbeing.

“It is very important to us that we continue to assist in this development of healthcare and the education surrounding it, not only providing help for our generation, but for many years to come.”

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tarting in 1982 in Nairobi, Kenya as Homegrown - a horticultural business that was set up to exploit the benefits of the country’s equatorial position - Flamingo Horticulture Ltd has flourished over the past 25 years to become a world-class vertically integrated entity.

Also leveraging Kenya’s strong heritage in the sector as well as its populous make-up, the business began back then in the vegetable and fruit production domain across Homegrown’s own farms, as well as with small-scale Kenyan farmers. In 1989, Homegrown also ventured into the production of flowers, setting the tone for the multi-faceted portfolio that today’s Flamingo Horticulture is reputed for.

Flamingo Horticulture is a worldclass vertically integrated horticultural business active in the growing, processing, marketing and distribution of sustainably produced roses, cut flowers, premium/prepared vegetables and fresh herbs and is one of the largest added-value producers and exporters of flowers (c300 million stems per annum) and produce (c7.5 million kilograms per annum) from Africa to the EU; as well as one of the world’s largest producers and packers of Fairtrade roses and lilies.

Headquartered in Stevenage, around 30 miles outside London, the quality of the Group’s processing operations, logistics network and well-invested African farms make it one of the leading and best regarded companies within its categories globally, with infrastructure and technical capabilities which are able to consistently handle and deliver the key flower peaks; for example, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas.

As such, the Group’s model is balanced between its own large-scale professional farms operating in Kenya and South Africa, and long-term

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By Growers, for Growers Flamingo Horticulture’s unrivalled devotion to fresh flower and produce supply has led it to the shelves of supermarkets around the world Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

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FLORALIFE Floralife and Flamingo Horticulture: Responsible Partnership As a leader in the postharvest care and handling of flowers, Floralife’s goal is to ensure that a supply of top quality flowers reaches the consumer. Through our products, facilities and practices, Floralife is constantly looking at new and better ways to incorporate the best sustainable practices. As we conduct business around the world, we seek partners who share our commitment, such as Kenyan flower grower Flamingo Horticulture.

Sustainability and social responsibility are important topics that affect many aspects of life in the developing world, including water conservation and responsible agriculture. As living standards improve, there is also a new emphasis on employee satisfaction and enrichment, as well as responsible environmental stewardship.

Customers are always offered the highest quality product range

sourcing partnerships with a global network of vertically integrated third party suppliers and outgrowers. This supply chain strategy ensures that customers are offered the highest quality product range on a consistent year-round basis.

Jonathan Ralling, Managing Director of Flamingo Horticulture Kenya quotes: “The Group’s success is dependent on - and hence focused on - delivering six key drivers to our retail customers: quality, availability, value, sustainability, innovation and insight. We believe the first three should be givens and it is the last three that will ensure Flamingo’s long-term viability and prosperity.

“Our business is defined by ambition, Kenyan pride, and an outstanding work ethic. We use these core principles along with innovation techniques to differentiate our products and operations from our competitors’.”

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Our business is defined by ambition, Kenyan pride, and an outstanding work ethic. We use these core principles along with innovation techniques to differentiate our products

Flamingo Horticulture is an example of the flower industry’s promise and its responsibility to the people and the environment. Their efforts in the areas of water use and waste disposal have earned Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications. Employee amenities include set working hours and time off, free transportation and subsidized meals onsite. Local outreach efforts include a company hospital that serves the entire community.

Floralife offers partners such as Flamingo Horticulture testing and expert advice on pretreatment, hydration, transport and storage, and final food solutions for nourishment conditioning. Floralife technologies also help reduce water usage, optimize flower nutrition, fight disease and help ensure longer vase life.

In partnership with Flamingo Horticulture, Floralife helps ensure that each hectare of soil is being used responsibly and efficiently to produce superior flowers for the discerning international market.

www.floralife.com

From harvest to home, Floralife provides the perfect solutions for the care and handling of your fresh cut flowers.

Founded in 1938 in the flower market of Chicago, USA, Floralife introduced the first cut flower food to the world. Since then, we have expanded our global footprint and followed our passion for beautiful fresh cut flowers by creating the best care and handling products for the industry. Today, we have a network of floriculture experts working around the world to solve problems and develop innovative solutions. Located around the globe in key floral markets, we have our own technical experts, testing facilities and laboratories from which we conduct product development, field trials, audits, educational seminars, marketing and sales.

For almost 80 years, Floralife has been solving the postharvest care and handling needs of the cut flower industry.

We support the entire cut flower distribution chain from harvest to home; from growers to wholesalers; and from supermarkets and retail shops to consumers. Our products provide the ultimate enjoyment experience for the end consumer with solutions for pretreatment, hydration, transport & storage, and final flower food solutions for nourishment & conditioning.

With the merging of two leaders in the industry, the purchase of Floralife by Smithers-Oasis Company in 2007 has created a one-stop shop for all your floral needs. As a full service company, we are able to be your complete floral partner to make your program easier, streamlined and informed throughout the entire flower chain. With one point of access for your floral needs, your business will be more efficient and cost effective.

WE FOLLOW THE FLOWERS AND PLANTS WE FOLLOW THE

FLOWERS & PLANTS Retail Florist Floral Wholesaler

Supermarket

Breeders

Consumer

Growers Bouquet Operation

Internet

As the inventor of the revolutionary FloralifeÂŽ Express Technology line of floral care products, fresh cut flowers are now able to be fed and fully hydrated without ever having to re-cut the stems.

For a deeper dive into the world of Floralife, go to our website at www.floralife.com or on any of our social media sites: Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or YouTube.

Oasis Floralife Africa Ltd, Po Box 20496-00200, Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 780 000073 +254 733 123006 E: infoafrica@floralife.com

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Flamingo Horticulture’s history

“From the beginning, In order to differentiate the Flamingo offer, our operations were underpinned by best practice in four key areas: good agricultural practice (GAP); good manufacturing practice (GMP); social and ethical ways of working; and environmental protection,” Ralling explains when recalling the journey that Flamingo Horticulture has enjoyed over the past quarter of a century. “It is these pillars that are the foundations of Flamingo’s strong sustainability credentials today.”

1994: The other key was the vertical integration between Kenya and the UK when Flamingo was set up in the UK as the Group holding company and as Homegrown’s marketing and distribution arm. This gave Flamingo control and ownership from a growing, vegetable processing, distribution and freight forwarding operation perspective in Nairobi; and an airfreight, to marketing and distribution point of view in the UK.

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That meant Flamingo was in total control of its entire supply chain from Kenya to the UK. 2000: In 2000, Flamingo increased its interest in flower production and acquired Flowerplus in Spalding.

This was followed in 2002 by the acquisition of Zwetsloots in Sandy, Bedfordshire and these two businesses are the basis of Flamingo Flowers’ operations in the UK. 2001: Dudutech, the Group’s Kenyabased IPM Company was formed in response to growing consumer concerns about the use of pesticides in horticulture. Dudu is Swahili for insect, and the Company is focused on developing indigenous Kenyan insects and other naturally-occurring products that can be used as an alternative to agrichemicals. 2001 also saw Flamingo become the marketing partner for those growing operations that used to supply the Albert Fisher group. These companies are still the backbone of the Company’s supply partners today.

GREENLIFE CROP PROTECTION AFRICA LTD

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ccording to the Food & Agriculture Organisation’s report on the state of food and agriculture in Africa, it was noted that there was a dire need to take action now to make agriculture more sustainable, productive and resilient to counter the climatic changes that will have a direct impact on food production in countries that are already prone to food insecurity.

Greenlife Crop Protection Africa Ltd is at the forefront of this agenda; products are tailored to accommodate even the lowest in the agricultural food chain. Affordability, accessibility and environmental safety are the pillars through which the Company intend to change the way crop protection is achieved on the continent.

The Company pays special emphasis to ensure that products are not harmful to the environment, ecosystems, and does not compromise on food quality and the safety of the farmers and consumers.

African crop yields are the lowest in the world yet Africa is one of the most fertile continents in the world, and the Company is aligned with the 2030 agenda of eradication of hunger and poverty. Kenya will serve as the first case study in this mission and will be part of the movement be green and sustainable with Greenlife.

Our five-year goal is to ensure every farmer has knowledge of crop protection that adds value and contributes not only to food security but impacts significantly on their economic power.

T +254 735 544544 E info@greenlife.co.ke

www.greenlife.co.ke

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We know about Floriculture & Horticulture Crop Protection With an extensive catalogue of floriculture and horticulture agrochemicals, we pride ourselves in being able to anticipate and meet our farmers needs, providing efficient products that ensure optimum crop protection impacting significantly on food security and their economic power.

GREENLIFE IS AN AUTHORITY IN PLANT DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL P. O. Box 24942 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: +254 738 980267 Mob: +254 735 544544 +254 722 563698, Tel: +254 20 2441201/2 info@greenlife.co.ke | www.greenlife.co.ke

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PACKAGING INDUSTRIES

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rom its humble beginnings in 1985, PIL has grown to become a world class manufacturer of flexible packaging and is now one of the largest in the East and Central African region.

Some of the services we offer include: • Extrusion (up to seven-layer) • Printing (up to eight colour flexo) • In house reprographics with Computer to Plate technology • Lamination (solventless) • Laser, hot needle and macro perforation • Slitting With a proven track record of on-time infull delivery across a wide geographical area, the Company has its own delivery fleet and offer a stockholding service as required.

The Company has established an innovative reputation

Flamingo’s farms Kingfisher

Naivasha (roses, spray carnations, fresh produce)

Flamingo

Naivasha (roses and fillers)

Ibis

Mount Kenya (tenderstem, broccoli, fine beans, runner beans, sugar snaps mangetout, spring onions, fresh herbs)

Siraji

Mount Kenya (spray carnations, large headed roses)

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2002: Homegrown increased its flower growing operations with the purchase of Sulmac Kenya, now Kingfisher farm; and also with the acquisition of Sunbird Flowers in South Africa, now Flamingo Flowers South Africa, a chrysanthemum farm near Johannesburg.

2005: Flamingo Flowers BV was set up in Holland to give the Group stronger links with Dutch growers and the auctions. Also in 2005 the fresh produce business moved to new premises in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

2007: Flamingo Holdings was acquired by James Finlay Ltd. Following a successful period which saw a significant period of capital investment under the ownership of JFL, the business was sold to Sun Capital in November, 2015 and reverted to using the name Flamingo Horticulture in January, 2016.

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Our entire process is organised around ensuring absolute quality with a dedicated team responsible for systematic quality checks at every stage of the manufacturing process.

The Company is a leader in investing in cutting-edge technologies such as sevenlayer extrusion & in-line laser scribing.

The Company has been BRC accredited for more than five years with an excellent track record of working with both African and European retailers. We have the experience and knowledge of fresh food and commercial packaging standards.

The Company has its own in-house research laboratory with dedicated research personnel. We specialise in developing bespoke, shelf-life extension solutions for fresh food.

The Company’s long-term partnership with Flamingo Horticulture has inspired its growth and allows constant improvement of the Company’s state of art packing technology.

We are proud to be associated with Flamingo Horticulture.

PACKAGING INDUSTRIES LIMITED info@pil.co.ke | pil.co.ke +254 722206966 +254 700 755 745 | +254 701 745 745 01 Nadume Road, Off Sekondi Road, Off Lunga Lunga Road Industrial Area, Nairobi, P.O. Box 48811, 00100 G.P.O, Nairobi - Kenya

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What next?

With a present day reputation as a leader across process innovation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and farm practice parameters, Flamingo’s success is owed to a culture of continuous improvement, drive and ambition according to Ralling, who further elaborates on the latter as being not just a key customer requirement, but also crucial to the development of the Company inhouse.

Spanning areas of staff retention, skills development, education and progressive experience, ambition isn’t just a buzzword driven by management but a cultural staple within the confines of Flamingo’s farms.

“This philosophy has seen the development of increased rose production, innovative vegetable production - both in terms of product and harvesting processes - and the constant development of IPM solutions with our sister Company, Dudutech,” the Managing Director says.

