Author: Gugu Lourie
In a major breakthrough for renewable energy in Africa, the SOLA Group has announced the successful and early launch of the Springbok Solar Power Project. The 195-megawatt (MW) facility is the continent’s first multi-buyer, flexible energy wheeling plant. Delivered ahead of schedule, the project is a significant step in modernizing South Africa’s grid and creates a new model for large-scale solar development. It allows multiple companies to buy power from a single plant with flexible contract lengths, a first for the region. A Pioneering Model for Clean Energy This project brings SOLA Group’s total operational portfolio to 464 MWp, making…
Optasia, a major AI-powered financial technology platform, has announced a big step: it’s planning to list its shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and raise a significant amount of money from investors. The company is a global leader in providing instant financial services, especially in emerging markets. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to offer loans and other solutions to people who are often overlooked by traditional banks. Key Facts About Optasia: Massive Reach: It operates in 38 countries and has about 121 million active users every month. High Volume: Its systems process over 32 million loan transactions every single day. Big…
Axiz, a leading technology distributor in Africa, today announced a distribution partnership with Nasdaq-listed Equinix, a global digital infrastructure company . The agreement expands Axiz’s portfolio by making Equinix’s data centre and interconnection solutions available to partners and customers across South Africa and the wider African region. The partnership links Axiz’s established distribution network with Equinix’s global infrastructure solutions. Businesses will gain access to colocation services at the Johannesburg IBX data centre (JN1), the Equinix Fabric® software-defined interconnection service, and the wider Equinix ecosystem of cloud providers, networks, and enterprises. Axiz said the agreement strengthens its portfolio and enables its…
Here’s a simple idea for the new bosses at Canal+: sometimes, the smartest way to win is to make your world less complicated. The French media giant has just bought MultiChoice, and with it, control of Africa’s pay-TV landscape. But the highly publicised purchase comes with a problem; a needless, self-inflicted one. Buried inside this deal are two streaming services – DStv Stream and Showmax – essentially competing for the same customers. This isn’t a strategic move; it’s a classic case of what economists call inefficiency. Think of it like owning two bakeries on the same street, selling similar bread…
In a major move that reshapes the European online classifieds landscape, OLX Group has agreed to acquire leading French auto platform La Centrale for €1.1 billion, signaling a major push into Western Europe powered by artificial intelligence. The deal, expected to close by year-end, grants OLX an immediate leading position in France’s large and dynamic used car market. The acquisition is a strategic leap for OLX, which operates thriving marketplaces in Central and Eastern Europe. La Centrale, with its strong brand recognition, deep dealer relationships, and approximately 4.5 million monthly unique visitors, provides the perfect entry point into Western Europe.…
In a major move signaling the rising strategic importance of emerging markets, PayPal has pledged a landmark $100 million investment to fuel the digital revolution across the Middle East and Africa. This substantial commitment, announced from its regional hub in Dubai, is designed to supercharge one of the world’s fastest-growing digital commerce landscapes. The funds will be strategically channeled to empower local entrepreneurs, accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, and integrate millions of new users into the digital financial ecosystem, positioning PayPal at the forefront of the region’s unprecedented economic transformation. “The Middle East and Africa are home…
In a move that reshapes the African media landscape, French conglomerate Canal+ has officially assumed control of MultiChoice Group (MCG) after its mandatory takeover offer was declared unconditional. The completion triggers a sweeping executive overhaul, creating a new integrated leadership structure for its expansive African operations. Maxime Saada, CEO of CANAL+ said: “Today marks an important step forward for CANAL+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach and creativity… I look forward to providing the market with a more detailed update on the strategy of our combined group during the first quarter of next…
Joanna Govender, CEO of the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), has just won at the Women in Tech Africa Awards 2025. She took home the award for ‘Most Impactful Initiative,’ securing her spot to represent the entire African continent at the global finals in Paris this November. This iconic event in Paris is the grand finale of a massive three-month world tour that honoured women tech leaders across seven regions: LATAM, North America, Africa, Europe, APAC, MENA, and Caucasus and Central Asia. The best from each region will now compete for the global title. The award celebrates EPF’s groundbreaking work using…
