When Barclays divested its final stake in South African bank Absa, some people may have mistakenly thought that it was exiting Africa for good. But even as that final stake was being sold, Barclays was proactively strategising on rebuilding its African presence.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Rather than focusing on retail banking, it would focus on servicing the Private Banking needs of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and their global families.&nbsp;



Amol Prabhu, Country CEO: South Africa and Market Head: Africa for Barclays, says the gains it’s made and&nbsp; the plans it’s laid out for the future, show that it’s a new chapter in the Barclays story on the continent.&nbsp;



Getting to that point has meant being clear about its African target market and how it can provide real value to clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“We’re no ordinary Private Bank. We’re not here to provide everything, for everyone, everywhere.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



That means focusing on UHNW families who hold investable assets of £10 million+, particularly in Anglophone countries. As Prabhu points out, there’s a very strategic reason for this strict focus.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Most Anglophone African countries retain strong ties to the UK,” he says. “Those ties can be particularly strong for families, who may have gone to university in the UK and may have worked there at one point. They likely want the same opportunities for their children and hold UK real estate- particularly in London. Because we’re headquartered there, we act as the primary corridor to the UK.”&nbsp;



As he points out, UNHW families are increasingly global and it’s feasible for grandparents to reside in South Africa or Kenya, while one child lives in the UK, another in the Middle East, with extended family residing in India.&nbsp;



Despite the global nature of such clients, Barclays’ services remain highly personalised. Having Private Banker coverage across these locations allows the bank to really understand the family dynamics and be able to bank each individual in their location as well as support the family holistically.”&nbsp;



“Around 90% of client meetings take place in their homes. That’s because the topics being discussed are private and a relaxed home environment, helps open frank dialogue amongst family members, often across multiple generations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



That means Barclays has to be innovative with the kinds of investment offerings it gives its clients. With overseas real estate, for example, it provides mortgages off the back of local earnings, something that few other banks do. It allows for global investments in multi-asset portfolios through direct stock selection, resulting in lower fees for customers, and its Private Assets programme makes it easier for clients to invest in high-growth startups and opportunities that are not available in the public markets.&nbsp;



“Many of our clients are entrepreneurs and are keen to invest in the sectors they built their wealth in,” says Prabhu.&nbsp;&nbsp;



That embrace of innovation is also part of why Barclays is so committed to Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Growth in Africa leads to global growth,” says Prabhu. “We’ve seen that through helping families who head up African ventures to expand into markets like the UK, Middle East, and India. Having a strong presence in Africa also allows us to connect families in Africa with other global families for joint ventures and investments.”&nbsp;



Further evidence of Barclays’ commitment to Africa can be seen in its Referral Agreement with Credit Suisse that enabled Credit Suisse to refer its private banking clients in Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) to Barclays.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“That single referral opportunity is equivalent to five years’ worth of organic growth,” he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Barclays is also working hard to ensure that it can help its clients to do good across the continent.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“For a lot of younger people it’s about finding ways to marry scenarios where they’re making money while doing good,” he says. “Here, our global expertise in impact investing as well as impact Philanthropy can be incredibly helpful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



Prabhu says Barclays’ new approach to Africa can be summed up as one that’s cognizant of the bank’s long history on the continent but which is optimised to provide the best possible experience for its client.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Our customers know how critical it is that the institution holding their money is trusted, stable and independent and we will never compromise on that.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Same Name, New Approach: How This Bank is Building its African Renaissance 

While the African beauty industry is dominated by international beauty conglomerates, Belle Nubian seeks to challenge these statistics, and also help the continent reclaim what it considers to be African beauty.



As beauty ideals begin to shift, the demand for brands that understand African skin continues to grow. Tapping into a billion-dollar industry that is dominated by international companies is no easy feat. Yet, Faria Ichola already possessed a skill that would help her achieve this goal – a work ethic instilled in her by an A list American Singer. “It was an intense experience, but as my coach and mentor, she instilled an incredible work ethic in me.” It was during this period that Ichola was introduced to skincare solutions practiced by celebrities, and she noticed how these solutions helped maintain healthy skin. Coupled with memories of her late mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, and her master’s in Business and Administration, it wasn’t long before Ichola set out to provide solutions to women on the African continent.



A solution for African skin concerns



Hailing from the Republic of Benin and Ivory Coast, West Africa, and struggling with her own skincare issues, Ichola sought out remedies. She discovered a formula that was so effective that she believed it would offer the same benefits to others. Launched in 2016, based in New York, Belle Nubian now has 40 stores around the world, with just over 200 distributors, and an annual turnover of $10 million. Translating to Beautiful Black, the brand emerged after Ichola was introduced to glutathione, an antioxidant ingredient gaining popularity due to its effectiveness on the skin and overall health.



After discovering that the compound was relatively non-existent in the beauty market, Ichola created a dual glutathione and vitamin C product, and began selling. It wasn’t long before the product sold out, and as the brand grew and began introducing new products, Ichola recruited distributors that would help her sell across Africa. 60% of revenue is generated from the franchises and distributors in Europe and the USA. Ichola has also created opportunities for African women to earn a living by distributing Belle Nubian products. “We empower so many women who are now financially independent and happier in their marriages and in their lives. They don’t have to take any burden from men anymore. They’re free.



Laying the Beauty Foundation



Launching a successful business is a feat that Ichola is proud of, yet she has realized that no matter how large her consumer numbers grow, it doesn’t make her immune to criticism. Ichola acknowledges that every struggle comes with a lesson, and if she hadn’t gone through these struggles, then she wouldn’t have learned what she needed to in order to move forward.



A beauty secret revealed



Consumers often struggle with trusting brands, especially those that produce products to be used on the skin. “My audience likes me because I’m genuine. I don’t pretend to be what I’m not…I share my struggle. I share my battles, and I’m transparent.” However, it is not just the effectiveness of her ingredients or candidness that Ichola credits her success to, but also her attention to detail. “Unfortunately, while some companies will possess all the necessary tools and resources, they may fail to meet success due to poor implementation and organization,” says Ichola. By ensuring organization in her business, and never letting anybody discourage her, Ichola launched a successful brand that brought luxury skincare to the continent. With plans for the brand to introduce products aimed at babies, as well as haircare, it’s clear that Belle Nubian is leaving its beauty mark on Africa – and beyond, as the company intends on expanding into real estate and finance

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Bringing African Luxury To Skincare

Energy balance and private investments are crucial for the recovery of KZN economy.



