Africa Outlook - Issue 59 by Outlook Publishing

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AFRICA ISSUE 59

STANDARD BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

Gambia: The Smiling Coast of West Africa

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA 82 The patient approach to success

METIX (PTY) LTD 90 Assisting customers to realise their dreams

PALABORA MINING COMPANY 100

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mining mainstay

ALSO FEATURING: WISHBONE GOLD | TECHNO BRAIN GROUP | UNITED PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTORS

SIGNIFICANT RETURNS Meaning ‘returns’ in Xitsonga, Mbuyelo has been an integral cog in South Africa’s industrial development for a number of years and will take centre stage in next month’s edition of Africa Outlook as CEO, Rirhandzu Owner Siweya discusses the Group’s legacy, coal expertise and visions for the future.

W E L C O M E

AFRICA

Gold Standard AFRICA Much is made of best-practice and operational excellence, but few truly reach these aspirational heights. However, we’ve managed to extract as many as 20 industry-leading businesses that have managed to establish such expertise and repute in this month’s edition of Africa Outlook; headed by a business that has made gold a way of life since its inception in West Africa in 2010. Teranga Gold Corporation is a Canadian company indigenously, but this hasn’t stopped the mining specialist ingratiating itself into the fabric of the region via groundbreaking operations in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Co-founder, President and CEO, Richard Young believes the Company’s resultant influence has formed a winning combination alongside a booming sector; driven by a wholesome and concerted CSR-led mission statement. “We always see ourselves as a guest in our host countries,” he expresses. “We appreciate the opportunity to come in and work and our mission is to make sure that we leave these communities better off than when we found them.” Teranga Gold not only kicks-off this March edition, but it also headlines part two of our ongoing post-Mining Indaba review of the continent’s mining environment. Complementing the Company this month is the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, Metix and Palabora Mining Company; while next month it will be Mbuyelo Coal’s turn to champion the industry. Technology, healthcare, construction, real estate, oil & gas, food & drink and manufacturing are all accounted for across the remainder of our showcasing assortment - the likes of Techno Brain Group, SqwidNet / Sigfox, Bahati Ridge Development, Samani Construction, Time Projects and Seaweld Engineering stepping up to the plate - while our business travel segment takes us full circle back to West Africa; with a smile. Gambia is affectionately known as the Smiling Coast of West Africa, and the smallest country in Africa certainly has plenty to smile about as its tourist and business appeal continues to grow at an exponential rate. ...A poignantly happy note to end on as Africa Outlook celebrates its fifth anniversary. www.africaoutlookmag.com

ISSUE 59

STANDARD

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

Gambia: The Smiling Coast of West Africa

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA XX The patient approach to success

METIX (PTY) LTD XX Assisting customers to realise their dreams

PALABORA MINING

COMPANY XX South Africa’s mining mainstay

ALSO FEATURING: WISHBONE GOLD | TECHNO BRAIN GROUP | UNITED PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTORS

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: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Images: Thinkstock by Getty Images

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Project Directors: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Head of Projects: Kane Weller kane.weller@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 Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Lewis Bush lewis.bush@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@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 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

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Matthew Staff

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

Enjoy the issue!

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N 54

In this issue...

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

MINING & RESOURCES

MINING FOCUS Mining Indaba 2018: Africa’s Premier DealMaking Forum The event that the African mining industry needs

TERANGA GOLD CORPORATION A Golden Generation for West African Mining Exploring opportunities and enriching a region

NEWS

All the latest stories from across Africa

A T

MINING & RESOURCES A Wish for Responsible Mining Championing legitimacy in sourcing the world’s gold

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA Passion, Partnership, Professionalism

METIX (PTY) LTD Passion for Metals

100

PALABORA MINING COMPANY Reliable and Responsible

ENERGY & UTILITIES Togo’s Energy Access Initiative

The patient approach to success

A first of its kind

S E C T O R F O C U S

HEALTHCARE Innovative Vector Control

Assisting customers to realise their dreams

Bayer takes the fight to Malaria

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

20 30 38

GAMBIA The Smiling Coast of West Africa NIGERIA Explore Africa’s Powerhouse UGANDA Emerging From the Shadows

South Africa’s mining mainstay

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AFRICA 180

T E C H N O L O G Y

104

TECHNO BRAIN GROUP Empowering Lives

110

SQWIDNET / SIGFOX Connecting the Physical World to the Digital World

Building tech-smart enterprises for Africa and beyond

Creating the first global IoT network

Leveraging global industrial expertise

188 R

146

BROLL KENYA We Have You Covered

152

TIME PROJECTS It’s Time to Expand

158

CENTURY REAL ESTATE RWANDA Hitting New Heights

118

UNITED PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTORS (UPD) We Deliver Healthcare

162

Maximising property potential

Realising property dreams

194

SEAWELD ENGINEERING LTD Masters of Service Achieving empowered and resourceful service

136

INYATSI CONSTRUCTION GROUP HOLDINGS Quality, Control, Discipline

Delivering quality construction projects to improve society

142

DAR ES SALAAM GLASS WORKS Uncompromising Quality

Changing the skyline of Tanzania

F O C U S

EAST AFRICA PROPERTY INVESTMENT (EAPI) SUMMIT 3RD AFRICAN REAL ESTATE & INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT

Developing African cities of the future

PROPERTY 200 &BOTSREAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Kenya’s premier gated community

Exceeding client expectations

196 198

BAHATI RIDGE DEVELOPMENT LTD Welcome Home SAMANI CONSTRUCTION LTD A 20-Year Construct

E V E N T

The premier and largest real estate conference for the region

CONSTRUCTION

130

LABORATORY & ALLIED LTD Better Medicine. Better Life.

Manufacturing pharmaceuticals with integrity, excellence, quality and innovation

The leading healthcare wholesaler

124

EFFICIENT ENGINEERING Safe Power

A zero-harm approach to efficient industry

Rwanda’s reliable real estate provider

H E A L T H C A R E

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AFRICA (PTY) LTD The Hitachi Proposition

F O O D & D R I N K

168

AJEAST NIGERIA LTD Offering More for Less The beverage market’s viable, quality and affordable alternative

AMALGAMATED ELECTRONIC CORPORATION (AMECOR) Innovation, Excellence and Growth Revolutionising the world of technology

Botswana’s primary real estate forum

ENERGY FORUM 202 AAFRICA gateway for investment into Africa’s energy sector

MANUFACTURING

174

FORUM

AFRICA HOSPITALITY 204 WEEK 2018

Why Johannesburg will be the focus for thousands of Africa’s hospitality professionals this June

ZIMREAL PROPERTY 206 INVESTMENT FORUM

A new dawn: driving economic growth through real estate investment

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TECHNOLOGY

Mobile World Congress and the Implications for Africa By Arif Chowdhury, Group Vice President, TRANSSION The last week of February, 2018 saw the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading mobile minds congregate in Barcelona to set the agenda for the coming year in technology. Across the four days of Mobile World Congress (MWC), more than 100,000 visitors from more than 200 countries, and more than 7,500 CEOs descended on Barcelona to hear the latest announcements ranging from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tech giants to smaller, less

established firms. Hundreds of announcements were made each day, with many of the key topics discussed having an impact across the world, and notably in Africa. While the African mobile market is - in comparison to much of the world - less advanced, there are huge opportunities for businesses and consumers alike to make a real difference in a relatively short period of time.

During MWC more than 2,000 companies showcased their latest products and services. Yet while there was a diverse range of items on offer to consumers, three key themes stood out, which are highly relevant to African consumers. The topic of 5G dominated, with its arrival in developed markets regularly mentioned. The enhanced connectivity 5G will eventually afford will not only increase the speed of communication and commerce, but, specifically for Africa, will encourage the development of better data networks in the short-term. As mobile phone usage continues to penetrate Africa, with more consumers owning phones than ever before, there is a clear demand for enhanced phone functionality at all levels of the market. As such, TECNO, itel and Spice brand will launch phones later this year running on the AndroidTM OreoTM (Go edition) operating system. Through doing so, users will be given the opportunity to own a highly efficient, user-friendly phone, many for the very first time. With more than 3.5 billion people in Africa offline, cost remains a clear driver of sales, particularly amongst first-time buyers. As such, providers must balance product enhancement with accessibility, in order to ensure they can reach consumers, otherwise Africa will not see the mobile penetration and the economic benefits this facilitates. With MWC now over, and the talking complete, it is up to companies like ourselves to turn plans into actions and continue to push the boundaries not only of who can own a phone in the continent, but also what they can expect it to offer them to enhance their daily lives.

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AFRICA ENERGY & UTILITIES

Total Renewables Unit Targets Africa’s Power-starved Mining Sector Total’s renewable energy unit said recently that it had opened the world’s largest solar-thermal hybrid plant in Burkina Faso, the first of what it hopes will be many projects supplying the African mining industry’s growing need for power. Christophe Fleurence, Total Eren’s Vice President for business development in Africa, said the plan was to replicate this with other mining projects. “It’s gathering pace in terms of interest in all the discussions we’ve had with our contacts in the mining industry,” Fleurence said. Mining companies operating in remote areas have long relied on thermal power plants, making their operations carbon-intensive and

their costs vulnerable to fluctuations in world oil prices. As the price of photovoltaic panels has dropped in recent years, several mining operations have added solar capacity to help cut power costs. However, most of those projects have been relatively small. The Essakane plant, made up of nearly 130,000 solar panels, is expected to decrease the mine’s fuel consumption by some six million litres per year and reduce CO2 emissions by around 18,500 tonnes per year.

The gold mine will buy the entirety of the plant’s production via a 15-year power purchasing agreement signed with a specialpurpose company in which Total Eren owns a 90 percent stake. “We do see this as likely to be adopted more and more going forward,” AEMP co-founder Richard Duffy said. “We talk to a number of mining companies. We have various projects in the pipeline - some of them not dissimilar to Essakane.”

a row with the Dubai port operator and avoid arbitration, he said. Djibouti’s strategic location has led the United States, China, Japan and former colonial power France to build military bases there. Its ports already serve as an entry

point for cargo which is then sent by smaller vessels to ports along Africa’s eastern coast, but it is now seeking to become a sea-air transshipment hub for the entire continent. To do this, Hadi said DPFZA was also planning to construct a $350 million airport and expand Air Djibouti’s fleet of cargo aircraft. The new container terminal project could break ground as early as September, 2018 with construction expected to take 24 months, Hadi said, speaking on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Once operational, Hadi said the port terminal would boast an annual capacity of 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), but subsequent expansion phases would bring that up to four million TEUs.

TRANSPORT

Djibouti Plans New Container Terminal to Bolster Transport Hub Aspirations Djibouti is in talks with French shipping company, CMA CGM to develop a new container terminal at an initial cost of $660 million as part of the tiny African country’s bid to expand into a sea and air transport hub for the continent. Aboubakar Omar Hadi, chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority (DPFZA), commented recently that the authority hopes to award the concession in July. It was also prepared to buy out DP World’s stake in an existing container terminal to end

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FINANCE

Kenyan Bank KCB to Boost Mobile Payment Service as Profit Flattens Kenyan bank, KCB Group plans to set up its own mobile payment platform this year to handle the jump in transactions via phones, its CEO said after reporting 2017 results. Kenya’s biggest lender by assets posted flat pretax profit of 29.1 billion shillings ($287.55 million), with growth having slid from the 10 percent achieved the previous year. Chief Executive, Joshua Oigara said KCB planned to spend $9 million on its mobile payments platform to help it to increase the number of transactions it can handle. The bank said that 57 percent of its transactions were via mobile phone last year, up from 53 percent a year earlier. KCB already has mobile banking services and collaborates with telecoms company Safaricom for use of its M-Pesa mobile payments service. KCB, which also operates in neighbouring Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan, said net interest income rose to 48.4 billion shillings from 47.03 billion shillings in 2016.

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

DP World Wins 30-year Congo Port Concession DP World said recently that it had won a 30-year management and development concession for a greenfield, multi-purpose port in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Dubai-owned port operator will set up a joint venture with the Central African country’s Government to manage and invest in

the Atlantic Coast’s Port of Banana, it said in a bourse statement. An initial $350 million will be invested to construct a 600-metre quay and a 25-hectare yard extension with a container capacity of 350,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 1.5 million tonnes for general cargo. Congo has long looked to develop a port along its less than 50 kilometres of coastline to handle larger vessels than those that can reach its existing shallow ports up the Congo River. The award includes an option to extend the concession for an additional 20 years.

OIL & GAS

Gabon to Revise Hydrocarbons Law to Attract Investment Gabon plans to revise its hydrocarbons law to attract new investment, the oil ministry said recently. Under the current legal framework, the Gabonese state holds a minimum 20 percent stake in oil projects. The state oil company has the right to a stake of up to 15 percent. That law was implemented in 2014, the year that the market was shocked by a 50 percent drop in prices from over $100 a barrel to around $50 due to global oversupply. “The same fiscal framework cannot be applied both when the barrel is

at $150 and when it’s at $50 or $60, which limits the room to maneuver of investors interested in exploration,” the oil ministry said in a statement. Like other oil-dominated economies of the Economic Community of Central African States’ single-currency zone, Gabon has struggled due to the decline in crude prices. Companies operating in Gabon include Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Tullow Oil.

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AFRICA TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

Spotify Enters South African Market Global music streaming provider, Spotify launched its services in South Africa recently, marking its entry into Africa, where there is a rapid uptake of smartphones and improving telecommunications infrastructure. The Swedish company launched in 2008 and is available in more than 60 countries. It is the biggest music streaming company in the world and counts services from Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google Play as its main rivals. The South Africa launch comes as Spotify prepares for a direct listing of its shares on the New York Stock

Vodafone Plans to Launch Voiceover Data Service in Zambia

Exchange, which will allow investors and employees to sell shares without the Company raising new capital or hiring Wall Street banks to underwrite the issue.

Vodafone will launch voice service in Zambia within three months under a newly acquired licence from the Southern African nation’s communications regulator. Vodafone Zambia Chief Executive, Lars Stork said in a statement the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority had allowed it to launch voiceover data service, in addition to its current data-only offering. “Today our LTE network is solely used for data traffic, however our vision and strategy is to offer bestin-class data and now also voiceover data on our 4G network,” Stork said.

RETAIL

Latest Innovation in Retail Solutions FOOD & DRINK

Ivory Coast to Reduce Cocoa Output Ivory Coast’s Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) will suspend programmes for the 2018-19 season that boost cocoa output, aiming to reduce production in the face of global oversupply. The marketing board plans to

halt distribution of higher-grade seeds and plants by chocolate makers, including Mars and Nestle, that develop hybrid species that they pass on to farmers to increase yields. “Given the increase in global cocoa supply and falling prices since 2016/17, the CCC has decided to carry out a census of the coffee and cocoa orchards,” the CCC said in a statement. It did not say when the census would begin.

Retail Solutions is a brand new and innovative event, co-located with SAITEX - the largest product sourcing show in Africa. This event connects suppliers of the very latest innovations and technology with retailers, brands and agencies demanding exceptional and seamless shopper experiences. With a readymade audience together with a targeted marketing campaign you can be sure of meeting the right decision makers and buyers. If you would like to find out more about exhibiting please contact on +27 11 783 7250 or email: paulramncwana@dmgeventsme.com

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W I S H

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R E S P O N S I B L E

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M I N I N G

R E S O U R C E S

A WISH FOR

RESPONSIBLE Wishbone Gold Plc’s rapid international growth has taken the business to African shores, where Chairman, Richard Poulden is determined to make a socially responsible impact on the continent and its environment

Mining

Writer: Matthew Staff ishbone Gold Plc started life as a gold exploration company focused on identifying and developing precious metal assets, mainly in Australia. Still in possession of four gold exploration licences covering 34,700 hectares in northeast Queensland - a region known for significant precious metal mineralisation - the business’s rise to prominence has been quick and relatively seamless; virtue of an approach that places special emphasis on and preservation and societal enrichment. “In 2016 we announced the acquisition of Black Sand FZE, to enable us to offer a secure supply chain through the UAE from mining to trading,” introduces Wishbone Gold Plc Chairman, Richard Poulden. “Since

Richard Poulden, Chairman, Wishbone Gold Plc

then we’ve focused on increasing our partnerships with artisanal miners across the world, and particularly in Africa, South East Asia and Central America. This reverse integration strategy is now the core of our business.” Africa Outlook caught up with Poulden to discuss not only the Company’s mining acumen, but how Wishbone is looking to address agricultural concerns through its movement into global markets. Richard Poulden (RP): It’s still early days, but the reverse integration strategy being rolled out globally is

showing great promise. Work has already started, and now in our newest venture in Thailand, we are seeing fast results. We’ve worked with a local Thai partner and have set up a new entity, Asian Commerce and Commodities Trading (ACCT). This puts the trading element in the country firmly in place. Early in February ACCT sent a shipment of gold from Thailand to the Wishbone centre of trading operations in Dubai. The purity of the gold received was assayed at 99 percent, and the volume of shipments is set to rise. Wishbone has been steadily growing on an international scale since 2017 when we set up our inaugural Honduras site. Although we were delayed due to bad weather, with the region experiencing one of the worst hurricane seasons on record, this project has still proved to be a success for the Company, local community and the Honduran Government. We have now set our sights on Africa and with the help of consultant, Oliver Poole have begun operations in Uganda and Mali. There is also potential to grow in the East as we further our relationship with Thailand.

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a direct solution to this issue with our carefully selected management teams implementing environmental standards in keeping with the local legislation. AfO: Central to your success of course has been the key projects engaged in over the years, so can you firstly talk me through the landmark examples and your role within them? RP: Before Wishbone I grew Sirius Minerals significantly through a similar strategy of acquisition. In other industries I have also followed a similar strategy building Alliance Medical and Wharfside Wine. It’s one that I believe works. But I’m proudest of my work in conservation with organisations such as the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the Giants Club, working to promote investment in conservation, business and tourism in Africa.

State-of-the-art equipment facilitates sustainable operations

Africa Outlook (AfO): As you continue to expand, how important is it to ingratiate yourself into each new region, especially from an environmental persective? RP: Location is key to the success of our model as it requires us to understand fully the local market and governance, and to provide easy access to the country location. It is also paramount that we work with suitable artisanal and small mines (ASM) that have the potential for increased production and teams that are willing to work with the Wishbone team and adhere to our policies surrounding

taxation, legislation and environmental procedures. The Board of Directors have a wealth of experience working in both the mining and natural resources sectors as well as in CSR. I am a keen environmentalist and work with and support various organisations working on conservation in Africa and worldwide. That work has proved to be a catalyst and a useful introduction for Wishbone’s work with ASMs. One of the pivotal issues with ASMs is the detrimental impact they have on the local environment. Our unique production model provides

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AfO: When identifying such projects, how do social and environmental impacts drive your approach and your lifecycle management; especially since turning your attentions to Africa? RP: A clean, efficient site serves the artisanal miner well and it increases productivity for us. We insist on proper environmental controls and it’s a great additional benefit to what we do; increasing that productivity to encourage prosperity.

“...I’m proudest of my work in conservation with organisations such as the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the Giants Club, working to promote investment in conservation, business and tourism in Africa.”

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AfO: In what ways do you feel there is a shortfall in environmental/agricultural considerations among the mining industry at present and how do you feel that Wishbone Gold addresses these issues? RP: Around 20 percent of gold production worldwide is produced by artisanal miners. In addition to this there is a further fringe of illegal miners across all sectors. It is this latter area that is the worst environmentally and where there needs to be a focus for change. It is important to realise that these are not all criminals; some of them are just trying to scrape a living because there are no jobs that they can go to. This is a major area where we can effect change. AfO: What specific processes do you have in place to facilitate long-term environmental preservation and agricultural safeguarding? RP: In some cases the mines we work with start out as unlicensed miners, and as such are unregulated. They simply have the goal to produce as much gold as possible regardless of the irreversible consequences some of their practices will have on

RP: By providing investment, modern equipment and updating mining techniques we can encourage greater efficiency and productivity. In some cases we can also reduce the size of the actual mine as production becomes more exact and processing is housed in specially-built units.

WSBN production line; March, 2018

the surrounding areas. Wishbone has set out to change this by bringing the better of these mines into the legal fold and insisting that if they want our help they have to have legal licenses. Once they obtain licences we also insist there will be: no mercury, no slash and burn, no destruction of the environment, and most importantly, they will have to pay taxes. This way, previously unregulated micro businesses can be brought into the regulated fold.

AfO: Looking forward, how would you hope your own impact on this issue will progress and what goals do you have in place to this end? RP: We hope to increase the use of our model globally in order to improve the standards, ethics and production of ASMs. The goal for Wishbone is of course to increase production of gold from our sites for trading, however, we hope to change the artisanal sector and have it recognised as a legitimate source of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gold.

AfO: What kinds of ongoing collaborations have you formed with the local communities in which you work to compound this commitment to agricultural enrichment?

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B B O X X

TOGO’S ENERGY ACCESS INITIATIVE ollowing a tender process, BBOXX - a venture-backed next generation utility, developing solutions to provide affordable, clean energy to off-grid communities in the developing world - was awarded a contract to work with the Government of Togo to roll out 300,000 of its solar home systems in the country by 2022. BBOXX aims to create more than 1,000 direct jobs in Togo in the next five years from its activities. BBOXX is fully vertically integrated, controlling every part of its customer experience. Its market-leading products and appliances coupled with its SMART Solar platform brings machine-learning and customer

experience optimisation to rural Africa. It’s groundbreaking financing structure has brought off-grid solar into the world’s financial markets and the new innovative partnership is part of the Government’s aim to dramatically improve access to electricity for people in Togo, particularly in rural areas. The mission of “CIZO” (which means lighting up in “Guin” language) is to bring electricity to more than two million citizens by 2022. It will also provide the adoption of mobile payment solutions across rural areas, helping to improve the financial inclusion of rural communities. Mansoor Hamayun, Chief Executive Officer of BBOXX talks through the exciting developments that are currently occurring within the project.

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The Government of Togo’s energy access initiative has received a significant boost following the completion of a pioneering debt finance deal worth US$4 million. As the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa it will unlock locally raised capital to deliver a Government project aimed at improving local people’s quality of life Written by: Phoebe Calver

Africa Outlook (AfO): What were the main challenges that you identified at different stages of the Togo Energy Access Initiative and how did you overcome them? Mansoor Hamayun (MH): In 2016, the Government of Togo launched a tender process to enable private businesses to enter Togo’s energy market after recognising how off-grid energy was starting to take off in East Africa. BBOXX – a next generation utility – engaged with the Government and state organisations to lay out the conditions necessary to operate successfully in the local market. While there were uncertainties around opening up in a new market, we proved through our experience in other countries such as Rwanda that we can overcome the same energy access challenge and that our concept and system works. We showed that we can apply our model across different geographies, and we have the data to back that up and prove it. Access to finance is another common stumbling block to setting up operations in a new country. While each country’s financial environment is very different, we drew on deep expertise with our work in Rwanda in involving local banks in the financing process, and had built up a prior relationship with Africa Guarantee Fund. In addition, private companies like BBOXX need the right regulatory environment in order to operate effectively and scale up. In Togo, it was exciting to see that the Government had created a framework for companies like BBOXX to get involved in plugging the energy access gap. AfO: Could you tell me a little more about the successes you have achieved within the project so far and how they have impacted the projected growth within Togo? MH: BBOXX launched its operations in Togo in December, 2017. This came

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after we were awarded a contract from the Togolese Government to work with them on their “CIZO” initiative. As part of this, we are rolling out and installing 300,000 solar systems to off-grid rural communities in Togo by 2022 – which is an exciting challenge. BBOXX has so far supplied systems to nearly 1,000 customers since we began operations in Togo at the end of 2017 and are forecast to provide electricity to 10,000 households by the end of 2018. The Government of Togo helped us to raise capital through local bank, Union Togolaise de Banque. This made financial matters much more straightforward and has sped up our expansion across Togo, allowing us to really kick-start this programme. We are driven by our mission to provide solar electricity to 20 million people by 2020, and our work in Togo forms a big part of achieving this goal. AfO: What are the long-term projected impacts of the project for communities across Togo, and do you see this inspiring other countries? MH: Through our work in Togo, we will be positively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Togolese citizens, and contributing to the economic development of the Togolese economy. Access to energy opens the door to a much higher quality of life. For those living off-grid, our smart solar systems provide clean, reliable and affordable energy to power not just lights, but also computers, radios, phones and refrigerators. After winning the tender to work in Togo, BBOXX began working with state mobile telecommunications company, Togo Cellulaire to integrate their platforms and work on joint marketing. In addition, we are also working with the state postal network, La Poste, which has more than 80 branches, to distribute our products – all having a knock-on effect on the local

economy. We have opened six shops with La Poste so far and will soon be present at 24 branches. It is also really positive to see that there is this growing appetite for local banks to get involved in off-grid energy projects in their home countries, as we had seen with our recent US$4 million debt deal with Togolese bank, Union Togolaise de Banque. In this environment, private companies like BBOXX can operate with ease and enhance operations. We hope that our work in Togo, as well as in East Africa, will inspire other countries to pursue a similar energy access strategy. Under the right framework, we can really expand energy access to those previously without it. The potential is huge: 1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to electricity. We already operate in 35 countries, predominantly in East Africa, and we are increasingly looking to expand across West Africa and beyond, and to translate this success across markets on our mission to ensure universal electrification.

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‘Access to energy opens the door to a much higher quality of life’

AfO: How has the project impacted employment in Togo in both the long and short-term? MH: Through our contract in Togo, we aim to create more than 1,000 direct jobs in the country in the next five years from our activities. Training up a workforce to help deliver our vision of bringing clean electricity to 20 million people by 2020 will be one of our biggest challenges yet; in Togo and across Africa and the developing world. We are committed to empowering our employees to shape the future of our business and the off-grid energy sector in Africa. In order to provide electricity to such as vast swathe of the population, BBOXX is employing and training locals as salespeople, managers, technicians and customer service agents. BBOXX is very proud to be often the first formal employer in the villages we operate in, in rural parts of Africa. We are passionate about providing high quality training to our employees, so that they have the tools to do their job effectively, and this is something we replicate across all the markets we work in. In fact, in Rwanda - the first country which we started operating in - we have been officially recognised last year with the globally recognised ‘Great Place to Work’ certificate, and we are the first employer in Rwanda to receive this global certification. In addition, through our experience we identified a key challenge that distributed businesses like ours face when managing large workforces spread across vast remote locations. One of the ways we have started to tackle this issue head-on is through harnessing the power of data and technology. We recently launched BBOXX Pulse, a cloud-based task management system which digitalises the business’s sales and service management. This allows us to have a clear understanding of how customers, products and sales teams are performing, so that we can maximise resources and scale effectively.

ADVERTORIAL

Capacity Building in Africa: Voith provides knowledge in hydropower technology to local people

Hands-on training at Ingula pumped storage plant in South Africa

he development, operation and maintenance of hydropower plants require a great variety of expertise. With the ongoing exploitation of untapped hydropower potential in many developing countries around the world, a greater involvement of new players in the sector and new international standards, knowledge gaps of hydropower plant operators have widened. To bridge these gaps, German technology group, Voith has developed a global training programme called HydroSchool. The aim is to educate local staff to obtain a qualification in their field of hydropower expertise.

The largest training in Voith history is currently running in South Africa. Situated in the eastern part of the country, the pumped storage plant at Ingula is the largest of its kind in Africa. After the commissioning in 2016, Voith was awarded by the plant operator Eskom to train local staff to operate and maintain the new plant. Voith started in the middle of 2017 the HydroSchool training programme. Since then, the Company has been training around 70 Eskom employees, from technicians through to managers, to fulfil their individual responsibilities. “At the Ingula training, we have to consider many different target

groups with a wide range of training objectives”, says Maren Henkes, Customer Training Manager at Voith Hydro. The comprehensive training programme covers almost 20 different courses – starting from a general plant overview to specific system training courses like for example the oil-handling system of the pumped storage plant. The project will be finished by the middle of 2018.