If you want to understand the future of a country, look at what it drives. For decades, South Africa’s roads have been dominated by the dependable, fossil-fueled stalwarts of Volkswagen Polo, the Toyota Corolla. the middle class and the rich driven in BMW, Mercedes and Volvo, while the rich cruzing on Range Rovers and Porsche. They were symbols of aspirational, practical mobility. But last week, that status quo was handed a pink slip. The world’s biggest electric vehicle maker, Build Your Dreams (BYD), didn’t just enter the South African market; it declared war on the internal combustion engine with a…
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 7%, with the prime lending rate to also remain at 10.5%. This was announced by SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago following a meeting of the bank’s MPC. “Four members preferred to keep rates on hold, while two favoured a cut of 25 basis points. Since September last year, we have reduced rates by 125 basis points, and we want to see how this is affecting the economy, how expectations evolve, and how inflation risks are resolved. “The forecast has rates easing gradually, as…
There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you make money at PariPesa in Zambia. You might be aware of some, but we want to give every beginner a winning chance. So, we have compiled a list of the best tips that you can deploy for success. Let’s get started! Join the Affiliate Program Register on the https://paripesapartners.com/. Doing so will set you up with an affiliate link. The more people you can bring into the company using it, the more commission you will earn. As long as these people keep betting, you’ll keep getting paid every Tuesday. They…
The barrier to electric vehicle ownership in South Africa has just been ‘shattered.’ BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched the BYD Dolphin Surf with a starting price that sends a clear message to the market: the electric revolution is for everyone. Priced from R339,900, the Dolphin Surf isn’t just another entry on the pricelist; it’s a direct challenge to the status quo. This stylish, practical, and mass-market-focused EV is poised to transform the local automotive landscape by making zero-emission driving both affordable and aspirational for everyday South Africans. Two Trims, One Goal: Mainstream EV Adoption…
Dogecoin is once again at the center of attention as September edges toward its close, with traders closely watching whether the meme coin can hold momentum above key levels. After surging nearly 6% this week, DOGE is consolidating around $0.26 as investors brace for the debut of the first U.S. Dogecoin ETF, “DOJE.” The launch, however, has been delayed until next week, leaving traders to weigh whether the hype can sustain through the final weeks of the month. On-chain flows show that whales have been steadily accumulating, with inflows totaling millions of tokens in recent sessions, yet resistance near $0.29…
Pi Coin investors have been wondering something for quite some time – who actually owns most of the supply? Since its long-awaited mainnet launch earlier this year, Pi has struggled to live up to years of hype around mobile mining and promises of mass adoption. The token trades near $0.34, almost 90% below its peak, leaving many early supporters disillusioned. Blockchain data now reveals just how concentrated Pi ownership really is – and the picture raises tough questions about the project’s long-term credibility. Some investors are even looking for other opportunities such as MAGACOIN FINANCE as experts predict it will…
The debate between utility and meme coin hype is not new to the crypto market. There exists demand for both of these categories. However, investors are increasingly showing interest in blockchain real estate projects lately. The reason for this is that a crypto backed by real-world assets will be stable because of the inherent value and scarcity of the attached asset. One such viral RWA project is Avalon X (AVLX). Its giveaways and utilities have been the talk of the town in the crypto market. Analysts even believe that the Avalon X presale can leave behind the PEPE coin price…
Some of the biggest winners in every bull cycle are not the coins that are currently making headlines, but rather the unseen gems that are steadily gaining ground. Institutional portfolios are anchored by Bitcoin and Ethereum, but smaller tokens with infrastructure demand, cultural power, and scarcity-driven presales are producing the kind of game-changing returns that characterise cycles. Three such projects – HYPE, PYTH, and MAGACOIN FINANCE – are being highlighted by analysts more and more in 2025. By the end of the year, all of them are being presented as explosive opportunities, each of which represents a distinct aspect of…
The electric vehicle ‘revolution’ has officially arrived for the everyday South African. BYD Auto South Africa has launched the bold and compact Dolphin Surf hatchback, strategically positioned as the country’s most affordable EV with a groundbreaking launch price under R400,000. This move is an important moment for the local EV landscape, shattering the primary barriers of price and accessibility that have previously limited widespread adoption. The Dolphin Surf isn’t just another car; it’s a gateway to sustainable mobility for a new wave of drivers. The EV For Every Vibe Designed as the ultimate urban companion, the Dolphin Surf combines practicality…