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ast African Packaging Industries Ltd (EAPI) was established in 1959 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then the Company has been one of the leading manufacturers of products made out of corrugated cardboard.

To keep up with the demands of modern packaging and in order to maintain service levels of the ever increasing volumes of our customer base, the Company is investing heavily in upgrading their machinery – including state-of-the-art multi-colour printing presses.

These investments will help to service one of our major long-term customers and one of the world leaders in horticulture, Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd.

On the continuous improvement front, the Company has developed value-added vegetable products which have enabled entry into new European markets while further strengthening its influence across Flamingo’s UK retail base.

On the flower production side, the Company has developed seasonal and bulb crops to support its extensive rose offering, and is now developing valueadded solutions to extend its product portfolio in Kenya; all with specific industry and consumer trends having been monitored and taken into account.

“Our sister companies and partner customers in overseas markets continually provide key market and trend data to this end,” elaborates Ralling. “With a diverse product portfolio we need to not only be aware of market trends, but also pivotal product relationships in terms of opportunity and performance.

“We use hard data as well as focus groups and customer polling to understand not only how our products are received but also the key question of ‘what next?’”

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www.eapi.co.ke

DUMMEN ORANGE

With a diverse product portfolio we need to not only be aware of market trends, but also pivotal product relationships

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s a leading company in the breeding and development of cut flowers, potted plants, annuals, perennials, succulents and bulbs, Dümmen Orange represents a legacy of floricultural excellence more than a century in the making, providing the largest selection of superior flowers and plants on earth.

By uniting the world’s top breeders under one distinctive brand, we blend traditional techniques and emerging technologies.

Globally accessible and locally embedded, the Company continues to be at the forefront of the industry while bringing stability and opportunity to our partners and associates worldwide.

www.dummenorange.com

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for you Uniting the world through the language of flowers

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Behind every innovation is a series of internal enhancements

A responsibility to grow

Naturally, behind every innovation, diversification and expansion is a series of behind the scenes internal enhancements that keep Flamingo ahead of the industry curve, compounded by the business strength to carry out sizable capital investments when required.

Consequently, its vegetable business has in recent times benefitted from extensive investment into harvest and product handling, focused primarily around automation and quality improvements.

Ralling adds: “Meanwhile, within our flower business, we continue to improve product handling and supply chain technologies around speed, safety, cold storage, and ultimately, product vase-life. We are also undertaking a rose expansion project to increase production by more than 50 percent in the coming two years.

“Our herb business is also a key

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...within our flower business, we continue to improve product handling and supply chain technologies

value-adding opportunity and we are constantly trialling shelf-ready solutions for export markets.”

And driving these opportunities is an equally refined and thoughtthrough workforce that represents the culmination of decades of hard work and status improvements to make Flamingo the employer of choice that it is today.

Such loyalty from its employees is subsequently repaid through the development of Kenyan nationals on a local level, and the Company is very proud of this developmental philosophy which is now being seen across regional operations and senior management roles.

“As a business we are committed to education and training across our business and that commitment continues to yield talented and ambitious team members which we have a responsibility to grow and develop,” Ralling continues.

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Elgon Kenya are happy to be associated with Flamingo Horticulture!

On the theme of localisation and external enrichment, Flamingo is also “blessed with a supply base that shares many of our principles, and is working just as hard to develop Kenyan supply channels and capability that supports a proud Kenyan exporter”, he adds. “Continual dialog with our stakeholders ensures that where we can support them we will, and where we think opportunities exist we have a responsibility to engage.”

Building a future Flamingo Horticulture’s overall farming footprint at present naturally lends itself to geographical footprint growth and sustainable progression into the future which, in turn, lends itself to an ever-broadening customer base as well.

Its key UK retail market remains an important string in the Flamingo bow, but is now complemented in force by export markets stretching from the US to Australia.

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And between the two, a clear focus of late has been on developing its crucial European markets even more concertedly via a combination of product innovation, cost effectiveness, and enhanced collaboration with customers to better understand the respective markets.

Improvement isn’t just tailored towards capital gains though, with the business every bit as invested in wider societal evolution as well, as epitomised by its CSR agenda supported by both shareholders and aforementioned customers.

“We are delighted to engage in a number of community projects including educational development, environmental work to support natural habitats and fragile eco systems, and healthcare projects,” Ralling affirms.

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Reaping the benefits of successful collaboration

“Flamingo has a long history of being both a responsible employer and neighbour within the communities we operate. Working with our retail customers we are also able to provide

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further impetus around Fairtrade projects and international aid and development efforts.”

Expectations for the future heavily feature enhanced CSR involvement, compounding its core efforts which revolve around business growth and farming excellence.

Ralling concludes: “We are building a future that continues to deliver to all stakeholders, and that is sustainable through all aspects of our business; be those financial, social, environmental, and technological.

“Overall we would like to be seen as a large farming and export operation, with great people, great customers, and a future that we are able to shape in the context of increasingly tough trading conditions, but ultimately rewarding markets.”

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OSMT makes crops productive through supporting to grow their roots healthy by the microorganisms in the rooting zone.

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PURE Expressions Subati Flowers adheres to the highest quality standards, providing seamless delivery of the freshest and most beautiful flowers to your doorstep Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joshua Mann upported by horticulture’s continuing status as one of the fastest growing industries in Kenya’s export sector, Subati Flowers Ltd has seen great success, marking its 10th anniversary this year.

In 2007 the land and assets of a rose farm named Subati Ltd were purchased by promoters, the land located on the equator, 35 kilometres North of Nakuru town - comprising an

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89 hectare farm with 12 hectares of roses under greenhouses, producing 750,000 stems a month of 12 different varieties.

Subati Flowers sits at the ideal altitude of 2,200 metres about sea level and continues to benefit from fertile red soil, a unique microclimate, all of which contributes to the production of Kenya’s finest T-hybrid and Spray roses.

Its production was quickly increased by 350,000 stems a month in February, 2008 - due in part to a new feeding regime - taking the total production up to 1.1 million stems a month.

“We have experienced vast levels of expansion during our 10 years in the industry, particularly in mid 2008 when the shareholders decided to increase the area of production by 12 hectares,” explains Ravi Patel, Managing Director at Subati Flowers Ltd. “This particular expansion was completed in January, 2009 and with it production gradually increased to approximately two million stems a month.”

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Your partners for

Inclusive & Sustainable Horticulture ONE OF THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF GREENHOUSES, PACKHOUSES & ALLIED EQUIPMENTS ALL OVER THE WORLD. At Greenspan, we build winning teams through people participation, mutual respect, professional integrity & honesty.

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The Subati brand was firmly planted in the industry by that point as the demand for its roses began to grow at a rapid rate, faster in fact than the Company could supply initially. In response to this demand, 2001 saw the Company embark on a further 17 hectare expansion - after delays due to heavy rain - which was completed in December, 2013.

“In the following two years we saw the completion of the final expansion in our three and nine hectare projects respectively,” continues Patel. “Today we have a total of 91 hectares of greenhouses which produce more than 90 million stems of high quality T-hybrid roses per year.”

Last year saw Subati Flowers Ltd rebranding itself to the Subati Group Ltd, making way for the diversification of the Company’s agriculture portfolio from flowers to herbs, setting up a herb farm which is located in Kibwezi, 300 kilometres South of Nairobi.

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Today we have a total of 91 hectares of greenhouses which produce more than 90 million stems of high quality T-hybrid roses per year

“The project looks set to be one of a kind in Kenya, producing basil, chives and mint spread across 20 hectares of covered greenhouses,” adds Patel. “The greenhouses will have an automated fogging system in order to control the humidity and temperatures within; these herbs will be packed and exported using the highest quality standards and global certifications to Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

“This entire project will be solar powered using the panels installed on the roof of the grading hall and we hope to produce our first harvest of Mint and Basil in August, 2017.”

Niche varieties

The Company’s main strategy has always been to create a brand by producing an extremely high quality product with the service to match.

“We have always catered to the needs of the direct market and set trends consistently throughout

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REENSPAN AGRITECH PVT LTD, is a Joint Venture Company, founded in 2003. The synergy between Dutch technology and innovative, high quality low-cost manufacturing in India, leads to an end product unparalleled by others. At Greenspan, we build winning teams through people participation, mutual respect, professional integrity and honesty. We offer customer friendly solutions and strive hard to offer turnkey solutions tailor made to suit different crops and/or climates.

The head office and manufacturing facilities of Greenspan are located in Pune, India.

The Company also has its own subsidiaries in Kenya, Ethiopia, Thailand and Holland; besides distributors and agents in various other countries.

Our fully-owned subsidiary, Greenspan Africa serves our customers in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. We have sufficient stock of all greenhouse spares including greenhouse film of various types and various widths; lengths can be given as per the customer choice. Besides we also provide dam liners and water storage tanks from 10 m3 to 1,000 m3 capacity. We will also be stocking other items needed by the greenhouse industry in the years to come.

The Company’s journey with Subati Group Ltd started more than a decade ago, and from the initial start of building more than 15 hectares of greenhouse space, have built more than 80 hectares at their various locations in Kenya. Currently we are working closely with them to build state of the art greenhouses for growing herbs and other vegetables. Sprawling over 1,500 acres of land, this project should be one of its kind for many years to come.

Our desire is to work closely with our customers and offer turnkey solutions. In emerging markets, we propose to build technology excellence centres whereby we can showcase the benefits of growing various types of vegetables and herbs under controlled environments. Our first technology excellence centre has been successfully launched and operational in Thailand. Our next two technology excellence centers are being constructed in the North East states of India. In these projects we work closely with various seeds companies and ensure we give good trials for their seeds.

Our next goal moving into the future would be to enable small and medium sized farmers in various markets adapt the use of greenhouse technology coupled with growing technologies to grow various vegetables and fruits. Sustainable horticulture remains our vision and mission and this journey has just begun!

For more details and for quotes, please visit our website:

www.greenspan-agritech.com Here you can find the wide range of products that we offer; suited to handle various climatic conditions and catering to the needs of growing various types of horticultural crops.

T +91 2114 287083 E sales@greenspan-agritech.com

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Subati’s evolution,” affirms Patel. “To support this we have created extensive testing programmes, following the principal that if you don’t try you will never know; we particularly enjoy planting niche varieties and will always try to be the first to do so.”

In recent years the Company has introduced many new lines to its everevolving product range, including scented roses, garden roses and cluster roses. It has continued to work with the top breeders in the industry to improve the selection and quality of the new codes, ensuring that Subati is ahead of the curve and attracting new customers to the brand at all times.

“The Subati brand currently reaches more than 40 countries globally, with our main markets being located in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Australia,” continues Patel. “We promote the brand by exhibiting in various flower shows around the world, and in 10 short years we have

SOLAR RESOURCES LTD

...we have created extensive testing programmes, following the principal that if you don’t try you will never know; we particularly enjoy planting niche varieties and will always try to be the first to do so

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ased in Kenya since 2011, Solar Resources Ltd specialises in solar power products and services.

The Company is involved in the distribution and installation of solar power systems for domestic and commercial clients all over Kenya.

All of the Company’s systems are German-made and come with a full manufacturer’s warranty for up to 30 years.

The Company provides a complete service to their clients from a full site survey to establish load and power requirements, to commissioning of the system, as well as relevant training if necessary to site individuals when required. We also provide an extensive after-sales service with maintenance, and client contact.

With a vision to ensure that all clients benefit from the Company’s experience in terms of engineering superiority, we have installed over 3MW of Solar Installations within Kenya, along with an additional 2 MW of on-going projects.

We are proud to announce a recent project with Subati Flowers, incorporating a 200KW Solar PV Grid Tied system aimed at reducing their electricity cost at their new farm.

T +254 20 652 354, +254 700 929 361 E khes@smart-solar.co.ke Subati has promoted its brand at more than 35 shows in less than 10 years

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Kenya’s Leading Solar Solutions Provider

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We are involved in the distribution and installation of solar power systems for domestic and commercial clients all over Kenya.

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rom its humble beginnings in 1985, PIL has grown to become a worldclass manufacturer of flexible packaging and is now one of the largest in the East and Central African region.