T + 49 7321 37-0 F + 49 7321 37-7890

www.voith.com

S E C T O R

F O C U S

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INNOVATIVE VECTOR

CONTROL

ayer Southern Africa is a recognised global enterprise within the life science fields of both healthcare and agriculture, with products and services that are designed specifically to benefit and improve the quality of the lives of its customers. Over the years the Group has succeeded in creating value through innovation, company growth and a high earning potential. Throughout all of its work Bayer remains committed to its original principles of achieving sustainable development, while following its responsibilities as a corporate citizen to remain ethical. In the aging population that the Company operates within, there is a constant requirement of improved medical care and Bayer is answering this need with its innovative products. The Company is successfully contributing and dedicating copious amounts of time to finding solutions to some of the major issues in healthcare at present, and with life expectancy continuing to rise, its research is focused on preventing and treating diseases. The Bayer Group underwent a reorganisation in January, 2016 in order to shift its focus specifically to life sciences and to take on a leading position in an innovative and rapidly growing market. At present Bayer’s operations are made up of three divisions, including Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and Crop Science.

remaining active for longer, while also enabling malaria programme managers to regulate insecticide resistance with increased coverage. De Sousa explains further: “This latest innovation in vector control is part of Bayer’s commitment to the growing Writer: Phoebe Calver challenge of insecticide resistance in the fight against malaria and emanates Pharmaceutical developments from Bayer’s increased investment its The Pharmaceutical department at research and development during the Bayer offers the largest segment in past 10 years in order to ensure a new terms of sales, and subsequently a lot generation of IRS with a substantial of time and resources are placed into increase in efficacy.” research & development in that area. The Mozambique Fludora Fusion’s Recently Bayer has officially kickedtrial will take place in 12 purposeoff a one-year trial of a new malaria built experimental huts designed to fighting Indoor Residual Spray (IRS), mimic the conditions in which the called Fludora Fusion, in Mozambique’s product will be used. Other trials are Manhica District. The trial, which is currently taking place in South Africa; being run in partnership with The Zimbabwe; Zambia; Tanzania, Kenya; Manhica Health Research Centre and Rwanda; Benin; Ghana, Madagascar Goodbye Malaria, is one of 17 trials and the Ivory Coast. Preliminary currently taking place in other subresults from Zambia, Tanzania and Saharan Africa countries. South Africa, where the trials are “Considering that Mozambique further advanced, are already showing has a high and growing occurrence promising results. of malaria, with 4.6 million reported “While the malaria incidence figures cases in 2017, up from 3.8 million in are daunting, the silver lining is that 2016,” says Jose de Sousa, Head of malaria is preventable, provided that Envronmental Science for Bayer in we keep refining our ability to control sub Saharan Africa. “We identified the vectors that spread it - mosquitoes. Mozambique as a key country in which Trials like the one we are launching at to run a local trial for Fludora Fusion.” present, are a key step in bringing this Vector control, the method of solution to to the market limiting or eradicating malaria carrying with Fludora Fusion mosquitoes, is the mainstay of the global ready to take its malaria prevention strategy and Bayer place in the frontline has been at the forefront of introducing of the fight against new innovations in this regard. Fludora malaria,” De Sousa Fusion offers an advanced approach by concludes.

Bayer has officially kicked-off a one-year trial that is set to take fight against malaria to the next level in Mozambique

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G A M B I A

GAMBIA Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest nation is also one of its most content and attractive, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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ambia may be the smallest country in Africa but it is certainly packing a punch in recent years as its reputation as a tourist hotspot gathers momentum. Consequently having a knock-on effect on the country’s economy and individual business lines across areas of hospitality, cuisine, finance and travel, its GDP has consistently grown yearon-year for more than a decade now; and is showing no signs of slowing down as its accessibility and appeal continues to develop. Engulfed on three sides by Senegal, its immediate access into West Africa has always affirmed its usefulness to the wider continent despite its diminutive stature, but it is the fourth side opening Gambia up to the Atlantic

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Capital city: Area: Population (2013): GDP (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

English Banjul 10,689 kilometres 1.8 million $3.5 billion Dalasi (GMD) UTC+0 (GMT) +220 .gm Tropical

AFRICA Ocean that holds most of the potential for the country moving forward. Occupying the navigable length of the Gambia River valley and its surrounding hills, in total Gambia only enjoys 80 kilometres of coastline, but it’s the array of resorts, trade routes, business opportunities and paradise views that are packed into this stretch that have contributed most significantly to the country’s recent rise to global prominence. Inevitably, the majority of tourists visit Western Gambia - the Atlantic facing region - and Upriver Gambia - the rest of the highly vegetated country - for the weather and temperatures between November and May (dry season) but as recognition grows, so too does the diversity of Gambia’s appeal, and the business travel sector is thriving as a result.

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G A M B I A

The Business End IN RECENT YEARS Gambia has been gaining a lot of attention both regionally and internationally, with thanks to its growing tourism sector. Jean Byamugisha, Executive Director at the Gambia Hotel Owners Association explains the meteoric rise of Gambia’s tourism industry: “In recent years we have won accolades from international press such as CNN and Lonely Planet magazine. We have been very lucky to have the backing of an incredibly supportive Government that is heavily invested in road infrastructure to destination areas, as well as tight security within the country that has boosted our tourism industry onto its upward trajectory.” With such renewed interest in Gambia and its tourism industry, the country is positioning itself as the new MICE destination in Africa. At present Kampala is home to major international big name brand hotels such as the Hilton, Marriot, Radisson and it has massively increased its appeal for both the business travel

industry as a whole and MICE. Alongside the growth of its tourism industry and more specifically business tourism, the county has also experienced consistent economic growth in recent years. The country has largely untapped oil & gas reserves as well as a sizable agriculture industry, with coffee as its main export.

CNN Inside Africa: The Gambia honors its past, while looking ahead HD

However, with the growing tourism sector in the country, the agriculture sector is on course to be surpassed by the services sector which accounted for more than half of the country’s GDP last year.

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The tourism sector is rapidly expanding

Kololi Beach Club is a creation by the Freestone family spanning a 30-year period, from humble beginnings which stretch back to a family holiday taken in the winter of 1985. During those early development days, Martin, inspired by former President’s private golf course, prompted Kololi Beach Club to build an 18-hole, par 3 course. Set in the lovely resort grounds surrounded by wildlife, it’s reputed to be a test for golfers of all standards. Today there are 60 villas; most with sea views, some overlook the swimming pools, others enjoying views of the golf course and gardens. The villas nestle perfectly into the surrounding landscaped gardens, paths gently lead you through the resort taking in this magical setting. Whichever villa you choose, there is nothing better than sitting on your terrace or balcony,

watching the wildlife while enjoying breakfast or pre-dinner drink; the perfect way to start or end the day. Kololi Beach Club welcomes anyone to come and stay with us and discover the Club facilities on offer. The Resort is structured similar to; Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and other successful Holiday Clubs. In 2008 Kololi Beach Club introduced ‘Owner Membership’ to its portfolio as more and more people were looking to own a property overseas. Accordingly, Kololi Beach Club has built more villas, some are detached with their own pool and garden known as our prestigious Nian Villas, and in 2016 a complex of 36 boutique Studio Apartments began construction. For first time visitors we have some great introductory rates – for more information please contact bookings@kololi.com.

Member/Guest Reviews & Quotes (2017 – 2018) 5* WOW Beautiful place, wonderful friendly and helpful staff. Our first visit exceeded our expectations. Well looked after from start to finish in beautiful surroundings.

5* FANTASTIC We had a cheeky week away at Kololi Beach Resort, we fell in love with how relaxing it was, very private and yet 5 minute walk you’re on the strip with such good restaurants and bars.

5* LOVELY HOTEL Would highly recommend Kololi Beach Resort, I’ve stayed in many places in Gambia and I can honestly say this is by far the nicest Resort I have stayed in.

5* HONEYMOON Kololi Beach Club was absolutely fantastic! The staff can’t do enough. It’s got to be the Gambia’s best kept secret! If you’re not self-catering the food is excellent and varied.

For more information visit www.kololi.com or email bookings@kololi.com | info@kololi.com

G A M B I A

Out & About THE SMILING COAST of West Africa, as it is known, doesn’t refer to the shape of Gambia or anything overtly philosophical, but simply the friendliness of its people. And this is the main take-home report of anyone to have visited the country’s shores. Inevitably, a personable nature goes hand-in-hand with the tourism-related areas of business that are thriving in the country at the moment, but it’s when you’re exploring the wilderness on your own and simply taking in the local cultures and atmospheres that you become endeared to the nation and its inhabitants.

And what this achieves more than anything is a calming welcome to a country that would be stunning regardless of people, resorts and tour guides anyway. Coast side, its sun and surf all the way, but further inland a plethora of natural beauties, rolling mountains, rainforests, wildlife reserves and archaic treasures are there to be found. And given the small scale of Gambia, it’s not as difficult to take in a bit of each dimension as you’d think. Without too much international influence, the best thing about Gambia is its indigenousness, whether that’s encouraging local delicacies, demonstrating Gambian history, or preserving native wildlife. And during your time in the country, it’s highly advised you experience all of the above.

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Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Sanyang Beach and the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project are just a select few examples to sample on the nature front; the James Island ‘Roots tour’ is a poignant reflection on centuries past; and finally, you can head back to an increasing number of four and five-star hotels and resorts, chief among them being Kololi Beach Resort and Tendaba Safari Camp.

AFRICA

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G A M B I A

Outlook Recommends “Gambia offers a cheaper alternative than the Caribbean destinations and there are 48km of unspoilt white sandy beaches which have [still] yet to experience any significant tourist development.” - Gambia Travel and Tourism

HOSPITALITY

NATURE Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project

Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Bijilo Forest Park

Makasutu Cultural Forest

Kololi Beach Resort Kololi Beach Resort defines itself as the perfect holiday location “where time stands still” as an idyllic paradise resort located on the smiling coast of West Africa. Set across 24 acres of pristine green space, its beachside setting ensures ultimate comfort, relaxation and stunning views at all times, while its ever-improving facilities makes it the perfect getaway for business clientele too.

Tendaba Safari Camp

Abuko Nature Reserve

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T: 00 220 373 4085 E: admin@swisshotelgambia.com www.swisshotelgambia.com

AFRICA

KOMBO BEACH HOTEL THE GAMBIA

D isc ov er the smilin g c oa st of West Af ric a

Set on the beautiful wide sandy beach of Kotu, you will find a warm welcome, excellent cuisine, entertainment and true Gambian hospitality

The Swiss Boutique Hotel is a small luxury eco hotel situated on Bijilo Beach and a short distance away from the main tourist centers, close enough to easily experience all that the Gambia has to offer.

CULTURE

LEISURE

National Museum of Albreda

Sanyang Beach

Kotu Beach

James Island ‘Roots tour’ Tanje Village Museum

FOOD & DRINK

Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant Gaya Art Cafe Calypso Bar & Restaurant Reo’s Bar & Restaurant WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

G A M B I A

BY JOLLE AT CATALAN WIKIPEDIA, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Transport Links

GIVEN THE COUNTRY’S growing popularity from further afield in recent times, it is perhaps no surprise that it’s relatively easy to gain access to the nation from a visa perspective; most EU member states even being able to enter the country for an initial 90 days visa-free. No matter where you’re departing from though, you will likely arrive into Banjul International Airport in the capital city of Banjul. Primarily catering for Europe and West Africa, from

arrival onwards, there are numerous options in terms of internal transport during your stay but it is probably the last remaining infrastructural challenge that exists in Gambia. For most, rural excursions, improvised journeys and quirky tours are part of the charm of the whole experience but it’s also worth making yourself familiar with these little security and cost nuances prior to visiting. For instance: public transport costs

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often vary depending on whether you end up in a shared taxi or an individual one but you need to tell the driver which you want, otherwise they may just choose the more expensive option for you; the terrain makes 4X4s a must if you want to get by under your own steam; and back to the cab challenge again - if you can - always choose yellow taxis over green ones. For everything else and especially on the tourism front, guided tours are usually the way to go.

AFRICA

Landmark Attractions

Wassu Stone Circles

“The ancient Wassu Stone Circles, in Gambia, are located around Wassu in the Central River Region and are believed to be burial mounds of Kings and chiefs in ancient times more than 1,200 years old... This sacred site was declared a National Monument in 1995 and on 21 July, 2006, 93 monuments in the Senegambia region (Sine Ngayène, Wanar) were declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site.” Gambia Travel and Tourism

River Gambia National Park

“The national park was established in 1978 and is made up of a complex of five islands that lie on the river in the Central River Division (Region) about 300 kilometres upstream to the southwest of Kuntaur and downstream of Janjangbureh, Georgetown. The five islands are collectively known as Baboon Islands which cover an area of approximately 1,445 acres. An interesting place to visit is the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Camp (CRC) which lies on the banks of the river.” - Gambia Travel and Tourism

Wide Open Walls, Kubuneh

“Wide Open Walls was launched in 2010... The basic idea was to turn some of the village of Kubuneh within the Ballabu area into a living art exhibition. After speaking with Eelus, a street artist of world renown, [founder] Lawrence Williams suddenly had himself a curator and the first Wide Open Walls project was born. The following October, 8 street artists from around the world came to The Gambia and over the course of two weeks, turned the village of Kubuneh into a living art project.” - The Gambia Experience

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N I G E R I A

NIGERIA

With a plethora of natural delights and increasingly prevalent business acumen, Nigeria is emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the industry Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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ften referred to as the Giant of Africa, Nigeria has built a worldwide reputation with thanks to its large population, economy and the third-largest youth population globally. Despite the recent drop in crude oil prices, Lagos - the main city - is going up in the world with thanks to the ever increasingly popular tech industries, top class restaurants and clubs and a new found interest in the arts scene which has created a new face for modern Africa. During your visit to Nigeria you will notice that English is one of the official languages there and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widely spoken, making it easy to navigate your way around during your time there.

AFRICA

It is important to take note that at present many foreign governments advise against travelling to Northern and Central Nigeria, due to the current ethnic tension. However, if you happen to have a day or afternoon free for some exploration outside of the capital city, there are many safe and enticing opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the many cultural layers of Nigerian. Whether you are interested in Yoruba shrines or perhaps enticed by the natural beauty of the river deltas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages:

English, Hausa, Lgbo, Yoruba, Fulani

Area:

923,768 square kilometres

Population (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

186 million Naira (NGN) UTC +1 +234 .ng Tropical hot

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N I G E R I A

The Business End UNDERTAKING WORK IN Nigeria can more often than not be a very positive experience, with the majority of Nigerian organisations conducting themselves in a similar manner to a family. You will encounter a welcoming open-armed approach to newcomers, making your business trip a thoroughly pleasant experience from start to finish. At present Nigeria is recognised as a mixed economy-emerging market, with lower-middle income status, although it is gradually working its way up the business ladder in terms of sector development.

With a plethora of natural resources to utilise as well as a highly-developed financial system, legal operations, communications, transport sectors and an increasingly renowned stock exchange - the second largest in Africa - the country show a lot of promise when it comes to recognition as an African business hub. Although there are increasing signs of change to the business world in Nigeria, at present more than 30 percent of Nigerians are employed by the agriculture sector. The country has a huge agricultural production net, with its major crops including

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beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, ground nuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maise, melon, millet, palm oil, rice, rubber, soybeans and yams. The country also has an abundance of mineral resources that are yet to be properly utilised which explains the smaller scale of its mining industry at present, including coal, natural gas, bauxite, tantalite, gold, tin, limestone, lead and iron ore, leaving massive room for expansion.

Out & About

YOUR TRIP TO Nigeria will offer up an abundance of unexpected delights to enjoy, for example the many varied traditional cuisines. Some of the many delicacies on offer include afang soup, owo soup, plantain, pepper soup, amala, eba, pouded yam, jollof rice, ground nut soup and Owerri soup, which is the most expensive African soup available in Nigeria. If you are feeling a little less adventurous and after the comforts of home during a busy trip away, you will find a multitude of foreign restaurants in Lagos. A great example that is always popular with visitors is the Sky Bar and Grill at the Eco Hotel, Churascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lagoon and Fusion, all of which are located in close proximity. When it comes to hospitality Nigeria manages to exceed expectations yet again, providing something to suit every need and requirement. Alongside individual boutique hotels, there are also plenty of hotel chains well-suited to the requirements of business travellers, such as Radisson, Hilton, Mariott and Sheraton. When planning your travels it is advisable to use companies such as hotels.ng that allow you to price check and find the perfect hotel for you anywhere in the country.

The property is strategically located 10 minutes away from the Asaba International Airport. At Best Western Plus Elomaz, Asaba you will be wowed by the architectural design, exquisite furnishings, and the warm and friendly guest services.

Plot 22 A/B-27 Core Area, DBS Road, GRA, Asaba, Delta State T: +234-803-819-3264 | +234-903-150-9975 | +234-812-765-6397 +234-0700 BWHOTELASABA F: +234-09052211553 E: info@bestwesternelomazhotel.com reservations@bestwesternelomazhotel

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N I G E R I A

Outlook Recommends “Nigeria is a pulsating powerhouse: as the most populous nation on the continent - nearly every fifth African is Nigerian - it dominates the region.” - Lonely Planet

HOTELS

MUSEUMS

LEISURE

Kalakuta Republic Museum

The Wheatbaker Swiss International Mabisel Hotel Port Harcourt Sheraton Lagos Hotel

Slave History Museum

RESTAURANTS

Lekki Leisure Lake Optimel Water Sports Kayak Lagos NATIONAL PARK

National Museum Lagoon Restaurant Ocean Basket Victoria Island Casper & Gambini’s 34

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Gashaka-Gumti National Park Yankari National Park Lekki Conservation Centre

AFRICA

Transport Links

BEFORE TRAVELLING TO Nigeria, ensure that you have applied for your visa to enter the country well in advance, as foreign nationals require one - these are available at Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates worldwide. There are an array of international airports located within Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu; bear in mind that the Lagos domestic and

international terminals are located a fair distance apart, so transportation time between the two is often lengthy and may hold up your arrival. You will find that transportation options are in abundance in Nigeria, and although the roads are relatively poor in comparison with European countries, one of the best ways to travel around remains either your own or a hired car. When travelling in the cities, prepare

yourself for delays and traffic jams. A large proportion of the trains running in Nigeria are more often than not transporting cargo, and therefore is not the most popular form of transportation available in the country. Some suggest plans have been raised to pursue the development of the nationwide train network over the years, however, this is yet to be successful in coming to fruition.

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N I G E R I A

Landmark Attractions

Nike Art Gallery

“Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye invites you to visit her Nigeria… Whether you are a specialist in the arts, an enthusiast of African arts or merely interested in a brief immersion in a new culture, Nike offers the opportunity to see Nigeria with fresh eyes. You stay at guest houses at her homes in Lagos, Oshogbo and Ogidi.” - nikeart.com

Lekki Conservation Centre

“Run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this centre has a huge tract of wetlands set aside for wildlife viewing. Canopy walkways enable you to see monkeys, crocodiles and various birds; early morning is the best time to visit. There is a conservation centre and a library.” - Lonely Planet

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BY ALEX MAZZETO - JUREMA OLIVEIRA (TALK) 18:15, 16 NOVEMBER 2009 (UTC) - UNESCO, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Osun Sacred Grove

“The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities.” - whc. unesco.org

AFRICA

Olumo Rock “The founding site of Abeokuta, famed Olumo Rock has a rich history and great spiritual significance. Hire a guide and climb the rock – at one point it is smooth and quite steep, so go via the steps if you’re not confident. You’ll see shrines, sacred trees, tribal wartime hideouts, and ultimately, at the top, an astonishing view of the city.” - Lonely Planet

BY DEMOKIDOZ - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Afi Mountain Drill Ranch

“Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and here is the only place in the world to see natural-sized captive drill groups in natural habitat. The founders of our drill groups were recovered as orphans after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat. We have rehabilitated over 85 lone drills into 6 social groups, now bearing a new generation; over 450 drills have been born at the project.” - pandrillus.org

Kalakuta Republic Museum

“If you are planning a trip to Nigeria, Kalakuta Republic Museum in Lagos should be on your must visit list. Lagos is situated in South-west region of Nigeria and it has become a normal stop for every traveller… the Kalakuta republic museum was home to Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his followers in the 1970s till his death in 1997.” - myguidenigeria.com

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U G A N D A

UGANDA Uganda is growing in popularity as a tourist destination, with thanks to support from its Government and a vision for the future from the Uganda Hotel Owners Association Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

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ganda is beginning to emerge from the shadows of its long history, reaching out to improve upon the former glory it held as the ‘pearl of Africa’. The country is privy to spectacular landscapes, excellent wildlife watching opportunities and welcoming locals, considering the relatively small size of the county it packs a punch against its larger neighbours. Home to the Rwenzoris - Africa’s tallest mountain range - and the source of the Nile, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding ways to spend your free time. Although the climate is technically equatorial, it is not as uniform as you would expect and therefore it is advisable to pack for a wide range of weather possibilities. You will find that Southern Uganda is more often than not more wet, with rain spreading widely throughout the year. On the

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: English, Luganda Area: 236,040 square kilometres Population (2016): 41,490,000 GDP (2017): $88,610 billion Currency: Ugandan shilling (UGX) Time zone: UTC +3 Dialling code: +256 Internet TLD: .ug Climate: Equatorial

AFRICA north-side this is more predictable, with rain predominantly falling from March to June and throughout November and December. Uganda is both accessible and an affordable option in Africa, making it the perfect destination for business travel. Although the country still has a way to go when it comes to the standards set by slightly more mature destinations such as Kenya and South Africa, it has an authenticity that makes it both an exciting and enjoyable place to spend your trip. Since 2016 when travelling to Uganda you are required to apply for an online visa prior to your visit to the country, and a single entry tourist visa will last between 30 and 90 days and will cost $50. Upon entrance to the country you will find that English is widely spoken at varying levels of fluency, as well as lingua franca, making it easy to navigate your way around during your trip.

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U G A N D A

The Business End IN RECENT YEARS Uganda has been gaining a lot of attention both regionally and internationally, with thanks to its growing tourism sector. Jean Byamugisha, Executive Director at the Uganda Hotel Owners Association explains the meteoric rise of Uganda’s tourism industry: “In recent years we have won accolades from international press such as CNN and Lonely Planet magazine. We have been very lucky to have the backing of an incredibly supportive Government that is heavily invested in road infrastructure to destination areas, as well as tight security within the country that has boosted our tourism industry onto its upward trajectory.” With such renewed interest in Uganda and its tourism industry, the country is positioning itself as the new MICE destination in Africa. At present Kampala is home to major international big name brand hotels such as the Hilton, Marriot, Radisson and it has massively increased its appeal for both the business travel

A tree-climbing lioness in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The bottom of the Murchison Falls waterfall

Kampala, Uganda’s capital

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Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Plot 11, Nambi Road Manyago, Entebbe T: +256 751 123450, +256 750 999 555 E: reservation@saffroneal.com directorsaffroneal@saffroneal.com

www.saffroneal.com

Special Rates Suite – 2 (Room no. 5 & 6) $ 150 Bed & Breakfast Min. 1 Pax – Max. 2 Pax

Executive Room 1, 2, 4 $ 100 Bed & Breakfast Min. 1 Pax – Max. 2 Pax

Standard Room 3 & 7 $ 80 Bed & Breakfast Max 1 Pax

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U G A N D A

The Uganda Hotel Owners Association THE UGANDA HOTEL Owners Association (UHOA) was founded by Dr. BM Kibirige in May, 2000 when he came to the realisation that hotel owners in Uganda needed to come together and create an atmosphere conducive to business. Until that point in time hotels had been largely ignored by the Government, despite the fact that they had always been the biggest investors within the tourism sector. 18 years later, UHOA now boasts more than 500 member hotels, is well recognised by the Government of Uganda and holds a seat on the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Private sector Foundation. Jean Byamugisha, Executive Director of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association tells us about her vision for the future, and the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for the tourism industry as a whole.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has Uganda Hotel Association developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Jean Byamugisha (JB): Since May, 2000, UHOA has grown in leaps and bounds and expanded its vision for the future. When UHOA was first created, it was purely limited to the needs of the hotel sector. Today UHOA is an advocate for the Ugandan tourism industry because we realise that for the hotels to grow, the entire tourism industry must grow as well. So today, much of our key objectives and messages are for the overall development of the tourism sector in Uganda with key emphasis on the investment and growth of the

Murchison Fall National Park

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hotel sector. UHOA is also passionate about the capacity building and general welfare of the hotel staff. As the biggest employers in the tourism industry, we aim to create a precedent and lead by example in terms of staff welfare. AfO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Uganda now compared to its condition when the Association began? JB: The easiest way I can explain this is the comparison of night and day; 18 years ago, tourism was largely ignored both by the Government and the private sector. Not only did we receive minimum funding from the Government, tourism was also housed under the Ministry of Trade receiving a lot less attention. Today, Tourism has a standalone Ministry, the Ministry of

Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and receives quite considerable funding to support most of the marketing activities for the sector. Tourism is now the biggest foreign exchange earner for Uganda as well as the second biggest employer second only to agriculture. Tourism has also been recognised by Government as one of the three sectors that will drive Ugandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy into the middle income status. AfO: What is in store for Uganda over the course of 2018 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future? JB: We are putting plans in place for a lot more lobbying and advocacy. Uganda will continue to lobby and advocate for the tourism sector especially at the international forums in regards to positioning Uganda as

AFRICA

a MICE destination. UHOA is very passionate about ensuring that we have much better occupancy rates for the hotels in 2018 so we shall be carrying out many domestic tourism campaigns to make sure we have more Ugandans and foreign residents visiting the country. UHOA will also be participating in many international events to meet international hotel investors and encourage them to come and set up hotels within the country so as to facilitate the MICE market of travellers.

AfO: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to the Uganda Hotel Association as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in Uganda as a whole? JB: I would imagine that in threefive years time UHOA will have more than 1,000 member hotels. UHOA will be the strongest private sector association in Uganda and the biggest advocate for the tourism industry. In the next five years, I really hope to see Uganda as one of the biggest MICE destinations in Africa. We should be able to compete with giants like South Africa in this regard.

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U G A N D A

Out & About

Take the road less travelled...

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, Africa

UGANDA IS ESPECIALLY recognisable for the array of spectacular wildlife that can be found across its equally incredible landscapes, both of which have served as a major driver of employment and investment. With tourism providing such a major driver for growth in the country, it is also being used to fight poverty. You will notice a large number of specific tourism companies during your time in the country, often selling traditional products such as arts and crafts and traditional attire. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda are found in the form of game reserves, historical sites and natural tropical forests with endless surprises to be discovered. When exploring in your spare time, you will discover that Uganda truly has a prime location within the African Great Lakes region, with a number of water bodies that are increasingly popular spots for tourists. Due to its extensive bodies of water, boating is an increasingly popular pastime that is commonly carried out on Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi, Kazinga Channel and the River Nile. This offers the perfect opportunity to see the sites and explore the local nature, including the likelihood of spotting buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and birds. As well as a spectacular array of activities just waiting to be discovered, Uganda will also surprise you with the level of its hospitality. Depending on the requirements of your stay, there is something for everyone and particularly the ever-increasingly popular business tourism industry.

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Plot 5 Binayomba Avenue, Bugolobi, Kampala, Uganda +256 414 251 182 | +256 787 433 710 info@safariuganda.com | info@wildplacesafrica.com www.safariuganda.com | www.wildplacesafrica.com The Uganda Safari Company | Wildplaces Africa

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U G A N D A

Outlook Recommends “Tourism has also been recognised by Government as one of the three sectors that will drive Uganda’s economy into the middle income status.” - Uganda Hotel Owners Association

HOTELS

NATIONAL PARKS

Kampala Serena Hotel

Source of the Nile Hotel Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Speke Resort Munyonyo

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Murchison Falls National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park

oyager African Safaris will give you an inside out tour of Uganda, best described by Sir Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa”.

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Tel: +1 760 807 1456, +256-703 203 341 | Email: info@ugandagorillatour.com | www.ugandagorillatour.com

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U G A N D A

Outlook Recommends MUSEUMS

RESTAURANTS

Uganda Museum

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Bamboo Nest Batwa Cultural Heritage

Paradise Grill Restaurant

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Budongo Forest Reserve RETAIL

The Acacia Mall Victoria Mall Social Innovation Museum

7 Hills Revolving Restaurant

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Freedom City Mall

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+256 790 911 318

www.sourceofthenilehotel.com +256 702 515 602

@sourceofthenilehotel

booking@sourceofthenilehotel.com events@sourceofthenilehotel.ug

Marianah Tourist Hotel Services Tour Activities • Board Riding • Bird Watching • Nature Walk • Camping Facilities • Accomodation (Self Contained Rooms) • Restaurant • Bar services • A 100 people seater shelter tent • Gardens for parties and recreation

The House of Love was born after some members of the Yesu Ahuriire Community went to South Korea for the 1st Holy Spirt Conference of World Youth in July 2006. The experience enhanced, encourages and became a ground for action on which the initiators of the House of Love children’s village decided to take up the challenge of setting up a home; as a call to bring God’s love to the sick with AIDS, poor, needy and abandoned children and youth. Email: houseofloveafrica@googlemail.com Website: https://sites.google.com/site/houseofloveafrica/contact-us

Email: marianahthotel@gmail.com Call us on mobile: (+256) 772205060, (+256) 753 620271 https://marianahthotel.wordpress.com/

with us nature is at your disposal

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U G A N D A

Transport Links

UGANDA IS SURPRISINGLY nimble when it comes to transportation and finding your way around the country, with the most popular method being through booking with one of the many companies available to transport you from meeting to meeting in your own car or bus depending on the size of your party. If you were to choose this manner of transportation, you are likely to save copious amounts of time that could have been wasted in looking for where to go and arranging transportation. Of course there are many other

options available. In Kampala in particular - as well as other destinations - the boda-boda is a very good way to get from place to place. Perhaps more recognisable as the mode of transport for the adventurous type, these small moped type vehicles with cushions on the back are a cheap form of transport often used by locals. Although it will provide you with an authentic experience, do take caution if you choose to try this as they are often involved in accidents. Depending on the area in which you are staying, you will find that

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Uganda has a good public bus system that runs on fixed routes in the form of minibuses or commuter vans. You will find that both forms are relatively cheap and efficient when running between the major centres. The roads you are met with in Uganda are in good condition in comparison to many located in subSaharan Africa, although they have deteriorated in patches. Many of the minor roads are made of hard-packed soil and although predominantly fine, if there have been heavy rains then they can quickly become treacherous.

