December 2017
Welcome to the December/January bumper edition of Enterprise Africa, which is the biggest and best magazine we have ever produced! With more stories, more interviews, more leading companies, more exclusives and more reach, Enterprise Africa continues to set the pace when it comes to profiling successful African businesses.
Through this festive season, we look at stories of growth and development over what has been a challenging year. In June, the country was in technical recession and its international credit rating with some of the world’s major agencies was downgraded to junk. With unemployment remaining high and GDP growth low, opportunities for businesses to grow have been few and far between, but innovative companies have still managed to shine.
This month we look at powerhouse financial services company, Alexander Forbes. CEO Andrew Darfoor is taking the business in an all new direction, looking to talk to clients like never before. He hopes that this will further increase market share and grow a “pan-African” business.
Grindrod Freight Services is investing heavily in South Africa shunning the negativity brought about by a slow economy; CEO Bongiwe Ntuli tells us more about becoming a global player.
Nautic Africa is now recognised across the continent as a company that supplies internationally recognised first-class maritime vessels; quite the achievement for a business that started out with a handful of people in a small yard in Hout Bay.
Dundee’s Buffalo Coal was in a precarious position just 12-months ago but today, after a strong turnaround strategy delivered by new CEO Rowan Karstel, the business is profitable and on track for growth. A major planned expansion project of its Aviemore mine demonstrates just how far this very local business has come.
Genius architectural and design agency, SAOTA is looking at further building its international project portfolio and is celebrating success in Clifton; Director Greg Truen tells us more about staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.
The fact that all of these businesses, and more, continue to defy the economic situation and grow regardless of lacking confidence is testament to the business acumen, innovation and strength that continues to flow throughout Southern Africa’s commercial markets. Let’s hope this can continue into 2018 and beyond.
We’re always online and would love to hear how your business has progressed, or not, in 2017 – get in touch @EnterpriseAfri1