The rise of e-commerce on the African continent is changing the face of the traditional consumer, and brands need to adapt their business models and strategies in order to remain relevant amongst consumers and avoid a drop in market share. African consumers are increasingly searching online platforms with commercial intent, which include querying prices of goods, and researching where products or services can be purchased. According to research by Google South Africa, there was an increase of 49% in query volumes in Nigeria, 37% in South Africa and 33% in Kenya, during 2014. Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express…
Author: Editor
A-Cap Resources Limited said it plans to raise $4 million by way of a non-renounceable entitlement offer to shareholders of approximately 100,011,842 new shares on the basis of 1 new share in the company for every 3.75 shares held, at an issue price of 4 cents per share, which will be fully underwritten. The resources company revealed that shares issued under the Rights Issue will rank equally in all respects with the Company’s existing fully paid ordinary shares. “Proceeds from the Rights Issue will be used to enable the company to complete further feasibility work necessary for a mining…
The multinational metals company, Rio Tinto said it was streamlining its product groups and corporate functions as part of the continued focus on efficiency and costs. The group said under the new arrangements, its world-class portfolio of assets will be condensed into four product groups: Aluminium, Copper and Coal, Diamonds and Minerals, and Iron Ore. On the other hand, the new Copper and Coal product group will bring Rio Tinto’s coal operations alongside the existing Copper portfolio. Copper chief executive Jean-Sébastien Jacques will lead the combined product group. Uranium will be added to the Diamonds and Minerals product group,…
A mine disaster at Selebi-Phikwe based copper-nickel miner, BCL has claimed the lives of two employees following an explosion at the underground operation. The government owned BCL runs one of the most sophisticated underground hard rock mining operations in the world—rivaling many of mining operations in the country. The company said the accident happened at its Phikwe Central (Number 3) Shaft on Tuesday 24 February, 2015 at 870ML/3250. “This incident claimed two (2) lives of our personnel working at that area, while the other four (4) who were treated for minor injuries at the BCL Mine Hospital and discharged,” the…
The 3rd Annual International Heavyweight Comedy Festival (HICOFEST) is coming to Gaborone on March 27th at Gaborone Sun Hotel with South Africa’s most sought after and in demand comedians. The 1st Annual HICOFEST was headlined by the Mashabela Galane, Deep Fried Man and Sifiso in December 2013. However, in 2014 the organisers decided to move the event to March and the 2nd annual event was headlined by Thapelo ‘Tips’ Shampoo Seemise. Major Moves Comedy is now back with the 3rd installment headlined by the razor sharp comedy of Conrad Koch and Chester Missing. Events coordinator for Major Moves Comedy Gaolathe…
The African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) has held a two-day Non Life Reinsurance Seminar in Gaborone with the event attracting participants from all the short-term sector of the insurance industry in Botswana. The seminar focused on Fire Risk Survey and Engineering Insurance with emphasis on Contractor’s All Risk. Other areas covered during the seminar included Introductions to Reinsurance, Reinsurance Accounting and Claims Management. Managing Director of Africa Re (SA) Ltd, Daryl De Vos said the initiative was aimed at enhancing the knowledge and underwriting skills of the participants which hopefully would enable them to respond adequately to the changing needs…
A new study by THEnergy, which advises companies deal with energy related challenges, has shown that mining companies can improve their negotiating position considerably by backing renewable energy projects. The study “Renewable Energy as a Leverage for Mining Companies in Negotiations with Utilities and Diesel Suppliers” is based on 32 interviews with experts from the mining, financial and renewable energy sectors. According to THEnergy, many mining companies are not satisfied with their energy supplier. It stated that oil and coal prices have fallen to a six-year low, saying however; many mining companies do not see this on their energy…
Understanding and embracing digital marketing can be used as a tool to realise Botswana’s Vision 2016 goal of being an educated and informed nation. Speaking at a Digital Marketing Stakeholder Engagement workshop at Cresta Hotel, the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) Chief Executive Officer, Reginald Motswaiso said e-business can also go a long way in helping deliver services. “Digital Marketing is an opportunity for all present here today to drive a culture of lifelong learning that maximizes the potential within all citizens as well as accelerate innovation to develop knowledge based choices and decisions,” Motswaiso stated. He added that digital…
Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest independently owned gemological laboratories in the world, said its Botswana laboratory is the first in Africa to use DiaMension(tm) Axiom in Africa. DiaMension Axiom is Sarine’s next generation high-end technology diamond scanner for measuring and modeling polished diamonds. According to the institute, the DiaMension(tm) Axiom is the only scanner that enables fully automated cut & symmetry grading. Such innovative technology breaches the boundaries of the old Shadows modeling concept and limitations. Debbie Azar, EVP, GSI, said they are proud to be the first user of the DiaMension(tm) Axiom. “With its…
The African Development Bank (AfDB), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the United States-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have formed a partnership centred on linking gender and energy access. According to AfDB, the three institutions are jointly organising a workshop to launch a project about developing an ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access and its Implementation Strategy. “AfDB’s role is grounded in its Energy Policy, which advocates for ‘universal access to energy,’ said Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, AfDB’s Special Envoy on Gender. Participants include Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Family, Women and Children, AfDB’s Special…