Katwe Tourism Information centre (KATIC) P.O.Box 99, Katwe – Kasese – Uganda Tel: +256 752 618 265 +256 753 393 450 +256 752 397 354 Email: katic.org@gmail.com Wek: www.katic.info

AFRICA

UPENDO

AFRICAN ART & CRAFTS Be Proud Of Your Culture – Be Proud Of Your World

KATIK is a community tourism enterprise formed in 2005 with the aim of conserving the surrounding natural resources for sustainable tourism with the intent of enhancing economic and conservation benefits for the community. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: • Lake Katwe - learn about the skill of salt mining as well as a chance to directly interact with the salt miners • Lake Munyanyange - a saline lake is just outside the national park’s boundaries but belongs to Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary WHAT WE OFFER • Bird Watching - Katik offers experienced bird guides to take you around Lake Munyanyange, • Village Walk - The tour to Katwe Salt Lake gives a unique insight into the fascinating, yet tough process of salt mining which provides an alternative income for the community UPENDO is an association based on love for humanity. UPENDO Art & Craft wants to ensure that the vulnerable social group members become self sustaining and has engaged its member into income generating activities through discovering their hidden treasures / potentials and use them to improve their livelihood.

www.katwe-council.com

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp Providing eco-friendly accommodation at the foothills of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp P.O Box 280, Kisoro, Uganda Phone, Manager: +256-774-954956 / +256-782-306973 Email: info@amajamberecamp.com

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A beautiful home far away from home

Exquisite accommodation for gorilla loving tourists including bird watching, local community tours in the beautiful mountainous villages of western Uganda

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U G A N D A

Landmark Attractions

Murchison Falls National Park

“Murchison Falls Conservation Area ( MFCA ) comprises of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves. This is where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos and crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes. The vegetation is characterised by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species.” - murchinsonfallsnationalpark.com

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

“Home to almost half the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, the World Heritage–listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of East Africa’s most famous national parks. Set over 331 sq km of improbably steep mountain rainforest, the park is home to an estimated 340 gorillas: undoubtedly Uganda’s biggest tourist drawcard.” - Lonely Planet

Lake Bunyonyi

“Lake Bunyonyi, also called the place of many little birds, is located in south western Uganda, between the two districts of Kisoro and Kabale close to the border of Rwanda.” - lakebunyonyiuganda.com

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PHOTO: NATUREDAN

Mengo Palace

“Built in 1922, this small palace is the former home of the king of Buganda, though it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered a dramatic attack to oust Kabaka Mutesa II, then president of Uganda. Led by the forces of Idi Amin, soldiers stormed the palace and, after several days of fighting, Mutesa was forced into exile. The building’s interior cannot be visited, but the notorious underground prison here is open to tours.” - Lonely Planet

Luxurious Accomodation • Delectable Food • Corporate Conferencing • Spectacular Service NILE VILLAGE HOTEL & SPA 48/49 Kiira Road Jinja, Uganda

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Source of the Nile River

Kasubi Tombs

“The birthplace of the mighty Nile river (or one of them anyway…), here the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing fast from the get-go. It’s estimated no more than 5 percent of water here will end up in Egypt. There’s a landmark identifying the source and a few restaurants and bars, which can make for a nice place for a sunset beer. Exploring the source by boat (per person USh50,000) is another popular option.” - Lonely Planet

“Situated on Kasubi hill, within Kampala, Uganda, the Kasubi Tombs site is an active religious place in the Buganda Kingdom. To the Baganda the Kabaka is the unquestioned symbol of spiritual, political, and social state of the Buganda nation. As the burial ground for the previous four Kabakas, therefore, the Kasubi Tombs is a place where the Kabaka and others in Buganda’s complex cultural hierarchy frequently carry out important centuries-old Ganda rituals.” - Kasubitombs.org

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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 185,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: agriculture, construction, energy & utilities, finance, food & drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & resources, oil & gas, retail, shipping & logistics, technology and travel & tourism. 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. www.africaout

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eti

Opportu ng nity

ISSUE 59

TERANGA

GOLD

CORPORATION

M I N I N G

R E S O U R C E S

GOLDEN Generation

for West African Mining

STANDARD

T E R A N G A G O L D C O R P O R AT I O N

Exploring opportunities and enriching a region

Teranga Gold Corporation’s successes in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire epitomise the Company’s strengths as a soon-to-be mid-tier gold mining company, led by a socially responsible philosophy Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

GUIDE 18 BUSINESS TRAVEL Coast of Gambia: The Smiling West Africa

ALSO FEATURI

DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIALION OF SOUTH AFRICA CORPORAT XX The patient approach

GOLD NG: WISHBONE

METIX (PTY) LTD to realise their dreams XX

Assisting customers

PALABORA MINING XX COMPANYmining mainstay South Africa’s

to success

| TECHNO BRAIN GROUP

CEUTICAL DISTRIB | UNITED PHARMA

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UTORS

+44 (0) 1603 959 650 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

www.africaoutlookmag.com/get-involved

M I N I N G

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Mining Indaba 2018:

AFRICA’S PREMIER

DEAL-MAKING FORUM When mining companies source investment, not only do the companies themselves benefit, but Africa does too; and no event facilitates such widespread, continental industry progression than the annual Investing in African Mining Indaba Writer: Matthew Staff

ince Euromoney acquired the Investing in Mining Indaba conference, the esteemed gathering’s credence has escalated to new heights, and in 2018 the upward trajectory continued as a 15 percent increase in attendees came together to discuss the biggest trends in continental mining and resources. Arriving from as many as 95 different countries - again an increase on 2017’s 84 - the global significance of the event is affirmed beyond doubt in a climate crying out for knowledge sharing and innovation. Diversification of attendees

was a similarly positive trend as well though, with 37 percent emanating from the mining executive world, 17 percent comprising investors, and 25 percent from Governmental positions; something which Managing Director, Alex Grose believes contributed to the best instalment of Mining Indaba yet. “Since Euromoney acquired Mining Indaba, the event has undergone significant changes and investment to take it back to a focused deal-making forum while supporting the needs of Africa’s mining industry,” he says. “In 2018 there was a more deliberate balance between investors, mining

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companies, government and service providers, and this really came to fruition with features like the Junior Mining Showcase where 50 junior mining companies, all with projects in Africa, were for the first time hosted in the middle of the event in a focused deal-making area.” Head of Investor Relations, Kael O’Sullivan adds: “The Investor Relation programme was also expanded in 2018, providing investors with even more meetings with mining companies across the week.” For the first time ever, Mining Indaba also worked in tandem with

community and civil society groups in 2018 to define a common vision for sustainable development in the continental sector. “This meant the 2018 event played host to even more dialogue than ever before,” enthuses Head of Content, Harry Chapman. Africa Outlook spoke with Grose, O’Sullivan and Chapman about the key take-home messages from this year’s groundbreaking Indaba. Africa Outlook (AfO): What specific industry trends dictated the key talking points at this year’s

event and in what ways did the event address these? Alex Grose (AG): The themes of any year are driven by the research done with all the key stakeholder groups in the months leading up to the event. This year the industry told us that exploration projects were beginning to shoot up across the continent once more, which is why our overriding theme for the whole event was providing a platform for sustainable junior, mid-tier and major growth. For that reason our Investment Battlefield was expanded to enable 22 junior mining companies to pitch

their projects to leading investors, and hosted the final on the Main Stage. Harry Chapman (HC): Sustainable development was a key theme at the 2018 Mining Indaba, being discussed not only at the packed Sustainable Development day on Tuesday, 6 February, but also featuring in many conversations throughout the event. Addressing the lack of trust between communities and mining companies, looking ahead to community engagement and working together to define a sustainable vision of Africa’s mining sector, these themes came up regularly throughout the week, and is

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clearly going to continue to be a big theme going forwards. Given the changing political landscape across the continent, a key theme at the event was cooperation and knowledge sharing between governments. The Intergovernmental Summit hosted panel sessions between African and non-African governments, to ensure that African governments have improved interaction with governments outside the continent. AfO: Could you also talk me through some of the speakers at Mining Indaba 2018 and what you feel they brought to the table in terms of industry knowledge and international expertise?

“For five days the world’s most influential investors, CEOs from the world’s largest mining companies, mining ministers from a majority of African nations, government representation from key countries, and top media brands all meet to share insight and knowledge with each other.”

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HC: For 2018 the Main Stage moved away from static presentations, and instead focused on interviews with industry visionaries to give the audience the opportunity to really delve into their wealth of experience. We were delighted to host a fireside chat between Anil Agarwal, Group Chairman, Vedanta Resources, and Evy Hambro, Chief Investment Officer, Natural Resources and Managing Director, BlackRock, where they discussed strategies for long-term shareholder value and where growth can be found in the mining sector. One highlight included H.E.Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Brenthurst Foundation and author of the Zambezi Protocol, who delivered a keynote

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R E S O U R C E S

address entitled “Partnership: A New Narrative for Africa’s Mining Industry”. AG: With the introduction of the Intergovernmental Summit, Mining Indaba saw the number of ministers speaking on the programme increase from 28 in 2017, to 36 in 2018. African countries represented included Angola, Malawi, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana and Senegal, with global representation from Venezuela, Russia and Ecuador. Kael O’Sullivan (KOS): 2018 also marked the introduction of Mining 2050, focusing on where companies should be investing in the age of disruption. Industry leaders such as Michelle Ash (Chief Innovation Officer, Barrick) and Donovan Waller (Group Head of Technology, Anglo American) discussed the latest disruptive technology and innovation strategies.

issues unfolding over the next 12 months? AfO: What other new and fresh AG: This is an extremely exciting impetuses were added to the time for mining in Africa: President Indaba schedule this year? Mnangagwa has recently said AG: The Junior Mining Forum that Zimbabwe may lift the 51 provided emerging mining companies percent ownership/ “indiginisation” with the opportunity to present and requirement for platinum and diamond take part in panel discussions with mining companies. In Angola, newly leading experts across the three days. elected President, Joao Lourenco HC: 2018 also saw the Franco-Mine has also made moves to win the trust programme move to within the Mining and support of the global investment Indaba programme, a platform for community. Angola sent a ministerial exchanges in French, discussing recent delegation to Mining Indaba. or planned changes to mining codes Of course, in South Africa, Cyril in African countries, as well as recent Ramaphosa returned from the developments and best practices. World Economic Forum saying that KOS: Additionally, the World Gold “Investors are applauding the dawn Council took part in Mining Indaba for of a new era and are waiting for us the fir st time in many years, hosting to follow through with reforms and a session and reception highlighting policy changes”. He has also said that gold’s value as a strategic asset and its SA cannot afford to miss out on the positive contributions to economies commodities boom that could unlock and society, attracting key figures from the mining industry. across the African mining sector. Our aim at Mining Indaba is to provide a platform where the sector AfO: From a more general industry can debate the big issues, to enable perspective, what do you feel are connections to be made, and most the biggest challenges and trends importantly to create the ‘space’ for influencing the mining industry in Africa these engagements. We are mining at present, and how do you see these event professionals, not mining analysts.

However, we bring together many commentators and experts at Mining Indaba who discussed this and made predictions about the year ahead. AfO: Similarly, from the Mining Indaba’s perspective, what are your aspirations and expectations for Mining Indaba moving forward and how would you like to see it grow from 2018 onwards? AG: Mining Indaba is a global platform. For five days the world’s most influential investors, CEOs from the world’s largest mining companies, mining ministers from a majority of African nations, government representation from key countries, and top media brands all meet to share insight and knowledge with each other. No other event creates the networking platform that is Mining Indaba. Looking to the future, we want to continue to deliver the event that the African mining industry needs, and connect mining companies with investors. We believe that when mining companies source investment, not only do the companies themselves benefit, but Africa also benefits.

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C O R P O R AT I O N

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M I N I N G

R E S O U R C E S

GOLDEN Generation

for West African Mining

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PEOPLE PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING

Mincon.com

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF DRILLING EXCELLENCE “The Driller’s Choice Worldwide”

T E R A N G A

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C O R P O R A T I O N

or the past eight years, Canadian mining company, Teranga Gold Corporation has aligned its own growth to that of the booming West African exploration and extraction industry, not only edging its business towards mid-tier status, but simultaneously weaving itself into the local fabric of the region. President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Young founded the Company back in 2010 alongside Chairman, Alan Hill following the latter’s identification of untapped potential, and the former’s acknowledgement that West Africa had become one of the fastest growing areas for gold production in the world. “The Governments in the region were and are mining friendly and they have a strong mining code. West Africa is open for business,” Young affirms and recalls, looking back

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to the Company’s inception in the area. “Initially we came across the opportunity to acquire the Sabodala Mine by virtue of a previously explored mineral sands opportunity by an Australian company who found gold along the way.” Teranga - meaning hospitality in Wolof, the most widely spoken language in Senegal where Sabodala resides - was born, and the rapidity of the Company’s growth since then has been remarkable. During the initial phases, more than 100,000 ounces of gold were produced on an annual basis, but this figure has since risen to more than 200,000 ounces each year; epitomised by last year’s record 233,000 ounce achievement. “All told, this results in around 1.4 million ounces having been produced a Sabodala,” Young says. “What we’ve since been able to do is leverage the cash flow of Sabodala in Senegal and use it to expand into two other

incon West Africa is the key supplier for all the DTH and Top Hammer drill string components and rock drilling tools to Teranga Gold at the Sabodala Gold Operations mine in Senegal. Martin van Gemert, Managing Director of Mincon West Africa, applies his 30 years of experience in the industry to identify and meet the needs of his customers, with the backing and support of the Mincon Group PLC which was founded in 1977 in Shannon, Ireland. Mincon manufactures a wide range of precision engineered hard rock drilling tools for various industries including mining, exploration, waterwell, geothermal, construction, horizontal directional drilling, oilgas and energy. Mincon Group PLC has a global presence with strategically located offices and manufacturing plants across the globe. All of our products are manufactured in our own plants and we have a well-developed supply chain which means we can get Mincon products in a timely and cost-efficient manner to our clients’ sites, wherever they are. Mincon invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and has a programme of continuous updating of manufacturing equipment at all of our plants to ensure the highest quality and performance of our products. This performance is achieved through the close tolerances used in our manufacturing, special heat treatment processes, and superior designs and has led Mincon to have proven itself superior to others in the market and continue to outperform the competition in the field, where it counts. The design and manufacturing of Mincon Products is carried out in multiple locations across the world.

Our manufacturing plants: • Mincon International – Ireland – DTH hammers and bits • Mincon Rockdrills – USA – DTH bits • Mincon Rockdrills – Australia – Reverse circulation hammers and bits • Mincon Rotacan – Canada – Rotary drill bits, drill pipes and adaptors • Marshalls Carbide (a Mincon Group company) – UK – One of Europe´s leading tungsten carbide specialist manufacturers supplies top quality products to our bit manufacturing plants. Mincon group PLC recently acquired Viqing Drilling Equipment in Sweden as well as Driconeq AB in Sweden and South Africa, expanding its abilities to manufacture and supply top quality drill pipes and accessories to its ever-widening customer base. Through definite lines of communication between the manufacturing and the sales divisions of Mincon Group, results from testing and feedback from the field is relayed back to the design and manufacturing teams. This ensures that any concerns or improvements, that our customers feel can be made, are dealt with within a short timeframe. We pride ourselves on listening to what the end users of our products tell us, which feeds into new product design. This has led us to become “The Driller’s Choice Worldwide” and our superior quality products can be found on job sites all over the world.

T +34 928 238 026 E sales@minconwestafrica.com

www.mincon.com

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C O R P O R A T I O N

JA DELMAS

A Delmas, with its network of representatives, has been a Cat dealer for more than 85 years and present in West Africa for over 160 years. Operating in sectors such as construction, infrastructures, power generation and mining, the Company stays ahead of its competition by striving for customer service excellence with an ever-growing presence and the best people in the industry. JA Delmas strives to become Teranga Gold’s chosen partner. Teranga has a range of exciting projects in West Africa, where we hope to accompany them from the Greenfield to fully productive mining operations, as we have done for many other international mining customers.

countries - Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso - via the development of our Wahgnion project and a forthcoming expansion programme at Golden Hill. “As a result, we’re now poised to capitalise on an organic growth pipeline that will take us to mid-tier producer status over the next few years.” The combination of Sabodala, Wahgnion and Golden Hill alone is projected to take Teranga’s annual production rates past the half million ounce mark, and that’s before its Afema project in Côte d’Ivoire progresses over the coming years as well. Young enthuses: “We all do a good job here in West Africa but Teranga stands out on two major fronts. Firstly, we have developed expertise mining multiple deposits. We turned a simple single deposit at the Sabodala mine into a multiple deposit site feeding into a single mill, showcasing how good we’ve become with grade control. In

fact, we are doing about 20 percent better than our reserve models and this gives us confidence to embark on other multiple deposit projects. “And secondly, our approach to CSR in West Africa is a major advantage. It’s a focus from the top down. It’s a special philosophy, which is fundamental to the way we operate.”

Adding value to the local economies

This latter point encapsulates Teranga’s evolution in a region that was always ripe from an industrial perspective, but which required a sound corporate social responsibility strategy to succeed. As such, Young recalls that the business has always focused on sharing the benefits of responsible mining with all of its stakeholders, with its core mining expertise simply following suit once these pivotal initiatives were in place. “We always see ourselves as a guest in our host countries,” he notes. “We appreciate the opportunity to come in

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JA Delmas and its representatives seek to further reduce the cost per tonne for its customers by applying creative technology, process and skills to each site. Investment into the JA Delmas infrastructures has doubled in the past year, ensuring they can respond to the needs expressed by customers. Proximity and ease of doing business makes JA Delmas a natural choice in West Africa. With the strong and reliable Cat equipment and a network of experts, this is the perfect recipe for success. More specifically, with Terranga extending its operations into Burkina Faso, the network has improved its presence considerably through for example a certified Rebuild facility, a brand new warehouse and large workshops. These service features are enriched with more Oil Analysis capacity, training facilities and a customer reception. We wish Teranga Gold the best success in their future ventures into West Africa!

The JA Delmas network is proud to celebrate 8 5 y e a r s o f p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h C a t e r p i l l a r. We t h a n k a l l o u r c u s t o m e r s f o r t h e i r l o y a l t y.

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YOUR CAT DEALER IN WEST AFRICA ®

OUR SCOPE OF OPERATIONS · Construction & Infrastructures · Mining · Energy, Manufacturing & Services OUR EXPERTISE · Equipment & Spare Parts · Training · Maintenance Contracts · Technical Consulting & Support · Financing · Used & Rental Equipment · New Technologies OUR NETWORK · Benin · Burkina Faso · Cote d’Ivoire · Gambia · Guinea · Guinea Bissau · Mali · Mauritania · Niger · Senegal · Togo

Visit us on www.jadelmas.com © 2017 Caterpillar | All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress and Product Link, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillarand may not be used without permission.

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TRANSPORTS DIEYE

ransports DIEYE are a part of a Group of three haulage Companies: Transport Amadou DIEYE (TAD), Transat and Transports DIEYE (TD). Formed in 1994, and based in Thies (Midwest Senegal), the Company specialises in the transport of hydrocarbons, and the quality of its services made it the first carrier of the TOTAL Group in Senegal, eventually progressing to other West African regions. Further expansion of the Company’s services took place in 2011, when it acquired Transat, who specialise in hauling material and rental equipment for the first cement plant in Senegal, Sococim. Enriching individuals, both in and outside of the Company

and work and our mission is to make sure that we leave these communities better off than when we found them. “If you look at Senegal initially, for example, Sabodala had a nonSenegalese general manager in place at the time of the IPO and 10-15 percent of the workforce were expats. Our response was to immediately put in place a local general manager and to reduce the number of expats to just five percent. We now have Senegalese in very high positions and they’re a key component of our team.” Teranga has won numerous awards for its CSR-centric ethos, addressing over the years aspects of health, education, community development, nutrition, water scarcity, SME support and skills enhancement. “Inevitably what ends up happening from this latter personnel perspective - and it’s the nature of what we do - is we train them and then they eventually leave. People from Dakar will come here to be trained and then move back

with their newly acquired skills to turn them into very good employment opportunities,” Young explains. “But we understand that, and it’s actually our goal. It all comes back to ensuring that these communities and individuals - and therefore the country - is better off. Whether they’re in mining or any other activity, they come away from Teranga with improved skill sets and go on to add value to the economy. “It’s always as much about societal facilitation as it is about company or industry development.”

With more than 20 years of experience in haulage, civil engineering and mining for organisations and multinationals in Senegal, including participation in many road and plant construction including access roads to the Gora and Golouma mines, the quality of its services, staff availability and its competitive prices justify partnerships with wellestablished companies such as TOTAL Senegal, CSL, the Senegalese Lubricant Company, Grande Côte Operations and Teranga Gold.

A very attractive proposition

Proof of this model’s success is the ongoing prevalence of its operations, which continue to thrive under the guidance and stewardship of Teranga’s almost entirely local workforce. In identifying such prospects to begin with though, Young aims much of the plaudits towards his geology team who have turned nascent or

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T +221 77 450 05 33 E maimouna.diallo@transportsdieye.sn

www.transportsdieye.sn

TRANSPORTS DIEYE 77, rue 21 Cité Malick Sy, BP 1094 Thiès T: +221 33 951 26 05 | F: +221 33 951 26 04 E: contact@transportsdieye.sn

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BLUESKY

lueSky American Express Global Business Travel is a fully accredited IATA Travel Agency in Mauritius. Incorporated in 1968, BlueSky holds the American Express Global Business Travel franchise for Mauritius since 1974, Mozambique since 1998 and Reunion since 2017. This confirmed global partnership attests to its willingness to be innovative and respond to the changing travel environment. Currently BlueSky American Express Global Business Travel is part of a network of corporate travel agencies in the Indian Ocean and Africa region covering Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Reunion and Madagascar.

underexplored opportunities into sustainable success stories. Young details: “What we’ve been able to do in a few cases is assess work that had been previously carried out by juniors and see what might be possible with a successful drill bit. And this has laid the platform for the success we’ve enjoyed across a number of acquisitions or joint ventures, as the geologists correctly anticipate not just what’s currently available in each case, but what’s possible too.” And naturally, as Sabodala has blossomed in status, Teranga’s standing in the wider industry has escalated; subsequently paving the way for its expansion into Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. The contributory factors culminating in this operator-of-choice position are innumerable of course, but Young once again pinpoints the Company’s expertise and considerate philosophy as being chief among them. “We have a culture where we

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Bluesky American Express Global Business Travel is specialised in the provision of corporate travel services including but not limited to: reservation and sales of airline tickets and travel related services such as hotel accommodation, car rental, travel insurance, visa services, and airport transfer. We have also the passenger sales agreement (PSA) of several international brands such as: Costa Cruise, MSC Cruises, Cosmos & Globus, Croisi Europe and many more in terms of leisure travel for which we cater all the services that the clients may need: air tickets0,l, hotel bookings, escorted tours, circuits, “tailor made” itineraries, car hire, train reservation, transfers etc. Our relationship since 2007 with Teranga is based on trust, communication and flexibility. Indeed, we are available 24-seven with our dedicated emergency number. We would like to nurture this collaboration that better looks like a partnership than a basic client relationship. T (230) 403 19 19 E Patrick.DeRavel@rogers-aviation.com

www.blueskybusiness.travel

Meet Intelligent Business Travel Upgrade your business with travel savings, technology, & expertise

(230) 403 19 19

Email:

Patrick.DeRavel@rogers-aviation.com

Website: www.blueskybusiness.travel BS Travel Management Ltd. BRN no C06022393. 2, Gardens of Bagatelle, Bagatelle Business Park, Mauritius. BS Travel Management Ltd is an independently owned and operated entity which is a licensee of American Express Global Business Travel (“GBT”). GBT is a joint venture that is not wholly-owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries (“American Express”). “American Express Global Business Travel”, “American Express” and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express, and are used under limited license.

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BIA GROUP

IA has more than 100 years of experience in Africa delivering premium solutions to four key sectors: mining & quarries, construction & industry, transport and logistics, and energy. Thanks to its complementary product range (including Komatsu, Sandvik, Cummins and MAN) and technical knowhow, BIA is the only distributor in Africa able to provide its customers with a complete solution for mining activities: open pit & underground. Every project is different. That is why BIA’s experienced engineers and salesman are there to guide you from the earliest stages. BIA helps you to evaluate the size of fleet you require as well as the service support you will need. Indeed, with the expertise from in-house specialists, BIA supplies and supports the entire aftermarket business, from transactional offers on wear parts and spare parts up to on-site project management (RAMP agreements).

treat everyone with respect and that goes for the local communities and countries in which we operate, as well as our employees, contractors and business partners,” he states. “As a result, we are becoming a company of choice for both partners and workers. “Importantly though, people see what we have achieved and how quickly we’ve achieved it. They’ve witnessed our organic growth and our ability to move beyond one asset within a relatively short timeframe. “So if you’re one of these prospective partners, or employees or contractors, you can look at Teranga and think “if we do a good job here, then another project will come up soon that we could be involved in as well”, and that makes us a very attractive proposition.”

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BIA is the partner of renowned mining operators and currently manages a fleet of 900 pieces of mining equipment, including Komatsu dump trucks (up to 300T), large excavators (up to 530T), bulldozers D375 (up to 70T) and auxiliary gear. We pride ourselves on excavators running more than 50,000 hours and trucks more than 45,000 hours in our RAMP sites with high availability rate. To help its customers perform to the best of their investment and protect their fleet, BIA provides data reports about their pieces of equipment. For further information about BIA’s products, service and solutions please visit: www.BIAGROUP.com

Your solutions provider for all mining activities

BIAGROUP.COM

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BRADKEN

radken’s Mineral Processing Division is a market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of differentiated high quality mill, crusher and conveying products and services for the mining and quarrying industries. Our business focuses on providing customers with innovative, cost effective complete wear liner solutions for mills and crushers, designed to increase performance and reduce operating costs in their grinding and crushing operations.

E tkrenczeck@bradken.com

www.bradken.com

CHALLENGE 2000 SARL

hallenge 2000 SARL is a Senegalese construction company delivering plant installation/ erection and maintenance services to the mining & energy sectors in West Africa. In addition to the above services, the Company also works in the civil, equipment rental and labour sectors.

A number of discoveries

By no means is Teranga Gold Corporation’s work done, however. In recent years, several capital investments and acquisitions have been made to ensure that Sabodala remains progressive, Wahgnion develops on schedule, and that new profit lines are being pushed forward or unearthed on a yearly basis. Beginning in Senegal, as much as $20 million has been spent in recent years as part of the Company’s mill

optimisation programme, comprising the establishment of a parallel crushing circuit, and a host of upgrades throughout the system to increase throughput by as much as 15 percent. The addition of expert systems and controls go on to assure better recoveries from this enhanced production, and since 2016, attentions have turned towards building the Company’s second mine; this time in Burkina Faso. This project will cost approximately

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The Company has provided the Sabodala gold mine with services since its development phase and presently carries out mill reline works at the mine.

T +221 77 333 1984 E challenge@challenge2000.sn

www.challenge2000.sn

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Let’s meet the challenges of tomorrow Challenge 2000 SARL is a Senegalese construction company delivering plant installation/erection and maintenance services to the mining & energy sectors in West Africa. Our services are as follows: • Mechanical erection • Structural steel fabrication & erection • Steel piping • HDPE pipe welding • E & I design and installation • Conveyor belt splicing & rubber lining • Plant maintenance services - mill reline & other shutdown works • Civil works • Equipment rental • Supply of qualified labour Challenge 2000 provides Sabodala Gold Mine with services since its development phase and presently carries out the Mill Reline there.