It’s no coincidence that Zendesk Presents: South Africa, taking place this September, sharing practical and modern ways to transform customer service — from AI-powered automation to lean, scalable operations that make a real impact. For global businesses, these tools are an advantage. For South African businesses, they’re becoming a necessity. Why WhatsApp Is the New Frontline 94% of South Africans use WhatsApp daily (Statista). It is the country’s most trusted digital touchpoint — fast, familiar, and personal. But making WhatsApp work at enterprise scale requires more than plugging in a chat app. It demands integration, automation, and a balance of…
Nine years ago, Vodacom announced a vision that seemed ludicrous to many: a future where they would provide full internet services inside connected cars. Critics whispered that the telco’s bosses needed a one-way ticket to Weskoppies psychiatric hospital. But Vodacom wasn’t mad. It was visionary. While the world focused on carmakers and batteries, Vodacom saw the hidden nerve centre of the modern vehicle: connectivity. Electric vehicles are available from brands like Volvo, BMW, Mini, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, GWM, Jaguar, Porsche, Lotus, and BYD in South Africa, with the Volvo EX30 being a best-seller in 2024. In 2024, Volvo sold 539 electric…
The XRP price may be holding the spotlight with ETF rumors and adoption stories, but the louder excitement is swirling around Rollblock. Traders across multiple communities sense that while Ripple could stabilize here, Rollblock might surge up to 50x this year. The intensity of the FOMO among investors big and small is setting the stage for one of the boldest moves in 2025… Rollblock (RBLK): FOMO At Fever Pitch Rollblock (RBLK) is shaping up as one of the top crypto projects of 2025, building momentum across Telegram, X, and trading forums. The platform’s edge is simple yet powerful: over 12,000…
The month of September has once again reminded global investors why Bitcoin remains one of the most unpredictable yet rewarding assets. Price swings have tested the nerves of traders worldwide, but for those leveraging BAY Miner Cloud Mining, volatility has become less of a risk and more of an opportunity. With advanced cloud-based infrastructure, investors are now able to generate up to $85,777 in monthly passive income, positioning BAY Miner as one of the most trusted names in the next era of digital wealth creation. September Volatility: Risk for Some, Opportunity for Others In the past, September has proven to…
TaxTim, South Africa’s leading digital tax assistant, has been acquired by a private consortium led by Twofold Capital. The consortium, which includes Stellenbosch-based technology group Octoco, provided a successful exit for TaxTim’s non-operational shareholders and a partial exit for co-founder Evan Robinson, who will remain involved in the business and continue to lead product strategy. The acquisition paves the way for significant product enhancement and expansion into new services, backed by deep technological expertise. “TaxTim has built a trusted brand, a loyal user base, and a track record of solving real customer problems in a market where simplicity and trust…
How can artificial intelligence be harnessed to protect a nation’s soul and ensure its people’s security? The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) and TechFinancials are posing this critical question for September’s TFS Q&A Competition, offering a R5,000 cash prize for the most innovative answer. The latest challenge in the Solve For X initiative asks: “How can AI protect our heritage and keep our public spaces safer?” This call to action invites students, tech developers, data scientists, and civic-minded innovators to propose practical AI applications. The challenge seeks solutions that could monitor heritage sites for vandalism or decay, analyse data to prevent crime in public areas, or create…
In response to a dramatic surge in AI-powered banking fraud, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is urgently calling for the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Commissioner to protect South African consumers. This proposal follows the release of the latest South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) report, which revealed that digital banking fraud cases doubled from 2023 to 2024, with financial losses climbing from R1 billion to a staggering R1.4 billion. While overall crime-related losses decreased, the report highlights a worrying trend: sophisticated scams targeting individual customers are becoming increasingly common. Currently, banks have no legal obligation to reimburse victims of…
The South African Competition Commission has unconditionally approved the proposed acquisition of local messaging company SMSPortal by Norway-based LINK Mobility Group Holding ASA. Founded in Cape Town, SMSPortal has become a leader in the cloud communications (CPaaS) industry as it evolve with its ever-changing customer base. For more read: From student entrepreneurs to billion-rand business According to a notice from the regulator, the deal involves LINK Mobility using a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to acquire 100% of SMSPortal. The Commission found that the transaction is “unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market” and raised no significant public…