We are dedicated to introducing innovative packaging products to the floricultural, horticultural produce, herb, candy and snack food industries in addition to other specialty markets.

Our aim is to being the absolute best at providing personalized service to our Customers.

Some of the services we offer include: • Extrusion (up to seven-layer) • Printing (up to eight colour flexo) • In house reprographics with Computer to Plate technology • Lamination (solventless) • Laser, hot needle and macro perforation

Driving growth and stability in all of Subati’s operations

been to more than 35 exhibitions and have amassed 100 active customers.

“When it comes to identifying new regions to supply to, we carry out research on aspects such as the size of the market, growth potential, stability in the country and its currency, as well as the ease of logistics from Kenya.”

Hard working labour force

The level of farming required in the Company is particularly labour intensive, luckily in Kenya Subati is privy to a good and hard working labour force. With more than 2,000 employees - only six of which are not Kenyan - it places a big emphasis on local employment.

“At Subati we do understand the value in the need for constant training and innovation,” explains Patel. “Since the Company began we have always engaged our staff in training exercises and within those realms, encouraged them to attend external training

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• Slitting

Since the Company began we have always engaged our staff in training exercises and within those realms, encouraged them to attend external training seminars held by various supporting companies

We have a proven track record of on-time in-full delivery across a wide geographical area. We have our own delivery fleet and offer a stockholding service as required.

Our entire process is organised around ensuring absolute quality with a dedicated team responsible for systematic quality checks at every stage of the manufacturing process.

At PIL we offer floral sleeves that are tasteful, classically simple and uniquely designed. As per your specification we are able to customise the flower sleeves for you.

We are proud to be associated with Subati Flowers and would like to congratulate them on celebrating their10 year anniversary.

T +254 722206966 E info@pil.co.ke

on celebrating

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seminars held by various supporting companies.”

Post and Pre harvest consultants tend to provide the main source of training for the Company, visiting Subati every month from Israel and France to train staff on new techniques and processes to improve quality and efficiency in produce.

“We have always considered our staff as our greatest asset at Subati, therefore we are particularly dedicated to bettering their lives and the lives

of those around them,” continues Patel. “Lunch is provided to all staff on our farms, with ingredients which are all sourced locally from small-scale farmers in the surrounding area.”

As well as its commitment to employees, Subati is also greatly involved in helping the community and environment around it, carrying out various community service projects which include providing clean water to Tetu town, carrying out road works and fixing broken bridges in the local area.

Subati’s staff are its greatest asset

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“The past six years has seen us help to build three schools in the area, providing them with labour and the materials required for the job,” Patel describes. “Our most recent project is helping to re-build and modernise Tetu Primary School, a school with more than 500 students, 200 of which have parents working at Subati Flowers.”

This year the Company has already dedicated four million shillings to building four new classrooms, six toilets and the levelling of the football

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pitch and supplying sports equipment to the school.

“Over the years Subati has become a brand that symbolises quality, consistency and service,” concludes Patel. “Our ability to innovate and adapt to changes in the needs of the market is what differentiates us from others in the industry. It is this factor that has driven us to become a onestop-shop for our customers, providing a very large product range of high quality produce.

A brand that symbolises quality

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INVESTMENT Old Mutual Life Assurance Malawi is redefining customer experience to align with the needs of a Malawian market which already places the Company at its head Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Stuart Parker s a subsidiary of one of the largest financial service companies in Malawi, Old Mutual Life Assurance’s long-term savings, insurance and investment solutions have been a staple in the country for the best part of 80 years, and the Company is showing no signs of loosening its influence within the market moving forward.

Opening its first official office later in 1954, the evolution of the Company ever since has been concerted and regionally significant, leading to a key milestone in 1999 which saw the Old Mutual Group demutualised, and the Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Malawi Limited as we know it today, incorporated. “In recent years, the Old Mutual Malawi Group has registered tremendous growth, capitalising on business opportunities within Malawi and incorporating the following

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subsidiary companies: Old Mutual Investment Group; Old Mutual Unit Trusts; Old Mutual Pension Services Company, which was borne out of the life assurance company and MPICO Limited, the Group’s Property Management Company,” introduces the Company’s Managing Director, Tavona Biza. “Old Mutual Life Assurance Company currently caters for more than 180,000 customers in Malawi. Its back office divisions include underwriting, actuarial, claims management, data management, accounting and finance, and audit, risk and compliance; while the front office includes customer services, business development, sales and marketing.”

Diversifying and expanding continuously since the landmark 1954 opening in Malawi, a constant refinement and overview of what’s needed in the market, and what’s best for its customers has led to the current array of products and services.

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Solutions on the corporate products and services side include pension administration; retirement planning; group life assurance cover; group funeral benefit insurance; and bancassurance which umbrellas credit life assurance, key man insurance and funeral cover. Meanwhile, on the retail products and services side sits its Timba funeral plan; a combined savings, retirement and risk product named Greenlife; Tsogolo savings plan; insured pensions; and the retirement savings preservation plan.

“We are continuously challenged as a Company to respond to our customers’ needs and adapt to the ever-evolving operating environment,” Biza says.

“We have embraced bancassurance and digital platforms in our distribution and customer servicing strategy as they provide a means of not only communicating directly to the customer and reaching many customers at a time, but also communicating in real time.”

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Y Malawi has a long history serving many of the most successful private and public companies in Malawi. It is a member firm of EY Global, a leader among the world’s professional services organisations. We are one of the longest-established firms in Malawi offering an unrivalled pool of specialists’ professional services to a wide base of clientele ranging from multinationals, quasi – government institutions, state-owned corporations, non-governmental organisations and private limited companies. EY has been engaged by Old Mutual Malawi Limited in the recent past to carry out business tax and advisory services.

The firm has three Partners, and a staff complement of 110 professional staff, operating from offices in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

For many years, EY Malawi has been an established leader in serving numerous industries in the country in particular: • EY Malawi is also presently engaged with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in developing a financial model for Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) and Zanzibar Electricity Company Limited (ZECO) and performing financial and operational due diligence on these institutions in preparation for the second compact which the MCC intends to sign with the Government of Tanzania (GoT).

• EY Malawi is presently playing a pivotal role in developing the Master Transportation Plan for Malawi for the World Bank.

• EY Malawi has been instrumental in facilitating foreign direct investment into Malawi amounting to US $2 billion over the past five years.

www.ey.com/mw The Company has diversified and expanded continuously since its landmark 1954 opening

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With a global network of assurance, tax and advisory professionals who also are knowledgeable on industry issues, EY matches your needs. ey.com/mw #BetterQuestions

Š 2017 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. ED None.

Is understanding the industry as key as understanding the problem?

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MEGATECH SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD

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egatech Systems, a subsidiary of the EBS International group, has a proud 20-year track record successfully provisioning the Com_Pen System and related services to the retirement fund industry in Africa. Com_Pen is deployed in African countries to more than 30 institutions with diverse requirements, ranging from insurance companies and large self-administered funds to pension fund brokers.

Megatech’s dedicated team of experienced professionals understand all aspects of fund administration and associated risk products and have the requisite skills to implement Com_Pen quickly and efficiently within agreed timeframes.

Com_Pen is widely regarded as an extremely flexible and reliable product for the administration of any type of pension, provident or savings scheme.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Malawi is leading the market

The Company is extremely proud to have been associated with Old Mutual Malawi for the past 16 years, providing Com_Pen to meet their diverse product, regulatory compliance and integration needs.

Valued customers

A triumphant consequence of being so vigilant across its portfolio has been the majority share enjoyed by the Company in terms of net premiums collected by the insurance industry.

As market leaders, Old Mutual Life Assurance Malawi has created a perfect cycle whereby its established business successes foster future innovations, which further compound its status at the top.

“Our pensions offering, for example, has evolved from a basic retirement plan and group life cover to a package that offers add-on benefits such as disability cover and excitingly a funeral insurance benefit paid within 48 Hours of receiving all the documentation,” Biza continues. “Benefit payment on its own has evolved from paying physical cheques to employers to making electronic fund transfers directly to members. Currently we are also exploring the mobile telephony channel for the benefit of our valued

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Our pensions offering, for example, has evolved from a basic retirement plan and group life cover to a package that offers add-on benefits such as disability cover

We are excited to provide our extended suite of functionality to them to further enhance their service offering.

This functionality includes: • ‘PlanInsite for Com_Pen’ - A business intelligence and fund analytics platform providing administrators and funds with valuable and actionable insights to improve efficiencies and member servicing and reduce costs.

• Web and cloud based solutions • Mobile applications As an integral member of the EBS International group, the Company extends its service offering to new and existing customers in the areas of data center hosting, cloud based solutions, business continuity and disaster recovery services, and business intelligence.

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One of the leading software development houses in the field.

Successfully provisioning the Com_Pen System and related services to the retirement fund industry in Africa.

We are extremely proud to have been associated with Old Mutual Malawi for the past 16 years, providing Com_Pen to meet their diverse product, regulatory compliance and integration needs.

Software for the future…

Com_Pen @Work

Building partnerships that last…

Megatech Systems (Pty) Ltd

Megatech Systems (Pty) Ltd | Megatech House, Pinewood Office Park, 33 Riley Road, Woodmead, Sandton, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 11 234 2800 | Fax: +27 (0) 11 234 2804 | Registration No. 900144907 | www.compen.co.za

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customers who are widely spread, geographically.”

The launch of the Company’s Timba funeral plan and the Tsogolo savings plan are further examples of this ability to adapt to the very latest consumer demands; the latter in particular being labelled as a revolutionary product as a mix of both long-term savings and short-term flexibility should unforeseen emergencies arise.

And behind each new innovation is a tireless research and development team keeping a close eye on these aforementioned target markets.

Corporate social responsibility “There are five key pillars that define our responsible business approach. These are: responsible to our customers, responsible investment, responsible to our employees, responsible to our communities, and responsible environmental management. As a responsible business, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the non-negotiable ways in which we deliver our brand promise in terms of how we relate with our communities and the environment. This is one of the ways in which we distinguish ourselves from our competitors.

“The lives of the people impacted by our CSR continues to grow over time. As a corporate citizen we are proud to own several flagship sponsorships in maternal health, environment and education sectors which we believe are supportive to the communities we operate in.”

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Old Mutual has a flexible service offering due to uncertainties in life

“We also use a variety of different distribution models to ensure that the products are targeted at the right audience,” Biza adds. “One example of such is our Tsogolo savings plan where premiums are deducted at the source; the salary for the employed.

“Our research indicated that many policies using alternative payment methods were lapsing before the customer had achieved their intended goals. All things being equal the longer a savings policy stays in force the better value the customer derives from the product.”

Relevant solutions

Two pivotal industry fluctuations that have currently caught the attention of Old Mutual revolve around decreasing disposable incomes, and financial

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inclusion’s facilitation of sustainable development goals (STGs); with the Company subsequently introducing new products to help combat or leverage such trends.

“Regarding the first industry demand, our savings monitor continuously indicates each consumer’s intention to cut on savings and insurance and prioritise basic necessities; mostly short-term and tangible products. High premiums and long-term financial plans in the strictest sense would therefore soon no longer appeal to the majority of Malawians,” Biza details. “Hence the Tsogolo product was developed with this in mind. It has a long-term savings pocket that allows you to save for that big goal whether it’s a car, child’s university education and so on.

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“We also realised that customers don’t typically go the full term; not because they don’t want to, but because life happens, so we put in a short-term pocket from which they can withdraw up to 20 percent of their savings if an urgent need arises without surrender penalties.”

Old Mutual recognises the uncertainties in life within its products and services, leading it to the second new product whereby the Company opens up about the idea of financial inclusion to help increase access and the use of financial services.

“Old Mutual recognises the clear link between financial inclusion and development and in response we are not only offering free financial literacy to the masses but also relevant solutions,” Biza affirms.

Facilitating each new product and innovation is a similarly honed focus internally, encompassing ongoing capital investments and behind the scenes improvements.

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Biza continues: “We are able to respond quickly to market needs compared to our competitors as we have the capability to learn and adapt systems which have proven to work elsewhere within the global business.