T: +221339851676 / +221773331984

E: challenge@challenge2000.sn

www.challenge2000.sn

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INHEMACO SA

NHEMACO SA had the pleasure of accompanying the Teranga Gold team on every step of their African journey to success. From humble beginnings on the Sabodala project in a make-shift mud and thatch bungalow clinic to the modern facility that presently serves the mine, and on to the grass root beginnings of the Wahgnion project, Burkina Faso, we highly value our longstanding relationship with a mining champion who succeeded in commissioning a lucrative gold mine in a challenging environment. Our success can largely be attributed to the management team’s unwavering commitment to healthcare for all and our ability to deliver on these commitments. E info@inhemaco.com

www.inhemaco.com

“West Africa is open for business. The governments are truly engaged, they understand the value of mining, and the value of gold mines in some of the remotest areas of the country. That employment, infrastructure, job creation and skills development can elevate the region. The industry pays a lot in taxes and that revenue will help propel the countries moving forward. “It really is a pleasure to work in West Africa where the local communities are promining and pro-development; and this in turn allows us to move forward and expedite our projects on an accelerated basis.” - Richard Young, CEO, Teranga Gold Corporation

$232 million, while Teranga also anticipates reserves at Wahgnion to rise from 1.2 million ounces to two to three million ounces, giving it a 15 to 20-year mine life; a substantial statistic when combining it with the 13-year lifecycle still remaining at Sabodala. Young adds: “Not only have we made acquisitions but we’ve also invested into exploration and moving mines into production across Burkina Faso and subsequently Côte d’Ivoire; and we’ve made a number of discoveries that will see us through to 2020 and beyond. “Regarding Côte d’Ivoire in particular, it’s such an underexplored country, and we believe it contains more gold potential than any other country in West Africa. So once again it’s very prospective and we’re already drilling two properties there as we speak. “Ultimately, at present, Sabodala has matured, and for us it’s now about continuing to extend the mine life

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WHEELER INDUSTRIAL WORLDWIDE

heeler Industrial Worldwide is an international supplier of industrial products, and operational or project-specific goods. We are the connection between end users and the best distributors & manufacturers worldwide, working closely with many suppliers and manufacturers to achieve for our customers the best possible offering from many products. Saving customers money by going the extra mile, we are ready to work closely with you in order to meet every challenge; identifying solutions in a timely manner in order to provide you with a quicker solution. T +44 (0) 2381 784 280 E enquiries@wheeler-industrial.com

www.wheeler-industrial.com

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Mining Champions determined to strike gold, undeterred by the challenges of their environment, need healthcare partners made of the same mettle. iNHEMACO SA provides gold standard comprehensive medical services to clients operating in challenging environments across the African continent.

info@inhemaco.com www.inhemaco.com

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IDC DRILLING COMPANY

stablished in May 2011, IDC is an African drilling company with a daring and inventive entrepreneurial mind-set. The Company is member of the Senegalese Chamber of Mines (Chambre des Mines du Sénégal, CMDS) and the Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Mines (Chambre Des Mines de Côte d’Ivoire, CDMCI). The Company has been working with Teranga Gold since its creation; this partnership has been the cornerstone of its development. It has been the guideline for the Company’s professional stance, and for expanding its skills in all aspects of the drilling industry. Being an international drilling company with more than 30 rigs in activity in several countries in West Africa is largely due to its partnership with Teranga Gold.

Empowering communities via a CSR-led ethos

www.idc-drilling.com

there with a focus on aforementioned productivity initiatives to lower unit costs and optimise the mine plan while simultaneously taking those same successful concepts in order to build new mines and successes elsewhere.”

Making a long-term difference

Across parts of Africa in recent years, mining has seen national challenges or peripheral sector slumps, but this doesn’t seem to have been the case in West Africa and in the budding prospects of Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire especially. A “booming” sector has its own challenges from a competition perspective of course, but on the whole the repercussions are solely positive; especially for a company that inherently works hard to be an employer and partner of choice under any circumstances. “You have to work hard in these parameters because they’re so important, but mining in West Africa is

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PT. GROWTH

T. Growth Asia is an iron and steel foundry with a high reputation in both local and overseas markets. The foundry division forms part of the wider GROWTH STEEL GROUP which has been established for close to five decades. With its location in Indonesia within close proximity to the air and sea ports of Kuala Namu and Belawan, the Company is equipped with the latest technology to be a reliable and consistent producer and supplier of high quality ferrous casting products. The Company’s team of highly qualified engineers and technicians are on hand to ensure its clients’ specific requirements in terms of quality and competitive pricing are met. T +62 61 685 0206/ 685 0207 E enquiry@growthsteel.com

www.growthsteel.com

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Offering the highest quality solutions and end-to-end services to the mining industry regionally and globally. Grinding Balls and Rods, Steel and Rubber wear mill liners, Fasteners and more. Made in Indonesia for the world. Services: • Design • DEM Modelling • FEA • Mill Scan • Wear Prediction • Supply Management • Scrap Buy Back enquiry@growthsteel.com www.growthsteel.com

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The Teranga team continues to make a difference

booming and that can only be a good thing moving forward,” Young says. “There has just been a second mine built in Senegal, there are around four being built in Burkina Faso and there’s a lot going on in Côte d’Ivoire. So when we look at how much activity is going on in relatively small countries, mining is absolutely thriving.” The aforementioned aptitude to adopt a localised approach to operations has therefore been critical for Teranga. And in having a primary shareholder and board-member who is the largest private employer in two of its three countries - Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire - the business enjoys yet another unique advantage. “On the ground our cornerstone investor is considered a local and everyone wants to see local ownership,” Young concludes. “We have a great platform to build from

Business, industry and community development are on the horizon

and looking to the future, with a number of projects and prospects in our pipeline, we fully expect to move into that mid-tier producer status of at least 500,000 ounces a year. “Additionally, we will continue to make a difference on the CSR side,

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thinking outside of the box and ensuring we leave communities better off than when we found them. We challenge our team every day, we have a brilliant CSR team, and we see it as critical for us to truly make a long-term difference in West Africa.”

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Commerce Distribution Service Delivery (CODIPRES) is a trading post offering a range of hydraulic components for local businesses. The Company also offers its services in industrial and electromechanical maintenance. CODIPRES offers a range of products, including: hydraulic hoses, conveyor belts, connectors (couplings, flanges, clamps, couplers, etc.), hydraulic cylinders, filtration and accumulators, hydraulic welding machines and electrical and plumbing equipment.

Mechanical transmission • Connectors • Welding • Fasteners • Packing • Braking • Hydraulic etc

Earth Mover Tire Specialist WEST-AFRICA Products • OTR tires • Conveyor belts • Rollers & drums • Belt scrappers Services • Earth move tire repair specialist • Tyre tracking program • Tyre awareness training • On-site tyre improvement service • On-site road and operational condition services • End-of-life tyre management

Autoroute prolongée face SIVOP, Pikine, Dakar SENEGAL T: 33 834 77 56 / 77 547 58 41 | E: codipres@yahoo.fr www.codipressenegal.wixsite.com/codipres

Ancienne piste VDN Ouakam, Dakar Sénégal Email : sspi@arc.sn | Office : +221 33 860 96 24/25

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Passion,Partnership,

Professionalism Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa is staying true to its roots with a measured approach to project development in new markets Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Donovan Smith he Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) was formed in 1940 by an act of parliament, and more than 75 years later, remains a highly successful state-owned company. In the early days of the Company, the aim was to create an entity that would spearhead the development of industrial capacity in the domestic market. “When we first set up operations, it was the middle of the Second World War and subsequently there was a need for South Africa to source its own materials across a plethora of industries,” explains Mazwi Tunyiswa, Head of Basic Metals and Mining at Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa. “There was a need for petro-chemical creation, so we went out to look for suitable substitutes for oil and began our ventures into liquefaction of coal.” Since its establishment the Company has contributed to the implementation of South Africa’s industrial policy, and the aforementioned early stages led to the creation of petro-chemical and mineral beneficiation industries in the region. “We were able to stimulate

large-scale industrial projects within these industries, which are now acknowledged as the cornerstones of the country’s manufacturing sector,” adds Tunyiswa. “It is now apparent these actions also influenced the establishment of fabricated metals, agriculture and textile industries.”

“At IDC we pride ourselves on being in the top 100 employers of choice in South Africa, and continue to make sure that our people secure every possible career opportunity...”

During the late 90s, IDC began to venture into the rest of Africa to expand its ever-increasing mandate. The Mozal Aluminium Smelter in Mozambique was the Company’s first venture further afield, and it secured investors from around the globe. “Our work on the smelter perfectly demonstrated the viability of large projects on a continent that was all too often shunned by investors,” continues Tunyiswa. “In the present day our investments within Africa include mining, agriculture, tourism, telecommunications and manufacturing.” In the current climate, the Company’s strategy is to invest in things that will have a direct and positive impact on South Africa, especially on the export and finance side and the way it is able to fund itself.

Continuous improvement

When it comes to funding its projects, the Company is incredibly adaptable in order to respond quickly to the demand for funding. “Project development” is one of the aspects in which we are strongest as a company,” states Tunyiswa. “For the majority of projects undertaken at IDC, each will take between six and seven years when starting completely from scratch. Teams of engineers, geologists, metallurgists, accountants and industry specialists develop ideas from scratch and partner with private sector companies to implement large industrial projects. IDC generally remains a shareholder in these

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developments and that has assisted in IDC remaining self-funded with a strong balance sheet. In order to speed up processes we have introduced new systems for our IT department, with modern systems to support the innovation that is embedded within the Company. That is how we improve ourselves, and in turn how we handle internal innovations to meet our client demands.” Investment is a big part of IDC and it is constantly looking at new markets and projects to branch into to support its customers, for example its current foray into renewable energy options. “Our recent work on the CSP Plant in the Northern Cape is providing a very exciting development for us in the renewable energy sector,” explains Tunyiswa. “We fully embrace new opportunities within our business in the pursuit of doing our part to change the world for the better.”

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COLUMBUS STAINLESS

olumbus Stainless is the only stainless steel plant in Africa, producing sheet, plate, coil and strips for the African and international stainless steel fabricators. The Company is part of the ACENIROXSA group, and its plant based in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, produces a wide range of Austenitic, Ferritic, Utility and Duplex grades of stainless. Along with its products, the Company has suitable information on-hand that will assist clients in selecting the right material, optimising costs and reducing maintenance. Our Company developed 3CR12 - a corrosion resistant steel, suitable for use as is or painted. It is used in many wet abrasion applications, and is also finding a growing niche in galvanised markets. E africa@columbus.co.za. T +2713 247 2148

www.columbus.co.za

Innovative environment

When it comes to finding the right people to join the team and succeed in such an innovative environment, the Company aims to hire the best and brightest in the market. “We are well aware that we are operating within a highly competitive market, and therefore need to match that with a competitive employment environment,” affirms Tunyiswa. “At IDC we pride ourselves on being in the top 100 employers of choice in South Africa, and continue to make sure that our people secure every possible career opportunity, training opportunity and the right work-life balance. “Hard work is rewarded within our Company, and in return we are able to offer them meaningful work so that each employee is able to take pride in what they are doing.” The Company is often on the lookout for developments that are specifically earmarked to create jobs, taking pride in the achievement of funding and

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MODI MINING

odi Mining is a 100 percent black South African-owned company, established with the sole objective of rendering differentiated contract mining services and to be a supplier of choice to the mining industry. The Company has established its footprint in the opencast mining sector as a result of the financial support it received from IDC (Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa) and other financial institutions on its first project, the Company has further received 100 percent financial support for the second opencast mining package. This type of support from IDC enables Modi Mining to take on further medium to large capital projects in the mining industry.

www.modimining.co.za

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UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES • OPEN CAST MINING SERVICES • CIVIL SERVICES • MINE SUPPLIES 67 Brink Street @ Office Building Rustenburg RSA, 0299

02 Walter Sisulu Street Midlands Office Park Middelburg RSA, 1050

www.modimining.co.za

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WEST COAST RESOURCES Since 2014, the IDC South Africa has empowered West Coast Resources to positively impact the communities surrounding its diamond mining operations and to grow into one of the biggest employers in the Northern Cape’s Namaqualand region. By creating more than 325 jobs to date, the Company has helped alleviate unemployment in these communities; the Company has also developed and supports various small, medium and macro-sized enterprises in the region. Backed by the IDC South Africa, West Coast Resources looks forward to expanding its operations and community support for years to come.

E info@westcoastresources.co.za

www.westcoastresources.co.za operating a project that more than 1,000 people are able to benefit from. “This is where we differ from a bank in terms of investments. Some of the projects we get involved in are often at very early stages and we have to have the trust and vision to take them through to feasibility,” continues Tunyiswa. “We are able to take a little more risk than normal banks. If you come to us with payment terms we are able to sit down and discuss what we can afford and create a plan to suit that. “We take on board a plethora of aspects, including financial, marketing and engineering to see if the project could work and if we believe it can, we will make it happen. Our approach is patient but with a focus that will make the project succeed.”

Future stability

The Company has a long and stable history and looking forwards this is an aspect that IDC would like to maintain,

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keeping a sustainable and healthy balance sheet moving forward. “It is important to our continued growth in new sectors that we increase the number of projects being carried out in Africa,” adds Tunyiswa. “At present we are financing a lot of platinum companies in attempts to reduce emissions in petrol, however, with the increasing trend of electric vehicles we are looking into potential projects there.” Alongside its work on renewable energy usage and electricity storage, the Company is in the process of embarking on projects in lithium, graphite and copper. “Within these developments we have been given a new lease of life, with new opportunities to invest in and mining is at the core of most of these,” concludes Tunyiswa. “We are incredibly excited to play a significant role in this process and look forward to seeing the way the industry is going to evolve in the coming years.”

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Proudly partnered with the IDC South Africa since 2014

info@westcoastresources.co.za | www.westcoastresources.co.za

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Passion for

Metals

etix (Pty) Ltd enjoys optimum backing in the mining industry courtesy of leading global plant and engineering service provider, SMS Group, and has leveraged such support to the full in South Africa across its turnkey ferrous and non-ferrous operations. Serving the pyrometallurgical industry, its team of passionate and skilled engineers have developed specialised patented equipment for

Metix is making the most of its parent Group’s support and expertise in order to become a key industrial cog, both in South Africa and further afield

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Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

all types of furnaces as a standalone business unit; subsequently entrenching its flat hierarchy into the fabric of national industry, and into the plants and facilities of numerous loyal customers. “We are flexible, fast and straightforward in our offering,” Managing Director, Andrew van Niekerk opens. “We focus on innovative strength, efficient metallurgical plants, cost competitiveness, sustainability and the development of high calibre employees. “As a result, the German-based

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parent Group, having an annual order intake in excess of €3 billion and a global resource team of more than 13,500 employees, gives Metix the freedom to thrive in the South African market and globally with the most recent projects in Malaysia.” All told, Metix’s one-stop shop remit caters for areas of ferrochrome, ferromanganese, silicon manganese, ferrosilicon, ferrovanadium, ferronickel, ferroniobium and pig iron; while non-ferrous activities

entail copper matte, platinum matte, calcium carbide, ilmenite, silicon metal, precious metals, high purity alumina and fused magnesia. And across each every strand, a host of bespoke, state-of-the-art technologies, ancillary systems and solutions are applied to complement a core equipment base that comprises everything from furnace electrode columns to power distribution, furnace roofs, charging bins, hydraulic power, furnace shells, refractory linings,

DC furnace anodes, tap hole blocks, combustion ducts, safety devices, and much more besides. Consequently, “Metix project formats include Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Engineering Procurement and Supply (EPS), EPCM, construction supervision, commissioning and plant optimisation, feasibility studies, export financing, consulting assignments, and a host of other value-add services”, van Niekerk continues.

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EXPERIENCE SEAMLESS BUSINESS TRAVEL

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The Tswelopele sinterplant project for Xstrata SA in Rustenberg showcases Metix’s capabilities

“And all of this, along with the integration of the SMS Group’s technologies and financial backing has resulted in Metix being awarded an EPS contract for a copper smelter in Zambia, a $330 million EPC order in Malaysia for a complete new smelting plant, and an EPC order for a blast furnace stove.”

Reliable technical services

Now clearly a thriving industry operator, Metix’s origins go back 15 years to 2003 when an ex-team of Samancor Cr, Titaco and Bateman incepted the idea. Since then, the exposure to numerous ferrous projects has helped and allowed the Company to evolve its wide range of services and equipment, consequently making it a preferred supplier of such plants and equipment in South Africa.

“The Company has developed sound relationships with local clients, in-depth process knowhow of local industries, patented technological equipment, and the ability to execute big projects in various contracting formats,” van Niekerk says. “This track record is based on reliable technical services, local and abroad, for new and existing clients; and the ISO 9001:2008 Company now combines more than 140 years of

experience with the knowhow of more than 700 smelter projects worldwide.” Detailing the aptitude and achievements of each completed project would take longer than the 15 years that Metix has been in operation, such is the scope of its present day portfolio. One that stands out though has been the F4PS2 project completed for Hernic Ferrochrome back in 2005; a sign of what was to come from a quality and efficiency perspective. Van Niekerk details: “The brownfield project consisted of a 350,000 tpa pelletising and sintering plant as well as a 78MVA submerged arc AC furnace with preheating, capable of producing 164,000 tpa HC FeCr. Metix performed the EPCM services for the project and supplied key equipment to the furnace core. The project was completed in a record time of 19 months due to a no-frills approach by the owner’s team, the use of refurbished second-hand equipment, and accelerated order placements.” Subsequently, Metix has gone on to manage six of the seven pelletising and sintering projects in South Africa, building up to its flagship EPC achievement in 2016 - the Sakura Project - which was completed in conjunction with numerous marketleading partners and saw the business overcome numerous challenges across the expansive Greenfield plant. “All the above projects have managed to achieve their performance parameters, with the Sakura furnaces exceeding theirs by more than 20 percent,” van Niekerk emphasises.

The F4PS2 project completed for Hernic Ferrochrome back in 2005

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BA Corporate specialises in business travel, offering the most extensive product range with the best rates globally. Founded in 1999 by Helena de Nobrega, Helena steers the Company and its 50-strong team in a hands on and dynamic manner. With a BBBEE Level 1 certification, TBA Corporate places the customer at the core of the business, providing value for money, through quality of service from point of sale to beyond expectations. The team believes in creating and building meaningful and rewarding relationships for future growth and sustainability.

Maximising returns By best servicing our customer Global travel management Affiliations with Egencia, E-Global Fares and the XL Group A real person - never a call centre We treat each customer as an individual, not a number by providing personalised 24-seven service delivered by small dedicated teams Training We believe in comprehensive training to our customers, to ensure smooth operations

Using their values of passion, innovation, loyalty and integrity, the Company offers the following customer value propositions:

Global reach We do business, where you do business; our worldwide travel network is across 80 countries

Modern business travel management Industry leading technology provides the best end-to-end experience. With the Company’s own tech development department, there is a solution for every risk management and automated travel advisors

We customise One size doesn’t fit all. Your goals are our goals. We work in partnership with you to design a travel programme that is right for you

Customisable controls Corporate travel programmes aligned with Company requirements Fast Acting Fast identification of out of policy behaviour Exceptional customer experience From before the time of the travel requisitions to after purchase and travel Duty of care Risk management, automated travel advisories and travel alerts Monitoring made easy Better tracking of performance through email alerts, scheduled reporting and live dynamic reporting

We negotiate the right deals Whether it is your deal or our deal – we will ensure it’s the right one for you. We place our global strength and negotiating experience to work for you If we say it, we do it We guarantee better travel ideas with technology, greater savings and greater superior service TBA Corporate is strategy focused, customer obsessed and results orientated.

T +27 11 794 4900

www.travelbyarrangement.com

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A focus on innovative strength, and efficient metallurgical plants

of its non-ferrous SMS subsidiary, PolyMet Solutions; and also work in Urban Gold in conjunction with the SMS Group and Mettop.

“And although Metix has been fortunate to have continuity between large projects, the Company has also remained close to its customers and has completed various furnace upgrades and rebuilt projects in the process.” Affirming Metix’s prevalence in today’s industrial domain, its latest projects include a 4,500 tpa high purity alumina plant in Johor; a new EPC execution for a stove on one of ArcelorMittal’s blast furnaces in consortium with Paul Wurth; involvement in a variety of feasibility studies; a role in numerous cooling liquid applications of ILTEC on behalf

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In a competitive environment with low commodity markets and very little projects, the Company’s main strategy was to do things more economically, safer, faster and with less resources while not sacrificing on quality

Extreme ownership

The latter encapsulates a recycling technique that uses metallurgy to recover rate elements and precious metals from electronic waste such as mobile phones; highlighting a pivotal value ingrained into Metix in the form of continuous improvement and a willingness to adapt to contemporary trends. “Being a project house and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Metix has continuously had to

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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.

We are the Leaders in Kiln & Mill Refurbishment & Installation. • Over the past 30 years completed over 400 on site erection projects. • Specialists in mill and kiln installation • We also have experience in Furnace Electrodes, Filters, Coolers, ESPs, Ducting and structural steel installations

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

improve its services and technological prowess,” van Niekerk affirms. “Metix started in 2003 with some consulting work followed by some EPCM project services and recently the EPC execution of various projects to the value of billions of rand. “In a competitive environment with low commodity markets and very little projects, the Company’s main strategy was to do things more economically, safer, faster and with less resources while not sacrificing on quality. We have embedded philosophies of carrying lessons learned from project to project, focusing on design for construction and utilising the latest advancements in Building Information Management (BIM).” And this has all been achieved in the face of fluctuating industry requirements and copious challenges relating to labour costs and equipment specifications. Metix has therefore responded by improving its plant designs through optimising

...Metix is profiting from the SMS Group, which has already introduced various processes like additive manufacturing or printing of various parts, mainly spare parts, which resulted in optimised design for specific applications

modularisation and the use of appropriate fabrication materials and techniques. “To design and construct plants faster with fewer resources Metix had to take a step back and revisit all project execution tools. Through extensive training the Company now applies a whole suite of software packages that promote BIM and allows for a multi-disciplinary workflow, 3D design interfacing, clash detection, transparency and 4D planning,” the MD continues. “The Company has sound Project Management Professional (PMP) principles and controls in place backed by proven contract formats that can be customised according to clients’ needs.” Being a competitive OEM requires continuous improvement of designs but more importantly an ability to listen to its ever-growing list of clients. Resultantly, Metix equipment has now operated successfully for more than a decade in very harsh furnace

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conditions, performing well above its guarantees; and the Company now plans to capitalise on its combined experiences and references to improve the equipment even further for the next campaign. “Our biggest improvement strategy was the sustainable incorporation of the SMS Group’s ‘tool box’ since 2011,” van Niekerk says. “This is an ongoing process enacted to ensure that Metix would not just become a post box for other global technologies within the Group. “We had to apply “extreme ownership” in order to execute the projects with authority and to assist clients with quick decision making. Various SMS Group technologies

have now been tropicalised for local conditions and other continents.”

A sustainable, growing company

An advantage for Metix in compounding its commitment to diversification and expansion has been the fact that it has grown simultaneously to many of the requirements of the industry, especially in the realm of sustainability. The Company has a strong focus on resource-efficient technologies, energy saving, recycling and recovery to epitomise these ambitions. “Besides ongoing optimisation requirements of plants and processes, Industry 4.0 activities

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with digitalisation and additive manufacturing are the key words of the current trends in the industry,” van Niekerk aptly adds, “and Metix is profiting from the SMS Group, which has already introduced various processes like additive manufacturing or printing of various parts, mainly spare parts, which resulted in optimised design for specific applications. “The Group is also in the position to provide entire lines for additive manufacturing starting from production of the powder, required for 3D-printing, and the printing lines with all transport and handling facilities as well.”

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Continuously evolving facilities and solutions

Metix is continuously improving its design and services based on intensive dialogue with customers and we are proud to announce new equipment developments in copper coolers, taphole blocks, launders, pressure rings (5yr guarantee, acid resistant), furnace roofs, DC furnaces, six in-line rectangular furnaces, gas cleaning, co-generation, granulation and safety equipment

Resource-efficient, energy saving technologies

Metix has full access to SMS Group’s never-ending generation and usage of modern technologies, subsequently tailoring each one in alignment with the needs of its own local customers. And facilitating each example is a workforce that is equally innovative, equally dynamic, and most importantly - equally local. Van Niekerk continues: “The Company strives to provide the leadership, resources and training to its staff necessary to create an environment in which every member of the Company can contribute

towards the efficient delivery of customer projects with the highest possible quality. “We believe in sharing the success of the Company and we are very proud of our last decade in terms of personnel retention and consistency.” The MD concludes, looking to how such stability will aid Metix in its goals for the future: “We have forged Metix through intensive project execution and involvement with our clients. We do not back down or give up. “Metix is a sustainable, growing company with enthusiastic people managing and owning the company. We now have access to the full technical knowhow as well as the financial and sourcing support of the SMS Group; and in the next three-five years Metix will provide its services worldwide and will be executing two to three more multibillion rand projects.”

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PA L A B O R A

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C O M PA N Y

Reliable and Seamless RESPONSIBLE REALITY alabora Mining Company (PMC) continues to match an almost unparalleled track record in the mining sector with an equally prevalent dedication to social and environmental enrichment to ensure a sustainable legacy in Africa. Palabora Mining Company - or Palabora Copper - is a copper mine situated in the Limpopo Province

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Palabora Mining Company has a history and reputation up there with the very best on the continent, but that doesn’t stop the business looking towards long-term sustainability for the future

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Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

and is South Africa’s sole producer of refined copper. The mine has been operational since its incorporation in 1956 and consists of an underground mining, concentrating, smelting and refining operation. “PMC continues to focus its efforts to mining beyond compliance by involving our employees as shareholders in the Company, together with our black economic empowerment consortium, Chinese consortium and IDC. PMC successfully

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extracts and beneficiates copper and other by-products in the BaPhalaborwa area of Limpopo Province and provides the local market with 85 percent of its copper requirements,” the Company’s External Affairs and Communications Manager, Lydia Radebe introduces. The Company owes its origin to the unique formation known as the Palabora Igneous Complex. Nowhere else is copper known to occur in carbonatites as is the case at Palabora Copper and a host of other minerals such as phosphates, vermiculite, phlogopite, magnetite, nickel, gold, silver, platinum and palladium also occur. As such, Palabora operates a large block cave copper mine and smelter complex employing a balanced and diversified workforce of approximately 4,990 employees for both lift 1 and 2. Radebe continues: “The refinery produces continuous cast rods for

the domestic market and cathodes for export. Useful by-product metals and minerals include zirconium chemicals, magnetite and nickel sulphate as well as small quantities of gold, silver and platinum. Palabora Copper has developed a US$410 million underground mine with a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of ore each day.” Yet, it’s not simply the scale of operations that the Company attributes as its core day-to-day differentiator; rather it is PMC’s internal processes that facilitate such scope. Open and engaging communication is critical to this end across such a vast operation, and numerous technological adoptions and HR training is carried out accordingly. Most significant though is its commitment to the Palabora workforce; firstly hiring people of all backgrounds, abilities, disabilities and walks of life, and then laying a path of promotion in

front of each individual to create a continuous learning culture. “Palabora has attained and retained the Top Employer Certification for three conservative years, from 2016 to 2018. For us, this contributes to our ability to attract the best talent there is in South Africa and beyond. Clichéd as it may sound, we believe that our ability to achieve our performance goals is directly influenced by the calibre of people we have,” Radebe enthuses.

Energy efficiency leaders

From a mining perspective, the future looks assured. PMC is undertaking a life-of-mine extension project known as the Lift II. The project aims to extend the life of the business up to 2033 and includes the magnetite reclamation and beneficiation study aimed at creating additional revenue from the 250 million legacy stockpile.

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However, inevitably, mining activities are inherently very energy intensive, and this has subsequently led to the launch of its Energy Management Programme which was incepted in 2012; an initiative that epitomises the Company’s evergrowing dedication to environmental preservation. “PMC partnered with a consulting company resulting in the employment of 12 energy specialists and project managers that would, in conjunction with mining personnel, identify, implement and sustain energy cost saving projects,” Radebe explains. “As a result, 117 initiatives were identified, and following stringent technical and financial adjudication processes, 31 projects were implemented. “As a result of its productivity approach, over the past five years the Company has saved R232 million through avoided energy costs: consisting of electricity savings worth R181 million; coal and liquid fuels savings worth R43 million; and water savings worth R8 million.” With the help of external funding mechanisms worth R28 million the Energy Management Programme achieved a net benefit of R173 million at the end of July, 2017. Radebe continues: “Palabora Mining Company’s Energy Management Programme has not only created a sustainable model making the Company energy efficiency leaders in the mining sector but has also emphasised its standpoint regarding environmental responsibility. “Additionally, the Company is a certified ISO 14001 business that subscribes to world leading practices and over the past years, PMC has retained a record of being one of the safest mines in South Africa and Africa at large. This is particularly due to our stringent SHEQ regulations and procedures in place and the effective management of contractors on site.”

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C O M P A N Y

General Manager for Asset Management and SHEQ, Mr Zakes Malepe and the General Manager for Marketing and Logistics, Keith Mathole receiving an award for Energy Management Programme at the national Productivity Awards

Reliable and responsible

Corporate social responsibility thrives under many different guises and while environmental adherences certainly address one facet, an equally prominent area of PMC’s work revolves around community enrichment too. “Over the years, we have invested more than R160 million in developing the communities through the Palabora Foundation, our community project

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execution partner,” the Company states to this end. PMC is the major mining project occurring in Phalaborwa and is integral to the survival of the Phalaborwa community. And taking into account the integral part played by the mine in relation to the community, PMC has started a number of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the community.” One recent example includes the completion of the Phelang Wellness

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and Disease Management Centre; one of the biggest clinics in the Namakgale township which is the largest township in the area. The project was part of the SLP and totalled a little more than R7 million to construct. Radebe elaborates: “In order to meet the needs of the communities and to raise the standard of services, the Palabora Foundation worked with the SABS to put together a menu of services that would befit not only a clinic but a Wellness and Disease Management Centre that will comply with the a National Standard for Comprehensive Health and Disease

Management. The structure of the facility was therefore designed to comply with SANS16001 and is ready for beneficial usage by the communities. “The objective of the Phelang Wellness and Disease Management Centre is to promote educational awareness and prevention; to deliver the treatment, care and support of HIV, TB and STIs; and to enhance access to social services.” A further example has been enacted through collaboration with the BaPhalaborwa Municipality and other strategic stakeholders for its road

DIKELEDI NAKENE, CFO: THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN ON THE CONTINENT Palabora Mining Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ms Dikeledi Nakene was nominated as the most powerful woman on the Continent during “Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government Awards” which were held in Johannesburg in November, 2017. In August, 2017, Ms Nakene scooped the country (South Africa) and Regional (SADC-South) awards for women working in the mining industry and automatically became a Continental contestant. Ms Nakene says that she is humbled by the awards as they are recognition not only of her abilities but the abilities of all women of Africa, particularly South Africa: “I did not make the journey here alone; there are numerous people who have supported me. These people include my family, friends and colleagues. Above all, it is through the mercy that God continues to place on me. I am humbled by these awards because I am aware that all contestants were equally deserving. I ask other women and young girls to look at these awards as motivation that they too can achieve anything they put their minds to.”