KZN has the potential to cover the energy needs of the province and still supply excess energy into the national grid. With the projects being planned, KZN could become the hub for renewable energy in the future.&nbsp;



Renewable Energy Manager, Sbu Ntshalintshali explained, “The demand for energy in the KwaZulu-Natal province is forecasted to grow steadily at about 2% annually, from 6 281 MW to 7 562 MW by 2028. Base load generating capability in the Richards Bay, will eliminate the current scale of line losses and provide a completely new source of power capable of supplying the entire demand of KZN. As such, KZN would be removed from the existing national demand profile but in addition flow of electricity could be reversed from KZN back into the national transmission network providing much-need capacity and stabilisation of the grid.”&nbsp;



Below are some of the key projects being undertaken as part of the city’s and regions roadmap to sustainable energy supply.&nbsp;



Independent Power Producers Programme&nbsp;



The rollout of eThekwini’s Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MIPPPP) is expected to attract approximately R324 billion by 2035. However, the first batch of procurement will only attract R10 billion and create over 8000 jobs. This project will be delivered through a public-private partnerships (PPP) as outlined in Section 120 of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and external service delivery mechanism of Section 76 (b) in Municipal Systems Act (MSA). The power generation plants are expected to generate net output of 1 576 800 MWh for natural gas and 175 200 MWh for solar power. The combined net energy output is expected to reach 1 752 000 MWh annually going to 2065.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The Municipality presented intentions to procure new generation capacity to the KZN Provincial Executive Council (PEC) on the 8th of June 2022. The KZN PEC supported the procurement of electricity from IPPs and mandated Provincial Treasury (PT) to provide concurrence in line with S120 of MFMA, Provincial Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to provide concurrence in line with S76 (a) and S76 (b) of MSA and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to fast-track the process of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as per National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) processes.&nbsp;



As part of R324 billion plan, the Municipality plans to further procure an additional capacity of 2 600 MW from various sources of power generation. This includes procurement on behalf of other regional municipalities within the province of KwaZulu Natal. This will fast-track regional transformation in the province and restore energy security, not only within eThekwini region, but across other 10 districts in the province. EThekwini is willing to become an ultimate buyer from IPPs on behalf of KZN Province and other municipalities.&nbsp;



EThekwini’s response to gas economy and hydrogen supply chain infrastructure&nbsp;



The Natural Gas Strategy of the city was adopted in 2015, aiming to provide safest, cleanest, and most efficient forms of non-renewable hydrocarbon energy. The Municipal position is to directly invest in natural gas infrastructure such as power plants and natural gas vehicles, creating the enabling environment that would support increased gas utilisation through accelerating the approval processes associated with gas ventures, and raising awareness of the benefits of natural gas amongst stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The total energy consumption in eThekwini is dominated by the transport sector (69%), followed by the industry (14%), residential (8%) and commercial (7%) sectors. Local government and electricity losses account for 1% each of energy demand. The main areas where energy consumption can be reduced is within transportation sector and as such gas can play a role as a source of fuel, then later switch to hydrogen and ammonia fuels. The Municipality is planning to operate within the gas economy in partnership with private sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The Municipality’s sustainable energy master plan outlines energy consumption will increase by 70% by 2030 if business as usual scenarios continue. Therefore, eThekwini is considering several strategic interventions such as building gas distribution networks and gas storage infrastructure in partnership with private sector.&nbsp;



The South Africa Government published its Hydrogen Society Roadmap in February 2022. In the foreword, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation noted that South Africa is facing multiple social and economic challenges, and that there is an opportunity to use and deploy hydrogen and hydrogen related technologies as part of our economic development and greening activities. The Government thus acknowledges that hydrogen has an important role to play in its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and transitioning towards a just and inclusive net zero carbon economy,&nbsp;&nbsp;



The eThekwini’s Regional Hydrogen Strategy seeks to explore and articulate the role of eThekwini and Richards Bay districts can play in establishing hydrogen economy in South Africa. It also uses modelling and analysis to show how hydrogen can help to facilitate increased use of sustainable energy in the region and possibly create an export market for hydrogen-derived products. EThekwini is a first city in Africa to develop world class hydrogen strategy that is built on circular economy principles.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Low carbon hydrogen is catalytic for the transformation of eThekwini’s energy landscape by reducing a heavy dependence on domestically produced and imported fossil fuels, in exchange for reliance on domestically sourced renewable energy and a circular economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



EThekwini has identified 3 hydrogen hubs (namely Durban Port, Richards Bay, and Cato Ridge Dry Port), and each hub serves to meet demand and supply for conventional fuels. The supply chain infrastructure for hydrogen projects already exists in Durban and Richards Bay, however, more repurposing must happen to ensure projects reach commercial operation. The demand patterns of hydrogen developments represent 500 kilotons (kT) by 2030, 1000 kilotons by 2040 and 1500 kilotons by 2050. This will inject a total private investment of $23 billion (R410 billion) by 2050, create 260 000 construction jobs and 11 000 permanent jobs by 2030.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Comments on the Hydrogen Strategy&nbsp;



<ul>
<li>With the support from UK PACT, the eThekwini Municipality has demonstrated leadership and foresight to develop a hydrogen economy as part of the regional energy mix. This is an exciting opportunity that will transform the economy, create jobs, reduce carbon, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The region is vulnerable to disasters as a result of climate change and the initiatives that the Municipality is taking are in response to ongoing challenges. This strategy confirmed that the leadership in the public and the private sector are motivated to lead and deliver the strategy. The building blocks are already in place to make this happen and the existing infrastructure will be explored to contribute positively to the delivery of the strategy. The Municipal leadership is inviting the private sector partners to identify specific opportunities to make the strategy a reality. &#8211; Damane Hlalele, Director, Arup&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>This is the first evidence-based assessment of how the hydrogen economy could emerge within a region of South Africa. It demonstrates the scale of the opportunity to attract investment in clean technologies that will drive economic activity, create quality jobs, and increase prosperity in the eThekwini region. The next steps for pilot projects are clearly articulated, providing a rallying cry for private sector investment. &#8211; Nick Ash, Associate Director, Arup&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>We have developed a practical strategy derived from circular economy approaches to outline supply chain infrastructure projects in the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen is a thermally dense molecule with exceptional thermodynamic properties that no other gas can match. The KwaZulu Natal (KZN) region is strategically located to commoditize hydrogen and lead regional commitments in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The establishment of our South Durban Energy and Chemicals Park (SDECP) will bring policy certainty and attract much needed public-private investment. &#8211; Sbu Ntshalintshali, Energy Office, EThekwini Municipality&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



The establishment of South Durban Energy and Chemicals Park (SDECP)&nbsp;



The eThekwini Metropolitan has established SDECP in which sector coupling energy infrastructure in the form of land-based Floating System and Regasification Unit (FSRU), LNG import terminal and refined products terminal, along with various Gas to Power (GTP) plants, Hydrogen production and storage, Biofuel production and storage will be deployed to turnaround the economic situation of South Durban. The SDECP will be delivered through PPP model and will offer alternatives to pure-play product storage conversions, mitigates de-industrialization in Durban and defers decommissioning provisions.&nbsp;

Hydrogen,Renewable,Energy,Production,-,Hydrogen,Gas,For,Clean,Electricity

ETHEKWINI’S ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Afri50 is a new award celebrating 50 Africans paving the way in their respective fields. It will be held in Johannesburg on 1 May, with a diverse set of nominees from all over Africa.



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Africa is a continent with abundant and multi-faceted talent. Africans are blazing new trails in science and technology, finance, sports, and entrepreneurship. Africans are taking charge and leading in various fields. There are several awards and honors that exist to honor and recognize various talents at different levels of their success. Notable lists and honors include the Forbes Africa lists, the New African Magazine’s 100 most inspirational, among several others.



Afri50 is a new award that will recognize 50 African trailblazers. The inaugural awards night is set to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 1 May 2023. The awards night coincides with Workers Day, a day when workers are celebrated and recognized for their labor towards making the world a better place.



The Afri50 Award nominees include Senegalese and Bayern Munich football club star Sadio Mane who is recognized for his sporting talent which has won him various accolades and his passion for community development which has seen him build schools, hospitals among several other donations he has made to Senegal. Sadio Mane is a game changer on the pitch and in the community development space in Senegal.



Senator Dr Rasha Kelej is the CEO of Merck Foundation. She has dedicated her time and life towards ending child marriages, empowering the girl child and transforming patient care across the globe. Kelej works with more than 20 African First Ladies and her organization has made an impact in 50 countries. She was appointed to serve in the Egyptian senate.



