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This month we are reminded of the range of expertise across southern Africa. While there remain powerhouse industry sectors, there are now so many areas in which the region boasts world-class talent and IP.

Of course, mining is renowned. Sasol Dyno Nobel is the blasting partner to southern Africa’s mining industry, manufacturing locally and taking advantage of the world’s foremost innovation. CEO Charl Norden tells us that the company is 100% committed to its customers in Africa, and is resolute in its belief that the product range offered is reliable, responsible, and of the highest quality.

In finance, there remains a challenge around inclusion. The further you go from South African borders, the deeper this challenge is. However, that doesn’t mean that there are not world class minds working to address the gap. Altron FinTech has, for 30 years, been a preferred local supplier of hardware and software solutions for transactional payment channels. The knowledge within the company is game changing, and MD Johan Gellatly talks to us about how the financial industry is ultimately about people. By working hard on team culture and values, this is a business making a difference for people.

The insurance industry is another where South Africa has excelled, and the country can call itself a world leader in the range of products and the complex systems it has developed to protect and mitigate risks. Antonio Iozzo of the Alpha Group tells us that by focusing on the individual needs of the client and not trying to take a blanket approach to sales, his company has grown into a strong player that is now highly respected.

in healthcare, southern Africa is busy innovating its own solutions to problems and advancing the use of digital tools faster than many expected. Sakhiwo, the leading healthcare development consultancy, is advocating the adoption of AI systems to complement physical premises. Biovac, the Cape Town-based vaccine specialist, has finally received approval for the trialling of its oral cholera vaccine – completely developed in house, and manufactured in Cape Town. This expertise is a great step forward, and shows again that Africa can and will do what is required when the conditions are correct.

Get in touch and tell us which industry your company is advancing and how far you’ve come. We’re always online, especially through LinkedIn.