Dikeledi Nakene, CFO, Palabora Mining Company

rehabilitation project across the roads and streets of Namakgale. The major scope of work for the project entailed the rehabilitation of approximately 21 kilometres of Namakgale’s roads and also included upgrading drain structures such as side drains, underground storm water drains and subsoil drains, as well as the construction of roadside curbs. Once again emphasising PMC’s role not just as a mining heavyweight, but as a significant long-term driver of the local economy, the Company’s final example harks back to what it once again maintains is the business’s chief consideration: the ongoing development of the local people. “Since its inception, PMC has been at the forefront of employment practices in the local mining industry,” Radebe concludes. “The Company has written and developed its code of ethics to follow numerous strategic imperatives and we strive to be a leading corporate citizen within the mining industry long into the future; supplying a high standard of quality products and services, both reliably and responsibly at national and global level.”

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Lives EMPOWERING

Techno Brain Group is steadily expanding its efforts across Africa and further afield, building upon local skills with a strategy for success Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Kane Weller

ince its inception in 1997, Techno Brain Group has supported global enterprises and Fortune 100 companies through the provision of leading technology, consulting and outsourcing solutions. The Company has built its strategy for success over the years around innovation, technology and teamwork, all of which stemmed from the founding idea of Chairman, Mahesh Patel. In those early days it was highly apparent that Africa required a huge investment into its IT skills, and subsequently the Company created a vision which began with training people on the continent with the required IT skills; beginning in East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. “We started our work in East Africa, and when I saw how well the young people we had trained were coming on, I realised we needed to work on creating opportunities in which they could utilise these skills,” explains Manoj Shanker, Chief Executive Officer at Techno Brain Group. “Following on from this realisation, I came up with the idea to get our people writing

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software codes that would solve local problems.” As Techno Brain began to grow and evolve as a business, the realisation came that the major opportunities available were in the public sector. For example, the Government required automation and public financial systems, as well as identification systems. “There were opportunities for us to fill the gap left by larger companies in the industry, where they were lacking a credible IT company to run operations,” continues Shanker. “It has been a long journey during the past 20 years, but we are incredibly proud of the position we are in with our committed staff with thanks to the education, innovation and solutions that have contributed to achieving a shared goal.”

Breaking new ground

The Company’s single-minded focus on innovation has led it to achieve the delivery of groundbreaking solutions across a wide range of sectors, helping enterprises to adapt to the ever-evolving markets and new technological advancements with

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thanks to strategic consulting. “Over time we have had to adapt to the changing markets by finding new ground to branch into,” adds Shanker. “Recently we have worked hard on achieving application and enterprise management solutions, as well as advanced technology that includes business intelligence, data warehousing, cloud computing and analytics.”

During the past 10 years in particular, the Company was required to build upon its capabilities in order to attain a position of leadership in the aforementioned sectors and from that its business units were created. These units include financial management, tax and customs, identification business, training, vendor centric products and solutions that have led to focused work with Microsoft and Oracle.

1,200 staff

We have established a pool of talent across the region that currently stands at approximately 1,200 people

“During 2017 and 2018, the main trends we have been working towards include the creation of a more technically based business,” states Shanker. “We have already started building new small-scale solutions using robotic processes and new artificial intelligence tools and we hope to be the leading digital business using these technologies in Africa.”

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ENVOTECH

nvotech combines technology and creative innovation bringing Real Time Visibility to supply chain.

To secure the global supply chain, security and innovation go hand-inhand. Innovation is important, but without security, new ideas don’t matter. The Company partners with Techno Brain to provide state-of-theart solutions that empower lives “For Africa, By Africa, In Africa”. Envotech is led by a group of professionals with combined experience of more than half a century, in the industry’s most advanced and innovative tracking devices, particularly in design and manufacture of electronic and mechanical security seals. From its humble beginnings, Envotech has now grown to a recognised technology company with awards from the United States of America, China and Malaysia Patent Office. Today, we are a fully-equipped, fully-fledged solutions provider with our own hardware, firmware and software capabilities.

Business intelligence

Over the years the Company has built up a solid reputation and track record within business intelligence and data warehousing, with a dedicated team of 30 employees working in the area. “We have established a pool of talent across the region that currently stands at approximately 1,200 people, as well as our office in London which is aiding us in our move into the UK,” explains Shanker. “As well as our centre of excellence in Kenya, we have also established centres in India and the US.” “Over the years a lot of people have asked me how we have managed to build such a successful technology company out of Africa, and the reason is due to the understanding of how to best utilise the skills available to us on the continent, which of course has not been an easy job.”

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The young Africans in the region have clear aspirations for the future and for their careers, and subsequently Techno Brain has been working hard to meet their requirements through training and providing introductions into the industry that allow for growth. Shanker adds: “We have been able to achieve successful growth with talent all over the continent to create a solid foundation on which to continue building our Company, having said that, when required we also have an international pool within the family at Techno Brain to utilise.” With thanks to its excellent employees, the Company has built a reputation for delivering the highest quality in the industry that stems from the adoption of best practices, establishing models and methodologies to follow to the letter

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From the First Mile to the Last Mile, we believe in delivering the right information to the right person at the right time. Today, Envotech is making inroads in the supply of security systems to a worldwide range of industries through innovative product developments.

T +605 527 8287 | +605 527 9287 E info@envotech.com.my

www.envotech.com.my

seal . track . trace

REAL TIME SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY & CONTENT INTEGRITY SOLUTION PROVIDER PRODUCTS

RadioSecure™ SLM

RadioSecure™ SLM-i

RadioSecure™ SLA

RadioSecure™ IVM 3

The RadioSecure SLM is the base member of the RadioSecure range of products with wireless connectivity to the SLA, SLE, SLL and SLS. RadioSecure SLM periodically reports security and environmental status via GSM infrastructure to a hosted web base supply chain security and location visibility system.

RadioSecure SLM-i is a creative innovation for tracking intermodal containers and conveyances using active RFID, GPRS, GPS and Satellite Communication technologies. The RadioSecure SLM-i provides security-tampering sensor more than a simplistic inspection system. RadioSecure™ SLM-i enables shippers, carriers and logistics service providers to actively monitor the security and integrity of shipments as their containers move throughout the global supply chain.

The RadioSecure SLA is a family member of the RadioSecure range of products with wireless connectivity to the IVM or SLM. RadioSecure SLA periodically reports security status wirelessly to the RadioSecure SLM or RadioSecure IVM which will report via GSM infrastructure to a hosted web base supply chain security and visibility system. In the event of unauthorized unsealing or tampering of the RadioSecure SLA, it will cause the Master to event heartbeat without any time lag.

The RadioSecure™ IVM 3.0 is beyond a standard GPS/GSM Freight Management tracker. It is a Master of the RadioSecure™ range of products. It has Wireless communication capabilities with other RadioSecure™ Slave products such RS SLA, SLL,SLE & SLS. As a Master it monitors the slaves and periodically reports their status to designated server. It acts as rapid deployment reader where Slaves data, location and time stamp are transmitted to servers through GSM infrastructures.

In the event of unauthorized unsealing or violation of any preset parameters, RadioSecure SLM will switch to event reporting without any time lag.

COUNTRIES WE HAVE WORKED

Russia RadioSecure™ Site Manager RadioSecure™ Site Manager UHF is a Master in the RadioSecure™ family. It wakes up RadioSecure™ Master or Slave devices equip with UHF wake up option to produce UHF Wake-up message. The wake-up message is sent to backend server via GPRS and through 2.4G to the RadioSecure™ Site Manager UHF which can be connected to local work station or LAN.

Poland Switzerland

Kuwait

Mexico Columbia

Ghana Brazil

Uruguay

Dubai India Kenya

Tanzania Zimbabwe

Thailand Indonesia Malaysia

Envotech Network Sdn. Bhd. (657306-W) No. 1, Lot 4324N, Bulatan Cherry, Off Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 30100, Ipoh, Perak Malaysia E: info@envotech.com.my T: +605 527 8287 | +605 527 9287 F: +605 526 1287 www.envotech.com

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GET GROUP

or more than 30 years, GET Group has established a global reputation as a provider of security printing, physical security, business solutions, intelligent transportation systems and commercial card printing solutions. Since the late 1990s, GET Group’s presence in Africa has been marked by a steady collaboration with the public and private sectors. GET Group and TechnoBrain share a vision for supporting the economic development across Africa and both companies continue to strengthen a partnership which has thus far been realised with the implementation of major passports and national identity programmes, most notably in Tanzania, Malawi, and Liberia. T +971 4 2990686 E infohq@getgroup.com

An award-winning provider

www.getgroup.com

and an uncompromising approach to ensuring excellence in delivery. “Stemming from the aforementioned factors our Quality Management System is a blend of customer driven and process driven practices,” continues Shanker. “We have a dedicated Software Quality Assurance team that focuses on defining the processes and conducting internal quality audits.”

World-class processes

Techno Brain is proudly a completely African company, utilising the African talent available to it locally which proves to be a massive differentiator within the industry. Focusing on IT capabilities that matter the most to African companies, Techno Brain offers advanced experience while innovating indispensable day-to-day solutions to organisations. “There is a high-tech space within the market today for a company such as ours to compete with the

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global companies out there,” explains Shanker. “In order to succeed in these challenging conditions, we place a lot of emphasis on quality and compliance, demonstrated in our recent achievement of CMMI Level 5 certification. “As the only African company out there with that accolade, we are in a unique position and follow the highest standards to deliver the best products

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and solutions in the country.” At present the Company is focused on bringing forward world-class processes in order to provide the best possible value, however, looking forward it has its eyes on the prize when it comes to transforming into a truly digital company that works with big data and artificial intelligence, as well as many other facets. Shanker adds: “We’ve been

Africa’s leading custom software application provider for 20 years, and as a CMMI Level 5 Company we have an unsurpassed experience and knowledge of providing, deploying, commissioning, training and maintaining large engagements all over the world for Governments, NGOs and the private sector.” Techno Brain continues to steadily expand, servicing customers in 33 countries with an employee count of more than 1,200, spread out across Africa, India, UAE, UK and US. “We are also branching into new regions and hope to see more territorial expansion into more of the French speaking countries that we are yet to branch into,” concludes Shanker. “In the next five years Techno Brain will be one of the leading regional digital players expanding our innovations, product range, employees and footprint on every continent.”

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S Q W I D N E T / S I G F O X

Connecting the Physical World to the Digital World ccording to global predictions, by 2020 there could be billions of IoT devices connected to the internet with more than 60 percent of connected devices expected to emanate from developing countries, and especially from within Africa. To achieve this, the

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cost of IoT devices and connectivity needs to be reduced; power consumption longevity of devices has to be increased; and ease of scalability across the continent has to be improved. Fortunately, there is a Company on hand to facilitate such a pivotal digital evolution in the form of Sigfox and its

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new voice in South Africa, SqwidNet. The former has long strived to address such outcomes through building a single global IoT network, thus connecting the physical word to the digital world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To achieve such a rapid expansion in such a short time, Sigfoxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to market approach is in exclusively

By SqwidNet becoming Sigfox’s exclusive IoT operator in South Africa, a merging of ideologies has occurred which will see the Internet of Things channelled towards socio-economic solutions on the continent Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Kane Weller

partnering with a selected local partner in each country who will deploy and operate the Sigfox network in country,” notes the Company’s Country Director, Hussain Suleman. Enter; Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and its subsidiary, SqwidNet. “SqwidNet launched in November 2016 as the licensed Sigfox operator

in South Africa. It has successfully deployed a low-cost, low-power, ultra-narrowband IoT network in South Africa with a network that will cover 85 percent of the South African population by mid-2018 and already covers 83 percent of the population today; enabling millions of physical devices to be connected to the digital

world and bringing the IoT to life,” introduces SqwidNet’s Chief Executive Officer, Reshaad Sha. This alignment of skills, ambition and philosophies has been a natural fit, and the result is a compatible, bold and purposely disruptive approach geared towards four key outcomes across the network: cost efficiency, low energy

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S Q W I D N E T / S I G F O X

consumption, long range, and global scalability. “SqwidNet is the partner operator to Sigfox for South Africa and while the latter has networks in 45 countries, the South African network specifically and typically includes cases across all industry verticals and consumer markets,” Sha says. “We at SqwidNet believe the success of IoT is dependent on a fully functional value chain and

ecosystem which is why we started the IoTEP programme to empower new device makers and solution integrators. “The devices that are developed in the ecosystem do need to be affordable and thus much more work will be going into that part of the ecosystem; since only with devices that are able to scale to reach very low price points, can widescale adoption take place.”

SqwidNet launched in November, 2016 as the licensed SIGFOX operator in South Africa. The SqwidNet network offers low-cost access to IoT solutions and operators in South Africa, creating opportunities for businesses small and large to create innovative solutions. SqwidNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DFA, the premier open-access fibre connectivity provider. Reshaad Sha, Chief Executive Officer, SqwidNet

The SqwidNet network will give nationwide coverage for the Internet of Things allowing millions of sensors and devices to send small packets of data, for analysis, immediate action, and record keeping.

Sigfox was founded in 2009 as the first global IoT network. Their starting point was the radio technology used in submarines during WWII. The idea was to send radio signals as far as possible, very small messages that would require very little energy to do so. Sigfox’s unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the greatest barriers to IoT adoption: low cost, low energy consumption, long range, global scalability.

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he idea that nearly anything can autonomously keep us updated with important information, make decisions and even take actions has been dubbed the Internet of Things (IOT). In our connected world it has become the latest buzzword in tech circles and is set to revolutionise industry, agriculture, cities and our society in general. Telemetry and telematics have been around for a long time, so what has changed? Previously the large costs of acquiring, transferring, storing and analysing this information meant that only high value items could be monitored. Recent advances in technology mean this is no longer the case and the true potential of IoT has been unlocked. Next generation communications networks like Sigfox mean that sensors costing only a few dollars can run for up to 10 years on a small battery. A partnership between Macrocomm Communications, Real Telematics and SqwidNet is set to bring this quantum leap to Africa. Combining project planning and management, big data analytics and reporting, sensor design and manufacture and a world-class network. This blend of abilities allows comprehensive solutions that deliver huge value. Whether for a hundred sensors in a farmers fields or a hundred thousand smart meters in a city, the solution exists. Created from modular building blocks throughout, both pre-designed and bespoke applications can be supplied; all in a fraction of the time and at much lower cost than was previously possible. So join this power partnership in changing the world we live and do business in.

Currently the Sigfox network is present across 45 countries, covering 3.8 million square kilometres and 803 million people, with plans to expand into 60 countries by the end of 2018. The Company has its HQ in Labège near Toulouse, France’s ‘IoT Valley’. It also has regional offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Dubai and Singapore.

REAL TELEMATICS

Hussain Suleman, Country Director, Sigfox

T 086 100 0342 F 086 555 2740

www.realtelematics.com

S Q W I D N E T / S I G F O X

ENERGIM RESOURCES

nergim Resources was founded to support the ongoing technology revolution by providing solutions in the following areas: Internet of Things (IoT) – through our partnership with Sigfox/ Sqwidnet, we focus on bringing life to fundamental objects in various industries by designing, developing and implementing real world solutions to providing access to information; data transfer efficiencies; and cost-effective sharing of decision-critical statistics. The use of sensors; smart meters; and related software platforms enables the efficient creation of tailored solutions to meet the most stringent of demands. The industries in which we can devise and support IoT solutions include, utilities management; automotive and fleet; agriculture and environmental; engineering and construction; healthcare; and supply chain.

An educative team fostered to capitalise on digital opportunities

Unique network approach

SqwidNet began primarily as a network builder and operator of connectivity services, but it is through initiatives such as the IoTEP programme that the necessary encouragement to adopt new technologies is achieved. Increased market awareness is imperative and additional programmes surrounding IoT entrepreneurship have similarly contributed towards the educative nature of the new SqwidNetSigfox team. With key focuses on areas of security, logistics, transport, agriculture and utilities in particular, the companies are able to tailor the network’s evolution according to the most pertinent of continental needs and challenges, as Suleman elaborates: “Sigfox’s technology can help both small and big businesses improve and optimise their processes, create efficiencies within their organisations, and to create new revenue streams. We have a large variety of clients

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with more than 500 in our portfolio and about 1,000 ongoing projects at different stages that will see the light in the next couple of years.” Around the world, such examples usher in encouragement for what is still to come in Africa; Sigfox having already worked with the likes of Nestlé in Japan, Leanheat in the Nordics, and other leading businesses including Airbus, Bosch and Total. Suleman adds: “Recently we have also announced a €300 million deal to develop a project of telecare in China that will start in the city of Chengdu in partnership with Senioradom. This is a key milestone to start working in China and to expand our services in the country. Across the board though, Sigfox is lowering the cost barrier for the IoT industry; and in the silicon industry, prices are directly linked to the size and complexity of the chipsets. “With our unique network approach, Sigfox simplifies the requirements

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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have become the go-to technology for advanced aerial cinematography; geographical mapping; security surveillance; and structural analysis. After many months of intense collaboration with drone manufacturers, UAV pilots, and relevant legislative bodies we have engineered several core solutions that employ UAV technology to collect and transform valuable data into meaningful information which can then be used to plan better, make concise decisions and determine costeffective and efficient measures for improvement. The era of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is upon us and we at Energim believe the future of society is being molded by chants for defined autonomy. Our current focus to achieve this plateau of futuristic play involves engagements with several technology houses that are at advanced stages in the development of certain A.I. solutions.

T +27 11 466 8768, +27 10 446 1183 C +27 82 042 8319 E info@energim.co.za

INTERNET OF THINGS Providing real solutions for objects to meaningfully communicate.

DRONE TECHNOLOGY Adapting UAV technology to collect invaluable data.

Energim Resources Pty Ltd Ground Floor East, Building 1 Beaulieu Office Park, Corner Papenfus & Stallion Road Kyalami, Midrand, 1684

A.I. IMPLEMENTATION Reaching the next level of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s applications using the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence. T: +27 11 466 8768, +27 10 446 1183 C: +27 82 042 8319 E: info@energim.co.za

S Q W I D N E T / S I G F O X

for the chipsets, thus lowering the price barrier for device-to-cloud communications to historical levels.” In recent years, this has manifested through the introduction of its first ultra-low-cot modules in EMEA markets, and the announcement of its GCT LTE-M and Sigfox module the first ever dual module with both connectivity options, where Sigfox offers lower battery consumption as the secondary connectivity Suleman continues: “At that time in 2017, we also announced Network At Your Service, a new suite of services to accelerate IoT adoption. These services include: Admiral Blue Connection, our flagship connectivity service with high QoS to address industrial use cases; Admiral Ivory Connection, our newest connectivity offering designed for the disposable one-time use market; Atlas Location, to improve Wi-Fi geolocation in rural areas; and Monarch, a cognition service which enables a device to communicate on the Sigfox network in any global location enabled by a special globetrotter module with multiple RCZ.” Sha picks up: “The trend is all about having everything connected, however small the item is, with our emphasis then being on identifying critical problems and using IoT to gather the data to have the insight to address them.”

SqwidNet’s innovative CountR device is a sensor that detects presence and movement

The UnabellButton can be used across regular orders, pick-ups, service requests and a range of alert functions

Parking is a magnetic sensor that detects parking spaces’ availability

Sigfox Foundation Sigfox Foundation is an endowment fund launched by Sigfox co-founders, aiming to tackle humanitarian causes by using low-powered connected sensors.

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Solving Africa’s challenges

The key to both companies’ successes over recent years has been in creating a transformational, collaborative digital space for bright young minds to flourish, with everyone contributing to the same ultimate goal. And with the new partnership, this facet has been taken on another notch as both entities look to work in the leanest and most technologically-savvy way possible to

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make a positive impact in Africa. Sha notes: “We are the sole Sigfox operator in SA, which allows us to offer technology and support services consistently throughout the country, but that are also consistent globally. We also view the role that we play in the connectivity space as complementary to other technologies such as 3G/4G.” Suleman adds: “There’s always a big debate in IoT about which technology

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Activate Group helps African organisations unleash the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the latest wave of disruptive mobile technologies. As an end-to-end IoT and mobile solutions provider, we work with our clients to identify their needs and enable them to take advantage of strategic technologies that drive innovation, agility and a competitive edge. Our solutions span industries as diverse as hospitality, logistics, financial services, and manufacturing. They are especially powerful and valuable to companies that have sizeable distributed workforces or customer basis, or large networks of brokers or independent agents. For more information, please visit www.activategroup.co.za

is better but at Sigfox we believe that each one of the technologies can bring something different to the client. The industrial IoT is a massive market and not all clients will have the same needs. “What we are sure of is that we work towards one goal: being the most competitive provider of industrial data on the market. The goal is to be able to work with our clients, so they can perfectly identify what kind of data they need and what its value is for them. Thanks to our technology we are convinced that we will be the ones to provide such data at the lowest cost.” Modules less than $2, devices that can last up to 15 years, global scalability, reliability and compatibility have already contributed to a network that is the most developed in the market; which in turn is facilitating “real national coverage, everywhere in the world”. “In the future, we will report back on the pervasive coverage of IoT in terms of devices being connected and

T: +27 (87) 004 2201 | E: info@dttech.co.za

Hummbox soil monitors soil moisture and temperature and - among other functions - can reduce water consumption by as much as 23 percent

new resource savings being realised through the Internet of Things; subsequently connecting millions of devices in South Africa and possibly hundreds of millions across the African continent,” Sha affirms in pinpointing the potential that now exists virtue of SqwidNet’s new role as Sigfox’s operator in the region. Suleman concludes: “As Sha says, the network will soon cover many more countries across the African continent, enabling entrepreneurs and device makers to develop IoT solutions in Africa towards solving some of Africa’s challenges. “These challenges faced on the African continent can be vastly different to other regions so IoT’s role in Africa can contribute to eradicating some of the many social and economic issues; including water management, agriculture outputs, safer environments, protection of endangered species, efficiencies within our hospitals, and schools.”

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UNITED

PHARMACEUTICAL

DISTRIBUTORS

(UPD)

nited Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) is the leading full-line pharmaceutical wholesaler operating in South Africa, delivering exceptional service to pharmacies, private hospitals and retail health stores alike. For more than 40 years UPD has been thoroughly involved in the healthcare market, successfully providing the distribution capabilities for the larger Group’s integrated route into the continent’s healthcare market. At present the Company’s aforementioned presence in the African healthcare market is strategically spread across five distribution centres, all of which are dedicated to exceptional service delivery. Each of these distribution centres are managed and verified to international quality standards to ensure careful supply chain management, and this has inevitably led to UPD becoming the preferred supplier within the pharmaceutical retail pharmacy network.

WE DELIVER HEALTHCA

United Pharmaceutical Distributors is striving to become the leading healthcare supply chain partner in Southern Africa, building upon many years of success within the industry Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Callam Waller

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“After many years of hard work and dedication within the industry, we are renowned for our delivery across the complete healthcare spectrum,” explains Vikash Singh, Managing Director at United Pharmaceutical Distributors. “We repeatedly deliver to doctors, independent pharmacies, wholesalers, hospitals and clinics,

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health shops, public sector healthcare facilities and veterinary facilities.” It has and continues to be the Company’s aim to achieve the status as the leading supply chain partner operating in South Africa, sticking resolutely to its values of integrity through honesty and openness, understanding, discipline in its

ARE

approach and an overall passion for the service it’s delivering to its customers.

United vision

What originally started as a small collection of individuals with a united vision, has now grown to exceptional levels within the industry.

“The Company was created on the belief that there was a need to provide a wholesaling function to pharmacies across South Africa,” continues Singh. “Since that point there was a lot of growth to achieve, which we have met through our tireless approach to the business and has led us to our current position as the leading wholesaler in

the country.” Now in its present state the Company is a fully-fledged pharmaceutical wholesaler, but it hasn’t settled there as Singh goes on to explain: “Over the years we have gone on to create separate divisions within the UPD family, for example UPD Speciality.

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P H A R M A C E U T I C A L

“That division of UPD enables us to distribute niche products such as oncology requirements; a key aspect to remember is that we operate in a business with low-margin for error and therefore we have worked hard to ensure there are no issues with our distribution.” In order to ensure the low-margin for error is retained throughout all aspects of business, the Company continues to look into operational costs and ways to successfully make the business more efficient through automation and improvements across the distribution process.

Dependable service

Under the umbrella of UPD many successful business units have been established, a prime example being Link Pharmacy, which is now synonymous within the industry for

D I S T R I B U T O R S

making people feel better. Link has been around for more than 30 years and during that time has developed from a handful of pharmacies, to a nationally recognised establishment that provides aid and guidance from highly-knowledgeable pharmacists. “At present the chain has more than 180 locations spread across South Africa, making it readily accessible within the country,” adds Singh. “Similarly in terms of reach - by volume - UPD is the largest distributor in the South African private market, offering our customers a preferred supplier model. “We are able to distribute throughout South Africa and utilise our excellent export services to African countries, with a strategy of investment and support in certain territories.”

( U P D )

SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES A history of pharmaceutical excellence and innovation Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd is the fourth largest specialty-generic pharmaceutical company in the world. We provide high-quality, affordable medicines which are trusted by healthcare professionals and patients in more than 150 countries globally. Driven by Innovation SUN PHARMA invests six-seven percent of global revenues into research & development. R&D initiatives are led by a strong team of around 2,000 scientists based at our R&D facilities around the world. South Africa Sun Pharma is ranked among the top seven generic pharmaceutical companies in South Africa, and provides prescription medicines to treat disorders and diseases of the gastro intestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central nervous system as well as anti-infectives, pain products, oncology therapies, ARVs – and a range of over-the-counter products. SUN PHARMA acquired Ranbaxy in 2014 and today SUN PHARMA South Africa employs 500 people and is made up of four entities: SUN PHARMA (PTY) Ltd, Ranbaxy SA (Pty) Ltd, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd and Sonke Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd – the largest supplier of ARV medicines to the South African Government, and an essential partner in controlling the AIDS epidemic. We remain committed to providing affordable pharmaceutical products of global quality standards to patients all over the world.

T +27 (0)12 643 2000 E shailesh.somvanshi@sunpharma.com

www.sunpharma.com Supporting and distributing throughout South Africa

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Touching the lives of every South African under the Sun. GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

EMERGING MARKETS

Our global presence is supported by 42 manufacturing

SUN PHARMA is present in over 100 markets with a focus on

facilities, designed, equipped and operated to meet world class quality standards. As far as sales volumes are concerned: USA accounts for 48% of revenue, India for 26%, developing countries 13% and the rest of world, 13%.

high-growth emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Romania, and South Africa and other markets. Our network of over 2 300 sales representatives has enabled us to develop strong relationships with medical professionals and a strong customer focus.

DIVERSIFIED SPECIALITY AND GENERICS PORTFOLIO We manufacture and market a large basket of pharmaceutical formulations covering a broad spectrum of chronic and acute therapies.

DELIVERING VALUE SUN PHARMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-cultural workforce, comprises more than 45,000 team members of over 50 nationalities, and is highly motivated in creating additional value for all stakeholders.

Reaching People. Touching Lives.

Sun Pharma is proud to be associated with United Pharmaceutical Distributers.

U N I T E D

P H A R M A C E U T I C A L

D I S T R I B U T O R S

( U P D )

DALLIS TECHNOLOGIES Let ANNIE orchestrate your supply chain environment Partnering with Dallis Technologies will transform your supply chain environment in a way that will not only enable you to optimise processes, but also provide you with business intelligence allowing you to control and manage your resources. With the use of Artificial Neural Network Inside Everything (ANNIE), Dallis can integrate your disparate systems onto one platform giving organisations a real-time management tool. Once you implement ANNIE she proactively provides you with real-time information to enable tactical, operational and strategic decision making. E info@dallis.co.za

www.dallis.co.za The UPD Export division of the Company is comfortably able to meet with the requirements of all customer categories, with experience in wholesaling. Holding an impressive market share it is a true specialist in the country. “We are proud to say that over a long period of time we have been able to retain our reputation as one of South Africa’s most dependable and professional suppliers of pharmaceuticals, repeatedly meeting our customers’ needs both promptly and in a professional manner,” states Singh, “developing and nurturing professional relationships with suppliers, while providing a customercentric service”.