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Ambassador Dr Edd Branson is a leading citizen diplomat, a UN World habitat ambassador, African investment advocate and philanthropist. Branson received a certificate of recognition from the City of New York in the USA. In the certificate of recognition City of New York Mayor Eric Adams praised Branson for using his knowledge and resources to fund education and food distribution initiatives for underprivileged students and families in New York and around the world.



The diverse Afri50 Awards also recognized individuals from various countries including Djibouti, The Gambia, Togo, Mauritania among several other African nations. Former Zambian Vice President Dr. Nevers Mumba will be among the honored guests who will present the awards and the Afri50 certificate of recognition.



The Afri50 Awards night promises to be a gathering of Africa’s finest forward thinkers and extra ordinary talent whose endeavors have led to meaningful development and change at community, national, regional and global level while inspiring others.



The award nominees list was compiled by Dashboard Africa Research Institute and a select group of freelance journalists in a manner that ensures a high level of integrity. Award winning actress Samela Tyelbooi who plays Ayanda Majola on Generations the Legacy will be the host for the night.

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Inaugural Awards Ceremony For African Trailblazer

The new Avon Hydramatic Matte Lipstick is bold on the outside, caring to the core.



While history has it that the first commercial lipstick was invented in 1884 by French perfumers, lipstick dates back some 5000 years ago were ancient Sumerian and Indus Valley men and women were possibly the first to invent and wear it when they crushed gemstones to decorate their faces, mainly on the lips.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Since then, lipstick has become almost every woman’s darling best friend that she drapes on her lips and takes everywhere in the bag. Many research studies have discovered that lipstick has become much more than mere makeup, rather a tool of empowerment that enables them to present themselves and express their beauty. And while colors and ingredients evolve as the years go by, the objective of applying lipstick doesn’t change: to express inner beauty with outer self.&nbsp;&nbsp;



One of the most popular lipstick types amongst women is the matte lipstick. Women love it because it’s customizable, has bold colors, is easy to apply, water and smudge-proof, and long-lasting. But there is a downside to it: the undesirable feeling of dry lips.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Avon asked thousands of women around the world to share what they would love in their dream lipstick,” says Nomfanelo Buthelezi, Senior Category Manager at Avon. “They desire a matte lipstick with amazing color that stays matte but keeps their lips feeling moisturized.” As a result, The world&#8217;s first matte lipstick with hydrating hyaluronic acid core is now available from Avon. Featuring 12 different shades, the matte lipstick offers bold, bright colors that women adore, as well as a hyaluronic hydrating core that leaves lips feeling moisturized and supple. With Avon&#8217;s new Hydramatic Lipstick, lips are moisturized with a revolutionary hyaluronic core.&nbsp;



Through the Hydramatic Lipstick, Avon’s team of scientists and experts have created a central core, powered by an exclusive blend of skincare ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and surrounded it with intense matte color.  



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The game-changing lipstick is available from the Avon website &#8211; in 12 shades that are suitable for all skin tones, and retails at only ZAR129 ($7), true to Avon’s mantra that people choose Avon for high quality products at a fraction of the cost.  



Emily Howarth, Global Head of Make Up at Avon, adds: “There is nothing else like Hydramatic Matte Lipstick on the market. We’re proud to be the first to bring this groundbreaking technology to women all over the world at a price point which is accessible for all. Welcome to the new era of matte lipstick: bold on the outside and caring to the core – just like the women we’re proud to have supported for over 136 years.”&nbsp;



Avon Hydramatic Matte Lipstick will be available exclusively via Avon’s Online store, through any Avon representative countrywide&nbsp; from 1 March 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;



About Avon&nbsp;&nbsp;



Avon has been doing beauty differently for 136 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated over $1.1 billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the <a href="https://naturaeco.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natura &amp;Co Group</a>.  Learn more at the Avon website.&nbsp;

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A game-changing beauty product for the go-getter

Shameel Joosub, CEO of the Vodacom Group, outlines the tensions between Africa’s development realities and the necessity of Just Transition, while highlighting corporate’s role in transforming to a green economy.



South Africa’s overreliance on coal has cemented the country as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Africa. Over 80% of South Africa’s electricity comes from coal. This has a negative impact on the environment, and the exposure to other pollutants and toxic chemicals emitted by coal plants is also harmful to human health and linked to illnesses like asthma, bronchitis and even lung cancer.



Combine these realities with the rolling blackouts that have plagued the country for well over a decade and it is imperative that changes are made. How do we successfully move away from coal without negatively impacting the many businesses, communities and individuals who depend on the energy sector for their livelihoods? By prioritising a ‘Just Transition’.



Ensuring a just transition that fully considers affected stakeholders demands dialogue. Dialogue between the workforce, unions, policymakers, businesses, supply chains, government, and communities. These parties must all be engaged to guarantee that the transition to a green economy happens with human rights in mind. Furthermore, it is critical that marginalized and under-represented groups of society – the youth, women, the informal sector and people with disabilities – participate in these discussions.



<h2>Considering Africa’s development realities</h2>



In the African context, a just transition must be grounded in the continent’s development reality. Given the fact that global warming disproportionately affects poverty stricken communities and countries with lower levels of GDP, it is equally imperative that our dependency on energy sources that have a negative impact on our environment is reduced at an accelerated pace.



Balancing the need for a speedy transition with the need to execute this shift justly requires global, national and local collaboration. These partnerships must develop solutions that address the challenges faced by countries that are currently more focused on poverty alleviation and job creation than decarbonising their economies. Job losses are not a natural consequence of climate policies, but the consequence of meagre investment, limited social legislation and a lack of planning around the implementation of policies. If executed correctly, Africa’s move to a more sustainable future has potential to create decent jobs and improve the quality of life by preserving our natural resources and lowering our impact on the planet. So much so that the transition to clean energy is expected to create as much as 10.3 million net new jobs globally by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum. And there is also potential for existing blue collar workers to be upskilled and hired in other work.



Several African countries have already made steps in the right direction. At COP26 in 2021, a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was formed between South Africa, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. As part of this partnership, $8.5 billon in financing is being channelled to support a just and equitable energy transition in South Africa. More recently, France and Germany have promised an additional €300 million each in concessional financing to help South Africa accelerate the decarbonisation of our economy.



In the DRC, Tanzania and Mozambique, governments acknowledge the importance of a just transition and progress is happening. In Mozambique, for example, government has set a goal to provide access to clean power for all citizens by 2030. They plan to do so by leveraging the country’s abundant renewable energy sources. But when cyclone Idai partly destroyed Mozambique’s Mavuzi and Chicamba hydropower plants, these efforts were hampered. Fortunately Germany, France and Sweden stepped in to help finance the rehabilitation of the country’s important renewable infrastructure.



Balancing climate action and social imperatives on a continent with vast inequality is a significant challenge but solvable if decisive action is taken. Yes, African countries should have a right to use their



natural resources to uplift economies and boost development, but this must be done sustainably. While financing is important, it is essential that developed and other high emitting nations, who are disproportionality responsible for climate change, contribute to the historic COP27 loss and damage fund. In addition, these nations should also provide access to technology, education, social support and skills and help Africa develop new economic opportunities and create jobs.



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-corporates-in-the-just-transition">The role of corporates in the just transition</h2>



There is a global call for businesses to create net-zero plans and set science-based targets in line with a 1.5 degree pathway. A just transition is an imperative part of these plans.