“We have just completed the roll out of a world-class retail administration system with cutting edge capabilities.

Our employee benefits system is also very robust providing our corporate customers with online access to their benefit statements, which was a first of its kind in this market.”

Director sets the tone for the Company’s most prized asset: its people. Certified as a Top Employer, the faith and development instilled into each individual is sector and region-renowned, compounded by state-of-the-art training that is carried out both internally and externally.

Biza continues: “Naturally we also ensure that our employees are competitively and fairly compensated for retention and in our strategy, we search for talent within our local market before we look elsewhere for human capital resources.

Ahead of the curve “As part of an international “When all is said and done, systems are organisation, Old Mutual also has a just systems and what matters are the vibrant mobility programme which people who use them. As Old Mutual allows us to receive certain talent from we are uncompromising when it overseas and also to expose our talent comes to investing in the development to international experience. All this of our people because it is only with is done to ensure that there is cross trained, competent and motivated pollination of ideas so that Old Mutual staff that we are able to provide real stays ahead of the curve and most value in our customer servicing.” importantly, the Malawian market also This rallying cry from the Managing benefits from it.”

Biza is a prime example of this strategy having been exposed to numerous markets and disciplines before taking on the role of Managing Director in Malawi, and this kind of ethos lends itself perfectly to transferring knowledge and technological expertise to an expectant clientele. Currently he is also in the process of assisting in the development of actuarial expertise in the country.

He concludes: “We believe our customers are the reason we exist. A lot of initiatives are conducted aimed at improving the customer experience and this culture derives from our vision ‘to be our customers’ most trusted partner; passionate about helping them achieve their financial goals’.

“We are therefore able to offer a superior service backed up by dynamic administrative systems and competitive investment returns. This allows us to leverage our brand and the trust clients have built in us over time.”

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etropolitan Lesotho is making the most of a successful 2017 as the insurance services Company looks back at 50 years as a cutting-edge responsive solutions provider, and looks forward to another 50 years of market innovation to come.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of JSElisted MMI has evolved immeasurably over its five decades of domination, evolving from its Home Trust branch origins in 1967 - mostly catering for funeral and burial policies - to become a fully-fledged domiciled operator offering the full span of life insurance products.

Ranging across basic funeral cover, life cover, annuities, pensions, investment products, preservation products and medical aid products, Metropolitan Lesotho’s aim to provide financial wellness for Basotho across all spheres is being realised to great effect.

“The business is made up of three key businesses: the Health business offering medical aid solutions; the Corporate Business offering employee benefits solutions like pensions,

Metropolitan Lesotho is commemorating half a century at the forefront of the country’s insurance domain by remaining one of the most cutting-edge and innovative operators in the market Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Stuart Parker

preservation funds and annuities; and the Retail division offering life insurance solutions for individuals across Lesotho,” introduces the Company’s Health General Manager, Sepinare Lenkoe. “The business currently has a geographical presence across seven districts with plans to reach all national districts via a branch network in the future.

“The current product suite is very expansive and the biggest of any insurer locally.”

These include holiday, funeral, education, investment, annuity, life cover, disability, retirement, income continuation, capital preservation, asset management, hospitalisation and medical aid products and solutions; continuously diversifying in order to extend its reach provision-wise as well as geographically.

“We are on the cutting-edge of responsive solutions, offering some of the best and most innovative products which are not available from our local competitors,” Lenkoe adds.

Undergoing a revamp

Never standing still in the market is a trait synonymous with Metropolitan

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Lesotho’s success over the years, epitomised by a series of recent additions to its product portfolio to once again enforce its position as a turnkey entity.

The launch of its Mpower Financial Wellness product is a prime example of its renowned innovation, consequently addressing a holistic aim to make the Company’s clients financially secure at all times.

Before introducing such services, however, Metropolitan Lesotho capitalises on its wealth of experience and expertise in-house, by carrying out extensive marketing, research and development in order to find the most pressing and sought-after solutions.

“At group level we have the annual Momentum Household Financial Wellness index, which informs where challenges are within the market, as well as a biannual market survey by Metropolitan Lesotho, to inform us on where gaps are within the market,”

STANDARD LESOTHO BANK

At group level we have the annual Momentum Household Financial Wellness index, which informs where challenges are within the market

Standard Lesotho Bank congratulates Metropolitan Lesotho As Standard Lesotho Bank we are proud that we are the preferred financial service provider for many individuals and organisations including Metropolitan. Our relationship with this insurance giant is founded on a strong heritage that has been largely underpinned by mutual trust and cooperation; with a common goal of providing value for Basotho, who are at the centre of everything that we do.

Over the years, our relationship with Metropolitan evolved and gave rise to other partnerships beyond just business.

We have partnered with Metropolitan in many Corporate Social Investment and sponsorships initiatives in the fields of education, arts and sport. Most notably, it is our collaboration in the staging of the Independence Cup soccer tournament that stands out as one of the biggest events in Lesotho’s football history.

It is in the same spirit of mutual cooperation that we congratulate Metropolitan for remaining committed to protecting Basotho for more than 50 years. “We are indeed very proud of the relationship we have shared with Metropolitan Lesotho in the years gone by. Even more gratifying is that they looked to us when they needed bespoke services unique to their business. Now our relationship transcends beyond business and has blossomed to nation building initiatives in the sponsorship and CSI space. We sincerely wish Metropolitan Lesotho decades more of prosperity,” says Mr. Mpho Vumbukani, the Chief Executive of Standard Lesotho Bank.

We look forward to moving forward together for another 50 years of growth, prosperity and mutual cooperation.

www.standardlesothobank.co.ls Metropolitan Lesotho carries out extensive marketing, research and development

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Corporate and Investment Banking

Moving Forward is a trademark of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited.

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Metropolitan Lesotho has become somewhat of a pioneer in the industry for the enrichment offered to its staff

Lenkoe explains. “One particular industry trend we’re monitoring at the moment, for instance, is the deterioration of the financial wellness of our clientele as a result of high debt and increasingly precarious job security.”

Preparedness for these kinds of challenges also entails ongoing investments on an internal basis too, recently highlighted via system upgrades across its health and corporate businesses, and soon to be compounded by a planned migration for the retail market to ensure the sector’s offerings are client-centric as well as innovative and world-class.

“Our branch network has also been undergoing a revamp in line with our new corporate image, and to better ensure client-centric layouts; the Leribe branch the latest to be revamped,” Lenkoe continues. “New offices are also set to be opened in Mohales hoek, Qacha’s Nek and Maputsoe.”

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50-year heritage

The Company invests in its people

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In each established and forthcoming office exists a key differentiator for Metropolitan Lesotho in the form of its workforce.

As an accredited Investors in People Company, it has thrived upon the role it takes in developing individual skills, and has become somewhat of a pioneer in the industry for its enrichment to this end.

“We also have training and personal development as an integral part of our performance management, and a substantial part of our training budget is dedicated to up-skilling our staff,” Lenkoe affirms. “Each year, at least a third of the workforce goes through some form of structured development.

“We are proud of our investment and support from the communities we serve and, to date, we are working hard to ensure that we up-skill locals for any roles that we currently rely on outside expertise for.”

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Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

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There is a similarly localised bias when it comes to the supply chain too, with more than 80 percent of the Company’s procurement budget going to local providers. Additionally, any new business partnerships are entered into with the aim of reinvesting in the communities that support the business; an initiative that spills over into its concerted corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

“We are at the forefront of investing in the local economy, with annual CSI (corporate social investment) in excess of M7 million,” Lenkoe says. “Our bias is towards sustainable educational projects and clusters of communities that actively support Metropolitan Lesotho.”

Investment into local enrichment is only set to increase over the next 50 years of operations, as Metropolitan Lesotho targets even more rounded growth in the future, driven as always by a desire to tackle the country’s

Office: +266 22321898 | Cell: +266 58870655 | Cell: +27 832708353 Email: admin@sechabagroup.co.ls or visit us at Sechaba House, 4 Bowker Road, Maseru

The branch network has been undergoing a revamp in line with its new corporate image

wellness challenges with the most advanced, modern and relevant solutions.

“In the next few years, we hope to have expanded the markets Metropolitan has solutions for within the insurance and asset management space, while also expanding the

business to position it to better compete with cross-border competitors,” Lenkoe concludes. “We are proud of our 50-year heritage which we are celebrating this year. I feel that our roots run deep within this country and we will continue to be there and partner with Basotho on this journey of financial wellness.”

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Chama Insurance Agency’s differentiator as a service oriented Company is set to facilitate improved capacities and a diversified portfolio in the years to come Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Stuart Parker

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n only two years, Chama Insurance Agency has capitalised on its incorporation in Kenya to become one of the country’s leading indigenous independent intermediaries.

Established under the auspices of the Amalgamated Chama Limited (ACL) and Kenya Association of Investment Groups, the Agency isn’t tied to any particular insurer and

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was set up with the objective to tap into the business from investment groups and members of the ACL, and has grown extensively as such over the past 22 months to become a flourishing ‘agency for investors’.

“Chama is a Kiswahili word meaning an association or a grouping of likeminded individuals or groups with a common goal or objective of investing and growing mutually,” introduces the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer,

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years or so to be recognised amongst Realising goals intermediaries, with the ability to handle Ensuring the ongoing progression of and serve large corporates, not to the still-young enterprise, Chama has in recent months been able to arrange mention deal with both specialist and composite insurers in the industry.” special binder terms for specific clients by sourcing for the best underwriting The paid-up member of BIMA Intermediaries Association of Kenya terms with reputable service providers (BIAK) offers financial products and from registered operators around the services related to personal country. Once again setting lines, home, life, travel and itself apart from the healthcare insurance competition, the among others, while Company has gone also sourcing for to great lengths group covers to introduce new Chama Insurance Agency Ltd is a Limited liability Company of all classes of nuances like this incorporated in Kenya on insurance; with to ensure that its 30th July, 2015 under the suitable terms for clients get good auspices of Amalgamated its customers. value for the Chama Ltd (ACL) and Kenya Edwin Abungu. “The board of “Additionally, premiums paid.

Association of Investment directors comprise professionals we do provide Technical Groups (KAIG) in their respective areas and are all risk management, Director, Theodore Kenyans. Operationally, our activities pre-risk surveys and Okoth explains: “From are determined by the sources of claims services,” Abungu an internal perspective, businesses which include individuals, continues. “What sets us apart is we cannot say Chama has corporates, SMEs and chamas spread the fact that we are a service-oriented grown much - because KAIG whose out around the country. We do not rule Company, and an intermediary; the members are expected to utilise our out offshore operations so long as our first in the industry to have investors services have not fully done so - but clients’ network of branches dictate. of various shades as our support base. with more investment groups being “Chama Insurance Agency has You may refer to us as the agency for incorporated, we expect to realise our evolved in the past one-and-a-half investors/Chamas.” goal of turning into a brokerage.

FACT

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ith a track record of 98 years, the Sanlam Group is a diversified financial services business with assets of more than $60 billion and an international footprint.

The Group has a global presence with offices throughout Africa and business interests across the continent.

Areas of expertise include insurance, financial planning, retirement, investment and wealth, with comprehensive and tailored financial solutions to individual and institutional clients.

T+254 20 2781440 Agribusiness Conference sponsored by Chama Insurance is specifically designed for investment groups in agricultural insurance sector

“Regarding upgrades, we have also recently acquired a new IT system to digitalise our operations.”

Ensuring the smooth transition of all new capital investments and strategic acquisitions is an equally strategic accumulation of employees whose approaches are indicative of the culture that Chama has adhered to since inception.

Okoth continues: “Our approach is that of commitment to attracting and retaining quality professional staff, developing in-house resources, and to train and build an inspired, motivated team. Our CEO himself is a young entrepreneur and has been attending several professional seminars organised by the industry to prepare him for the task ahead.

“Chama is open to engaging with both local and international staff given the nature of its major clients; including the likes of Ascent Capital, a private equity organisation with offshore interests.”