Progressive opportunities

In order to reach the level of success that it has done since fruition, the Company has had to ensure that it has the right people behind it. “Within our organisation we firmly

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believe that the business is only as good as the people that are working within it, and therefore having the right mindset is paramount to our success,” explains Singh. “The employees that we have working for us are of the right calibre in terms of

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attitude, while also having the right skills needed to succeed. “We achieve this by ensuring that there is a high level of training within our organisation, and are incredibly active in offering coaching and employment progression opportunities that are attractive prospects for potential workers.” Looking forward there are some key growth areas for both employment opportunities and market share that are driving the Company to aim for new heights. “We are incentivised by the prospect of making our business more efficient and although we are already agile as a company, it is important that we grow to continue in our drive for value for our customers and shareholders,” concludes Singh. “We are incredibly passionate about ensuring that we deliver the best service for our customers at the best possible value, and this is something that we will continue on with moving forward.”

78mm (WIDTH) x 96mm (HEIGHT)

Let ANNIE orchestrate your supply chain environment

info@dallis.co.za www.dallis.co.za INTELLIGENCE AT EVERY TOUCHPOINT

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B A H AT I

R I D G E

ocated a mere 45 minutes drive from Nairobi’s central business district, Bahati Ridge was the first gated community in Thika, Muranga County and presents an exciting selection of townhouses, villas, bungalows and cottages amid beautiful country views and a rural ambiance. With the promise of providing a refreshing escape from the city chaos, the project broke ground in 2011 where the units were being sold ready for construction of the first phase, which ended in 2014 and consisted of 72 homes. Bahati Ridge is a family-owned project, built upon land that was purchased in 1974 and has been gradually transformed from a coffee farm, to a horticultural farm and finally has changed quite dramatically to a gated community. “Around 10 years ago the family

D E V E LO P M E N T

LT D

sought to preserve the farm and its special appeal, deciding to open it up to other families that might like to have a similar experience,” explains the Bahati Ridge Managing Director, Margaret W Kibe. “The logistical move at that point was to develop a new gated community, filled with carefully planned homes that would enable owners to enjoy the countryside fresh air while being surrounded by acres of farm land, rivers and lush greenery.” Bahati Ridge offers its residents the chance to experience enchanted country living, combined with the unique feel of a suburban home. The impressive services available for your convenience include common area gardening and cleaning services, internet, Intercom, CCTV security surveillance, 24 Hour guarding services, radio alarm back-up, an electrified perimeter green fence, common area lighting and water, solar water heating, inverter provision and much more.

Welcome

HOME Bahati Ridge Development makes the dream of country inspired living with an urban twist into a reality, providing you with a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life Writer: Phoebe Calver

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B A H A T I

R I D G E

D E V E L O P M E N T

L T D

PROTEQ-X SECURITY SERVICES LTD

ounded in Nairobi, Kenya in February, 1998, PROTEQ-x SECURITY SERVICES is a leading provider of comprehensive security services provider for Bahati Ridge Development.

Bahati Ridge is focused on becoming certified green

New challenges

At every level of the project there is a sense of family within it, with many of the current Bahati Ridge team having been there right from the beginning. “In order to get a job with us, there needed to be a fundamental interest in real estate and green developments,” continues Kibe. “All of our employees are required to know everything about who we are and what our brand and message is. “I used to be the Marketing and

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Communications Director before becoming Managing Director of the Company, and subsequently carried out a lot of the training of our current personnel when it came to marketing and brand awareness.” Now that the first phase of the Bahati Ridge is complete, the Company is carefully managing its workforce increase and has up-skilled many of its current employees in order to take on the new challenges they are faced with.

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The Company’s vision is to be the most trusted and a market leader in the provision of latest technology and tactics in the field of security. Since the Company’s inception, its experience, research and tailor-made solutions in a wide range of sectors have meant goals have been achieved and surpassed on a regular basis.

T +254 722 423 004 E jk.md@proteqxsecurity.com

www.proteqxsecurity.com

STAY UP TO SPEED WITH TELKOM FIBER TO THE HOME With this service, available throughout Bahaa Ridge, you enjoy: Ultra high speed internet of up to 50Mbps. High reliability with minimal downnme CCTV camera conneccvity. Cable TV with free-to-air channels. Easy access to our sales and technical support teams. To get Telkom Fiber To The Home, call our Corporate Sales Desk on: 020 495 2000 or County Sales on 020 495 2115.

OUR SERVICES: • Installation of Intruder alarm systems • CCTV Surveillance for business premises and residential • Electric Fencing

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B A H A T I

R I D G E

D E V E L O P M E N T

L T D

XENOCON CONSULTING ENGINEERS

enocon Consulting Engineers is a registered Company of Kenyan engineers who have extensive experience and exposure in the design and implementation of engineering projects throughout the Republic of Kenya. The firm was started in 1991 to carry out engineering planning and design and construction supervision work in civil and structural engineering arenas. The Company is currently registered as a Consulting Engineer with the Ministry of Roads and Public Works, Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Water Development. In partnership with Bahati Ridge Housing Development, the Company is engaged as a civil and structural engineering consultant for both design and construction supervision.

Bahati Ridge offers a full picture of tranquillity

Kibe adds: “These people have been with us right from the beginning and therefore they completely understand what it is we are trying to achieve both now and in the future. “We are well aware that at times there is also the need to bring in external experts in order to fulfil certain roles; a prime example of this was finding the right level of security for the people living in our community. “Customer service training is now paramount in our community given that we now have 100 capacity currently resident in Phase 1 of Bahati Ridge and we continue to train and improve on that front.”

Green living

Based out in the countryside, Bahati Ridge offers a full picture of tranquillity, complete with birds, trees and rivers, clean air, less hassle and no stress. “That is who we are, and we are

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E info@xenoconce.co.ke

www.xenoconce.co.ke

incredibly proud of our past and ongoing work that has led to this point of success,” states Kibe. “We are selling a lifestyle that you aren’t going to receive in the city, avoiding the hectic routine that might be your working life.” While completely dedicating itself to achieving a tranquil environment for its residents, Bahati Ridge is also

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focused on becoming completely green in order to achieve long-term benefits for both the development and the country. This effort has included a tireless concentration on monitoring the use of its resources, for example energy and water. “For us, going green is about considering what we can do to prevent any degradation to our immediate

FOR ALL YOUR CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY SERVICES XENOCON CONSULTING ENGINEERS, A WORLD CLASS REGISTERED FIRM OF KENYAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS SINCE 1991.

CIVIL ENGINEERING • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION Address: Physical Location: Telephone: E-Mail: Website:

environment,” Kibe describes. “We have closely studied the ways that we can use energy differently, for example, using solar power to light up our common areas is something that we will be implementing into phase two of our development. “I want us to get off the grid and stepup our game in regards to energy, and at present we are in discussions to install a solar farm as we have the acreage to do so in the near future. There is no reason why we should not be using solar power energy and we are dedicated 100 percent to achieving this.”

Sustainable development

At Bahati Ridge, ensuring that the estate becomes truly ‘green’ has been vital to plans for development of the second phase, and that need encompasses its new marketing campaign in which it is confident it will become the first green certified gated community in Muranga County. “When it comes to sustainable

P.O. Box 59385 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Waiyaki Way, All Africa Conference of Churches Building, 3rd Floor 0723 580 925; 0722 949 462, 0722 688242, 0722 942078 info@xenoconce.co.ke www.xenoconce.co.ke

developments at both Bahati Ridge and in Kenya on a larger scale, we have to remember that we are a developing country and therefore cannot justify unnecessary expense on developments that won’t be beneficial to the future,” explains Kibe. “With our housing we are closely looking at using sustainable energy to run it, and this is seen at both Bahati Ridge and my own project named Sereneki Ridge. “If we can start to set the path in this direction, conserving water and energy, we can in turn set the

cogs in motion to make ourselves as sustainable as possible as a country and not just singular developments.” As part of its certification, the Company is utilising materials that are available naturally and which subsequently fit perfectly into Bahati Ridge’s sustainable plans for the future. Kibe concludes: “That is a factor that is incredibly important to us as I know that we each have our part to play and ours is starting with this project and moving towards the sustainable development of Kenya.”

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S A M A N I

C O N S T R U C T I O N

LT D

A 20-Year CONSTRUCT Fluctuating market conditions and a challenging 2017 has contributed to a 2018 targeted towards efficiencies and expansion as Samani Construction looks to make its own luck Writer: Matthew Staff

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he 2017 Kenyan presidential election casted a shadow over much of national industry last year, with companies’ attentions being forced towards consolidation and safeguarding rather than proactive investment and project expansion. However, having negotiated the challenge effectively over the course of the 12 months, Samani Construction is now in a position to push on in 2018; in accordance with market stabilisation, and in celebration of its 20th anniversary. “Over 2016 and 2017 we had a few interesting projects and all jobs were completed to our clients’ satisfaction.

Several projects have been awarded to Samani in recent times, via both old and new clients

Our main goal over this period was to make sure that the quality of our work was always optimum,” Project Manager, Nikhil Sachania looks back. “2017 was a little hard on us though as it was for the whole of Kenya. With the presidential elections, a lot of investors have shied away due to past history, but things have started to pick up again and we can now hope for a productive year looking forward.” Inevitably, a tumultuous end to a year can often translate into an equally difficult beginning to the next 12 months, but Samani Construction has truly seen this flipping of the calendar as an opportunity to seek out new revenue prospects and to be proactive in defining its own growth potential moving forward. Sachania continues: “We have several projects that we have tendered for with both new and old clients. We have managed to secure a few projects that will keep us busy for the better half of the year, while we try and remain in our capacity so that we can manage the projects well and ensure the quality will be well above the clients’ expectations.” And such quality will hopefully have been assured virtue of the Company’s ability to remain at least sustainable over the course of 2017; inevitably losing out to a market-expected extent from a revenue perspective, but maintaining internal processes, facilities and - most importantly people to ensure that the business was in a prime position to strike once the industry showed signs of recovery.

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AST AFRICA INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES LTD is a Limited Company established with an intention of providing solutions for the renewable energy industry, electrical Installations, security systems and IT services. EAISL has built an enviable reputation over the years for quality electrical installations and maintenance services. EAISL’s success is attributed to its happy clients and construction companies including Samani Construction Ltd, with whom we have successfully completed numerous projects. With Samani Construction Ltd, EAISL has completed projects in the hotel sector, offices, residential and industrial. Some of the major completed projects include Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, MasterCard offices, IDRC offices, and Imperial Bank branches.

A personable, customised approach

The company specialises in all aspects of electrical contracting, with the capability to take on almost any client requirement, among them:-

Major projects

For the best part of 18 years, Samani Construction has built a strong reputation in Kenya for its sustainable projects and ethical workmanship, and the focus prior to 2017 had been on replicating this success across a wider footprint. Now that the situation is improving, such ambitions are being reignited. Ultimately, the reputation that has manifested as a consequence of a generally proactive mindset has been the pulling factor for a series of significant contracts attained over Samani’s tenure in the Kenyan market, and beyond. The picturesque Sirai House in Nanyuki is just one example of the Company’s ability not only to produce state-of-the-art constructs, but to do so in-keeping with different environments, terrains and sceneries to best complement the area. Capital Club in Nairobi is further proof of this ability, with ‘East Africa’s

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Premier Private Business Club’ indicative of Samani’s customised approach to catering for a range of clients’ needs. A synonymous high quality finish was also applied to the entrance of Sankara Hotel in Nairobi, setting the scene for similarly high profile projects being constructed by the Company at present. “We have about five major projects ongoing at the moment,” Sachania affirms: “City Lodge Nairobi located at the Two rivers mall; City Lodge Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; AAA Growers Headquarters’ fit-out project; SAJ Ceramics’ new showroom headquarters on the outskirts of Nairobi; and a soft refurbishment of the Sankara Hotel in Nairobi. “We also still have a few projects from last year across areas of refurbishments, such as Sarova White Sands.” Primarily specialising in the fitouts of offices, hotels and homes,

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• Renewable Energy • New electrical installations • Structured cabling and IT solution services • Fire alarm systems • Access control and CCTV installations These key activities of the Company are meant to initially be carried out in Kenya with a long-term focus on East Africa with plans to engage internationally in the future. Currently EAISL is carrying out sizeable projects within the country, and besides provision of the above services, the Company also carries out sourcing of electrical, access control and CCTV equipment both locally and internationally. We deal with a variety of clientele ranging from individual to corporate, which gives us the confidence and capability to meet our clients’ demands within our stated policy of consistently providing high-quality services. T +254 722756005/ +254 717027328 E info@eaisl.com ketan@eaisl.com

www.eaisl.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION STRUCTURED CABLING SECURITY SURVEILLANCE PLUMBING SYSTEMS MECHANICAL AND HVAC INSTALLATIONS

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the Company’s bread and butter has traditionally stemmed from its abilities in customer joinery, dry wall partitioning and ceilings. However, completing this ilk of project to such high standards has opened the door to some of these more lucrative aforementioned opportunities; also incorporating more corporate facilities and works in nationally significant buildings like airports. To facilitate this more allencompassing range of clientele and contracts, Samani has subsequently had to instil a series of enhanced internal procedures to ensure it remains ahead of the industry curve and up to the very latest codes and standards. “Over the years we have brought in several pieces of automated machinery to help cope with the increase in high quality goods and uniformity. So far our investments have paid off,” Sachania explained back in 2015. “We have always tried to build up our work standards with the current trends.” Three years on, the philosophy of reinvestment and continuous improvement is as alive as ever, with more recent expenditures being targeted towards an upgrade of the Company’s workshop and an increased floor area to accommodate new machinery and working space.

Controlling wastage

Improvement doesn’t always mean expansion though. As mentioned, Samani Construction’s workforce was an area of focus for the business in 2017 but not necessarily from a broadening perspective; rather an efficiency point of view. Last year’s tribulations have highlighted a need among the business to operate more smartly on an internal basis, and this has been displayed most concertedly so far across areas of human resources; Samani Construction making sure that while the business is

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“...as a family-run business, the Company’s growth continues to be facilitated by an internal flexibility and entrepreneurial flair.”

“From a personnel perspective, at the moment we are looking at optimising our workforce; controlling wastage and improving the knowledge bases of our skilled workers.”

“...things have started to pick up again and we can now hope for a productive year looking forward.”

“Over the years we have brought in several pieces of automated machinery to help cope with the increase in high quality goods and uniformity.”

still growing, it is also becoming more streamlined, efficient and sustainable in each area. “From a personnel perspective, at the moment we are looking at optimising our workforce; controlling wastage and improving the knowledge bases of our skilled workers,” Sachania confirms.

What we do best

With Kenya known as a gateway for East African business across the full range of industry sectors, construction is certainly no different, and Samani had been able to leverage its early

successes to breach the surrounding region. Operating as far into the continent as Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, there isn’t much of East Africa that Samani Construction considers off limits, and this strategy has only come to fruition as a result of its equally prominent commitment to local considerations and sustainable growth; a strategy that has helped to forego recent challenges and that will now serve as a platform for fresh glories ahead. “Opening in 1997 as a small joinery workshop, a series of expansions,

investments and organic growth opportunities has led the business to where it is today, and as a familyrun business, the Company’s growth continues to be facilitated by an internal flexibility and entrepreneurial flair,” Sachania concludes. “Honestly, 20 years have passed so quickly since then, I can’t believe it. “It feels like only yesterday my dad ventured into opening Samani Construction Ltd. I’m really glad to be part of what he created and I hope to carry on what we do best in the future.”

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Quality, Control,

DISCIPLINE Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings is dedicated to doing it right the first time, controlling every detail to ensure that it consistently meets customer requirements Writer: Phoebe Calver

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hen the Inyatsi Construction Group was first established in 1982, few could have anticipated the meteoric rise to success it would experience. In its formative years the Company operated as a singular entity, in one country and with one major client. But in 2007 the Company hit an annual turnover of R300 million and in a move to take its services to the next level, became Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings (ICGH). This change marked the celebration of a new shareholding and the start of its remarkable expansion and diversification into new

markets. Its present day operations are run by more than 2,000 staff and include work in Swaziland, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, and Lesotho, as well as having registered companies within Uganda and Namibia. “We are a privately-owned company that specialises in a multitude of road construction, bulk earthworks, sewer and water reticulation, as well as commercial, industrial and residential building works,” explains Tommy Strydom, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer at Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings. “At present we are also investing in renewable energy

opportunities as we see this as a major requirement for Africa in the future. “We are continuously exploring a variety of opportunities that should inevitably add value to the Group as part of our growth strategy, and with a new, experienced and dynamic management committee in place we feel extremely confident in our ability to be a major player in Africa’s construction market.” As it continues to grow in this manner, Inyatsi is constantly spreading its risk in order to find new markets to invest its time and resources in.

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“During the next three years our main drive will be focused on strengthening our footprint in the markets we currently operate in,” continues Strydom. “However, we would also like to work towards entering the East and West African markets; for example countries such as Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Uganda and Malawi.”

Innovative mindset

Inyatsi is ahead of the curve when it comes to an innovative mindset, realising the importance of change in order to survive in the ever-changing market. Strydom adds: “If we think that we can survive by doing things in the same way that we did 20 years ago, it will have a disastrous effect on the survival of our Company.” With thanks to its new developmental stance in the industry, the Company is extremely proud of its projects in Swaziland and Zambia and through them it is forming an integral influence

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on the infrastructural development of those countries. “At present in Swaziland we are working on the main MR3 highway that is situated between Manzini and the new Sikhupe International Airport,” Strydom describes. “The value of these projects is approximately R2.5 billion, and together with this we are also in a joint venture for the construction of a new International Convention Centre, alongside a five-star hotel in Ezulwini.” The Company is currently in the final stages of negotiating its pilot contractorfinanced project in Swaziland, which it hopes will completely transform the way construction companies carry out their business in the future. “In Zambia we were awarded the Ndola-to-Mufulera roads project, alongside some other small projects,” continues Strydom. “Now with a workload of approximately R4.5 billion, we feel incredibly confident moving forwards with our current and potential projects.”

Cebolihle Techno-World

Cebolihle Techno-World is proud to be associated with Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings and hope to work together for many years to come.

Cebolihle Techno-World PO BOX 7295 Manzini, Swaziland

Sibusiso Simelane E: cebolihle6@gmail.com T: +268 7622 0737

ANT CONSTRUCTION (PTY) LTD Farm 1189, Bethany Matsapha | Office: 00268 35500077/ | Mob: 00268 78027106

• Civil works • Special fencing • V,drain • Pre-cast COME INVESTMENTS P.O. BOX 107, MPAKA

T +268 7607 0740, +268 7907 0740 E: bulungabongi@gmail.com

ANT Construction was established in 2014 and has been exponentially growing since then in the fields of plant hire and aggregates supply. Ant Construction is a division of the group and is a main supplier of aggregates to Inyatsi Construction, with capacity currently at a margin of 25000 cubic meters of aggregates within a radius of 20km in a month. The company is lead by a team of young

energetic blood within all its structures of ages within the late twenties and early thirties. With a powerful slogan which says “appear small, think big, deliver great,”have successfully supplied aggregates for the Inyatsi sewer project from Zulwini to Matsapha and we are currently supplying the KISS project.

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Training strategy

A large proportion of the Company’s success has been attributed to its people, recognised as its most valuable asset over the years. “It has been said in the past that if you look after your people, they will look after your customers and this is a philosophy that we have promoted throughout our group,” adds Strydom. “In support of this philosophy, we have also started a lean sigma continuous improvement programme, after the realisation that in order to grow in this competitive market we need to think in a different manner to our competitors.” In order to stand out from the aforementioned competitors when it comes to entering new markets, the Company will utilise the knowledge and experience of expatriates. However, the strategy has always been to train as many locals in new regions as possible, in order for them to eventually take over that branch of the business. “A perfect example of this can been seen with our first local Swaziland Managing Director, Derrick Shiba, who has worked for us since he finished his studies,” explains Strydom. “Previously the enviable position had always been filled by an expat, however, now we have a truly local MD whom we are incredibly proud of.”

The Company strives to identify new leaders on projects it works on, training and providing them with the experience required to be successful

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within Inyatsi and the wider industry from day one. It has also expanded training processes to offer CMP Level 1; a two-year programme that focuses on building up a pipeline of young talent. “Part of our vision for this programme is to produce highcalibre engineers for the future of the industry,” Strydom states. “This is another way for us to ensure that our succession planning is running to schedule across the board at Inyatsi.”

Community relationships

Inyatsi strongly believes in uplifting

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the communities in which it operates, and in order to achieve that, CSR has become one of the key functions of its business. Strydom continues: “Our CSR strategy focuses on two main aspects, one of which is community projects and the other is national CSR initiatives.” The Company has a biannual winter warmers campaign, during which it donates blankets to the less fortunate as well as running a water donation campaign. After Swaziland was hit by a serious water crisis in 2016 and some

areas were experiencing droughtconditions, Inyatsi made a donation of 615,000 litres of water tanks and these tanks were filled and refilled over a period of six months. “We are also fully involved in sporting activities and are currently the main sponsor for the Inyatsi Swazi Frontier Stage Race, a threeday stage race in which people from South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique participate,” adds Strydom. “A special part of the involvement in this race is the work carried out on the schools located along the route. “Another important cause that we sponsor is the Swazi Global Leadership Summit (GLS), which is working to reach underprivileged communities and get the leadership message out to a wider audience than imagined possible.” The passion it has for its people and the communities that is works in is one of the defining factors that has made Inyatsi the incredible company that it

is today. Strydom clarifies: “We feel strongly that by giving back to the communities, we are able to build relationships that will also enable the growth of our Company in the future. We have adapted a solid strategic plan for the intended growth of the Company to try and align every facet of the Company.” The Company has worked hard over the years to ensure it is extremely adaptable to change, allowing it to make strategic decisions within a short time span in order to take advantage of fresh opportunities. “We constantly strive to achieve a better and more innovative way to conduct our activities, which is particularly difficult in an industry that is set in its ways and will not change easily,” concludes Strydom. “It is our hope that we will be able to achieve successful and fruitful change for our Company, customers and the industry as a whole.”

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Uncompromising

QUALITY With more than 30 years of experience within the industry, Dar es Salaam Glass Works continues to transform ideas into inspirational reality Writer: Phoebe Calver

ince Africa Outlook last spoke to Dar es Salaam Glass Works the Company has gone from strength to strength in the industry. Compounding more than 30 years of experience as leaders, it remains as innovative as ever. The Company is renowned for turning glazing ideas into an inspiring reality, gaining the trust of clients from a variety of different industries that range from construction to architecture, commercial property development, and renovation. “As we have progressed over the years, we have ensured that our focus has remained on providing workmanship that is unmatched within the industry,” explains Sadiq Datoo, Chief Executive Officer at Dar es Salaam Glass Works. “Excellence and reliability are some of the fundamentals that go into ensuring that our clients are repeatedly happy and engaged with their service.” The environment in which the Company is operating continues to

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evolve, and with that it consults with the correct parties to ensure that it can provide a leading example within the market. For example, Dar es Salaam Glass Works serves as ambassadors for environmental, social and economic sustainability within the region and educates its staff, informs clients and engages with communities in order to achieve its new goals. “Due to the new policies brought in by Government in recent years, developments have been quite interesting for us,” adds Datoo. “We have continued on with our plans for innovation, as well as introducing a selection of new product lines while also maintaining our initial direction and ensuring our customers have options. “At present I would say that our goals are leaning more towards increasing the quality of the materials available, while also doing more for education on the subject by working together with architects and developers on the differences in materials available to them.”

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Material studies

The Company’s position within the industry remains consistently prominent, which is quite the achievement when you take into account the current market fluctuations and changes in Government that have occurred within that time. “Currently we are dealing with a vast outcry for industrial developments,

as well as a huge drive on interior work,” continues Datoo. “We have noticed that there is less of a focus on the overall construction side of our work and more on the renovation and interior aspect.” Dar es Salaam Glass Works has closely studied the materials available to offer the interiors private sector in order to work towards meeting with these new requirements, while on the

industrial side it is looking at options for work ranging from commercial towers to industrial warehouses. “We have recently taken on a few tower projects and have started on Vodacom’s new office project in Dar es Salaam as a part of a drive for the new capital,” Datoo states. “We have also introduced a range of decorative panels that are used quite widely in the Middle East. These panels

were something that the previous generations had used but had been forgotten about for many years. “We have worked hard to revive these products and recently started manufacturing them locally, ensuring that there were no lead-times or longimport times for these materials.” Alongside the reintroduction of these products to the market, the Company has also increased and added a range of

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security products for customers looking for high-quality grills. Now those people have an option available to them that wasn’t there locally before. Datoo describes: “We have a few new products coming up this year and are looking specifically at work on green walls as an alternative material for cladding, and subsequently looking for projects in which we can implement that.”

Industry developments

In order to keep up with the ever changing industry and its developments, the Company has kept up with its training schemes. This includes the aforementioned materials training, while also increasing the workshops on offer for architects and engineers.

W O R K S

“We are working with the local university with the hopes of making a difference to the new engineers and architects when they finish their studies,” explains Datoo. “This way they will have a solid knowledge base to work from that leads perfectly into the in-house training that we provide our staff with.” In terms of its current manpower, the Company has been able to retain a lot of its skilled workers over the years, some of which have been with Dar es Salaam Glass Works since inception. Datoo adds: “This does mean that some of our employees are coming up for retirement, and with that in mind we are carrying out training to ensure that the knowledge they have is passed down to the next generation coming through.”

“We are placing a lot of emphasis on green and sustainable buildings...”

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Local support

Alongside its work for the betterment of the industry, the Company also takes a serious interest in corporate social responsibility initiatives in the local area. “We recently handed over the windows for a local school as part of our support for them, as well as providing the glazing,” explains Datoo. “Our work with the Tanzania Women’s Architects for Humanity team is also a real point of pride for the Company, working on projects with them and helping with various fundraising activities.” This is one of the many factors that sets Dar es Salaam Glass Works apart from its competitors and is an area that it continues to work on establishing as part of the Company’s foundations. “During the next five years I want to see much more of a focused emphasis on projects such as those mentioned previously, as well as working on

Dar es Salaam’s skyline; image courtesy of MH Skypixel, Moiz Hussein

the sustainability of our structures,” concludes Datoo. “We are placing a lot of emphasis on green and sustainable buildings, especially when it comes to heat energy, and that is something we are looking into as part of the total cost of ownership. “As previously mentioned, we see a lot of buzz around the cost of construction and the costs

encountered during that time, and we are trying to create something of highquality that will dramatically reduce the maintenance costs while also ensuring a long life-span. “We are doing a lot of work in this area with entities such as the Green Council, and hope that moving forward we will change the direction of the industry for the better.”

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We have you

COVERE Broll is capitalising on Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more evenly spread economic potential; leveraging established South African successes to generate similar opportunities into Kenya

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stablished in 2013, Broll Kenya is contributing to a continent-wide drive to maximise African property potential by introducing a complete host of services to the country. The property service specialist is a household name in sub-Saharan Africa and the east of the continent has become a concerted focus in recent times as Broll looks to capitalise on a booming construction and real estate market in the region. Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan have also been entered into as part of the international expansion, but it’s fair to say that – as the gateway and hub of the region – Kenya’s efforts will largely be a sign of wider improvements to come over the next few years. “Broll Property Group and its African subsidiaries add value to countless investors and businesses throughout sub-Saharan Africa,” the Company

emphasises. “If your organisation is looking to expand across African borders, move with Broll and maximise your property potential.” Broll Kenya offers services which include asset management, corporate real estate services, facilities management, property and project management, research, shopping centre management as well as valuations and advisory services; all to create a one-stop – turnkey - shop design with one goal in mind – to bring unparalleled satisfaction to customers and partners in the country. And in just five years, Broll has stamped its authority on the sector via leading high-profile projects including UAP Tower, Flamingo Towers, Two Rivers Office Towers, Adlife Plaza, and Fedha Plaza; to name a few. Accounting for numerous mixed-use malls, bank headquarters, flagship facilities, and multinational business’s hubs, the likes of Standard Chartered

Broll Property Group Founded in 1975, Broll Property Group is one of Africa’s leading commercial property services company with offices in major cities and towns in South Africa as well as operations in Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Indian Ocean Islands, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia and provides real estate services in other African countries. We are affiliated to CBRE, a renowned global commercial real estate and investment firm which enables us to offer unrivalled local expertise and global market knowledge with the sole purpose of maximising the potential of your property. We offer services which include auctions and sales, corporate real estate services, facilities management, industrial, investment and office broking, property management, retail leasing and projects, research, shopping centre management, valuation and advisory services, own patented Broll-Online property-management software solutions and a property search function with a vast database of properties across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa where we have operations. - Group Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Horne

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JANUS CONTINENTAL GROUP

ou can “have it all in one mall” at one of Janus Continental Group’s (JCG) flagship real estate properties, The Hub Karen in Nairobi. One of the Company’s most significant portfolio achievements, the mall stands as a premier shopping destination in the green leafy suburb of Karen; a facility not just built for retail aficionados, but for families and individuals of all ages. “The Hub Karen, Nairobi is all about experience - an elegant and comfortable environment where all your daily needs - household shopping and errands, fashion, beauty, child entertainment and dining among others - are met efficiently under one roof,” JCG enthuses. Embracing the best of both national and international influences, and as a long-time facilitator of local enrichment, The Hub Karen is not just renowned for its offering, but indeed for its striking appearance in the fantastic Kenyan climate. “With an emphasis on simplicity and serenity, vibrancy underpins the design ethos of The Hub Karen,” the Company explains... “featuring a quaint European style, a two-storied mall of separate buildings connected by open passages and a 2,000 square metre alfresco piazza with a signature clock tower at the heart of the hub”. The Hub Karen leverages both urban and green influences across its initial Phase 1 being 35,000 square metres of lettable space, and indeed its imminent Phase 2 project which will add a hotel and conference centre to the existing collection of stores, medical facilities, a gym, ample parking and office space. The Hub Karen also prides itself as a green shopping destination relying on green energy for 10 percent of its energy needs through its 450 Kilowatt (kW) solar power plant, and recycling its wastewater through a 200 cubic meter wastewater treatment recycling plant.

www.thehubkaren.com

Janus Continental Group

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Bank, AIG, Thompson Reuters and Visa can all be named among Broll’s portfolio list; ultimately emphasising the influence that the Company has already been able to form within Kenya.