To understand the role that corporates could play, Vodacom most recently collaborated with Eskom to pilot a solution where the private sector would be encouraged to help solve the country’s intermittent power challenges. This partnership is also about making a transition of the South African power infrastructure to include more renewable energy sources. At COP27, Vodafone Egypt and the Egyptian New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) signed a memorandum of understanding to initiate discussions on the potential use of renewable electricity generated by the Authority&#8217;s projects to feed its network.



In other countries of operation, Vodacom is working to help local economies and empower surrounding communities by providing telecommunications and other technology services. Mini and microgrid solutions not only provide clean power for Vodacom’s operations but also for the community who can purchase surplus energy through M-Pesa. This gives local communities access to electricity, which otherwise would not be available; the knock-on effect of which is the creation of new businesses and job opportunities.



As a technology and innovation business, Vodacom can connect government and industry with the technology they need to improve efficiencies and productivity and positively effect change in communities disproportionally affected by climate change.



The just transition will not happen by itself. It requires plans and policies and active engagement from all groups of society. It demands that we all become agents of change, especially those that are more fortunate to influence and effect change. We recognise that this will not be easy, however our futures are at stake and so we must respond appropriately. I had the privilege of attending COP27 in Egypt last year and was encouraged by the discussions that were had and the commitments that came out of the event both from governments and the private sector. For me, these conversations underpin the fact that we have to work together to address this global crisis so that we can succeed in ensuring that our move to a greener world is just and equitable for everyone involved

Shameel sitting down

Partnerships Key To Ensuring Africa’s ‘Just Transition’ Is Successful

The adoption of digital payments by businesses plays a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s economy. Cellulant is focused on empowering global and local businesses operating in Africa with the ability to accept and make payments seamlessly via its unparalleled payment network.



African businesses whether large enterprises, medium-sized enterprises or entrepreneurial micro outfits play a pivotal role in the economic growth of the continent as they account for about 80% of the continent’s employment, help close infrastructure gaps and help meet Africa’s unfulfilled demand for new goods and services.



Empowering the growth of these businesses is therefore essential for not only Africa’s economic growth but also for the global economy, as it leads to the emergence of a middle class with disposable income, opens up opportunities for new investors and spurs innovation on the continent.



However, for too long it has been expensive and cumbersome to make and receive payments between businesses which impedes their growth and opportunities for those they serve. Yet, it is clear that there is a huge demand for and progress in better ways for people to send and receive money. Currently, Africa represents 70% of the $1 trillion global mobile money value. Furthermore, the domestic e-payment market in Africa is projected to amount to $40 billion by 2025 through a 20% annual growth rate.



So far, The growth in the payments landscape can be attributed to innovations in peer-to-peer (P2P) and consumer-to-business (C2B) payments. Business-to-business payments remain painful for many because of the operational complexities surrounding these transactions. For example, whereas C2B payments tend to be instantaneous, B2B payments involve a complex array of factors, including different payment terms for different suppliers and pricing discounts based on payment timing and methods.



Specifically in Africa, low card penetration, the proliferation of mobile phones and no unified digital infrastructure has led to the emergence of a large number of payment options mainly comprising a vast number of mobile wallets, banks and regional card networks.



Whereas this abundance of payment options has many benefits, especially for consumers, it creates significant challenges for businesses, who have to work with many partners to handle the various types of payments required to fulfil customer needs. Establishing these relationships with multiple providers is a costly and arduous affair that then forces the business to consider either limiting their expansion, reducing the payment options available to their customers or resorting back to cash.



Even with established connections, businesses still have to deal with the challenges of reconciliation and reporting. Tracking down transactional data for the different providers, and



reconciling what was sold and what has been settled is very challenging for many businesses without a single platform that supports automatic reconciliation.



The above intricacies demonstrate that business-to-business payments necessitate an additional back-end layer for the execution of business payments.



These are some of the challenges we’re solving at Cellulant by enabling businesses with the payment rails they need to operate. Driven by the goal of empowering global and local businesses operating in Africa with the ability to collect and payout seamlessly, we’re building the continent’s most extensive payment platform.



Cellulant’s payment platform, Tingg, enables businesses of all sizes to accept payments online and instore(collections), and to make payments across multiple regions and currencies (payouts) while allowing anyone to pay businesses from their mobile money, local and international cards or directly from their bank. The platform directly connects to over 350 payment methods covering over 35 countries in Africa and is arguably the continent’s most comprehensive payment infrastructure.



Whether it’s an FMCG company in Zambia faced with the challenge of reconciling payments from three mobile money wallets, a global ride-hailing company looking to make daily payouts to thousands of its drivers in multiple African countries, or a remittance company powering safe and reliable international payments into Africa &#8211; the thousands of businesses on the Tingg digital platform benefit from a single view of their auto reconciled transactions.



To fully unlock growth for most businesses, support has to go beyond payment solutions to value-added services along the value chain such as access to credit. Cellulant is looking to further the strength of its payment infrastructure through business lending in the near future.



Cellulant firmly believes in the power of building a payments ecosystem that creates seamless interoperability across the continent to create opportunities and accelerate growth for businesses and individuals.

Akshay Grover Cellulant Group CEO _Landscape

Building Africa’s Digital Payments Infrastructure: The Path to Economic Growth

FIBO Group explores the potentials and drawbacks of investments like savings, real estate, dollar deposits, and outlines the risks and rewards of Forex.



On the one hand, economic and geopolitical shocks in 2022 widen a class divide between the lower and upper classes of the population. On the other hand, crisis is always a time of opportunity. How can you save money and make it work? What investment services are available on the market today?



Of course, one of the simplest and most affordable tools is a bank deposit. What rates do banks offer for deposits in national currencies? For example, average rates in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria are up to 8-9%. The larger and more reliable the bank, the longer the deposit period and the less flexible withdrawal terms, the lower the rate. It seems to be a guaranteed income. However, quantitative increase does not mean a qualitative one. When calculating revenues, we forget about inflation, that is, the actual increase in prices.



According to official figures for 2021, inflation is approximately 17% in Nigeria, 10% in Ghana and 4.5% in South Africa. Its level is rather an average temperature of a country’s economy. If you look at individual categories of goods, you do not have to be an economist to calculate that the price increase is higher than the indicated values. So, what will cost 10 million naira ($22 000) will cost over 11.7 million naira ($26 000) a year later. And with a one-year deposit you will have only 10.9 million naira ($24 000). It turns out that inflation both prevented you from making a profit and ate a big piece of your money.



Of course, you can invest in dollar deposits, but the de facto the situation is even worse. Such deposits are attractive only when the dollar grows against your national currency within a specific period of time that has nothing to do with the banking system. An average rate on dollar deposits is up to 1%. But vast majority of people are paid in their national currency. It means you will lose both due to inflation and due to double conversion, because in order to use the money at the end of the deposit period, you need to convert it, for example, to the South African rand.



The next most common way to invest is real estate. But firstly, you need to have a significant initial capital. Secondly, it takes a very long time to pay back the investments, which is not always suitable as a planning horizon. Real estate often is a highly illiquid tool – meaning it is not readily convertible to cash. So it is rather a liability for a &#8220;bright future&#8221;.



What remains an alternative to classic types of investment? To find the answer, you need to figure out how banks generate profits on deposits. In most cases, it is not interest on loans, because banks themselves are credited by central banks and resell these loans to borrowers. One of the main sources of the bank&#8217;s income is its own and customer asset management on the financial market. Access to financial markets is also available to private investors and it does not always require large capital.