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www.sanlam.co.ke

Progress and development

Our approach is that of commitment to attracting and retaining quality professional staff, developing in-house resources

The Company adopts the same approach in formulating its supply chain and business partnerships as well, focusing more on the matching of values and culture as well as purely skill-sets and experience.

And going that one step further, Chama rounds off its dedication to local enrichment via an equally prominent corporate social responsibility ethos which, despite being in its embryonic stages, is set to gather momentum in the years to come.

Being such a young Company with the best still to come, Chama’s future ambitions as a whole are similarly lofty, all the while remembering its initial aims, and its initial reasoning behind being an intermediary between the insurers and the insured; between clients and service providers.

“This revolves around claims handling services,” affirms Okoth.

“This is where the real service begins.

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Life Insurance

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the procedures and requirements but to pursue the matter to its conclusion; ensuring the customer is adequately compensated or indemnified in accordance with the policy terms and conditions.”

Chama’s service continues further through the ability and capacity to advise the client on potential future risks as well, offering risk management training and consultancy to mitigate prospective incidents post the initial claim. And it is this value-add philosophy that Chama, and its CEO, Abungu, believes will stand the Company in good stead for its own long-term sustainability.

He concludes: “Looking forward Edwin Abungu, CEO, Chama Insurance Agency Ltd, was recently a speaker at the Africa Insurance Reinsurance three-five years, I envisage you will be Conference in Nairobi , Kenya speaking to Chama not as an agency The initial stages simply involve term for benefit contracts. with limited capacity but rather as prospecting, negotiating offers and “However, the real service begins a brokerage firm with professional securing acceptances of suitable terms when the risk is insured against results indemnity cover that can tender for for a contract to consummate and run in an accident or loss of life or property and service parastatals and mega risks. for a given period: usually one year for belonging to the customer. Chama’s “This is part of our long-term plan in contracts of indemnity and an agreed duty is to not only advise the client on terms of progress and development.”

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IN LOCAL REINSURANCE

Uganda Reinsurance Company Limited works tirelessly to serve the country’s insurance companies, looking forward to expanding nto new markets as it enters its fifth year in the industry Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Stuart Parker

ganda Reinsurance Company Limited (Uganda Re) is a proudly local Company, providing both Life and Non-Life services after starting operations in June, 2013, with a full staff compliment of local workers.

Based in Kampala, Uganda Re holds the title of the country’s first and only reinsurance outfit, providing a wide range of services which include engineering, marine, general, accident, motor, agriculture, political, violence, sabotage and terrorism.

“With a wide client base including the entirety of insurance companies located in Uganda, we also underwrite risks that spread across the African Continent and Indian Ocean Islands,” explains Ronald Musoke, Chief Executive Officer at Uganda Re. “Presently we are particularly committed to positioning ourselves as

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Mr. Ronald Musoke, CEO

a regional capacity and risk solutions provider, working from a platform of our already excellent strategic partnerships with reputable regional and international reinsurers.”

The Company has a wide variety of underwriting insurance classes in its portfolio and with that the capacity to meet the high standards required for the industry, while also staying within the boundaries of Uganda Re’s firm values.

“We have very strong values in

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this Company which revolve centrally around reliability and quality, as well as the ability to meet customer’s needs and expectations,” adds Musoke. “It is also important for us to build longterm relationships with stakeholders, particularly due to our predominantly local work and behaving as a responsible and corporate citizen.”

Reinsurance options

The Company has employed a particularly experienced and dynamic

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team to take it forward, a factor that has massively influenced the success of Uganda Re over the past four years since inception.

“Our objective is to serve our clients with excellence and the professionalism that would be expected in a top-class reinsurance company anywhere in the world,” adds Musoke. “We have developed the expertise to skilfully identify and respond quickly to emerging opportunities that we are able to

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e provide group and individual risk insurance solutions for life changing events. Our vision is to become the trusted leader in insurance and investment in Uganda by putting the customer’s needs first and creating products that are relevant to them.

We believe that in times of unfortunate events, the last thing our customers should worry about are finances.

Our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them to orchestrate their financial freedom.

This is our passion.

Liberty is not just our name.

It’s what we do.

T +414 245 708

www.liberty.co.ug Helping business partners to achieve their goals with value-added services

tap into, continuously reviewing and upgrading when required.”

Uganda Re has honed in on its ability to supply value added services to its business partners, a key aspect of this ability is providing partners with these services in a timely and efficient manner.

“Our Reinsurance services support our proud business partners, with a view to aiding them in achieving their corporate goals,” affirms Musoke.

“We support on almost all classes of business while also offering both treaty and facultative capacities, supported by our internationally rated retrocession partners and compounded by our specialist knowledge of the risks.”

Ugandan insurance industry

The original practices undertaken by reinsurance companies were in place to reduce the likelihood for clients to have to pay out a large insurance claim, the practices reduce the risks associated with underwritten policies by way of

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We support on almost all classes of business while also offering both treaty and facultative capacities, supported by our internationally rated retrocession partners and compounded by our specialist knowledge of the risks

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Liberty Life Assurance Uganda Limited was established in 2006 and is a specialist life insurance company and Uganda’s largest life insurer.

We provide group and individual risk insurance solutions for life changing events. Our vision is to become the trusted leader in insurance and investment in Uganda by putting the customer’s needs first and creating products that are relevant to them.

Our Vision is to be the trusted leader in insurance and investment in Africa and other chosen markets.

Whether you’re a small business, large corporate or affinity group with many members, we have experience in working with our partners to understand their needs. We believe that in times of unfortunate events, the last thing our customers should worry about are finances.

Our Purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them to orchestrate their financial freedom. This is our passion.

Through understanding the power of knowledge, we strive to pioneer new ways to guide people towards financial freedom.

Liberty is not just our name. It’s what we do t 414 245 708 w www.liberty.co.ug

Employees are perfectly suited for specific roles, with continuous training given to them to ensure they are qualified to fulfil insurers’ needs

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spreading the risk. In an ideal world, reinsurance companies such as Uganda Re will then receive part of the money generated from this shared risk - a factor that Ugandan companies have smartly taken into account in the past.

However, when Uganda Re was formed in 2013, companies were required to plunge 15 percent of their reinsurance business into the Company.

“The move the Company took to becoming a national reinsurer has played an incredibly effective role in

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US$ 15,000,000 Expectant growth of premiums in the next four years

balancing fluctuations for insurance companies’ financial results,” the Company explains. “It had taken a very long time for Uganda to set up a national reinsurance company, 17 years to be exact, and it has been a collective effort over that time on the part of insurance companies to get to this point.”

A vision for the future

Since inception, Uganda Re has always aimed to be the re-insurer of choice for its Uganda insurance companies and in

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The Company adds: “It is our vision to provide consistently excellent and reliable service to our clients - the insurers themselves - particularly when it comes to levels of expertise, quick and efficient responses and excellent claim payment turn around and the sustainability of long-term relationships.”

Although in the past there has been a slight issue when it came to capacity, the Company has had stringent plans

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in place to strengthen the Company’s capital base.

“Our premiums have grown from US$ 177,000 in our first year, to US$ 7,039,000 as of 31 December, 2016, making a massive growth for the Company and proving our ability as a the reinsurer of choice in the industry,” affirms Musoke. “To achieve this we have always hired staff who are perfectly suited for specific roles, while continuously training them to ensure they are qualified to fulfil the insurer’s

needs.”

A big part of the Company’s growth over the past four years has come from local support.

Musoke concludes: “We are very excited to watch the development of Uganda Re over the next four years and we hope to witness growth in our written premiums to approximately US$ 15,000,000, as well as acquiring a global rating to take us to the next step in reinsurance companies in a larger market.”

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Leading Guaranteed Savings on the

AFRICAN CONTINENT Nabil Haddad, CEO at IPT Powertech delves into the exciting plans for development and delivery of power solutions in Africa Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

ith offices in 11 countries, IPT Powertech Group serve top clients in the region, and it is with the dedication of our 2,500 experts that our portfolio encompasses thousands of implemented projects, delivered to more than 60 operators in more than 50 countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Sierra Leone Algeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Afghanistan and many more.

While it has an operational presence in 11 countries in the MEA, Africa and Southeast Asia, it also has manufacturing facilities in Romania and Lebanon.

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Officer at IPT Powertech discusses the exciting developments of the Company’s operations in Africa and the secrets to the success of its guaranteed savings model in Nigeria.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Could you describe IPT Powertech’s latest offerings, projects and developments in Nigeria and the main challenges faced along this year?

Nabil Haddad (NH): This year was an exceptional year across all our geographies, including Africa, Middle East and Asia. IPT Powertech Group is engaged in Nigeria with the largest tower company in Africa, on the major project of Guaranteed Savings across the African continent, supplying energy

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efficient power solutions including management, maintenance, and OPEX optimisation exercise under a long-term contract. We are proud to be the one of the largest suppliers of power efficient solutions and the main contractors ensuring the Guaranteed Savings Model.

The Guaranteed Savings Model is the combination of the design, production, supply and deployment of energy efficient solutions along with the field maintenance service and continuous OPEX and CAPEX optimisation. The Guaranteed Savings Model is a riskfree approach ensuring the operators and Towercos full economisation and savings by reducing the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational

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Expenditures (OPEX), leading to optimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), while maximising the lifetime of the equipment. We guarantee the performance and savings of our own solutions while respecting the contracted KPIs and SLAs. However, the existing power transmission infrastructure in Nigeria and its operation is the weakest link in the power value chain. Transmission is responsible for many instances of stranded generation, thus the improvement of its operational performance and efficiency remains fundamental to attaining stable and reliable power to all Nigerians.

Sometimes only 20 percent of the sites are grid connected, and often the

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grid is unreliable. The impact of high energy OPEX is considerable, thus the challenge of providing energy efficient power solutions with the lowest TCO possible, while ensuring the optimal mean time to respond (MTTR) in order to maximise uptime. Other challenges in such environments are high temperature and dust, which in turn entails deploying specific solutions, conducting maintenance in a different manner and using different tools.

The fact that our group is the only solution provider in the region offering and merging Hybrid and Renewable Energy Solutions with Telecom Infrastructure and field Managed Services and maintenance, and a pioneer in combining our product R&D to our assembly facilities, made IPT Powertech Group well positioned to become a leader in the implementation of the Guaranteed Savings Model in Nigeria and the African continent.

AfO: How have IPT PowerTech come to be so trusted by Nigeria’s leading Towerco?

NH: We started working with the largest Towerco in the African continent in 2003. At that time, it was a site construction contractor. Over the years, we developed a strong relationship with them by repeatedly re-engineering our proposed solutions to match the growing sites requirements. It wasn’t long before it became the largest tower company in Africa. Our stellar achievement was the deployment of hybrid concepts on their sites, which eventually got us selected as their Preferred Power Solution Vendor in multiple countries.

Now, we are engaged with the largest Towerco in Nigeria on the largest project of Guaranteed Savings across the African continent. We are proud to be one of the largest suppliers of power efficient solutions and one of the main

YANMAR Yanmar partners with IPT Powertech to bring purposebuilt variable speed engines to the African telecoms industry.

The Company has recently entered the industry in large quantities, thanks to its DI variable speed engines, which ensure very low fuel consumption.

Emilio Tognetti, from Yanmar Sales division says: “When we started working at this project, we knew that we had the right product for this market. Our engines have outstanding fuel efficiency and an uncompromising reliability.

We knew that the Tower Company business model spins around reducing the operating costs, and our engines are the best option for that. Still, we faced some tough challenges, and it was necessary to adapt the product to some specific environmental conditions.

“In Africa, just to give one example, there are serious problems in fuel quality. It was important to proactively provide our customer with an effective solution, to avoid disastrous consequences.”

Mr Tognetti continues: “What allowed us to overcome all those challenges was the close cooperation we established with IPT and others key suppliers that took part in the project. We worked alongside them, found solutions, and tuned the product to work best on Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx the field.xxxxxxxx We really built a very strong partnership with our customers, and this is what I am most proud of.”

T +31 36 5493224 E industrial-yeu@yanmar.com

www.yanmar.com/eu Nabil Haddad, Chief Executive Officer

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Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

ENGINES FOR SMART INVESTORS

Yanmar. The power behind communication.

