Forbes Africa

Forbes Africa is the drama critic to business in Africa. The magazine helps readers connect the dots, form patterns and see beyond the obvious, giving them a completely different perspective. In doing this, it delivers sharp, in-depth and engaging stories by looking at global and domestic issues from an African prism.

Forbes Africa

MAKE AFRICA WORK FOR EVERYONE

EDUCATE, RE-ENGINEER AND LEAD THROUGH UNCERTAINTY

BRIEF 360

THE COMEBACK BILLIONAIRE’S FOR {MU} La FOR SUCCESS • Nigeria’s business mogul and third richest man, who cemented his return to Forbes’ African Billionaires List this year since dropping off it in 2015, says he owes his $1.6 billion net worth to being a disruptor – and to being stubborn.

POLL POSITION

A TALE OF TWO PRESIDENTS AND ONE PHONE CALL TO FREEDOM • A month before South Africa’s elections, one of the country’s leading political figures exposed a number of his former comrades for corruption with evidence to the Zondo Commission on State Capture. It was box office material, yet just another eventful period in the turbulent life of Robert McBride – guerrilla fighter, policeman and death row prisoner.

‘DIFFICULT TO BRING WHOLESALE CHANGE’ • Ahead of the May elections in South Africa, the country’s Minister of Public Service & Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo, gives her take on simplifying government processes and ensuring public services are available for all on digital platforms.

THE 4IR STRATEGY TO MOVE FORWARD

NO MAIZE, NO MONEY, NO FUTURE • The deadliest African cyclone, to date, tore through Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique in March, leaving a trail of death and destruction. The worst is yet to come for survivors.

HEALTHY NATIONS ARE WEALTHY NATIONS

‘A TWEET CAN TANK AN ECONOMY’ • Many perspectives have been shared on influencer marketing, but very few from the brands themselves. What are its business imperatives and ROI?

THEY STILL TAKE CREDIT • South Africa’s township grocers have had to increasingly adapt to changing consumer behavior and the demands of a digital economy. What they are still cashing in on is their originality.

PACKING LIGHT IN SCHOOL BAGS • Former South African rugby star John Mametsa provides alternative energy solutions for the state. With his wife Tumi, he says their future in the business is bright.

DEMYSTIFYING INNOVATION – UNPACKING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ORGANISATIONS • The ability to innovate and to consistently unlock value within business, now and in the future, is one of the most important criteria for success in the digital era. Research from Accenture indicates a growing challenge ahead for South Africa — with only 3% of South African organisations successfully unlocking trapped value. Innovation champions with the capability and savvy are showing the way.

CONSUMED BY HEALTHY EATING • The restaurant market still hungers for healthy options. This entrepreneur is feeding that need, serving earth-conscious customers and gym junkies.

THE CREATIVE IN THE NUMBERS GAME • Desmond Blackmore has solidified his presence in Ghana’s afrobeats scene and is one of the few musicians to turn into a successful entertainment mogul.

MIND OVER MORTAR • A former Goldman Sachs trader’s $800 million company wants to extend the wellness fad from aromatherapy and hair gummies to condominiums and casino hotels.

SWEET SUCCESS • After her husband’s death, Popi Zolas abandoned her corporate career and took on a restaurant franchise, before immersing herself in the catering and confectionery business.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF FRANCHISING

ROBO-RIGS • Self-driving cars are at least five years away. Eighteen-wheelers are coming first, and a 34-year-old Caltech Ph.D.’s unicorn is king of the road.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE FOLD...