New GIBS article: Social entrepreneurs’ learning experience in South African incubators by Aleia Bucci and Jonathan Marks
Africa’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and desire for social change has led to growth in social entrepreneurship and incubation throughout the continent. However, there is a limited understanding of how entrepreneurial learning occurs during incubation. This study explored social entrepreneurs’ learning experience in South African incubators. A phenomenological methodology provided a deeper understanding of their lived […]
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MTN avails R1m to empower women-led SMMEs in SA (VB)
Ten women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises will benefit from a R1 million investment investment from the MTN SA Foundation. This, says the mobile giant, will enable innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation for women in the digital economy. The inaugural 2022 MTN Women in Digital Business Challenge is specifically for less-established women-owned SMMEs who can […]
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Department of Tourism launches incubation programme for tech savvy entrepreneurs (IOL)
Digitalisation has the potential to open new frontiers and improve resource management efficiency and sector competitiveness in tourism, says the Department of Tourism. To this end the department in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), today launched the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme […]
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PwC lowers SA’s economic growth prospects for 2022 (IOL)
At the start of 2022, PwC’s downside economic scenario suggested real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 1.6 percent this year and an average inflation rate of 5.6 percent. PwC yesterday said that its current baseline outlook was for 1.8 percent growth and 6.3 percent inflation, which is not far removed from this downside view […]
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Reserve Bank probing its role in mitigating climate change (BL)
The SA Reserve Bank, whose main job is to manage monetary policy, says it has begun work to understand how it can mitigate against climate change, despite this not being the usual work of the central bank. Governor Lesetja Kganyago says in the Bank’s annual report published on Monday that “climate change will have a […]
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New GIBS article: The potential of crowdfunding to promote business in the context of an emerging economy by Alet Erasmus, Geoffrey Tocknell and Flip Schutte
Crowdfunding has the potential to change the historic standards of the financial services industry and reduce gaps between supply and demand economics. Over the past ten years, it has received increasing attention. However, the potential that crowdfunding holds in less fortunate economic contexts where SMEs are probably needed the most has not yet attracted the attention that it deserves. Acknowledging the influence of knowledge […]
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South Africa is a startup powerhouse that leads the continent for exits, finds new report (Disrupt Africa)
The report will be a deep-dive into the South African startup scene, utilising Disrupt Africa’s datasets, expertise and networks to document what startups are doing what in the country, who is making investments, and who is providing ecosystem support. It takes as its starting point a list of 490 South African tech startups for which […]
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NASA awards $50 Million in funding to small businesses (SBT)
The awards are being managed by NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. The program provides early-stage funding to start-ups, as well as access to a network of diverse entrepreneurs and innovators. It also gives small businesses the chance to work with NASA programs and other government agencies. The scheme […]
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New GIBS research article: The influence of female agentic and communal leadership on work engagement: vigour, dedication and absorption. by Robyn Dunlop & Caren Scheepers
The purpose of this study is investigating the influence of leadership on work engagement.The definition of leadership is primarily couched in culturally masculine terms and known as anagentic leadership style that disfavours women, who are often perceived as being communal leaderswho are compassionate and humble. The research gap addressed is whether communal and agenticleadership styles […]
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MTN rolls out R2.2bn Gauteng township investment (ITweb)
MTN’s investment comes on the back of growing emphasis by the provincial government for business to help formalise township-based enterprises and provide support for such businesses. Last month, the Gauteng Legislature passed the Township Economic Development Bill, saying it helps to economically empower townships and disadvantaged communities. Now, MTN says its infrastructure investment will help […]
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One of South Africa’s biggest banks is making a permanent shift in how it does business (BT)
FNB plans to continue modernising its branch network with a strong focus on digitisation and smaller branches to cater for digital and face-to-face client interactions. Raj Makanjee, CEO of FNB Retail and Private Banking, says that future FNB branches will be 76% the size they used to be, from an average of 460 sqm to […]
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FT ranking: Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2022(FT)
From banks to education providers, and from start-ups to established businesses, companies have shifted further online and sought fresh solutions for customers and societies as a whole. Wasoko, formerly Sokowatch, which heads the ranking, is one of several on the continent seeking to cut the cost of doing business in the massive informal commerce sector, […]
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SA’s fuel price goes up despite the government’s levy cutback – but retailers soon able to sell for less (Dailymaverick)
From 1 June, retailers will be allowed to sell 93-octane unleaded petrol below the price cap which the government sets. For decades, the government has set a price that petrol retailers were required to sell at and no discounts were allowed. The price was set according to a calculation based essentially on the oil price. The […]