The telecoms market has its own unique demands and as such deserves purposebuilt engines to offer the maximum efficiency. Yanmar’s variable speed 3- and 4-cylinder range offers unrivalled durability with low operating costs in a small, convenient package.

Ranging from 1-30 kW, thousands are already in service quietly powering towers enabling communication in remote areas where previously it was not economically viable.

Head over to www.yanmarindustrial.eu to see how much you could save.

Yanmar Europe BV Tel. 0031-36 5493224 industrial-yeu@yanmar.com www.yanmar.com/eu

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contractors ensuring the Guaranteed Savings Model.

The Guaranteed Savings Model is a risk-free approach for securing full economisation and savings for the operators and Towercos. The model works by reducing the CAPEX and OPEX to reach the optimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), while maximising the lifetime of the equipment.

AfO: Can you brief us about your scope of work particularly in power and telecom services in Nigeria?

NH: IPT Powertech Group has been operating in Nigeria since 2009, and it is with the dedication of our indigenous and international experts that we were able to provide a wide range of active and passive managed services to many telcos, Towercos, OEM and Mobile operators in the African continent and especially in Nigeria.

For the passive section, our Group provides Preventive Maintenance (PPM) services, covering our AC/ DC TRION generators, electrotechnical, environmental, and tower infrastructure maintenance in addition to other site security services. We also ensure the functionality of all commissioned alternative power generation systems (DC Genset/Deep Cycle Batteries/ Solar combinations) installed in the power network portfolio entrusted to the Group, so our respective clients can extract best value from their OPEX saving model opportunity. Furthermore, our janitorial services and waste management services ensure clean sites through environmental and waste management compliance. We provide 24/seven corrective and emergency maintenance program guaranteeing our clients a network availability exceeding 99.5 percent.

Moreover, we offer end-to-end diesel supply - haulage management - as well as grid connectivity services by connecting sites to the grid,

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whenever suitable. The Group also prides in providing first and second tier maintenance and support services to a selected group of OEM vendors.

AfO: What is the secret behind the success of the Guaranteed Savings model in Nigeria?

NH: IPT Powertech Group is proud to be the initiator for the Guaranteed Savings model in Nigeria and the African continent. The success of this model is attributed to several factors varying between the quality of our products, technical knowhow of the technical team, constant remoting along with adequate O&M training.

To begin with, the IPT in-house designed and developed Hybrid Power

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solution is built with high quality and robust components meeting high standards. Furthermore, our technical team continuously tracks and monitors the guaranteed savings system’s performance with RMS tools, by constantly checking the daily system performance, routine maintenance programs and diesel consumption.

The Group ensures that our Guaranteed Savings criteria in the contracts are met through constant site inspections, audits and repairs.

Moreover, we believe that the Power System Maintenance training program is considered as an integral factor for the success of the model allowing the upskill of our O&M resources in order to maintain the

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Quality out of Dedication

Dedicating to the electrical field for decades, Chint Electric specialises in the development and production of industrial electrical products.

Chint Electric, Intelligent Power, Everywhere Tabbara Electro Mechanic S.A.R.L. – Sole Agent Al-Sanayeh, Toufic Tabbara Str. Tabbara Bldg.

Tel: +961-1-353611/738525 | Fax: +961-1-736458 Saida Branch: Maarouf Saad Blvd | Tel: +961-7-725205 Email: t.e.m@cyberia.net.lb | www.tem-lb.com

health of our implemented systems.

AfO: Finally, what can you tell us about IPT PowerTech’s future plans?

NH: IPT PowerTech’s dedicated team is always seeking new challenges where we can recreate new power solutions, add advanced features to our wide portfolio, and redefine services to guarantee optimal performance at the lowest cost possible, while bringing value to our customers.

As for the geographic footprint, we are always looking to expand organically and non-organically into new territories as long as that growth is profitable and aligned with the strategic direction of the business.

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Economical The MAN brand has achieved worldwide recognition for efficiency, innovation and customer proximity, gaining the trust of its customers through reliable service Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Kane Weller

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AN Truck & Bus South Africa has had the privilege of over two centuries of industrial engineering heritage as part of the world renowned MAN Truck & Bus Group - headquartered in Munich - and a sub-group of the VW Group of Companies.

Two German entrepreneurs, Meyer and Hiller, began the South African branches story in 1962 with the assembly of trucks in Pinetown and since then MAN has had an unprecedented presence in the country since then with the addition of various enhancements to production plants, dealership networks and product ranges.

“In 2015 our parent Company celebrated 100 years of trucking, which subsequently made our South Africa operation one of the oldest truck and bus subsidiary companies outside of Europe,” explains Markus Geyer, Chief Executive Officer at MAN Truck & Bus South Africa. “While we have an elaborate footprint across the sub-region, we are particularly proud to highlight the opening of our head office in Modderfontein - part of greater Johannesburg - a bus and coach production plant in Olifantsfontein and a chassis assembly plant in Pinetown. The site in Pinetown is in fact located on the same site as the original Meyer & Hiller factory which was renamed MAN Truck & Bus in 1974.”

The Company is incredibly proud of its heritage and particularly its engineering heritage which amasses to more than 250 years, with that the MAN Truck and Bus part of the Group being in existence for as long as the commercial vehicles have been in existence.

Geyer continues: “From our proud engineering heritage and foundation, stems a lot of experience that has brought us to the strong industry position we are in now.”

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rawing on 22 years industry experience, Nicola Scott and her team have carved out a niche for Siyaduma to perform as the leading distributor of commercial vehicles across the African continent.

A strong entrepreneurial flair permeates throughout the business, inspiring the investment into new opportunities and revenue streams. “Although we have core service offerings, we will engage in almost any opportunity associated with the Commercial vehicle sector,” says Nicola.

To date these service offerings have included; CV distribution, off-wheels deliveries, clearing and forwarding, licence, COF and registration and driver training.

www.siyaduma.co.za Renowned for its award-winning product innovation

Given South Africa’s location in a global sense, coupled with the importation laws that are aimed at protecting local employment, the country is required to assemble automotive products locally to avoid penalties. At MAN, the Company is proud to have obtained two of the production facilities of the vast global production network situated in South Africa.

“As a Company, we are a proud employer of a significant amount of people in our facilities, which over the years have conformed to the exacting quality standards aligned with our group, while passing on world-class skills to a vast volume of South Africa’s inhabitants,” explains Geyer. “In working closely with our customers, we can consistently tailor-make transport solutions that are possible from our vast automotive platforms, to provide the local industry with value adding solutions that also contribute to the greater economy.”

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Product innovation

In working closely with our customers, we can consistently tailormake transport solutions that are possible from our vast automotive platforms...

In the many years since the Company came to fruition, MAN has been accredited with numerous world champion awards for its product innovation; ranging from its proud invention of the diesel engine, along to the very latest offerings sporting Euro 6 emission standards.

Geyer adds: “We continuously aim and succeed in offering a very wide range of trucks and busses that are suitable for a myriad of transport demands of the local logistics companies and passenger transport suppliers.

“Our flagship premium TG truck product range has been enhanced with Euro 5 TGX introduction and the addition of EfficientLine specifications to our TGS long-haul range.”

In order to compete in more of an aggressive manner in the market and particularly the ‘budget’ segment against the prominent Japanese players, the Company has upgraded its

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WE ARE (FIT) FORWARD-THINKING, INTEGROUS, TRUSTWORTHY BRAND AMBASSADORS Through strategic partnerships, Siyaduma has managed the logistics, transportation and storage of commercial vehicles for South Africa’s top performing OEM’s for over two decades.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE A STRATEGIC PARTNER TO MAN AUTOMOTIVE. www.siyaduma.co.za T: +27 861 374 837 E: niccis@siyaduma.com HEAD OFFICE 52 Seventh Avenue, Bredell, Pomona, Johannesburg, Gauteng

CHRISTOPHE KEREBEL

Products undergo continuous upgrades and improvements

CHRISTOPHE KEREBEL

Your On-The-Road Ambassadors CLA range - German engineering which is manufactured in India - with a new cab and transmissions.

In keeping with its regular introduction of innovative and exciting products, the Company has introduced a RR4 480 horsepower flagship coach chassis, which will sport high-end imported bodywork from Brasil.

“We have an extensive after sales My Twitter : @chriskere My Twitter : @chriskere offering which will see the introduction of projects such as Ecotrade - a programme which entails a discount for old part returns - Health Check, Senior Truck Card and Driver Rewards, all of which require extremely knowledgeable staff to run,” continues Geyer. “There is a lot of emphasis on training our people, particularly in South Africa where the available skill levels are a challenge.”

In that respect, the Company has a long-term strategy for the development of its employees in South Africa, with particular focus at present

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on increasing both the technical knowledge and leadership knowledge base with the support of a handful of expats from around the world in order to bring specific trucking knowledge to the market.

Evolving with customer demands

South Africa has a world-class transport and logistics sector, where its local operators have been using telematics systems for many decades.

This initially stemmed from the need for vehicle and load securitisation;

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We are incredibly proud of our heritage and the story of development and success at MAN Truck and Bus South Africa...

with more recent times bringing the need for managed scheduling, load delivery tracking and driver behaviour.

MAN Telematics, MAN ServiceCare and ProfiDrive are in high demand currently and not only boost the Company profile, but also add a great amount of value to the industry as a whole. “In South Africa it is a constant challenge for us in the market to evolve in terms of customer demands, and in terms of those demands we are like a first world country,� explains Dave van Graan, Head of Truck Sales

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at MAN Truck and Bus South Africa.

“In addition to these challenges, our customers want us to offer more and more solutions, it is incredibly important to take into account local currency fluctuations and the different economic cycles that depend on currencies in the country.

“This fluctuation is proving to be a particular challenge at the moment, but we are reacting to it well through short-term adjustments; the long-term adjustments are of course harder to make.”

We wish to remain a strong presence in South Africa and with that always adding value to our stake-holders

MAN Truck and Bus South Africa are incredibly proud to be part of what could arguably be called the largest automotive group in the industry, a factor that gives the Company sustainability and the opportunity to draw on the vast resources and synergies possible from such a vast and impressive group of companies.

Geyer affirms: “We are incredibly proud of our heritage and the story of development and success at MAN Truck and Bus South Africa, alongside the plethora of world-renowned products that bring true value to our customers.”

Despite the large scale of the Company, it has worked hard to retain an open and approachable attitude to customer service, remaining humble in its achievements and constantly striving to offer the best possible solutions to its customers from the wide range of options available to it.

Looking forward for the direction of the Company, its predominant aim is to act as an honest, hard-working team who are able to conduct themselves based on the sound values that have enabled it to reach such a high level in the industry.

“Through close proximity to our customers and good teamwork, we will ensure the continual improvement of customer satisfaction and of course a reasonable return for our shareholders,” concludes Geyer. “We wish to remain a strong presence in South Africa and with that always adding value to our stake-holders.

“This will enable to MAN Truck and Bus South Africa to continue its upward growth trajectory and with that ensure the much needed employment and education of the people in this great region, by pulling together we are working very hard to be recognised as the brand of ‘first choice’ in the market.”

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GOLD AZMET Technology’s unique business model and equally unique market positioning is taking it beyond Africa, as the award-winning Company looks to new regions and new opportunities Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Arron Rampling

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ZMET Technology and Projects has maintained its position as a leading exponent of a niche mining domain, subsequently winning awards for its innovative business model and abilities, while also broadening its horizons outside of Africa.

Long renowned for its ability to carry out specialised design, optimisation and construction works within the metallurgical space via its ever-diversifying and advancing technological solutions, the Company’s established successes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ivory Coast, South Africa and Ethiopia are now being compounded by exciting opportunities in Turkey and Armenia; the latter becoming AZMET’s flagship project to date.

“AZMET is still continuing the same story as last year, progressing as a business that was launched during a global recession, targeting mediumsized projects than traditional EPCs were in Africa at the time,” Marketing Director, Ruan Kukard explains.