Lifelong learning

Continuously looking to adapt to market requirements and industry trends, recent attentions have been turned more towards heightened activity in corporate real estate activities and value-add client services. And with a new improved infrastructure in Kenya, the business can boast unrivalled processes and procedures to match its copious service remit. “Why choose Broll?” the Company asks. “We always put the client’s needs first; there is collaboration across markets and service lines; focused teamwork, innovative thinking and acting practically; a research-led environment to ensure competitive advantage; hands-on senior management and executives; we do not accept any assignment that we do not feel comfortable to deliver on; and we have ISO-

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rated property management and facilities management processes and procedures.” Enrichment doesn’t just exist for the benefit of partners and customers though. In order to provide a worldclass service, internal enrichment of employees and local artisans is every bit as important, and where much of Broll Kenya’s efforts have been placed since entering the country in 2013. “Our goal continues to be lifelong learning for our employees,” the business affirms before alluding to its facilitative Broll Academy that has been thriving on the continent since 2002. “The Broll Academy aims to improve with the property skills and knowledge of Broll staff members. It was the first of its kind to provide in-house training for employees in the commercial, retail and industrial property sectors. “Academy courses empower employees to be more productive in the workplace, gain confidence and maximise long-term potential within the Group.” The Broll Academy is associated with accredited education training providers who offer long and short courses

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which include, among others: introduction to property principles; property management programme; certificate in shopping centre management; advanced certificate in shopping centre management; and soft-skills courses including time management and report writing. The Company adds: “As part of our efforts to improve the skills of our employees and develop candidates within the property industry, we’ve also introduced two new training programmes - internships and learnerships.”

Passionate about Property

The bespoke intern programme ensures not only that the Company remains an employer of choice for the region’s most skilled personnel, but that Broll simultaneously gives back to the community as well. “As a member of the Services SETA we qualify for a skills development grant which helps us offer programmes such as these internships. We welcomed our first two interns in 2008 and the programme has swiftly grown yearon-year,” the Company explains.

Outlook Creative Services

Mazars, Kenya is proud to be associated with Broll Kenya. Mazars Kenya wish to congratulate and support Broll Kenya as they feature their operations and continued growth in Kenya and the wider East African region and also show case their Corporate Marketing Brochure. Mazars, Kenya is a member firm of Mazars, an international, integrated and independent organisation, specialising in audit, accountancy, advisory,

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

“We identify university graduates from various property courses and place them on a fast-track process in various departments within Broll to a point where we can offer them positions that best fit their skills and personalities. “A learnership is a year-long course with emphasis on on-the-job learning which combines education and training with work experience.” A team leader, supervisor or line manager is given the responsibility of mentoring candidates to complete the promotive cycle throughout the Broll hierarchy, and this forms just one strand of a much wider, all-encompassing CSR focus which is driven in large part by the Broll Foundation. “Founded in 2002, the Broll Foundation represents the Group’s corporate social responsibility arm. We are as passionate about property as we are about the lives we touch in the process and the communities in which

The Green House 3rd Floor, Suite 8 Adams Arcade Ngong Road Nairobi, Kenya

Blessed with abundant natural resources, subSaharan Africa is rapidly awakening and preparing to take its rightful place among the world’s economies

we operate,” the Company continues. “We do this through involvement and support of various organisations with the aim to improve the quality of life of the less fortunate in the communities in which we operate.”

tax and legal services. Mazars and its correspondents operate throughout 94 countries. 79 of these countries are part of Mazars’ international integrated partnership and 15 are Mazars correspondents. Mazars is also a member of Praxity Alliance. The Praxity alliance offers Mazars operating capacity via professional teams in 21 additional countries.

T: + 254 20 3861175/76/79 +254 202517101/3 F: +254 20 3861169 www.mazars.co.ke

The business will now look to harness this positive reputation to continue a mission that begun in South Africa decades ago, and that is just as prevalent as Broll expands across the region. The Company concludes: “Blessed with abundant natural resources, subSaharan Africa is rapidly awakening and preparing to take its rightful place among the world’s economies. Broll Property Group has fully-fledged operations in Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Indian Ocean Islands, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia; and provides services in a number of other countries. “The lack of a formalised approach to property management and maintenance in much of Africa opened the door for Broll to replicate its South African offering elsewhere on the continent, bringing a wide scope of its specialised services and unique capabilities to those markets.”

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Seamless IT’S TIME TO

REALITY EXPAND Time Projects has been “building Botswana” for more than 30 years and is now looking to apply the same development, project, property and asset expertise in Zambia Writer: Matthew Staff

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or more than 30 years, Time Projects has thrived in Botswana across areas of project management, property management, property development and asset management, and the Company is now laying the foundations to replicate such successes in Zambia. Catering for residential, office and commercial properties over its tenure, the consequent portfolio that now exists is up there with the very best that Botswana can offer, and will inevitably aid the Company’s move into new territory. But to overcome the numerous challenges that come with international expansion, Time Projects is already ensuring it has far more than just a track record to kick-start its impact. Director, Heinrich Malan is the man tasked with easing the transition from Botswana to Zambia and following recent acquisitions for PrimeTime Property Holdings Ltd, he’s making sure that Time Projects can hit the ground running. “It’s all about mitigating risks and challenges, and focusing on what we have always done best,” Malan says. “Some people might ask why we don’t branch out into things like physical construction, but we know what we do well and what has served us well in Botswana so don’t want to add an extra dimension of risk on top of these extensive service areas, by spreading ourselves too thin. “To this end, in Zambia, we will continue to concentrate on the aspects we do, and do well; namely project management, project development, property management and asset management. It’s all about evolving without adding extra risk.” Established in 1986, Time Projects has every right to retain confidence in its existing remit having been a foremost provider of excellent commercial and residential property services ever since.

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MLC QUANTITY SURVEYORS

ince its establishment in 1936, planning for the future has been one of MLC’s key strengths. It is this fundamental approach that has contributed to the Group’s success and further expansion, with ten operational offices in six countries offering service delivery across the globe. As the Company embarks on its journey in the years that lie ahead with Romano Valenti as the newly appointed Group CEO, it is also fitting to reflect on the achievements of the past.

The team is made up of top project managers, property developers and asset managers

“From property management to construction and development, Time Projects has the knowledge, skills and expertise you need to help you realise your property dreams,” the Company affirms on its website. “Our team includes some of the top project managers, property developers and asset managers in Botswana and Zambia, and from housing development to construction and commercial property investment and developers, we have the knowledge, skills and expertise you need to help you reach your property goals. “At Time Projects, we strive to create high-class, sustainable developments that meet our clients’ specific requirements as both investors and tenants. We continue to be trendsetters and innovators by responsibly developing property assets which enhance businesses. Building on the cornerstones of excellence, commitment and enthusiasm, we tirelessly pursue new growth

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We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our valued clients and colleagues in the industry such as Time Projects, who continue to place their trust in MLC. We look forward to a continued and successful association into the future. T +27 11 283 1500 E mlcjhb@mlc.co.za

www.mlc.co.za

opportunities for sustainable longterm value creation through cuttingedge commercial office, industrial and retail property development.”

We can’t copy and paste

Since the Company’s venture into Zambia around four years ago, Time Projects has been appointed to the role of property manager for PrimeTime Property Holdings Ltd, subsequently inheriting a host of significant projects within its portfolio. In its role as AM, Time Projects has acquired a number of properties in Zambia for PrimeTime including PWC Office Park, Kabulonga Mall and G4S buildings in Lusaka and Kitwe. “So we do the property management in Zambia for these, among others, courtesy of the PrimeTime affiliation, complemented by three of our own developments which they will be acquiring too,” Malan explains. “The first of these, Chirundu Mall, will open next month

CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF COST MANAGEMENT AND VALUE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Munali Shopping Centre

PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH

MLC Group looks forward to a continued and successful association into the future. Chirundu Shopping Centre

on the border with Zimbabwe. “It is one of the busiest border towns in Zambia and will set the tone for further unveilings later this year in the country.” This opening gambit in Chirundu is already 85 percent let, comprising numerous high profile tenants; it is the epitome of what Time Projects can hopefully look forward to later in 2018 and beyond. But Malan accepts that it is only through a personable, determined work ethic that this growth will be achieved; driven initially by getting to various sites, analysing potential opportunities and gaining as much of an insight into Zambia’s potential as possible. “Unfortunately we can’t copy and paste the 30 years of success we’ve had in Botswana into Zambia as it’s a totally different market, but that isn’t to say we can’t leverage all of the experience we have to mitigate the challenge,” he notes. “We’re still in our initial stages in Zambia but from next

Unfortunately we can’t copy and paste the 30 years of success we’ve had in Botswana into Zambia... but that isn’t to say we can’t leverage all of the experience we have to mitigate the challenge

month we will have Chirundu Mall to complement Kabulonga Mall in Lusaka.” And if prospective partners and clients need any indication as to the service acumen that Time Projects will bring to such opportunities, they need only to look back at its Botswana portfolio. Malan continues: “Before I came to Zambia some of the big projects I worked on were Mongala Mall which is a 7,000 square metre shopping centre anchored by Spar; as well as the Prime Plaza office development in Gaborone where our head office is as well as the Barclays head office; and a 10,000 square metre project at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Palapye. “These are just a select few of many projects in Botswana and we still have that exposure there now. It’s now about looking to do more of the same in Zambia as well.”

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Time Projects is integrating well into Zambia

A personalised service

It’s not just about project growth in Zambia either. At present, just four people make up the Company’s Lusaka office headed up by Malan, and it will be as much about internal infrastructural development as it will be about portfolio growth over the next year and beyond. During the transition, much of the business’s administrative functions have been carried out in Gaborone, but this is already progressing with many of Time Projects’ business partners

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It’s not about big board meetings, but about entrepreneurship, flexibility and providing a personalised service

now being encouraged to leverage local assistance in Zambia from a consultation perspective. This same approach will also then be applied to the workforce as it expands, as Malan emphasises: “Being a service provider company, our employees are our biggest asset. We believe in looking after them, engaging with them, motivating them and continuously developing them through tailored training courses. “Then, in terms of corporate social responsibility, we go one step

“Then, in terms of corporate social responsibility, we go one step further to contribute also to the local communities in which we operate.”

“We’re small enough to guarantee consistency across the board.”

“At Time Projects, we strive to create high-class, sustainable developments that meet our clients’ specific requirements as both investors and tenants.”

further to contribute also to the local communities in which we operate.” Its physically demanding ‘Time Adventure Challenge’ has been chief among these initiatives in recent years; all of the money raised being injected into new, free open gyms in the Gaborone. Evidently an example of how Time Projects will look to ingratiate itself into Zambia in the future too, it also showcases how entrepreneurial and flexible the business is from a structural and decision-making

perspective. Consisting of fewer than 30 personnel in Botswana and just four in Zambia at present, a very personalised, efficient service is assured to clients at all times. And this is what Malan believes will help facilitate the Company’s growth ambitions across two frontiers in the future. He concludes: “We’re small enough to guarantee consistency across the board. It’s not about big board meetings, but about entrepreneurship, flexibility and providing a personalised

service. And when you combine those aspects with the experience and track record we have, it’s a big advantage. “We’ll hopefully now translate that into more local work in Zambia. It’s been a challenge so far as developers will inevitably already have managers they’ve worked with and we need to show them that we are an attractive alternative. But we have a broad set of skills and are determined to highlight these across all aforementioned service lines during 2018 and then in the longer-term.”

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HEIGHTS

Kigali Heights stands as a flagship development for Century Real Estate, a one-stop property shop looking to capitalise on a national industry on the rise Writer: Matthew Staff

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n a relatively short space of time, Century Real Estate Rwanda has proven itself entrepreneurial and knowledgeable enough to capitalise on a burgeoning industry that is set to present many more lucrative opportunities in the years to come. Borne from a merger between two forward-thinking industry experts, the initial vision revolved around reaching out more effectively to a growing sect of consumers in the professional real estate space. Subsequently evolving the Century Real Estate remit to meet this need, achieving a one-stop property shop in the process, one of these individuals, Managing Director (MD), Charles Haba is proud of the growth that has manifested so far, and optimistic about the journey still to come. “We have grown very significantly over the years and this has largely been thanks to a rounded commitment

to delivering a quality, full real estate package which includes corporate real estate services, industrial letting, mortgage advisory, office leasing, rentals, sales, title and deed processing, valuation services and consultancy,” he introduces. “The market is still very nascent but it’s growing rapidly so while our philosophy has been built on consolidation up to this point, we can now look to leverage our reputation for reliability as opportunities continue to arise.” Striving to satisfy clients - or ‘partners’ as the Company prefers - through its turnkey offering, the success of Century Real Estate has largely derived from its unique ability to cater for all potential requirements within the sphere.

“It comes from thinking a little bit outside the box,” Haba explains. “We have enjoyed organic growth but with a dynamic element of thinking flexibly and innovatively. A one-dimensional approach to a growing market will never generate the growth you’re looking for. “It’s all about positioning the Company to capitalise on new opportunities, and the diversification of our services has been critical in this positioning. Our service offering represents how we want to be perceived in the market, and the market now knows that we can be relied upon on all relevant levels to help them achieve their targets.”

Exciting challenge

Establishing itself as a uniquely all-encompassing provider, Haba attributes the Company’s two key differentiators as being this one-stop shop facilitation, as well as the way the business actually conducts itself across each individual project. Century Real Estate’s initial mission was “to practice and promote value for time and money among stakeholders” and this is all too evident still today through both its investments and its portfolio.

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Eastern Estate Homes

Charles Haba, Managing Director

From the former’s perspective, key areas of investment have revolved around human capital and technological progression, ensuring quality throughout the value chain. And regarding the latter, the portfolio of projects that formulate Century Real Estate’s track record really does speak for itself. Haba enthuses: “What really stands out in terms of our portfolio are the exclusive sales and exclusive rentals we’ve been involved with, as well as the management and consultancy side of things. And one example that encapsulates both is a project we’re very proud to be associated with in terms of Rwanda’s first Grade A commercial mixed-use development, Kigali Heights. “We were involved with Kigali Heights from the start, across appraisals, feasibility, advisory, letting and right up to now with management. It is a flagship development for both us and indeed for Africa.”

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A second prime example is Kigali Business Centre (KBC) which comprises the largest amount of retail space in Rwanda for a single development, standing at 17,200 square metres. It has served as a litmus test for the commercial property market in the country as a consequence and once again showcases the calibre of projects and challenges that Century Real Estate is trusted with. “The third example we’d like to highlight is on the residential side, called Vision City” Haba continues. “It is the largest single housing development in the country with more than 4,500 dwellings, we have been involved on the sales side of it too, and once again it has proven to be a very exciting challenge to have on our plate.”

Nascent opportunities

Inevitably, Century Real Estate has ingratiated itself into the fabric of Rwandan infrastructural development virtue of its rise up the industry ranks.

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But localised prominence presents itself in numerous forms for the Company, with an equally stringent focus placed on social enrichment over the years. This starts with its workforce, with the business priding itself on not just the skills it has available but also the indigenousness evident throughout its staff compliment. Haba details: “It can be a challenge to find the right resources but for this reason, we look to hire and recruit from a talent and attitude perspective, and then to encourage, remunerate, empower and train them from a retention point of view. “We realise we are not spoilt for choice in terms of finding the right people on a technical level, so it’s about finding the right attitudes and personality fits, and then turning them into a good resource via a successful training process.” Naturally encouraging mutual loyalty among young artisans, a promotional

www.patronicsservices.com Patronics Services Ltd P.O. Box 18245 – 00500, Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 733 519 774 E: info@patronicsservices.com Industrial Area, Off Enterprise Road, Road A, Ectoville Estate Nairobi,Kenya Patronics Services (U) Ltd P.O. Box 22760, Kampala, Uganda T: +256 750 558 160 E: uganda@patronicsservices.com Plot 99, 6th Street, Industrial Area Kampala, Uganda

“Electrical

Engineering

Patronics Services (Rwanda) Ltd P.O. Box 1529, Kigali, Rwanda T: +250 788 660 517 E: rwanda@patronicsservices.com KG 601 St. Gishushu District, GASABO Kigali, Rwanda

Excellence”

Century Park

Gisozi Heights

culture has been formed. And it also alludes to a much wider emphasis that the business places on corporate social responsibility (CSR) each year. As a member of numerous nationally and continentally significant associations, the Company ensures that is has a say in the overall development of an industry still finding its feet, and all associated companies, workers and communities that intertwine within the domain.

From an educative perspective, at least four interns are taken on each year, while Haba himself conducts numerous motivational speaking seminars to help usher in the next generation of Rwandan real estate professionals; a positive act for both the industry and of course for Century Real Estate’s own ongoing evolution. The Managing Director concludes: “From a medium and long-term

perspective, we will continue to consolidate our position in the market but this will coincide with a drive to capitalise on low hanging fruit and numerous nascent opportunities that are presenting themselves; especially across facilities management. “Over the next few years we will also be able to get involved in more mediumsized, mixed-use developments. The property market in Rwanda is growing at a very exponential rate and while opportunities in other countries are quite saturated, there is still plenty of room for companies like us to thrive here.”

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of Service Seaweld Engineering is a company made up of motivated individuals that come together in the pursuit of excellence, delivering outstanding operational performance on every project Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Josh Hyland eaweld Engineering Limited is a well renowned oil & gas service company based in Ghana, formed under a franchise from the Company’s UK operations in October, 2007. That year, Alfred Fafali Adagbedu, Managing Director of the Company set up the Ghanaian operations with just four employees. In little more than 10 years it has grown to now comprise more than 200 employees in Ghana and has grown out into 14 countries across the globe; quite the achievement for such a short space of time in the industry. As a limited liability company with an internal ultimate authority - its Board of Directors - Seaweld Engineering is 100 percent Ghanaian-owned. “Seaweld is widely known as the number one service provider in manpower supply and management, welding and fabrication, tank and vessel cleaning, equipment rental, scaffolding, procurement and logistics, as well as bunkering services,” explains Adagbedu. “In order to enable us to provide these services, we have highly-skilled departments that include the Operations Department, Sales

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and Business Development, Human Resource Department, Logistics Department, Administration, Accounts, QAQC and HSE, and lastly the Department of Technical Support.”

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rocket from that point onwards, and in 2013 Seaweld was involved in the construction of a technical welding and fabrication structure to cater for growing oil & gas requirements. “2014 brought about the Incremental growth plan construction of deck stools and pipe Despite experiencing quite the racks for the FPSO Prof. J.E.A Mills, as meteoric rise to success over the years, well as the underwater photography Seaweld Engineering’s approach to and foul removal for Vessel MT Sofie market growth has been measured Theresa,” adds Adagbedu. “Both and structured through a plan of of those projects were challenging incremental growth. in their own right and built up our “In 2010 we began major operations in company knowledge base; these Ghana with the provision of scaffolding challenges went on to continue equipment, rentals and training,” through the construction of riser continues Adagbedu. “At that point we protection frames for FPSO John completed our first major welding and Agyekum Kuffouor, the dismantling fabrication project - the boat landing and assembling of ferries MV Senchi structure for Technip - which led onto and MV Akrade, and lastly the sea major expansion for us over the next water injection motor handling frame couple of years into nine other African for FPSO Kwame Nkrumah.” countries and other parts of the world.” As an organisation, Seaweld The development of the popularity Engineering has kept learning and of the Company’s work continued to evolving with time through the

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ROBERT CLARKE ENGINEERING

obert Clarke Engineering (RCE) provides a range of structural engineering design support services to the oil & gas industry around the world. For the past 12 months, RCE has been providing Seaweld, one of its key partners in Africa, with specialist scaffold design services. Working onboard MODEC’s FPSOs which are operated on behalf of Tullow Oil and located in Ghana’s offshore TEN and Jubilee oil fields, RCE works alongside Seaweld to deliver heavy duty lifting frames and loading platforms to support MODEC’s and Tullow Oil’s offshore maintenance regimes and offshore based project work.

T 07876 195 556 E bob@robertclarkeengineering.co.uk

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applications involved in its projects. Adagbedu continues: “We also welcome competition as a new building block for our success, taking our integrity and passion for being leaders in the field and the joy of knowing we are making a difference to spur us on. “The majority of our key contracts are obtained through open competitive tenders where we can use 100 percent local content to our advantage.”

Partner support

With thanks to the vast experience it has attained over a relatively short space of time, Seaweld Engineering prides itself on its ability to provide services and solutions that ably meet with the requirements of drilling companies, field operators and construction companies across its many markets of operation. With the support of its partners, the Company is able to provide a worldclass service to answer its customers’ requests, including logistical, manpower and engineering needs. “Our strategy from day one has been to build a company that will be able to sustain profitable growth, while also creating significant shareholder value,” explains Adagbedu. “The achievement of this strategy has led to our moves into the UK, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Benin, Lesotho, the USA, Liberia, Israel, Mauritania, South Africa and Norway. “When it comes to identifying these potential new regions of operation, we identify credible shareholders and form local companies within that area. It is our aim to reach every continent in the world.” In order to successfully service every continent in the world, the Company has had to first build a reputation that precedes it. In the present day Seaweld is renowned in each of the divisions it works in and has technology and

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equipment that enables it to work on projects of any specification and size. “We have a wide variety of specialist metal-welding services in-house, with certified staff that can easily meet and exceed the expectations of our customers on every project,” explains Adagbedu. “Whether you require one-time assembly, to long production runs, we want to be the top choice for the oil & gas industry.” Alongside industry-specific equipment, the Company is able to provide consistent skill and expertise

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that will meet the global demands placed upon it now and in the future. “We are completely confident that both our onshore and offshore services are perfectly able to deliver and meet with the highest level of industry standards and excellence,” adds Adagbedu. “We focus specifically on performance and innovation to keep us ahead of the industry curve across welding and fabrication, scaffolding, tank cleaning, vessel repair and maintenance, or procurement and logistics.”

Industry saturation

In such a heavily saturated industry, Seaweld stands out from the rest with its highly-competent and motivated employees that are genuinely committed to achieving success for both the clients and the Company as a whole. Adagbedu states: “We pride ourselves on the consistent delivery of outstanding safety and operational performance that sustains our client base, while simultaneously building a new one.

“Our delivery of outstanding safety and operational performance has also led to our Company’s reputation as an attractive workplace for our employees, where we nurture and create superior skill.” Moving forward the Company is setting its sights on continuous development in pursuit of a leading service provider role within the industry, utilising the right material resources and empowering the most efficient human resources that

will enable it to meet with world class standards of industrial service. “Our provision of 100 percent local content and quality services is something that we are incredibly proud of and is something that we hope will help us in our pursuit of becoming a giant service company on all continents,” concludes Adagbedu. “Looking to the future, Seaweld is looking forward to partnering with experienced companies in similar services in order to build local capacity in all areas of operation.”

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OFFERING MORE FOR LESS

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AJEast’s ever-expanding drinks range has only been on Nigerian shelves for three years, but the Company has already proven itself as an attractive, innovative alternative to the traditional elite Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

he combination of a country with one of the highest middle-class populations in Africa, and an innovative company looking to challenge the established beverage industry elite is a perfect match on paper; and AJEast is proving this theory to be true as it continues to evolve its extensive range in Nigeria. The international AJE Group has long looked for opportunities of this description, and with approximately 200 million inhabitants and a rapidly growing urbanisation process, Nigeria was identified as a perfect fit. And thus, this largely autonomous brand was incepted in 2013 as an entrepreneurial business looking to offer a viable alternative to the two major drink brands in the country. “We began by acquiring land back then and moved into project status and became fully operational in September, 2015,” AJEast Nigeria Ltd Country Manager Theo Williams recalls. “Our vision stemmed from the fact that we realised the PET market had been serving the same size product for the past nine years. So we in turn came into the market with a bigger size - around 25 percent bigger but for a slightly lower price. “Our slogan was born: ‘offering you more for less’.” This premise and ethos has subsequently driven exponential growth for AJEast in Nigeria, initially within Lagos and more recently into the East and North of the country; virtue of its three initial and still primary flavours: Cola, Orange and Lime. Williams continues: “Our business model here is largely a replication of what the AJE Group has achieved elsewhere in the past, but these flavour selections were critical and tailored, and only decided upon following a detailed case study conducted prior to becoming operational, to find out what flavours were most sought-after in Nigeria.

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E-JERRYS NIGERIA LIMITED

-Jerrys Nigeria Limited is a private engineering firm situated in Nigeria, providing world class services within and beyond the shores of the country. As an engineering firm, the Company’s services cuts across development, design, procurement, construction, renovation, and troubleshooting of electrical and mechanical services in both the private and public sectors. Our competitive advantage centers on our commitment to operating values, staff strength, risk management, passion and financing discipline. The Company is strategically aligned with AJEast Nigeria and together they continue to expand the growth of the economy through the unbeatable services rendered on a yearly basis.

AJEast analyses the best flavours, bottle sizes and price points

T + 234 703 2473674, +234 52 297715

www.ejerrysng.com

“And since then, while it’s largely been a case of organic growth and continuing to offer More for Less, we have also broadened our value proposition and scale of delivery. We have begun producing a smaller size PET bottle of 350ml, and a larger PET size as big as two litres, to complement our opening 650ml brands.” Culminating in a variety of sizes and flavours, the AJEast that exists today is still a work in progress but the speed in which its portfolio and reach has expanded is testament to the Company’s ability to identify consumer preferences, and of course, the quality of its products. “Our products are bigger, they have less sugar, they have less gas, and they are a viable alternative that people enjoy,” Williams affirms.

Exciting the customer

Naturally, for essentially a startup company, the route to success has to be meticulous and strategic, Williams

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describing AJEast’s tactics as a “rifle shot market approach”, as opposed to competitors’ “shotgun approach”. Targeting specific demographics, and analysing the best flavours, bottle sizes and price points for them ensures faster uptake and a more responsible growth trajectory as a result. Williams explains: “If you look at

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energy drinks for example, which we have moved into to complement our three original flavours, they can often be very expensive in Nigeria which might exclude our traditional target market. So we introduced a drink called ‘BIG VOLT’ at an acceptable price, tailored for our target market; all with an environment of aspiration that

…truly the engineering giant E-Jerrys Nigeria Limited is a private engineering firm situated in Nigeria. We provide world class services within and beyond the shores of the country. As an engineering firm, our services cuts across Development, Design, Procurement, Construction, renovation, and troubleshooting of Electrical and Mechanical Services in private and public sectors. Our competitive advantages centers around our commitment to operating values, staff strength, risk management, passion and financing discipline. We are strategically aligned with AJEast Nigeria. Together we expand the growth of the economy through the unbeatable services we render yearly. 8, Alade Avenue, Off Awolowo Way, Ikeja Lagos Nigeria. T: +234(0) 7032473674, (0) 52-297715 E: info@ejerrysng.com, jerryie@ejerrysng.com

www.ejerrysng.com people who wouldn’t have previously looked to buy an energy drink can now buy one of the same quality, but at an acceptable price.” A skilled marketing team is on hand to facilitate such foresight and innovation of thought, while each member of the decision-making structure is encouraged to subscribe to international magazines in order to continually monitor fluctuating trends. Resultantly applying a well-rounded global outlook to a local domain, Williams can not only translate this market data into new product variables but into the internal structure of the Company too. A recent large investment to double line capacities and into the complementing machinery required to facilitate such development has epitomised this philosophy and once again provides the business with the perfect platform to meet its mission statements. “Investments like these allow us to react more effectively and quickly

to market and consumer trends and that’s the centre of what we do. We look at the market and ask ourselves what the majority of people in our income bracket want to drink both now and in the future. And then it’s about exciting the customer. “We excite the customer not through prizes and gimmicks, but through providing them with a viable, quality and affordable product.”

Serve all of Nigeria

Big Cola promoting upcoming artists at Warri

Ironically, AJEast’s greatest differentiator may actually lie in not being as big as its closest competitors. Reduced bureaucracy, quicker decision making, fresh ideas, the most modern of technologies, Group autonomy, and more personable relationships have all become staples contributory to the Company’s early successes. And from an ingratiation perspective, the business’s longevity in Nigeria is already being planned for courtesy of its local-centric human resource and supply

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chain management approaches. “If you compare us to a lot of international companies, our expat numbers are extremely low,” Williams confirms. “Here, we take Nigerian staff, and we develop them to the level we want and need. “Then, similarly, on the business partnership side of things, it has always been part of our business model to utilise companies that are directly situated around us, subsequently creating a peripheral network.”