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This investor wants to invest R290m into 20 SA businesses. But they must be ‘revolutionary’(BI)
SA does not take startups seriously Though Akindele wants to do deals across the globe – as long as they benefit Africa – he is keen to invest in South African ventures. Platform Capital set up offices in Johannesburg nine months ago and aims to invest $20m in 20 South African businesses a year. The […]
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Good news for banks in South Africa (BT)
A recent analysis of South Africa’s major banks by financial services firm PwC shows that banks delivered a strong financial performance in the 2021 financial year with a 99% increase in headline earnings against the prior year. “With more supportive conditions, the major banks delivered strong results on the back of a rebound in economic […]
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Number of women business owners in South Africa on the rise (EN)
Despite the gender gap and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, women in South Africa are making progress as entrepreneurs, indicating a strong will and determination to survive, according to transaction services multinational Mastercard’s Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE). The MIWE highlights the vast socioeconomic contributions of women entrepreneurs across the world, provides insight on […]
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Stricter transformation and BEE rules planned for South Africa’s banking and finance sector (BT)
The financial sector is a key contributor to the South African economy and is an important component in driving a transformation of the economy and ensuring greater inclusivity in economic activities, the regulator said. Since democracy, there has been some progress made toward both economic transformation in general and financial sector transformation specifically. However, it […]
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How SA’s education institutions can beat the digital transformation challenge (IT WEB)
South African education has never been more pressured to perform. Digital transformation, often touted as the solution, can just as quickly become the challenge. One of the problems is that it’s an all-encompassing phrase. In the past two years it has come to symbolise distance learning, remote learning, home schooling and online education. All of […]
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Key trends and opportunities in the South African Construction Industry to 2025: Rebound forecast for 2022 (BW)
The construction industry in South Africa is expected to rebound in 2022, and expand by 9.1% in real terms. The industry will then stabilize at an annual average growth of 3.1% between 2023-2025, although output will not return pre-pandemic levels during the entire forecast period. The industry’s growth over the forecast period will, however, be […]
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Delay in new-energy vehicle plan may favour SA, says Toyota president (BL)
Pushing back the strategy could allow the country to avoid pitfalls being encountered elsewhere. Delays in designing a new-energy vehicle (NEV) strategy for SA might not be a bad thing if it allows the country to avoid pitfalls being encountered elsewhere, says Toyota SA president Andrew Kirby. The department of trade, industry & competition had […]
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Brenthurst report charts SA’s stark economic decline (DM)
Every year the Economist publishes a book called Pocket World in Figures, which ranks economies on size and a host of other items. In 1993 the third edition was published and ranked South Africa as the 28th largest economy in the world. Last year the same ranking showed that South Africa was now the 38th […]
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Plans in place to bolster tech SMMES (EWN)
Communications and Digital Technologies Department (DCDT) says it has a number of plans in place to bolster tech SMMEs, including new laws. While South Africa has been recognized on the international stage for some of the best tech start-ups, the consensus is that the government and the private should do more to support these SMMEs. […]
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What businesses in South Africa are most worried about in 2022 (BT)
Cyber incidents, business interruption and critical infrastructure blackouts are the top three business risks in South Africa in 2022, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2022. However, the country is not alone in this worry, as cyber perils are also the biggest concern for companies globally. The threats of ransomware attacks, data breaches or major […]
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Here’s How Climate Change Crisis Could Impact Business Operations and Policies In 2022 (Forbes)
The climate change crisis, which continues to worsen is expected to have a greater impact on the operations and policies of companies during cryptocurrencies this year. Here’s how experts and observers think that will happen. More Pressure to Decarbonize Operations Pamela Chasek is a political science professor at Manhattan College where she chairs the political science […]
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Popular Fintech launches online payment Gateway for small businesses (BT)
To a small business owner navigating the daily uncertainties of running a businesses, these online payment methods may not be worth it. As a result, small businesses are missing out on a rapidly growing market. But not all financial service providers are leaving these businesses to fend for themselves. iKhokha has stepped in with an […]
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Omicron study in South Africa points to end of acute pandemic phase(Business day)
A South African study from the epicenter of the world’s omicron surge offers a tantalizing hint that the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic may be ending. The infection wave moved with “unprecedented speed” and caused much milder illness than earlier strains, a study of patients infected with Covid-19 at a large hospital in the […]