“Due to the sluggish industry and commodity prices, this interest in smaller projects has exponentially increased, making our niche market a bit more competitive. And while the market is showing glimmers of movement in 2017, we’re not seeing any records being broken.”

This is where the advantage of being a small, flexible and versatile business comes into its own though, with the Company proving its dynamism in finding opportunities and positivity in an otherwise volatile sector.

“Our business model lends itself to coping with changes like this, as it’s a philosophy of AZMET to be efficient and employ multi-skilled engineering staff,” Kukard continues. “I think that gives us a competitive edge in keeping overheads low; employing 10 multi-skilled people instead of 50, without compromising quality.”

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Foray into new regions

It is this agile model which has stood the Company in such good stead since inception in Africa, being able to take on projects in areas potentially unattractive to the established sector elite. Historically, company size was intrinsically linked to company capability, but AZMET has bucked this trend and is now leveraging its reputation for carrying out world-class processes on metallurgical projects.

“Our business model hasn’t changed.

We keep core skills in-house and subcontract the rest, and on any given project at any time, our overheads range from 80-350 people that we are managing; without carrying that constant scale within the business.”

Already successful across Africa and especially via the Ethiopian LSTK AZMET gold desorption and recovery plant Meli gold project - AZMET ‘s foray into new regions has taken the Company to another level, kickstarted by its work on the Eti Bakir project in Turkey; also an LSTK AZMET gold desorption and recovery plant, including containerised reagent plants.

For the Eti Bakir project, “we’ve also designed our own goldroom scrubber system to reduce ammonia levels emanating from the electrowinning processes, ensuring a safe working environment in and around the goldroom,”, Kukard notes.

He continues: “In Q1, 2016 AZMET was awarded a contract for the design, supply and commissioning for a 2t carbon batch gold desorption and recovery plant, incorporating carbon loading and attritioning, acid wash, elution, electrowinning, carbon regeneration, mercury retort, goldroom (civil design), MCC & PLC, and security,” the Company’s website states. “Our plant design is of the highest quality and makes use of only reputable mechanical equipment suppliers.

AZMET’s desorption and recovery plants hold numerous CAPEX benefits which include, but are not limited to;

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design cost (EPCM) savings, a reduction schedule reduction.” in project site establishment and P&G Meanwhile, the seeds were being costs, on-site installation and fabrication sown in Armenia to embark on its cost reduction, and overall project largest project to date; the gold/silver

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Outlook

Creative Services

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Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

SERVICES Mechanical & structural plant layout Complete process plant layout Heapleach systems (Mobile equipment) Structural design Civil design Structural design drawings Mechanical design drawings Complete shop detail drawings

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heap leach operation incorporating adsorption, desorption, a recovery plant and associated reagents, with treatment capacities of up to 1,100 cubic meters an hour.

Kukard details further: “It equates to around 10.5 million tonnes of heap leach ore annually with a 10-year mine life. Unique features includes: bolted tank design for quick installation; flared carbon in solution columns (CIC) with the AZMET patent pending bubble plate design to provide even flow distribution with minimal pressure drop over a wide range of flows; a pressurised AARL elution circuit which will be followed by zinc precipitation (Merrill Crowe) to handle the high silver content; and smelting to produce doré bars.”

Business of the Year

AZMET ADR Plant Concept 3D Model

Advanced technologies and process optimisation in new countries is one thing, but conveying the principle and idea of new innovations to said

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countries is a whole other proposition, with various regulatory and language barriers to contend with.

As a solution, AZMET has adopted an agent strategy in each new country of interest to act on the Company’s behalf and to help advertise the products, services and skill-sets of AZMET in a translatable way.

In the coming months, this same approach could lead AZMET to the borders of Chile, Canada, Peru and Russia as the Company once again looks to promote its niche capabilities to as wide-a-footprint as possible.

And there is no shortage of new innovations or business service options for these agents to promote either, as

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We find that many medium sized mining companies in remote destinations don’t always have the local process knowledge

AZMET continues to diversify in order to fully capitalise on various market nuances and peripheral sub-sectors.

“We are busy with various ‘internal projects’, one being the potential of operational contracts,” Kukard says.

“We find that many medium sized mining companies in remote destinations don’t always have the local process knowledge to operate processing plants at optimum capacity. So we want to focus on getting into this space where we will be able to assist with plant management, training, knowledge transfer and skills development of local labourers in order to make their facilities as operationally successful as possible.”

This idea is already being put forward

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on existing tenders and is also compounded by AZMET’s exploration into the treatment of fine carbon and aiding companies on this front as well.

Kukard continues: “For carbon fines treatment, we’re looking at a business model to provide a product that clients will keep on site so they can get most of their gold value - which they usually loose due to high transport costs.”

Innovations of this kind are responsible for AZMET’s positive industry standing to this day and represent the diversification and expansion that can still be looked forward to in the years to come. And with each new project completion, recognition escalates also, recently

We received first prize in the engineering category and it is testament of our aim to service excellence

culminating in the Company being named Business of the Year by First National Bank at an awards ceremony in Johannesburg.

“We received first prize in the engineering category and it is testament of our aim to service excellence and providing world-class engineering and product management services, as we look forward to new potential projects both locally, and as far afield as places like Kazakhstan and India,” Kukard concludes. “There are opportunities in the pipeline with potentially significant values attached, but first we have to execute the projects we already have successfully, as you’re only as good as your last project.”

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Refuel and Refresh Express Support Services Lda is the leading catering and support service to the hydrocarbon industry in Angola, providing a taste of home to those onshore and offshore Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

t a time when Angolan service and supply markets are going through a process of consolidation, services companies such as Express Support Services Lda (ESS) will need to focus energies on local investments to create facilities from which to support their clients.

Previously, oil & gas companies had provided the necessary facilities, however, due to recent cost-cutting efficiencies and local content development measures that are being adopted across the oil & gas industry these collaborations are no longer optimal for companies that are looking to lower their cost of ownership.

It is looking likely that due to this new market landscape, only services companies with solid capital support will succeed. The market ESS works in has spent the past 12 months in a state of constant fluctuation due to the ebb and flow of oil production, however, despite these fluctuations; Angola’s

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large offshore hydrocarbon potential continues to attract international oil companies.

ESS stems back to 2000, when the Compass Group purchased a company called SHRAM, and the Company name became Eurest Support Services; prior to another rebranding in 2002 when it became ESS Support Services Worldwide. Two years later the Company merged with a local partner and the new name of Express Support Services was created.

“It is our goal to be able to provide a taste of home through our food services, enabling companies to have refuelled and refreshed employees with hopes to improve their productivity,” explains James King, Managing Director at Express Support Services Lda. “It doesn’t matter where people are in the world, their need for quality, choice and value will always be paramount. Our consumer focus will always drive development and innovation in the food, brands and services we offer.”

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The Company’s commitment to rolling improvements means it is always on the look-out for ways to develop its already high standards, adding value in terms of cost-saving, innovation, efficiency, communication and simplicity. Every day ESS’s catering teams are able to provide 30,000 meals, always ensuring the best possible quality and quantity for its customers.

Ethical responsibilities

At ESS the primary vision is to work as a world-class provider of contract food services, becoming renowned for its great people, fantastic service offerings and results, delivered safely.

King continues: “As a Company we have never lost focus of our vision in

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“Alongside that, there is of course the need to achieve the highest ethical and professional standards at all times, wanting the relationships we create to be based on honesty, respect, fairness and the commitment to an open dialogue.”

There is a prominent passion evident throughout the Company to ensure the delivery of superior food and service, all the while taking pride in the ability to achieve this. Like any good and successful company, ESS looks to replicate its triumphs and of course, learn from its mistakes by developing ideas, innovation and practices that

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will enable it to be a leader in the industry.

“As a Company we encourage individual ownership while working closely as a team,” adds King. “We value the expertise, individuality and overall contribution of all our employees and the ability of working in support of each other, sharing good practice in the workplace through the pursuit of shared goals.”

Everyone working within the Company takes responsibility for their actions - both individually and as a group - by consistently seeking opportunities to make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing not only of its customers, but also the communities that it works in.

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When it comes to hiring the right people to fulfil the Company’s vision, its approach is to recruit the right candidate for the right position, a strategy that is achieved with the help of its qualified and experienced recruiters as well as using psychometric assessments.

King affirms: “When recruiting for our new vacancies, it is important to us to prioritise internal candidates which ensure internal promotions as well as our employee development and retention.

“We have focuses on internal as well as external training, alongside certified accreditation to ensure that our staff are always capable of carrying out their duties to the best of their abilities, while focusing on their strengths and developing their weaknesses.”

The extensive training and career progression opportunities aside, ESS also provides a very competitive pay scale and benefits which place it highly comparative to market statistics; massively aiding in the motivation and retention of employees.

“It is one of our biggest aims to maintain the ratio of 97 percent local employees, while also focusing our energies on diversity within our units,” explains King. “We are particularly focused on promoting and developing female and disabled employees through our specialised programmes such as Angolanisation and Succession Plans.”

Not only is localised employment important to the Company, but the need to source products locally is also a driving factor which is taken into consideration. Thanks to economic diversification, local fabricators are encouraged to grow, develop and deliver quality products.

“Presently, Angola is making moves away from importing products where the country would have subsequently been at the mercy of foreign exchange rates,” explains King. “Ideally as we move forward our products will be

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97 percent of the workforce is local

both grown and manufactured in Angola. This will make way for less transportation and be better for the market, while delivering fresher goods to the market at a lower price.

Transparency in service

The Company has worked hard to differentiate itself within the industry, based on two factors - quality service and health & safety - which are driven by a well established Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) platform with transparency in reporting and several subject matter experts in food quality and safety.

“Our partners always want to know that they are providing the best quality and the safest possible products for the customer,” adds King. “We

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Safeguarding the health & safety of its people

ensure that our QAQC inspections and audits all fall in line with our partners’ KPIs, making HSE our number one operational priority. We place it first in everything we do.”

ESS takes safeguarding the health & safety of its people and customers as a moral responsibility, therefore playing an essential role in the success of the business. Over the years the Company has established a safety culture where its people can instinctively take responsibility for their own safety and that of the people around them, acting accordingly.

On an equally important level, the Company is minimising the environmental impact of its operations, particularly on the local communities ESS operates in and of course the larger

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Customs and broker Consultants Customs Tax and Commercial Trade Consulting, Brokerage, Clearances General Manager - José Manuel Simas T: 00244 923 444 569 jcs@fwlogship.com CABINDA: R. Do Comércio, Prédio Simões (ao lado do comércio externo) PO BOX: 13 / 149 Cabinda, Angola

Laying a benchmarkl of industry-leading standards

global community. Its aim is to continue to set industry leading standards which lay the benchmark on health, safety and environmental performance, while providing customers with the assurance that the Company is constantly striving to reach the top in industry standards.

King concludes: “In order to achieve this, we have employed a Company policy and standards framework which is supported by comprehensive communications and training, designed specifically to ensure that processes and practice within each of our operating units fully comply with local legislation as the minimum requirement. It will be exciting to see how our processes grow and develop over time as we expand in the industry.”

Outlook

Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T : www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

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Pioneering Innovative Developments PDM has pioneered innovative developments for more than 50 years, shaping the direction of urban renewal by pursuing a philosophy of developing properties that serve an economic purpose, while uplifting quality of life for the local community Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Kane Weller

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DM was incorporated in 1963 as a real estate advisory, property development and facilities management services Company. As an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), PDM is part of an international group of institutions working to improve the living conditions and opportunities in developing countries.

AKDN and its development agencies have been active in East, Central, and parts of West Africa for nearly a century, and have been involved in health, education, insurance, tourism, banking, industrial and real estate sectors.

PDM’s business philosophy embraces the challenges and opportunities in the real estate property market, providing focused and uniquely differentiated real estate products and services; the Company reputed for creative and innovative real estate business solutions.

“We are headquartered in Kenya, with operations spread across East Africa,” explains Azmeena Bhanji, General Manager of Real Estate Development at PDM. “Despite the significant impact of PDM developments on City skylines and its benchmark-setting influence in the local real estate market, PDM’s market presence has been low-key, reflective of a conservative approach in creating public awareness of its humancentric philosophy towards real estate development.”

