Ok Zimbabwe has closed 11 stores as part of a rapid consolidation effort. The move follows months of mounting financial pressure. Management says the closures aim to reduce losses and stabilise the business. The company now operates a smaller national footprint while it pursues a wider turnaround plan. Several root causes explain why Ok Zimbabwe...
A new fast food concept has officially launched in South Africa, backed by Springbok legend Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nché. The brand, called The Braai Republic, brings the spirit of traditional South African braai into a modern quick service restaurant model. It combines culture, flavour and community in a way that aims to stand out in the...
South Africa finds itself at a difficult crossroads as the Reserve Bank’s policy decisions create deeper economic stress. While some expect a small rate cut, analysts warn that the central bank may keep rates high longer than hoped. This could add significant strain on households, businesses, and the broader economy. The Monetary Policy Committee is...
The Mutapa Fund is stepping up its role in Zimbabwe’s mining sector as it seeks US$250 million to expand gold production across key operations. The fund plans to allocate US$150 million to Shamva Gold Mine and US$100 million to Jena Mines. This capital will be raised mainly through debt facilities negotiated with financial institutions. The...
Robert Friedland has opened the first phase of the Platreef mine in South Africa. The ceremony marks a major milestone for a deposit that took decades to reach full development. The project brings significant investment, new jobs and broader economic opportunities to the region. Friedland is the founder and executive co-chairman of the company leading...
Zimbabwe’s dollar-only stock market is gaining rapid momentum. Market analysts now say the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange could surpass the century-old Harare main market within two years. This shift reflects deeper changes in investor behaviour, currency dynamics and sector composition. VFEX opened in 2020 to provide a dollar-denominated trading platform. The aim was to attract...
Microsoft has launched Project Gecko in Kenya. The initiative is led by Microsoft Research Africa in Nairobi. It brings together partners from Microsoft Research India, the Microsoft Research Accelerator in the United States, Digital Green, and local collaborators. The goal is to build AI systems that work for populations that are underrepresented online. Project Gecko...
James Mwangi: The Kenyan Visionary Reshaping Banking, Opportunity, and Social Impact
The festive season is usually a time for joy, family gatherings and shared meals. This year, however, the rising cost of a basic food basket will determine how millions of households celebrate. Across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana, families are dealing with higher prices, strained incomes and uncertain economic conditions. Inflation, currency weaknesses,...
A major internet disruption on 18 November 2025 affected millions of users after Cloudflare, one of the world’s leading internet infrastructure providers, experienced a significant outage. The incident caused major platforms such as X, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Canva, Grindr and many others to go down for several hours, leading to confusion, delays and widespread complaints across...