Representatives of the investment community argue about the effectiveness of different approaches to obtaining income on the financial market. One part prefers a long term investment, the other part is committed to active speculative trade. And they are both right in their own way. Each of these approaches is suitable for different market phases. Securities are attractive when the market is growing or recovering. What do you do when markets face turmoil and there is no understanding of prospect? It turned out that many people are skeptical about the foreign exchange market and it is understandable. For some reason frustration caused by a large number of fraudsters and scam projects grew into a skeptical attitude toward the Forex market itself.



In terms of trading, it is often said that the Forex market is a big risk, but let&#8217;s compare. The S&amp;P 500 index, the benchmark of the American stock market, declined by 24.9% from January to September 2022, while the



main currency market tool, the EURUSD currency pair, declined by 13.9% over the same period. Even during a quiet period, the change in the stock price within one trading session can be 4-5% against 1% in the Forex market. The most important advantage of the currency market over the stock market is an ability to quickly redistribute assets between the tools of completely different economies of the world, which makes it possible both to save your money and to profit from it.



At the same time, we need to understand why there is a negative attitude towards the Forex industry. This industry has not been regulated for a long time, and it was easy to establish an offshore company. Offering large earnings and claiming that &#8220;forex is simple&#8221;, fraudsters lure people into their trap. Do not believe it if someone guarantees you profit, tries to impose a profitable super-system, offers huge bonuses for making a deposit and, most importantly, does not warn about risks – it is a scammer. Meanwhile, there are a number of companies that have been forming the industry for many years, working transparently and trying to provide high-quality service to their customers.



As with anything, you can&#8217;t do without knowledge of the market. At FIBO Group, based on our 24-year experience in the industry, we understand it perfectly. We help new traders in more than 30 countries to feel supported in their endeavors. Our customers get to a private club, where they meet like-minded people, and get the knowledge and practice necessary for great results. Unfortunately, most companies in the market cease providing their services right after the first deposit and a customer is left alone with the market. FIBO Group experts share their knowledge, analyze customer transactions, give feedback and corrects errors. Of course, no one will make transactions for you, but you will know the right direction. Our active premium customers have an opportunity to get cashback from paid fees and even get an interest on funds on the account.



The business of the FIBO Group forex broker is a huge ecosystem consisting of the brokerage company, liquidity providers (aggregators) and the counterparty to the transaction (for example, a bank or a prime broker). The task of a forex broker is to accept an order from the customer and transfer it to the liquidity provider, which in turn, transfers it to the counterparty – the second party in the transaction. The company earns money by charging a fee for each customer&#8217;s transaction. On the one hand, the company does not care if the customer has earned or not, but in the long term, a smart broker is interested in the customer being active for a long time, which is possible only if the customer is satisfied and makes a profit.

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Alternative Investments in 2023

Joni Zurawinski, Advocate for Equal Access to Healthcare, at Roche Diagnostics, speaks to the importance of healthcare partnerships.



Nearly half of the world’s population (47%) does not have access to diagnostic testing. Low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) are among the worst affected, with large diagnostic access gaps leading to premature deaths. In Africa, there is also a glaring shortage of healthcare workers; for example, pathologists, with a ratio of around one pathologist for every one-million people.



According to the World Health Organization (WHO), however, between 2000 and 2018, new HIV infections in Africa fell by 37% and HIV-related deaths by 45%, with 13.6 million lives saved due to access to testing and anti-retroviral treatment. This significant impact resulted from tremendous efforts made through partnerships – between governments, development and technical agencies, implementing organizations, civil society, and the private sector.



The Global Fund partnership, one of the world&#8217;s largest funders of global health, is one of the shining examples of partnership in practice, having saved more than 50 million lives over the past 20 years and reducing death rates from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria by more than half.



The past has shown us that progress is possible, and the challenges faced across Africa cannot be solved by any one organization alone. As WHO suggests, and the Global Fund has demonstrated, we need a diversity of partners, thought, and solutions to move ahead. Leveraging the strengths and expertise of a broad range of partners brings solutions to solve complex challenges into better focus.



When established with purpose, transparency, and trust, with an aligned mission from all parties, partnerships have proved to be robust mechanisms in delivering impact. Partnership is the core of much of the success we’ve seen so far in delivering access for patients, and will be one of the key mechanisms to saving many more lives in years to come.



<h3>Why do we need the private sector for sustainable healthcare across Africa?</h3>



The private sector typically comes with technical expertise, speed, efficiency, and the ability to stretch every dollar to create maximum healthcare impact. When resources are scarce, this can offer an immense benefit for global, regional, and local health.



With a focus on growth, private sector companies aim to build technologies and innovations, understanding how and where the technology will work best for the benefit of patients and customers. In many cases, private sector companies have extended global reach to bring diverse best practices and leverage experience from a myriad of markets.



Private sector organizations invest heavily in product research and development and these investments can have greater impact for countries when they are directed with input from a diverse set of stakeholders.



<h3>The impact of public-private partnerships in action</h3>



Public-private partnerships have historically demonstrated an impact in driving access for people who need it and in building sustainable health systems that work.



Project Last Mile brings together the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Coca-Cola Company.



This cross-sector partnership taps into Coca-Cola’s business network – one of the widest-reaching business systems in Africa – and leverages top skills and experience within the supply chain and service providers to strengthen health systems and improve the availability and reach “to the last



mile” of life-saving medicines. In 2021, the project achieved some key milestones across 12 countries in Africa, having affected more than 35 million lives since its inception in 2010.5



Johnson &amp; Johnson is among several public and private sector partners expanding access to tuberculosis treatment in LMICs and non-governmental organizations. For example, in South Africa, starting in 2015, around 50,000 courses of MDR-TB medicine have been procured for patients in need to date. The initiative also supports efforts to train health workers and raise community awareness to find the “missing millions” of undiagnosed individuals with tuberculosis.



These are just a couple of examples that demonstrate the value and impact of public-private partnerships in addressing the access challenges across Africa. I’ve seen a similar sense of community in action in my own organization.



Roche was the first company to establish a formal diagnostic access program – the Global Access Program – in 2014, together with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and other partner organizations, including USAID, PEPFAR, and the Global Fund, to support much-needed scale up for access to HIV viral load tests to monitor anti-retroviral treatment efficacy across LMICs.



The Global Access Program has since expanded beyond HIV to ensure reliable testing solutions are available to patients in LMICs, focusing on critical infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV), COVID-19, and HPV (cervical cancer).



The Global Access Program was designed to provide end-to-end, sustainable, local solutions that would go beyond providing reduced pricing of diagnostic and monitoring tests, building capacity, and strengthening healthcare systems – in particular, diagnostics infrastructure. By working together with international agencies, non-governmental organizations, and governments at the global, regional and local levels, it takes a holistic and collaborative approach to improve health system diagnostic capacity.



As part of the Global Access Program, through continued partnership, over 8 million African patients are tested annually to manage their HIV infections. Over the past 7 years, more than 11 million babies have been tested for HIV, and over 8,300 laboratory technicians have been trained. Additionally, 33 African countries have installed Roche molecular diagnostics systems, enabling reliable testing – a critical step to realizing global elimination goals.



Between 2007 and 2017, Roche contributed to several Public-Private Partnerships specifically aimed to address barriers to access and scale up of HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis across Africa. This included partnerships with UNITAID and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to create “Turnkey Laboratories” to improve access for early infant diagnosis, where over 900,000 tests were made available, 300,000 infants were enrolled into care and treatment, leading to more than 100 laboratories across Sub-Saharan Africa offering PCR testing.



In 2012, Roche and PEPFAR announced a public-private partnership to strengthen certification programs, educational resources, and molecular diagnostic laboratory systems to improve HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and outcomes.