In 1964, shortly after Kenya gained its independence, PDM embarked on the development of the IPS Building, demonstrating its faith and commitment to a newly independent Kenya. The building, completed in 1967, was the first highrise office building in Kenya and the first to incorporate precast building technology, and still retains its iconic stature as one of the most significant landmarks in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

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echnoConstruct is proud to be the name that comes topmost in mind for world class, rapid, and affordable Light Gauge Steel (LGS) construction solutions. Whether for trusses and roofing, residential homes and/or workforce accommodation, schools, ECD nurseries, clinics, Government and NGO/Diplomatic institutional structures, warehouses and storage facilities our advanced technology is the first choice for every type of structure.

Techno Steel Framing System, uses high quality specification steel with a galvanised coating making it suitable for any environment, humid or cool.

TechnoConstruct is the perfect partner for your construction requirements.

Nation Centre is also situated in the Nairobi CBD and is one of the city’s most well recognised landmarks

Construction of the Nation Centre which houses the largest media enterprise in Kenya - the Nation Media Group - was undertaken in the 1990s.

This building that is also situated in the Nairobi CBD, is one of the City’s most well recognised landmarks. PDM also owns the DTB Centre, yet another well known landmark building, in the heart of Kampala, Uganda.

These buildings have become firmly rooted in and continue to serve as a pivotal part of the identity of the respective cities in which they are located.

“Despite the age of some of these buildings, they still proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the much newer buildings, in terms of both attractiveness and the appeal they hold for prospective tenants,” adds Bhanji. “We have ensured their sustainability through focused efforts in preventive maintenance and continuous upgrades.”

The Courtyard development, consisting of grade-A offices, was

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Fairfield entrance view

Fairfield bedroom

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Commercial & Residential Soultions Techno Construct is the foremost light gauge steel (LGS) contractor providing high quality & affordable solutions to the property market.

With our highly adroit team of professionals we are able to meet our clients high demands for quality and affordable developments under confined time frames.

completed in 2013 and won the Architectural Association of Kenya’s (AAK’s) ‘Excellence Award for Best Commercial Building Project for 2014’. This development changed the direction of urban renewal in the Westlands suburb of Nairobi by setting a new benchmark for quality and green developments.

The recently completed Vienna Court - a grade-A office development on Processional Way in Nairobi - has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold pre-certification, the first in East Africa in its category.

Construction is also underway on Fairfield Gardens, a middle-income gated housing development in Machakos County, just south of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This development focuses on delivering excellent value for price through the integration of high quality European finishes and fittings as well as provision of extensive recreational facilities and a day care centre.

Building identity through environmental and social impact

PDM has created a subtlety in its identity over the years, focusing its attention more on the human and environmental impact it can make, rather than simply monetary gain.

Bhanji says: “At present, PDM’s pride and joy is the Vienna

Build it your way

Revolutionizing construction in Africa TechnoConstruct Kenya Ltd. Apex Business Park, Opp. City Cabanas, Mombasa Rd. P.O. Box 1990 – 00621, Nairobi, Kenya Email: infokenya@tc-africa.com / M: +254 714 972578 www.tc-africa.co.ke

REDEFINING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

ISBAT University, Kampala – Uganda

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THE FULL CIRCLE OF THE RISING SUN HERALDS A NEW BEGINNING

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PDM’s developments feature extensive landscaping

Court office development, which was completed at the end of last year.”

Being able to truly reflect PDM’s corporate ethos and core values through this project, by promoting green building and the use of local materials and skills, was incredibly important to the Company; demonstrating how far it has come and its standing as one of the most highly respected developers in the industry.

“The entire building is clad in local pink stone obtained from a nearby quarry. Using local materials in our developments is very important to us in terms of the PDM mandate,” Bhanji continues. “We also supported the resurrection of the dying art of installing terrazzo, enabling a 70-year old artisan who was brought out of retirement to train young apprentices in the art of cutting and laying terrazzo; which now covers all the building’s open walkways.

“Unlike other construction projects

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where ecosystems are interrupted or destroyed, it was very important for us to save the existing garden trees which had been preserved on the site since the early 1950s. We literally excavated four floors down - for basement parking - through very hard rock, in a spiral around this garden in order to

save the trees, despite the significant additional cost.”

The development also features extensive landscaping, reflecting pools and water fountains, which provide a serene garden in the heart of a busy city.

Vienna Court is among only a handful of projects in East Africa to achieve international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold pre-certification for embracing green features like ground and rain water harvesting, solar shading, solar control glass, passive ventilation, provision of priority parking for energy efficient cars and bicycle storage facilities.

Embracing international best practice

It is very important to avoid disruption to ecosystems

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Setting benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs) is important at PDM in enabling it to assess and validate developments, conforming to the corporate ethos of sustainable and human-centred developments that deliver both social

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and environmental impact.

Bhanji continues: “PDM has always embraced international best practices in every aspect of our business, this has contributed largely to our success and in differentiating PDM from our competitors.

Bhanji says: “For both our own, as well as the third-party developments that we undertake, we have implemented proven state-of-theart project management principals, systems and controls. These enable us to control project scope, time and cost, and successfully deliver projects time after time. These controls and processes adhere to global standards.”

In terms of long-term sustainability of its real estate properties, PDM has established comprehensive operating procedures for quality control, planned preventative maintenance and building management.

“In order to achieve all of this, from inception we have embraced cuttingedge technology and are always receptive to adopting more efficient and cost effective ways to build and manage our real estate portfolio,” affirms Bhanji. “A large proportion of this has included upgrading the ICT and security systems in all our buildings to state-of-the-art systems.

“Our fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system provides continuous feedback on the lessons learned though our previous projects, hence enabling continuous improvement in every aspect of our business operations. We are currently piloting an automated Building Management Systems (BMS) at Vienna Court and plan to roll out the BMS to all our other properties starting in 2018. The BMS will facilitate efficient and cost effective maintenance of all our properties, increasing their sustainability.”

Benchmark for luxury

Infinity Court, PDM’s latest development in the exclusive suburb

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Preserving original gardens and trees during the construction process

of Kololo in Kampala, Uganda scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2018 - will be an architectural masterpiece, setting a new benchmark for luxury style living in Kampala, again embracing PDM’s core values through the extensive use of indigenous brick and a landscaped courtyard featuring palm trees and lush greenery and a cascading waterfall from the rooftop.

“Infinity Court will exceed the expectations of discerning Ugandan home buyers, offering breathtaking views and one of the first rooftop infinity pools in an apartment complex within the area, as well as a clubhouse and gym,” Bhanji enthuses.

Being a Company that is truly defined by its corporate ethos and core values, PDM has and always will pride

itself on its commitment to sustainable development that delivers both an environmental and social impact.

Bhanji concludes: “Over the years we have acquired a reputation for being highly ethical, transparent and reliable, and delivering to the highest quality. We believe these attributes both differentiate and set us apart in an environment where reliability, integrity and delivering what was promised are often the exception rather than the norm. It is my hope that in the years to come, we will continue to have a positive impact on quality of life through environmentally friendly, sustainable developments.”

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AFRICA ENERGY FORUM

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F O C U S

Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water & Environment to join discussions at the Africa Energy Forum in Copenhagen Forum Sponsor

Our attendees from 2016 said: The best energy focused event for Africa

THE MINISTRY OF Energy, Mines, Water and Environment of the A fantastic and Kingdom of Morocco, has confirmed well run event attendance at the Africa Energy Forum in Copenhagen from 7-9 June 2017.

Well done again At the Poweringfor Africa: Summit this year! Such 7-9 JUNE 2017 which took place aingreat Washington networking DC from 9-10 March, Morocco’s E VCOPENHAGEN E N T D E TA I L S event for Africa!

ONEE presented their Gas to Power The global platform connecting investors with project opportunities in Africa WHEN: Programme and MASEN discussed 7-9 June their sustainable energy programme Follow us on Twitter: Join our Linkedin group: Like our Facebook page: #AEF17 Powering Africa: the investment dialogues Africa-Energy Forum under the leadership of Mustapha WHERE: Bakkoury, President and Chief Bella Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark Executive Officer.

WEBSITE: Both organisations are clearly www.africa-energy-forum.com focused on a broader role within Africa carrying with them the potential of 19TH ANNUAL

Country Sponsor

Forum Sponsor

Strategic Partners

Lead sponsors

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Exhibition Sponsor

Sustainability Partner

building physical energy links between the continent and Europe. The support of the Ministry at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) this year underlines the commitment from the Kingdom of Morocco to explore energy partnerships with Europe and hasten the pace of foreign direct investment in Morocco.

AEF is set to bring 2,000 participants to Copenhagen this June for the annual gathering for government ministers, heads of utilities, project developers and global investors driving forward the development of Africa’s energy projects.

Other recent confirmations include H.E. Dr.Eng.Seleshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, Ethiopia; Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation, Government of Denmark; Teresa Ribeiro, Secretary of State for Development, Government of Portugal; Hisham Sallam, Second Secretary - responsible for Economics and Energy, Government of Egypt; Mateus Magala, Chairman of the Board of Directors, EDM; William Amuna, Chief Executive Officer, GRIDCo, Ghana; and Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, Chief Executive Officer of Volta River Authority in Ghana.

A new Platinum agenda stream will bring together senior level government officials with some of the world’s biggest investors in discussions on how to accelerate projects, whilst specific country sessions will explore the unique investment climates and priority projects for countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Organisers of the Forum EnergyNet will host a city boat cruise along the canals of Copenhagen and pre-Forum golf championship day to build additional networking opportunities into this annual business Forum.

Forum Sponsor

Our attendees from 2016 said: The best energy focused event for Africa

19TH ANNUAL

A fantastic and well run event Well done again for this year! Such a great networking event for Africa!

7-9 JUNE 2017

COPENHAGEN

The global platform connecting investors with project opportunities in Africa Follow us on Twitter: #AEF17

Country Sponsor

Join our Linkedin group: Powering Africa: the investment dialogues

Forum Sponsor

Like our Facebook page: Africa-Energy Forum

Exhibition Sponsor

Strategic Partners

Sustainability Partner

Lead sponsors

Sponsors

To claim a 10% discount on your registration fee please email amy.offord@energynet.co.uk quoting the code AO17 W W W. A F R I C A - E N E R G Y - F O R U M . C O M

Supporting Partners

THE AFRICA INSURANCE & REINSURANCE CONFERENCE

E V E N T

F O C U S insurance industry must strive for competitive excellence by increasingly seeking new growth markets and products.

Themes

The 7th Africa Insurance & Reinsurance Conference’s themes will therefore be along the lines of “Micro Insurance and the Insurance Inclusion”.

Expected results

Seeking ways to increase insurance penetration on the continent

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D E TA I L S

WHEN: 21-22 June WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya WEBSITE:

www.aidembs.com/insurance_conference

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It is expected that this forum will trigger practical, regional and national investments in initiatives that will support the adoption of structural and policy changes to facilitate greater insurance inclusion and penetration for all. Workable and implementable plan of action will be initiated and we are therefore inviting all the stakeholders to ensure their representation at this event.

In the long-term, it is expected that the event will grow into a rotational regional event bringing together stakeholders from across the region and globe.

Event structure

As standard with the previous edition of this event, AIRC 2017 edition will THE AFRICA INSURANCE be a combination of an experiential & Reinsurance Conference, a regionally conference bringing together focused event now in its 7th year, different actors in the value chain with has steadily become a gateway for the aim of exploiting opportunities global and regional investors to most conducive for enhancing engage local leaders as they seek ways insurance penetration levels. to increase insurance penetration Alongside the conference, there will on the continent. Notwithstanding be an exhibition platform where actors unprecedented economic growth can showcase products and services. (a substantial component of this This exhibition will also function as an dependent on the financial and outstanding deal-making platform insurance sector), industry experts where local, regional and international say that the insurance market on investors can engage and evaluate the continent still remains small and promising investment opportunities. comparatively underdeveloped. The Interesting and investable business growth potential going forward is cases will be presented by various therefore significantly high and the service providers.

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