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Even the Company’s wholesalers are referred to as partners, rather than customers; emphasising the personable, mutually-loyal reputation that AJEast has already fostered since its move into Nigeria. Its budding corporate social responsibility (CSR) ambitions which take the notion another step further, kicked off initially with its 2018 ‘Water for People’ programme which will see the supply of boreholes to the community in which the Company’s factory is located,

“Here, we take Nigerian staff, and we develop them to the level we want and need.”

“Even a year from now we’ll look to have doubled our output again, not just concentrating on the major cities, but beginning to move towards smaller towns and villages too...”

“Our products are bigger, they have less sugar, they have less gas, and they are a viable alternative that people enjoy.”

just outside of Lagos. And as acknowledgement of such exploits broadens, and the AJEast name becomes more positively renowned as each year passes, Williams will be able to convert this acclamation into equally positive market results. He concludes: “Even a year from now we’ll look to have doubled our output again, not just concentrating on the major cities, but beginning to move towards smaller towns and villages

too, so that our product value is on offer to all Nigerians. “Further down the line we will also look towards an expansion programme whereby we will have the capacity to not just serve all of Nigeria, but to also export further afield. And I’m confident in these ambitions because of the superb team I have around me. We have become an effective team, we treat each other with family values, and we all know where we want to go.”

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AMALGAMATED ELECTRONIC CORPORATION (AMECOR)

Innovation, Seamless Excellence and REALITY Growth

Amalgamated Electronic Corporation offers a range of exclusive technologies in relation to security and electronics, protecting lives and homes across South Africa and beyond Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

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malgamated Electronic Corporation (Amecor) incepted in 1989 - began its journey with the aim of repairing house alarm systems, panels and communicators. The Company quickly evolved and hired engineers that enabled it to start developing its own products, including electronic devices that enable advanced security in homes and commercial properties. South Africa has a recognisably large private security sector to support its small public-owned policing sector, with approximately 2,000 registered security companies in operation in the country at present. “We are classed as a holding company, made up of two subsidiary businesses named FSK Electronics and Sabre Radio Networks,” explains Duran Vieira, CEO at Amalgamated Electronic Corporation. “FSK develops and manufactures the technology that is installed in conjunction with an alarm system. When an event arises the device sends the information to a selected security provider that enables the correct security measure to respond. “Amecor joined the holding process in 2005 when we bought FSK and Sabre, the latter being the network provider which supports the equipment developed by FSK.” The Company has well-established branches that are located across South Africa, as well as distribution branches in Africa for its FSK products while Sabre then tracks the billing for the infrastructure usage.

Protective technology

Working closely to its strategy has always been the way that Amecor works best, keeping in mind at all times that providing people with security is the main focus. “We look at the ways in which we are able to truly provide customers with security,” adds Vieira. “How can

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FARRAR TECH

arrarTech was established almost 20 years ago with Craig Thomson at its forefront, with more than 35 years’ experience in the South African electronic manufacturing industry. The Company specialises in the distribution and supply of relays, PCBs, PCB type connectors and associated products to the manufacturing sector in South Africa. With partners in the USA, UK, Germany and Hong Kong providing a comprehensive network for components, through authorised channels, utmost care is taken to ensure on-time delivery.

Quality, from manufacture to service

T +27 82 5691148 F 0866891674 E farrartech@iafrica.com

we make sure that their lives are safe when they’re in their homes or work place and how can we protect their property.” In order to achieve this, the Company works on large-scale technology drives at regular intervals and keeps them in-house thanks to its large R&D department. Vieira continues: “We utilise the best possible technology available in the market in order to ensure that the information reaches the relevant security company as quickly as possible, while also remaining as reliable as possible. “We are in the business of saving lives and aiding security companies in providing the best possible security response available, and that is what I firmly believe pushes the success of Amecor onwards.” First and foremost the Company is a product manufacturer and designer for the security sector, and therefore is required to pay close attention to both

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the social and economic problems within South Africa but also further afield. At present there are many African countries with similar problems, and more often than not those issues are related to a disparity between social classes. “With policing forums being so small in a lot of African countries, we have also shifted some of our focus into areas such as Kenya, the Ivory Coast, Botswana and Nigeria,” Vieira describes. “Each of the aforementioned are very large targets for us, and further afield we have noted that areas of South America are having similar issues and are places we are considering in the future.”

Focused approach

Duran Vieira, Managing Director

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Amecor has a customer focused approach to the market, which is carried through everything it does in attempts to ensure that every experience the client has is positive.

Farrar Tech Farrar Tech

ck 99 20120/23

The PCB, Relay and Connector supply company.

P.O. Box 6446 Dunswart, 1508 South Africa

T: +27 82 5691148 F: 0866891674 E: farrartech@iafrica.com

Vat: 4160188753 B-BBEE Level Four Contributor B-BBEE Procurement recognition of 100%

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It has taken a lot of time and hard work to build such fantastic relationships with customers, especially when you consider the old technology that the Company used to have to work with. “Now we have the most up-to-date technology, we are able to expand upon it with thanks to customer experiences and feedback, increasing security and standing within the sector,” states Vieira. “Stereotypically security is a grudge purchase in South Africa, and we are trying to change this perception through the technological advancements we have made in recent years. “We are able to offer a small piece of technology that you can place into your home that will allow you to control a multitude of aspects within your home, all at the touch of a button. “During the past few years that has been our main focus; providing homeowners with an app that will provide them with the ability to arm and disarm their alarm system from anywhere in the world, open their front gate and ensure the safety of their family or employees and providing peace of mind.”

Turning “grudge purchases” into sought-after technological advancements

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Technologies that provide peace of mind

Consistent growth

The Company’s focus on customer peace of mind is perhaps one of the main reasons that its service is both popular and top-class in the industry today, and with the support of an excellent team at the helm it is only set to improve from here. “In order to make sure that we have an excellent skill flow within the organisation that ensures consistent growth, we have partnered with many of the universities in South Africa,” explains Vieira. “We have an agreement as a part of the National Diploma for Engineering, in which the universities provide us with their best and brightest and in return we work with them for a year to support their experiential learning. “We have the vision within the industry to support the future generations and hope that they will

in-turn come back to us with ideas that will spur on the sectors growth,” adds Vieira. “The reason I believe we are as good as we are is due to our vision and goals being completely aligned with the security sector; we are trying to make life safer and easier for the population. This has driven our success in the past and is something that we can pride ourselves upon.” A major differentiator for Amecor in the industry is its dedication to saving lives and ensuring that its products enable the Company to do that within South Africa and further afield. “We hope that in the future we will be able to take this attitude worldwide, becoming a trusted partner and well known in a plethora of countries,” concludes Vieira. “I want global exposure for our brand and to be associated with protecting lives through the production of a high quality product.”

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H I TA C H I C O N S T R U C T I O N M A C H I N E RY A F R I C A ( P T Y ) LT D

s a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese heavyweight conglomerate, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd, Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa (HCAF) carries a lot of responsibility in replicating the level of standards and social responsibility synonymous with the former. The latter has certainly met expectations since its inception on the continent in 2010 though, diversifying its remit and service approach in order to meet client expectations and sustain the wider Hitachi legacy. Over the past eight years HCAF has been responsible for the marketing and support of Hitachi construction and mining equipment, building its own expertise and local knowledge along the way to ingratiate itself as a local, market-leading entity.

“All Hitachi products are known for reliability, performance and cost efficiency in their specific applications and carry quality assurance to international standards,” the Company says. “Sales and product support is available through the Company’s strategically placed network of branches and dealers.” And HCAF’s mission to this end “is to be the leading supplier of excavators, mining shovels, rigid dump trucks and wheel loaders in key mining, construction and plant hire markets in Southern Africa”. The Company has adopted a series of objectives in order to reach this ambitious target, driven primarily by ensuring it remains a market leader across all served markets. Complementing this ultimate goal though are a series of targets including to improve financial performance;

The Hitachi

PROPOSITION Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa is harnessing the status, reputation and quality that has become so synonymous with the wider brand over the years, before applying it to local needs

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SINTECH

n 1986 Sintech became the sole S.A distributor for Wellman of the USA.

Their expertise significantly was as an established supplier of materials for Allison Transmissions, but they were also at the forefront of the development of the modern “wet brake” materials. In the beginning 5,000 hours life was the norm but with significant R+D investment this is currently 20,000 hours. In 1994 Sintech became the sole S.A. distributor for Carlisle Brakes. Carlisle is the original equipment supplier of “Dry” service and emergency brakes for the majority of earthmoving and mining equipment including HITACHI.

develop young, local artisans; to build shareholder value through sustained growth, a strong balance sheet, a commitment to customer service and a strong internal business structure; and to stay true to the overall group motto of providing “reliable solutions”. President, Toshiaki Takase sums up in his ‘President’s Message’: “Hitachi Construction Machinery and HCAF is a leading distributor of earthmoving equipment in the Southern African region and we will continue to strive to improve our position in all our markets we support.”

Diverse range of expertise

“Hitachi Construction Machinery is one of the major companies in the global Hitachi Group, we are thus in a position to share the knowledge, technologies and information from the other Hitachi group companies which enables HCAF… to create innovative solutions for all our stakeholders,” the President continues.

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Today Carlisle are the principal supplier to HITACHI for their “Dry” and “Wet” brakes as well as transmission discs for their range of rigid dump trucks. As Carlisle’s local distributor Sintech maintains significant stocks of new brakes, spare parts and friction discs to support these vehicles. In addition they are able to provide HITACHI with a service exchange or brake rebuild programme through their modern workshop.

...we are... in a position to share the knowledge, technologies and information from the other Hitachi group companies which enables HCAF… to create innovative solutions for all our stakeholders

The workshop was designed in consultation with Carlisle and our technicians are factory qualified. We offer full traceability from the supply of new brake throughout its life which can mean several rebuilds, this way we can monitor trends and brake life and consult on improvements, where appropriate. We have an open invitation to our workshop to all customers, both current and future, as we believe when you see how it can be done you will not want to go anywhere else.

T +27(0)11 823 2359 E info@sintech.co.za

www.sintech.co.za

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C O N S T R U C T I O N

M A C H I N E R Y

A F R I C A

( P T Y )

L T D

WEARCHECK Professional condition monitoring supports asset reliability Reducing downtime caused by unscheduled mechanical failures is fundamental to a good maintenance programme, according to condition monitoring specialists, WearCheck. Scientific analysis of used oil from mechanical systems enables WearCheck to reduce the severity of potential failures by monitoring wear and contaminants. Less downtime = cost savings. WearCheck is a ‘one-stop condition monitoring shop’, offering oil analysis and other non-destructive condition monitoring techniques including vibration analysis, laser alignment, thermography and aerial drone inspections. These services support proactive asset management in construction and mining industries in South Africa and beyond.

ASSURED FREIGHT SERVICES This Group continuation and subsequent expansion of services has been pivotal to HCAF’s successful transition into Africa over the past decade, and the business can now boast a customer demographic that covers areas of mining, construction, quarrying and forestry via its highly reliable machinery and aftersales support. Available products include a range of excavators, loaders, trucks, cranes and heavy-duty equipment, consite and industrial solutions. Additional parts including hydraulic oils, hydraulic filters, high pressure hoses, ground engaging tools and remanufacturing components then help to bring HCAF in line with the wider Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) remit. “HCM is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment,

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headquartered in Japan with over 20,000 staff globally,” the website affirms. “HCM market their products worldwide through a global network of company owned and independent dealers” and “supply an extensive range of Hitachi products, associated parts and innovative services throughout the world. “Today, Hitachi leverages its diverse range of expertise to drive its Social Innovation Business on a global scale. Through its Social Innovation Business, Hitachi aims to refine technologies and develop new ones to meet tomorrow’s challenges, creating value that will last for future generations. Hitachi’s Social Innovation Business is already helping customers reach business goals.” Built on a foundation of superb technological capabilities, it is this ability – across both HCM and HCAF – to then

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ith close to two decades of experience in freight clearing and forwarding, Assured Freight Services (Pty) Ltd has established itself as one of the most competitive clearing and forwarding agents for international freight in South Africa. Since our humble beginnings, customer care and service excellence has been the core of its business, and its staff, management and board are all equally committed to move goods quickly, effectively and provide services at an affordable price. With branches in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, the Company’s local network allows us to swiftly move goods in and out of the country. E info@assuredfreight.co.za

www.assuredfreight.com

WCK Advert Hitachi.pdf

C 1

2018/02/05

10:01 PM

Our primary goal is to maintain plant, components and machinery in tip-top condition to yield maximum output. ide

CMY

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in tor

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Speak to a WearCheck consultant today to find out how we can help you reduce unscheduled downtime and maintenance costsâ&#x20AC;? Download our NEW Condition Monitoring App. WearCheck Mobile. Anytime, Anywhere. SABS ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | SANS 17025

www.wearcheck.co.za

wearcheckafrica

t: +27 (0)31 700 5460

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add a personalised, reliable service to its proposition that continues to ensure “reliable solutions” at all times, and in all regions.

Additional value

HCAF’s willingness to adapt despite its traditional market-leading status stems from the knowledge that customer needs are varying and ever-changing. The business elaborates: “Therefore, we work closely with dealers in each country to supply an extensive range of Hitachi products, associated parts and services to individual customers.

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Today, Hitachi leverages its diverse range of expertise to drive its Social Innovation Business on a global scale

A F R I C A

( P T Y )

L T D

We also provide customised training and help to coordinate the financial and administration of portfolios to provide competitive and customisable solutions for customers. “We are [also a] big believer in continuous improvement in solving problems. In order to improve safety, efficiency and reduce environmental loads, we are always developing new technologies for Hitachi Construction Machinery.” Hitachi takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards of design, manufacturing and quality control,

“All Hitachi products are known for reliability, performance and cost efficiency in their specific applications and carry quality assurance to international standards.”

“While maintaining profitable operations, we will act as a responsible corporate citizen maintaining harmony with the environment...”

“In order to improve safety, efficiency and reduce environmental loads, we are always developing new technologies for Hitachi Construction Machinery.”

making sure that every machine is built to perform at the highest level and cope with the toughest working conditions. This manifests across many core facets, but especially for HCAF in the realms of parts, lubricants, valueadded services, technical support and training. While the former two are perhaps expected given the Company’s industrial pedigree, it is through the latter three, more customer-oriented, attributes that Hitachi separates itself from the crowd. “The professional and highly trained

Hitachi service team combines the global expertise and knowledge of Hitachi Construction Machinery with the local language and culture of each customer,” the Company affirms. “The manufacturer takes a proactive approach towards customer service and with technical training in particular - so that the available global knowledge is passed on to each individual technician in the dealer-network machine.” President, Takase adds and concludes: “We will actively develop machinery to improve the relationship between people and the machines

they operate. This relationship creates rich living environments [that are] more comfortable, advanced and efficient. “We will consistently develop and provide our customers with technologies, products, and services that generate additional value. “While maintaining profitable operations, we will act as a responsible corporate citizen maintaining harmony with the environment, contributing to society and participating in cultural activities, thriving for a symbiotic relationship with all stakeholders.”

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E N G I N E E R I N G

elebrating 50 years as one of South Africa’s most reliable industry players, Efficient Engineering’s almost 30,000 square metres of facilities across Gauteng and the Western Cape are testament to both the Company’s reputation and its philosophy. Its ever-expanding and diversifying array of services cater for oil & gas applications, earth moving equipment, materials handling, site fabricated storage tanks, tank manufacturing, equipment design and customisation, and refurbishment and maintenance services; culminating in a one-stop service shop able to bring satisfaction to clients both nationally and internationally. “We understand that projects are constantly evolving and that clients require a progressive, comprehensive product, systems and service solution,” the Company explains on its website. “As a result, we strive to constantly innovate and diversify our service and product offering. “This offering includes the provision of the latest software solutions, design engineering, industrial IT, project management and multi-disciplined engineering and field solutions, tailored for your company needs.” All engineering is performed in-house by qualified personnel, facilitating a personable approach which entails ongoing, direct engagement with clients throughout every project. As such, “we have an extensive working history with all major OEMs and a number of design houses, providing a vast understanding of local conditions, vital to successful project delivery”, the Company adds.

Safe

POWER

Fit for the world stage

Remaining operational and successful for 50 years is no mean feat, and would certainly have been Giuseppe Cimato’s ambition upon incepting the Company back in 1968.

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Efficient Engineering’s 50-year evolution in South Africa inevitably alludes towards market-leading industrial capabilities, but also points to a much more socially responsible driving philosophy Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

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CONTROL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

ince its inception in 2005, CSI has upheld the vision to remain client-centric in order to deliver best-of-breed or best-of-suite value-adding technology solutions that best empower customers with optimal automation and information management solutions. This is achieved through joint professional partnering and the utilization of its engineering team that has more than 600 years combined knowledge and experience in engineering consulting, engineering design, project delivery, and customer support. This value approach into the Southern African market and abroad, continually adds significant value to the operations of numerous industrial clients in different industry sectors.

www.controlsi.co.za

RTS AFRICA ENGINEERING

Back then he envisioned the formation of a dynamic engineering solutions company based in Africa’s economic capital, and as its remit has broadened, this goal has edged closer to, and then beyond, realisation. The aforementioned selection of markets also include open cast mining, modular solutions, mineral processing and petrochemicals, and each are compounded by an increasingly substantial assortment of equipment at Efficient Engineering’s disposal. “Key equipment include truck bodies, drag line buckets, bucket wheel reclaimers, thickeners, mills, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, gas storage bullets, storage silos, electro houses and drum reclaimers,” the business lists. And such scope has inevitably

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translated into numerous high profile projects, as epitomised by one of its flagship projects, MeerKAT, back in 2016. The Company describes: “The South African MeerKAT radio telescope, built some 90 kilometres outside the small Northern Cape town of Carnarvon, was a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and was integrated into the mid-frequency component of SKA Phase 1. The SKA Project is an international enterprise to build the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world, and is located in Africa and Australia. “Efficient Engineering was proud to have been chosen as one of the local manufacturers tasked with delivering a world-class product showcasing an African product fit for the world stage.”

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TS Inertial Spin Filters provide an effective and maintenancefree solution to dust problems in MCC, transformer and control rooms. The filtration principle is based on highly efficient cyclone technology and dust arrestance is 98 percent of 15µm and larger particles. RTS Africa Engineering, in cooperation with Efficient Power, developed the concept of Back Channel Cooling for variable speed drives. This concept feeds dust free air at ambient temperature directly into the drive panels, providing effective cooling without expensive air conditioning equipment. With numerous installations in the field, this technology has been well proven in demanding mining and industrial environments. T +27 12 433 6335 E info@rtsafrica.co.za

www.rtsafrica.co.za

RTS Inertial Spin Filters Eliminate Airborne Dust High Efficiency No Maintenance RTS Africa Engineering (Pty) Ltd Proud suppliers to Efficient Power info@rtsafrica.co.za

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HSE

Efficiency is at the core of Efficient Energy’s culture, as epitomised by its extensive and ever-evolving HSE Policy: • Maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations • Promote a positive attitude towards safety • Establish safety and health objectives for all levels of management and employees • Commit appropriate and sufficient resources to protect and support company safety efforts including providing technical support for our field crews • Provide management leadership and require all employees to take responsibility and ownership for safety, including bringing the attitude that “I am individually responsible for safety” • Ensure that each employee understands that they have the RIGHT to STOP a job/task to prevent any incidents • Assure compliance with all company safety, health, and environmental programmes and practices. • To provide industry leading training to our employees to better educate them how to comply with policies and procedures • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to safety and training • Regularly review and evaluate safety, health, and environmental programmes, procedures, and practices to assure that they are effective and up to date • Assure timely and thorough reporting and investigation of all incidents including the identification of causal factors and the establishment of effective corrective actions

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Uncompromising commitment to health & safety

Across each and every project, Efficient Engineering’s project teams assist clients with whom they have worked for decades, showcasing the scale of loyalty and trust that the Company has managed to foster in a competitive region. “Often these clients come to us with large, complex and at times challenging projects that we assist in delivering from concept to completion and beyond,” the Company affirms. And while this is of course due - in some part - to the quality of service provided, it can largely be attributed to the Company’s dedication to continuous improvement, corporate social responsibility, and health & safety. Regarding the former, the business has implemented quality management systems in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 while it is also an ISO 3834-2 Appendix 10-certified company by SAIW.

ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION CONSTRUCTION A SATISFIED CUSTOMER IS A PARTNER IN OUR BUSINESS

T: +27 11 864 4615 / 6570 | F: +27 11 864 8271 | enquiries@africaeni.co.za

CSR-wise, Efficient Engineering is a proud Level One BBBEE contributor boasting more than 55 percent black ownership and significant black woman ownership as well. And finally, and perhaps most significantly, HSE principles compound and underline everything that is successful and reputable about the Company. “At Efficient Engineering safety is our number one core value,” the Company details. “We are uncompromising in our commitment to the health & safety of our employees, subcontractors, clients, and community. We continually improve our processes, demonstrate leadership, and promote a comprehensive safety culture. We require individual accountability, expect all employees to adhere to our safety standards, and actively participate in and support the advancement of our health &safety best practices.

Often these clients come to us with large, complex and at times challenging projects that we assist in delivering from concept to completion and beyond

“Safety is the responsibility of all employees, including both top management and the individual workers. Everyone is responsible for achieving zero incidents.” Safety leadership, safety accountability and safety innovation are all achieved as a consequence of this wholesome ethos; subsequently realising a vision of zero harm to people, zero harm to assets, and zero harm to the environment.

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LT D

Better Medicine

Better Life Laboratory & Allied Ltd is taking its vision to the masses, striving to reach the top of the pharmaceutical manufacturing food chain with ethics, compassion and sensitivity Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

aboratory & Allied Ltd (Lab & Allied) is a recognised and leading company in the world of pharmaceutical manufacture, with its main target market centrally focused on creating pharmaceuticals for hospitals and veterinary usage. The Company has an illustrious and long history within Kenya and has gained extensive experience since it was formed more than 46 years ago; during that time Lab & Allied has gone from strength to strength within the industry. “We have earned particular distinction as one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Kenya, and strive to constantly work towards the development and subsequent manufacture of pharmaceuticals made to the highest calibre,” explains the Company on its website. “Our united Company mission is to acquire an innovative and quality product portfolio that is affordable for our clients. “At present our major portfolio work is linked to the therapeutic segments, all of which have a dominant presence in major East African markets. We have taken our corporate strength, talent and technological advancements to the masses.”

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The Company has employed a customer-centric approach over the years in order to improve the lives of its customers, providing them with the best possible treatments on the market. The Company concludes: “In recent years our Company has undergone some significant changes in regards

to compliance, modernisation of equipment and our facilities in order to better serve the public. This has all proven to be successful and now we are able to continue on with our commitment to our core values of integrity, excellence, quality and innovation.” Medicine Form

No of units per year

No of units per month

Tablet

4,155,000,000

346,250,200 Nos.

Capsules

415,500,000

34,625,000 Nos.

Ointments

12,465,000 Tubes

1,038,750 Tubes

Liquids

41,550,000 Litres

3,462,500 Litres

Powder for Oral Suspensions

41,550,000 Bottles

3,462,500 Bottles

Penicillin, Tablets/Capsules

546,000,000 Capsules

45,500,000 Capsules

Penicillin, Powder for Oral Suspensions

33,696,000 Bottles

2,808,000 Bottles

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EAST AFRICA PROPERTY INVESTMENT (EAPI) SUMMIT

E V E N T

F O C U S

The premier and largest real estate conference for the region

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 24-25 April WHERE: Radisson Blu, Nairobi, Kenya WEBSITE: www.eapisummit.com

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THE EAST AFRICA Property Investment (EAPI) Summit has established itself as the leading event devoted to driving investment and development in the East African real estate sector. In its fifth year, the summit sets the real estate agenda for the region. In five years, the East Africa Property Investment Summit (EAPI) has become the leading property event for the entire regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate market. Driven by passionate professionals, fast growing economies and exciting projects; the real estate sector provides potential and opportunity for the educated and savvy investor or developer.

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Designed by property professionals to provide insight, debate, dealmaking and networking opportunities through an intensive and collaborative two-day agenda; the EAPI Summit plays a pivotal role in deconstructing the regional markets and providing transparency and insight for the industry for both private sector and public sector stakeholders. With bespoke networking events, exhibition areas and consistent press coverage; the summit offers a perfect opportunity for brands to gain traction in an evolving and growing market. Come network, engage and learn from East Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading property experts.

EAST AFRICA’S LEADING REAL ESTATE EVENT

PAVING FORWARD

WHERE TO NEXT FOR EAST AFRICA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET?

24 - 25 APRIL 2018 RADISSON BLU NAIROBI PLATINUM SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

COCKTAIL SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR DAY 1

INDUSTRY SPONSORS

ADVERTISING SPONSORS

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

1 9 6 7 - 2 0 1 7

THE ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION OF KENYA

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

JOIN US! VISIT WWW.EAPISUMMIT.COM TO REGISTER

3RD AFRICAN REAL ESTATE & INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT

E V E N T

F O C U S

Developing African cities of the future THE AFRICAN Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit 2018 welcomes all built environment and commercial real estate professionals eager to explore Africa’s current urban development trends. In its third year, and in partnership with Wesgro, the two-day interactive conference will

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 15-16 May WHERE: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa CONTACT: Catherine.brassell@spintelligent.com WEBSITE: www.africa-real-estate-summit.com

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take place in Cape Town at the CTICC on 15-16 May, 2018. Here we will look to explore the following key areas around developing future African cities: • Integrated urban development: Focus on sustainability and water crisis management • Transport and mobility: Decentralised infrastructure development and the role of smart technology • Housing and mixed-use projects: Focus on affordable housing The African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit will look to welcome local and international urban planners, architects, developers, construction firms, consultancies, banking and finance professionals; all with the common goal of developing African cities. The integrated and open-plan main stage will explore the following key discussion points: • Developing Future African Cities: Investing in Africa • Unpacking the Water Crisis: A comprehensive look at what has

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been done to ward off #DayZero and what effect the crisis has had on the built environment • The Smart Transport Revolution: Exploring the imperative role efficient mobility plays in our smart city developments in Africa • Decentralised infrastructure development • The impact future technologies will have on the development of our planned master cities in Africa • Dynamic discussions around affordable housing • Constructing Resilient Cities: Insights into the forecast for sustainable development of African cities • African Smart Cities Successes: A look at some of the innovative and transforming smart city initiatives being implemented around the continent • Investment in African City Development: A comprehensive guide to investment trends within African infrastructure and city development • The notion of Rural Development Districts: Would the notion of Rural Development Districts slow down rapid urbanisation to diffuse our current state of issues? • Integrated Transport Systems of the Future: Breaking down the daunting task of integrating our ailing public transport system and effectively implement this plan to minimise failure • What is the next step in housing and mixed-use projects on the continent? The summit will take place in colocation with African Utility Week, Africa’s leading power, energy and water trade expo and conference. To register to attend this exciting two-day interactive exhibition and conference, tickets are available through Quicket: www.quicket.co.za

DEVELOPING FUTURE AFRICAN CITIES

15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 MAY 2018 CTICC, CAPE TOWN

2 DAY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE TARGET PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS, DEVELOPERS, INVESTORS, CITY AND MUNICIPAL PLANNERS QUALITY CONTENT ON AFRICAN URBANISATION PROJECT SHOWCASE STAGE 40+ EXHIBITORS 800 DELEGATES CO-LOCATED WITH

PROMOTIONAL AGENCY

@realestatesummit

@ARES_Summit

www.african-real-estate-summit.com

BOTSREAL PROPERTY & INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM

E V E N T

F O C U S

Botswana’s primary real estate forum

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 30 May WHERE: Masa Square Hotel, Gaborone WEBSITE: www.botsreal.com

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THE BOTSREAL Property and Infrastructure Forum is a one-day conference focused Botswana’s built environment industry. The forum facilitates discussions around the opportunities and challenges in one of Africa’s most unique and mature real estate markets. The BotsReal Property & Infrastructure Forum is centred on the Botswana real estate and built environment industries. The one-day forum will facilitate the platform for both private and public investors, developers and industry professionals, to network, debate and examine issues and opportunities around the country’s property and infrastructure sectors. Through API Events’ regional

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network, the event will also attract international companies and investors looking for opportunities in Botswana as well potential partners, suppliers and service providers. BotsReal will attract a variation of high-calibre delegates including developers, investors, financiers, industry professionals as well as top tier public sector personnel looking to expand the Botswana real estate and infrastructure industries.

THE SEARCH

FOR GROWTH

BOTSWANA’S PROPERTY & INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM

30 MAY 2018

MASA SQUARE HOTEL, GABORONE

DAY 1 DAY CONFERENCE

250 DELEGATES

MAIN PLENARY

NETWORKING & MEETING ROOMS

COCKTAIL FUNCTION

BOTSWANA’S PRIMARY REAL ESTATE FORUM

Bashi Gaetsaloe Managing Director Botswana Development Corporation

Sandy Kelly Managing Director Time Projects Botswana

Thapelo Tsheole Chief Executive Officer Botswana Stock Exchange

Gosego January Principal Executive Officer Debswana Pension Fund

Guido Giachetti Group Executive Officer Real Estate Group Botswana