Some partnerships bring together unlikely matches, but thinking outside of the usual suspects can lead to significant impact. A great example is (RED), the organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to fight AIDS and the injustices that enable pandemics to thrive. (RED) leverages big brand presence and influencers to create unique products and experiences. These all raise money for the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS.



Roche Diagnostics, was the first diagnostics company to partner with (RED), embarking on a shared mission to create greater awareness of the importance of diagnostics in fighting pandemics and to encourage continued investment in health system strengthening. Over the last 3 years, the Roche and (RED) partnership has broken new ground in shifting awareness forward with new audiences via docu-style stories that helped keep the spotlight on HIV/AIDS and the importance of diagnostics throughout the COVID pandemic.



<h3 id="h-the-continued-role-of-public-private-partnerships">The continued role of public-private partnerships</h3>



The nature of partnerships should continue to evolve, building from past successes, lessons learned, and then adapting to meet new challenges. To reach more patients, we must understand the real-world conditions in public health facilities across the continent and foster cooperation with all the stakeholders to develop new models for access.



We need a diversity of capabilities, expertise, and perspective at the table to work together to tackle complex challenges for healthcare delivery. Partnerships created with purpose and aligned along shared missions and values have demonstrated impact and have shown what can be accomplished – including with the private sector.



&#8220;If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired,” said Dr. Askkari Johnson Hodari.



I am fortunate to work for Roche, an organization committed to driving access to diagnostics for all – regardless of social, economic, or geographical barriers.



At some point in our lives, every one of us has been a patient and has seen a beloved family member or friend tackle health issues. If we remain mindful of this and work together within trusted, transparent, and purposeful partnerships, we can build strong health systems that provide equal access to the care and treatment people need, no matter where they live.

JoniZurawinski_DRUCK_003

Partnerships With Purpose: The private sector’s role in building sustainable healthcare in Africa

The Future of Education in Africa



The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the way that education is conceived and delivered worldwide. As institutions in Africa adapt to the new learning environment and consider implications for students, faculty, and staff, technology plays a critical role in enabling successful outcomes both today and in the future.



That’s why OneConnect and Anthology have partnered to support the African education community and help more students and institutions achieve their goals. With a holistic approach to education technology that’s focused on delivering dynamic, data-informed experiences, OneConnect and Anthology are breaking down silos and connecting critical systems to open up a world of new possibilities for learning.



Blending Data with Experiences



A learner doesn’t exist inside one system alone, and neither does an institution. By bringing together data and insights across core solutions, the right technology can help educators develop a deeper understanding of students to deliver more personalized experiences tailored to meet the needs of each learner. This also helps institutions drive operational efficiencies and meet objectives around critical areas like enrollment, retention, and engagement.



Higher education leaders are nearly unanimous in their perspective on the potential impact that blending data and experiences could make. 94% globally agree that a holistic view of learner data pulled across multiple systems would benefit their team and help more students achieve their goals.



“By considering student feedback and investing in technology resources to deliver more personalization across everything from course delivery options to career services, higher education leaders can position their university to provide an experience that meets the needs of today’s learners—and those of tomorrow,” said Jim Milton, Chairman and CEO, Anthology.



“We believe that education technology solutions allow students in rural and remote areas access to the same quality of education as a child attending the best private school in the city. Furthermore, that student can interact with peers across the country and the continent; be exposed to new ideas and new opportunities, benefitting from the diversity and richness of their engagements. Our aim is to also help education institutions see that they can grow their businesses beyond brick and mortar and do so quickly – breaking down “walls” to reach students beyond their physical geography, through sophisticated solutions that make administration and teaching seamless,&#8221; said Rogers Sithole, MD of OneConnect Education.



Partnering for Progress



OneConnect delivers Anthology’s comprehensive suite of education technology solutions to institutions across the African continent. Trusted by more than 150 million learners, educators and administrators in +80 countries, Anthology offers a holistic ecosystem designed to help create an inspiring and infinite world of learning without boundaries. In partnership with the African education community, OneConnect and Anthology are shaping the future of learning through technology.



Get to know us and explore the possibilities. <a href="http://www.anthology.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.Anthology.com</a> OR www.oneconnect.co.za



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Together we will figure it out

Supporting The African Education Community To Achieve Its Goals

Q&amp;A with Emma Knox, CEO: Vitality Health Insurance



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Why is Vitality Health International (VHI) embarking on an Africa strategy?



Before I answer the &#8216;why&#8217; I would like to take the opportunity to share a little more with you on the &#8216;what&#8217;.



Vitality Health International was established last year and is the most recent expansion for the Vitality group, which brings both the Vitality Health International product as well as the unique Vitality wellness program to the rest of Africa. We have launched VHI to enable us to bring this novel private health International solution and wellness program to meet the unique needs of our home continent’s people.



Vitality has more than 20 years’ experience, in 38 countries worldwide with over 27 million members – we believe that the time is right to expand our innovative, globally recognized, shared-value health International offering to key markets across our home continent.



Is your own background and experience conducive to leading an Africa strategy for VHI?



I am very excited to be part of the team bringing Vitality to the rest of Africa. My background is in healthcare, I spent 18 years at GlaxoSmithKline where the focus of my last ten years was focused on bringing much needed medicines and vaccines to sub-Saharan Africa.



In addition to this I have spent some time working with NGO&#8217;s focused on the African continent, with both Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) as well as sitting on the Board of Save the Children SA. I am passionate about increasing access to healthcare and look forward to bringing this experience to VHI. I am also surrounded by a team of exceptionally talented and experienced individuals in the VHI team, including my actuarial and medical teams who ensure we build the right product for each country and are able to offer real value to our customers.



You say you are working with local in-country partners to deliver your Africa strategy – how have you gone about selecting those partners?



Partnership is crucial to the VHI model. Every country is unique, and we need to work with leading local International businesses to fully understand this and ensure we bring a product of real value. Our partners enable us to do this. In each market we have conducted a detailed in-country review and have a selection process to find a partner who has the right combination of in-market knowledge as well as one which meets our legal and regulatory requirements and has aligned values. I believe that in any partnership the most important ingredient is aligned values, these form the basis of any strong, long-term partnership.



Which countries is VHI currently available in?



We have launched in four countries so far, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and the DRC. This is part of a plan to grow our footprint to more than ten countries in the next 12 months.



Ensuring that we provide long-term benefits to our clients in all markets means that we need to get the basics right – it is for this reason that we are taking a considered approach to meet all relevant in-country regulatory requirements. In addition, we have focused on the countries where we believe we can make the most impact, this is dependent on the healthcare model of the country as well as the ability for us to bring our shared-value model. At the heart of our shared value ecosystem is our commitment to create healthier people, and build a stronger healthcare system, across our home continent.



Shared-value is what underpins the Vitality offering and it is what makes our offering so different. The knowledge that looking after your health by doing the correct medical checks for your age, eating healthily and exercising improves our life expectancy and reduces illness is not new. However, we know at Vitality that often this knowledge is not enough to change human behaviour, and that having increased access to clear, relevant information and regular rewards for achieving your goals helps people make long lasting changes that impact their health.



How have you gone about deciding which VHI products are appropriate for Africa?



Vitality Health International is currently only focused on one core product &#8211; this is Health International for corporates where we offer Health International with our Vitality wellness program embedded. We believe this is the product that can make the biggest impact most rapidly.



