Industry News
6 reasons why Africa’s new free trade area is a global game changer
AfCFTA, the largest global free trade area by countries participating, could transform the continent’s economic prospects.
It aims to be a model of cross-border cooperation in an era of growing isolationism.
The agreement must overcome implementation challenges to realize its many benefits.
Cashbuild more than doubles profit as expansion continues
Cashbuild, SA’s largest retailer of building materials, has more than doubled its interim profit and is continuing its expansion as Covid-19 drives impressive growth in demand for home improvement.
AfCFTA: Alive with possibilities
The South African government says it will maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into operation on 1 January 2021, following the adoption of the Johannesburg Declaration by the African Union (AU).
Acquisition of Pepkor’s John Craig saves 400 jobs
The Competition Tribunal has approved the sale of Pepkor menswear chain John Craig to Johannesburg-based Blue Falcon 188 Trading, saving 422 jobs. Under the terms of the merger, Blue Falcon will acquire certain portions and assets of the John Craig business, which is a division of Pepkor Speciality.
Agri SA calls for more commercial sector involvement in driving growth
Industry organisation Agri SA says President Cyril Ramaphosa will have to spell out the role of the commercial sector clearly in his upcoming State of the Nation Address.
Coca-Cola’s South African bottler to increase black ownership stake to 20%
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) will increase the stake held by employees and black empowerment investors in the company to 20%, it said on Friday, in a bid to meet merger conditions laid out by competition authorities.
Jobs bonanza for Bay as new companies invest R49m at Coega IDZ
As SA bleeds jobs, four new companies are investing a combined R49m at the Coega industrial development zone (IDZ) in Nelson Mandela Bay and creating employment for at least 100 people.
Strong sales of DIY and homeware helped SA’s big stores over December
South African consumers hunkered down at home during the pandemic gave a nice boost in sales for Mr Price Home and Massmart’s Builders Warehouse, as many upgraded their immediate surroundings.
5 tips for business continuity in 2021
By the time you read this, South Africa would have been in a state of lockdown for more than 300 days, and there is no end in sight; here or globally. We know that the economic consequences of this have been devastating for our country.
Jua Kickstarter Fund for African entrepreneurs doubles to R30m
The Jua Kickstarter Fund has doubled to $2m (R30m). The fund was launched by African industrialist Adam Molai in November 2020 with $1m available for African entrepreneurs. The increase in funding is from US-based angel investing and mentorship firm Simba Global Start-ups.
After months of COVID delays, African free trade bloc launches
After months of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the African Continental Free Trade Area launches, but full implementation of the historic pact may take years.
The 5 habits of highly resilient businesses
Look at any major crisis, and you’ll see that the most resilient organisations share several common traits that allow them to emerge successful, whatever their industry.
SA retailers turn from China to source local clothes
South African retailers including The Foschini Group and Woolworths are increasing investment in local clothing manufacturers – both to reduce a dependency on Chinese imports and secure a supply chain thrown into disarray by Covid-19 restrictions.
Mapped: The Top Export in Every Country
This infographic from HowMuch.net shows the top export in every country by value, according to the most recent global data from 2018.
Growth of South Africa’s manufacturing sector must be accelerated, says consultancy
Manufacturing is one of the sectors that can best assist in growing South Africa’s economy and, therefore, the sector’s growth must be accelerated, management consulting company Mandela and Associates CEO Dilley Naidoo said during the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association’s webinar on November 20.
