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Gates Foundation, EIB launch capital for women entrepreneurs pilot in Kenya

Published: 19 Apr 24

Philanthropy organisation and development finance institution the European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched a €30-million microfinance programme for women entrepreneurs in Kenya. The new partnership aims to strengthen women’s economic power in Kenya by tackling key barriers to financial inclusion. The €30-million microfinance programme in Kenya is backed by €15-million from EIB Global and financing from financial services firm KCB Bank Kenya.

Research group reports that the latest El Niño had a significant impact on South Africa

Published: 19 Apr 24

A South African research group has reported that the 2023/24 El Niño phenomenon was the fourth strongest yet recorded, and that it had a noticeable impact on South Africa. The research team, designated the El Niño Southern Oscillation Reference Group (ENSO-RG), was convened by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Applied Centre for Climate and Earth System Science. The ENSO-RG was set up in June last year, after the World Meteorological Organisation officially determined that an ...

Elections highlighted as a concern for SME owners, but also promises change

Published: 19 Apr 24

Almost half, or 49%, of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business owners who responded to the Fourth Quarter 2023 SME Confidence Index by specialist SME financier Business Partners said they were concerned that the imminent risk of economic turbulence and protest action during the election season would impact their operations. While the SME owners said the social climate ahead of the May elections was cause for concern, about 33% of the respondents said the elections would bring about much-needed change, said Business Partners impact investing executive GM David Morobe.

An image showing John Deere construction equipment

John Deere continues focus on innovation, technology

Published: 19 Apr 24

Equipment manufacturer John Deere South Africa will continue to focus on pursuing innovation on its machines and technology as it looks to strengthen its footprint in Africa. This was outlined by speakers on April 18, when John Deere’s Construction division showcased its equipment and technology solutions to customers at an event in Johannesburg.

NTCSA begins consultations on market code to govern shift towards competitive electricity industry

Published: 19 Apr 24

With the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) currently scheduled to be operationalised in July and efforts under way to ensure that the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) Amendment Bill is passed by the current Parliament, work is now advancing on the market code for the future multimarket architecture that will progressively replace the vertically integrated structure that has prevailed for over a century. Eskom transmission MD Segomoco Scheppers will lead the NTCSA once it begins trade after addressing the remaining Companies Act requirements, having already met the key conditions of board independence, licensing and lender consent.

Jaguar Land Rover develops portable charger using second-life batteries

Published: 19 Apr 24

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed a portable battery energy storage system (Bess) using second-life Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) batteries. The unit, built in collaboration with energy storage startup Allye Energy, is the first Bess to be commercially available with JLR battery packs.

Conditions challenging, but some green shoots emerging – MBA North

Published: 19 Apr 24

Last year was one of the most challenging years the Master Builders Association (MBA) North has ever experienced, with many of its long-standing members entering business rescue or closing their doors, says MBA North executive director Mohau Mphomela. The 120-year-old employers’ body serves the construction industry in Gauteng, North-West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Many of its members are smaller, family owned businesses.

Decarbonised iron production possible using sodium, company says

Published: 19 Apr 24

A new process being pioneered by energy companies such as Israel-based Helios and Netherlands-based Alkalium proposes the use of sodium metal rather than coal or hydrogen to refine iron-ore into direct reduced iron (DRI). Traditionally, iron is beneficiated by mixing iron-ore fines with coal. The iron oxide (Fe2O3), when heated in a furnace, undergoes a chemical transformation whereby the oxygen molecules from the Fe2O3 bind with the carbon molecules in the coal, creating carbon dioxide (CO2) as a by-product and leaving pure iron behind.

JSE plans overhaul to encourage smaller listings

Published: 19 Apr 24

The operator of the JSE has proposed easing some listing requirements in a bid to encourage smaller companies to the bourse, removing some of the red tape it says has become an obstacle. The exchange intends to split its main board into two — what it called a Prime Segment and a General Segment — as part of efforts to streamline regulations to better suit the needs of smaller firms, the JSE said in a statement.