Through the roll out of Vitality we offer employers the ability for employees to link an approved wearable fitness device to the Vitality platform, to track their physical activity. Employees on Vitality will also be able to complete online health assessments to understand their health risks and receive weekly goals to increase their physical activity levels and earn rewards with Vitality Active Rewards. In three easy steps, Vitality members can:



· Track physical activity through linked wearable fitness devices.



· Achieve weekly, personalised activity goals through the Vitality platform, and



· Earn rewards for achieving their physical activity goals.



In addition to the Health International product we have also launched another product, Travel for Treatment (T4T). Vitality Health International has partnered with Medical Services Organization International (MSOI) to enable us to do this. T4T is an end-to-end clinical concierge service for people living on the African continent who need to access healthcare in top medical destinations, including South Africa, the United Kingdom and France.



Medical tourism is a large and growing opportunity in Africa. The demand for T4T continues to grow rapidly year by year. Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients have to navigate this complex and often intimidating journey alone. An estimated two million patients, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) travelled to South Africa between 2003 and 2008, at an average of 400,000 people per annum.



WithT4T, patients get access to a range of healthcare services, at standard medical fees, from contracted healthcare facilities and providers, including dedicated case management support and cover for complications. All non-healthcare arrangements are also catered for according to the needs of the patient, including flights, transfers and accommodation. We take care of all the complex details so that patients can focus on their treatment and healing.



What is your long term vision in terms of your Africa strategy?



The Vitality Health International team are bringing the benefit of our unique wellness programme and International to the rest of Africa along with our unique T4T offering. With these offerings we are committed to bringing our shared value model to the rest of Africa through which we aim to make people, companies, and societies healthier.



Interviewed by Bronwyn Nielson, CEO, The Nielsen Network

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Spotlight on Strategy For Health Insurance In Africa

A visionary leader with a zeal to transform the lives of people in Africa, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, also lovingly known as ‘Mama Africa’, has been at the forefront of the Foundation to address critical social and health issues across Africa through unique and exemplary ways. And one of the exceptional ways she is using to create community awareness about these issues is creating music and video clips together with talented young African musicians.



Merck Foundation CEO: Creating a cultural shift in Africa through Music



Egypt-born Rasha Kelej believes music and art can influence us to make the problem felt, which further stimulates emotions and leads to engagement and action. “Music has the power to touch the hearts and souls of people, bind communities, and bring about a cultural shift in society,” she says.



She used her hidden talents to produce and direct around 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese and local languages, with various local African artists to address issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girls’ education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.



It is very impressive that besides the talents from the music industry, the President of Liberia, the former First Lady of Burundi, and the daughter of the current President of Burundi have also composed and sung songs for her Merck Foundation “More than a Mother” Campaign to break the stigma around infertility and infertile women in particular.



Kelej recently launched three interesting songs in English, French and Portuguese, to raise awareness about diabetes. The songs communicate an important message that diabetes can be prevented and managed with lifestyle modifications like going sugar-free, eating healthy, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.



Creating with African Musicians



Some of the artists Kelej partnered with include Cwezi and Adina from Ghana, Wezi from Zambia, Kenneth from Uganda, Sean K from Namibia, Blaze from Mozambique, Sunita from Gambia, Tom Close from Rwanda, Suzanna Owiyo and Octopizzo from Kenya, Rozzy from Sierra Leone, Dan Lu from Malawi, Irene Logan from Liberia, Laura Beg from Mauritius – to name a few.



Another interesting song that she produced as her personal contribution to show support and appreciation for medical workers around the world during COVID-19 was ‘My White Army Song’.



It is worth appreciating that she coordinated with 11 singers across Africa to come up with this song, which was a tribute to the medical workers during COVID-19. It was for the first time that singers from 11 African countries came together in one song in three languages – English, French, and Arabic.



Merck Foundation Awards for African Talents to Raise Awareness



To encourage young talents who aspire to become singers to raise awareness through songs, Kelej has announced two song awards in partnership with African First Ladies. One is the ‘More Than a Mother’ song award for breaking the infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, women empowerment, ending child marriage, ending FGM, and/ or stopping Gender Based Violence at all levels. And the second is the diabetes &amp; hypertension song award to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.



Not only this, but the awards have also been announced on these themes for filmmakers, fashion designers, media, and young talents in these fields.



“I invite African artists, media and young talents of Africa, to be the voice of the voiceless, break the silence. Send us your entries at submit@merck-foundation.com,” she adds.



Creating “Our Africa” TV program to raise awareness



This multi-talented CEO has also conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted a TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a pan African TV program that features fashion designers, singers, and prominent guests from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa.



The show has been receiving overwhelming acclaim from its viewers and social media followers of Kelej, for its ability to use a medium like fashion and art to address sensitive social and health issues.



The show initially released on KTV in Kenya, NTV in Uganda, and GH One TV in Ghana and ZNBC in Zambia, AYV in Sierra Leone and LTV, Liberia, immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV program is currently on the social media handles of Kelej and Merck Foundation.



African First Ladies as Ambassadors



Over the last five years Kelej has been working closely with more than 20 African First Ladies, who are the ambassadors of Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education and more.



She has also launched 8 children’s storybooks on these issues to sensitize children from young ages in three languages, English, French and Portuguese – another unique initiative to create a culture shift.



Making history via Transforming Patient Care in Africa and beyond



Kelej spearheads Merck Foundation’s programs that have been contributing in building healthcare capacity in Africa and beyond. They provided 1470 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries with scholarships in more than 32 critical and underserved specialties. Merck Foundation became part of Africa’s legacy as they provided training to the first specialized doctors in many fields like Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Respiratory and more.



“We invite all doctors from underserved communities to apply to our scholarships on our email info@merck-foundation.com to fill health gaps in their communities,” Kelej emphasized. To follow the Merck Foundation mission, visit: www.merck-foundation.com and www.rasha-kelej.com.

Senator Dr Rasha Kelej during OUR Africa by Merck Foundation TV Show (1)

Merck Foundation CEO: Creating Songs With African Musicians to Raise Awareness

WCEF presents the world’s leading circular economy solutions with business leaders, policymakers and experts participating from around the world. In attendance in Rwanda from 6th to 8th of December was Josephine Wawira, the Communications Lead at Sustainable Inclusive Business, the Knowledge Center under the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).



Kigali, a city that rhythms with African charm, prides itself on biodiversity that is well maintained, sprawling over green valleys and ridges, the capital of the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda. I am here for the annual World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), and like millions of other people who have visited Kigali, I am in awe of the progressiveness of an African people who have chosen to rise from dust to glory. The streets are clean and flowers blossom along the roads; safe for your morning jog or an evening bicycle ride with provisions for both pedestrian and cycling lanes. On multiple corners sustainable buildings are coming up; some are already in existence. A city on the move towards the right direction. A direction of peaceful co-existence, a spirited art scene, an alluring business environment, delightful gastronomic experiences and an incredibly inviting culture.



Amid my deep analysis and comparison with my country Kenya, my thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of my guest, Kari Herlevi. He is the Head of Unit, Global Collaboration at the Finnish Innovation Fund – Sitra, the lead organization for the WCEF. A delightful gentleman who is driven by a bigger purpose to contribute to a better future. For Herlevi, it’s not just about the economy but also about the environment, making for an interesting side-line chat on the biodiversity topic that has captured the attention of global policymakers as well as the private sector.



As a background, WCEF presents the world’s leading circular economy solutions with business leaders, policymakers and experts participating from around the world. Hosted in the Global South for the first time in Kigali from 6th to 8th December, this year’s forum presented a unique opportunity for African countries and the world at large to transition toward an inclusive low-carbon and climate-resilient economy while tackling key societal challenges.



