January 2025
Sub-Saharan Africa is at the forefront of so many things, but digital finance has to be the headline. From digital wallets to easy money transfer to cash to wallet solutions and so many other things, popular money tech solutions in markets all around the world originate on the continent. The challenge in this space is keeping up with development, something that so many big businesses fail to do because of their sheer size. However, one of the biggest, Absa, has committed to being at the sharp end of innovation while taking care of customers as a strong corporate citizen. The key, according to the business, is to be close to customers. Understand how they work and what they need to thrive, and then tweak and adapt products to suit these often overlooked issues. In 2025, Absa is listening to stories with the view that every story matters and laying out a product portfolio to help clients as much as possible.
Similarly, the SKAO megaproject rolls on, bringing benefits to all its touches. Antennas are up, the big lift of satellite dishes is underway, and connections to the rest of the world are in place. Soon, sub-Saharan Africa will become the world’s radio astronomy epicenter. In this process, education and opportunity is opened up like never before. The UK, Germany, China, the Netherlands, Italy and more are all sending finance and expertise to southern Africa to ensure the long-term sustainability of this impressive science and technology marvel.
In local business, so many continue to show why sub-Saharan Africa is a creative and exciting place to be for business. Medscheme, South Africa’s medical aid administrator, is developing new digital solutions to make the industry more streamlined. Kagiso Tiso Holdings is investing in modern technology businesses to bolster its strong portfolio. Buscor is training people and upskilling communities across its presence in Mpumalanga and the surrounding area. And the University of Pretoria and its Enterprises:UP business is driving skills adoption in a big way, opening up the market for personal development like never before.
It’s an exciting time, and 2025 already looks set to be a boomer, building on the hard work that so many have contributed in the tough times since the reemergence of an economy after the pandemic.
Get in touch and tell us how your business is doing things better, faster, strong, and more sustainably in 2025. We’re online at LinkedIn.