For this transition to happen, we cannot understate the importance of biodiversity, as it’s not only important for our co-existence with nature, but also supports our economy, civilization, and survival of the human race. At this juncture, Herlevi reflects on the gravity of biodiversity loss globally, the correlation with climate change, the dangers we face unless we take prompt action, and the opportunities we have to turn the tide. Unfortunately, biodiversity loss is more acute in Sub-Saharan Africa under the “business as usual” scenario. This is mostly driven by an increasing agricultural land use to feed a growing population. On the other hand, the primary forest cover continues to decrease, leaving Sub-Saharan Africa even more vulnerable to longer-term impacts.



Are you a threat or an opportunity for biodiversity? Herlevi asks me, and it immediately gets me wondering. How am I, you, individually contributing to this menace? Let’s take our daily consumption patterns for example.


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According to a 2022 Sitra Report on Tackling Root Causes, Agriculture uses 50% of habitable land globally, of which 77% is used to farm livestock for meat and dairy consumption or to grow crops for livestock consumption. Almost half of the forest area lost in the tropics has been converted to



agriculture, chiefly for beef, palm oil and soybean production. So, every time you and I crave a beef burger, we must evaluate our contribution to the biodiversity loss and ask ourselves if it is necessary to consume it as often as we currently do.



How about the tones of clothes lying around our wardrobe unworn for years on end, yet we keep adding to the heap each passing day? And how often do our torn clothes find their way into the dustbin, more often mixed with wet waste and into the landfill? But what if we focused on quality instead of quantity? What if we bought clothes only when we need them and not because we just wanted them? What if designers and manufacturers increased the durability of the materials so we can wear them longer without wear and tear? What if we refurbished more and recycled them at the end of their lifecycle? What if the textile industry used more regenerative methods to cultivate fibres? What if we shifted our consumption behaviour and adopted more regenerative and circular models that will then transform our economies to become more resilient and unlock new growth by giving us more, from what we already have? What if?



As I write this, the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) is underway in Montreal, Canada (7 &#8211; 19 December 2022). More governments and policymakers convene from around the world to agree to a new set of goals for nature over the next decade through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process. But until we redefine how we produce, consume and manage the materials and products we already have; until we transition to a circular economy and implement tangible impact-driven solutions that reduce the impacts on biodiversity by reducing resource use; unless we urgently change course and start acting in conjunction with nature and not against it by starting the process of biodiversity recovery; then year on year, while all these discussions continue, biodiversity loss will keep accelerating. Temperatures will keep rising and the frequency of extreme weather experienced. The habitat will continuously degrade, and nature’s glory will deteriorate thus diminishing returns from its contribution to the people.



An hour of conversation with Herlevi goes by too fast; both of us are engraved in a global challenge that affects both our countries’ futures though from different contexts. And while varying drivers differentiate Finland, Rwanda and Kenya and so many other countries represented in the World Circular Economy Forum, we feel united by one mission, that of saving humanity from the pangs of our own doing. As we bid goodbye we remind each other of the key question, are you a threat or an opportunity for biodiversity?



Words by: Josephine Wawira

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Are you a threat or an opportunity for biodiversity?

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">&#8220;It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.&#8221; &#8211; Nelson Mandela </blockquote>



Formulating Sustainable Healthcare &#8211; A Balancing Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8220;Healthcare is not just an industry; it&#8217;s an equality booster and an economy contributor,&#8221; shares Dr. Nicholas Crisp from the National Department of Health in South Africa. Formulating a sustainable healthcare model should be everyone&#8217;s priority and is a matter of national interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Experiences fueled by the COVID-19 outbreak became lessons of unexpected collaborative efforts, technological adaptations, and greater healthcare awareness amongst patients and healthy populations. Two years later, it is time to distill these lessons to shape a robust and sustainable plan. A plan that requires executives to find the right balance among strategic variables.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Executive Forecast has interviewed top-level executives from the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical technology industries and refined what we&#8217;ve learned into essential insights. To gain a deeper understanding of these topics, click below to view our full report, including unabridged interviews with South African executives online. 



<a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Online-Version-for-Forbes-Africa-Reviewed-by-GE..pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT HERE</a>



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Going Back to the Future of Health 

While the African beauty industry is largely dominated by international beauty conglomerates, Belle Nubian seeks to not only challenge these statistics, but also help the continent reclaim and redefine what it considers to be true African beauty.



As beauty ideals begin to shift around the world, the demand for brands that understand the plight of African skin continues to grow.



Tapping into a billion-dollar industry that is dominated by international companies is no easy feat.



Yet, Faria Ichola already possessed a skill that would help her achieve this goal – a work ethic instilled in her by an A list American Singer.



“It was an intense experience, but as my coach and mentor, she instilled an incredible work ethic in me.”



It was during this period that Ichola was introduced to skincare solutions practiced by celebrities, and she noticed how these solutions helped maintain healthy skin.



Coupled with memories of her late mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, and her master&#8217;s in Business and Administration, it wasn&#8217;t long before Ichola set out to provide solutions to women on the African continent.



A solution for African skin concerns



Hailing from the Republic of Benin and Ivory Coast, West Africa, and struggling with her own skincare issues, Ichola sought out remedies for her woes.



In doing so, she discovered a formula that was so effective in addressing her concerns that she believed it would offer the same benefits to others.



Launched in 2016, based in New York, Belle Nubian now has 40 stores around the world, with just over 200 distributors, and an annual turnover of $10 million.



Translating to Beautiful Black, the brand emerged after Ichola was introduced to glutathione, an antioxidant ingredient gaining popularity due to its effectiveness on the skin and overall health.



After discovering that the compound was relatively non-existent in the beauty market, Ichola created a dual glutathione and vitamin C product, and began selling.



It wasn’t long before the product sold out, and as the brand grew and began introducing new products, Ichola recruited distributors that would help her sell across Africa. 60% of revenue is generated from the franchises and distributors in Europe and the USA.



In addition to helping African women embrace healthy skin, Ichola has also created opportunities for them to earn a living by distributing Belle Nubian products.



“We empower so many women who are now financially independent and happier in their marriages and in their lives. They don&#8217;t have to take any burden from men anymore. They&#8217;re free.”



Laying the Beauty Foundation



Launching a successful business is a feat that Ichola is proud of, yet she has realized that no matter how large her consumer numbers grow, it doesn’t make her immune to criticism.



Ichola acknowledges that every struggle comes with a lesson, and if she hadn’t gone through these struggles, then she wouldn’t have learned what she needed to in order to move forward.



A beauty secret revealed



Consumers often struggle with trusting brands, especially those that produce products to be used on the skin. Yet Ichola believes that her audience has no qualms about trusting her because of her candidness,



“My audience likes me because I&#8217;m genuine. I don&#8217;t pretend to be what I&#8217;m not…I share my struggle. I share my battles, and I&#8217;m transparent.”



However, it is not just the effectiveness of her ingredients or candidness that Ichola credits her success to, but also her attention to detail.



“Unfortunately, while some companies will possess all the necessary tools and resources, they may fail to meet success due to poor implementation and organization,” says Ichola.



By ensuring organization in her business, and never letting anybody discourage her, Ichola launched a successful brand that brought luxury skincare to the continent.



With plans for the brand to introduce products aimed at babies, as well as haircare, it’s clear that Belle Nubian is leaving its beauty mark on Africa – and beyond, as the company intends on expanding into real estate and finance.

Author: BrandVoice Partner | Paid Program

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Are you a threat or an opportunity for biodiversity?

Going Back to the Future of Health

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