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New Gibs whitepaper: Exploratory and exploitative innovation influenced by contextual leadership, environmental dynamism and innovation climate. by JD Visser & Caren Scheepers
The main remedy for this dilemma is to continually evolve as an organisation either continually(exploitative innovation), radically (exploratory innovation) or both. Innovation, therefore,remains a burgeoning avenue for research. Successful organisations innovate by improvingor exploiting their current offerings and developing radical new ones for the future. March(1991) originally defined this innovative capability for simultaneous exploration andexploitation […]
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B4SA still pushing for increased vaccine mandates(Business day)
Business for SA is preparing papers in a bid to get a high court declaratory order that would provide legal certainty. The body hopes to file the papers in the coming weeks, he said. Various estimates suggest 25% of South Africans are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and business is of the firm view that inoculation […]
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SA is the leader in digitalisation across the MEA: Mastercard white paper on SMEs
The findings show that digitalisation is essential to unlocking a small business’s growth potential. BUSINESS SA is the leader in digitalisation across the MEA: Mastercard white paper on SMEs (BL) The findings show that digitalization is essential to unlocking a small business’s growth potential More than 60% of SA SMEs believe e-commerce will have a […]
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Why business cannot afford to ignore tech ethics (FT)
From one angle, the pandemic looks like a vindication of “techno-solutionism”. From the more everyday developments of teleconferencing to systems exploiting advanced artificial intelligence, platitudes to the power of innovation abound. Such optimism smacks of short-termism. Desperate times often call for swift and sweeping solutions, but implementing technologies without regard for their impact is risky […]
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Gibs new case study-Love books: sustained success amidst uncertainties by Verity Hawarden and Amy More.
The sub field of academia that the case is designed to teach is small business development, entrepreneurship, or women in business. This real-life case is based on interviews that took place with Kate Rogan, the co-founder of Love Books, and other stakeholders associated with the small bookselling business that is based in the suburb of […]
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South Africa could introduce vaccine passports in early 2022 (Business Day)
South Africa could introduce a new Covid-19 vaccine passport system at the start of 2022, with restrictions on accessing public services and places of employment. Business day reports that talks between the government, business, and labor on introducing a form of Covid-19 vaccine passport system are at an advanced stage, citing insiders involved in the […]
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Gender, leadership and organization by Mollie Painter-Morland
The topic of gender discrimination within the realm of organizational leadership is approached in a very specific way. We will not be exploring the various normative frameworks that could support equality in the workplace, such as appeals to basic human rights, social contracts, deontological duties or utilitarian concerns. Instead, we will seek to understand the […]
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Gartner top strategic technology trends for 2022 (Gartner)
Gartner expects these 12 technology trends to act as force multipliers of digital business and innovation over the next three to five years. Every year, Gartner identifies technology trends that are critical to business. This year, the list comprises 12 strategic trends that will enable CEOs to deliver growth, digitalization and efficiency — and position […]
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New GIBS whitepaper – From the horse’s mouth: Advice from chairs on how to lead boards more effectively by Gavin Price, Kerrin Myres, Johann Redelinghuys and Karl Hofmeyr
Despite having one of the most applauded codes of corporate governance in the form of King IV, South Africa has a growing governance problem. Ample evidence of this is to be found in both the public and private sectors. Examples include the unethical conduct of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), such as Eskom, PIC and Transnet; EOH’s […]
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Standard Bank launches advice series for entrepreneurs (Standard Bank)
Entrepreneurship is often described as a lonely journey. At times, it might even feel overwhelming. But being receptive to advice and support from different sources, whether it be veteran entrepreneurs or industry experts, can help to avoid the challenges of going at it alone. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, just starting out as a business […]
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New GIBS research article – Game-based learning: Teaching principles of economics and investment finance through Monopoly by Charlene Lew and Adrian Saville.
The authors made used of a qualitative cross-sectional research design through content analysis of learning documents for 77 participants and analyzed basic behavioral trends over a 10-year period. The results show the breadth of learning through the game of Monopoly that was modified by incorporating disruptive elements. Themes include learning about the investment environment, financial management, […]
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LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace[by Diana Ellworth, Bryan Hancock and Bill Schaninger]
McKinsey Talks Talent podcast How to take action to support LGBTQ+ employees—not just during Pride Month, but year-round. During Pride Month, many large companies take the opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in myriad vital and visible ways. But creating a genuinely inclusive culture means taking year-round action—and the COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded the challenge. Diana […]
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New GIBS whitepaper – Platforms of prosperity: the African edition.
We were on the most sustained and widespread outbreak of prosperity the world has ever seen (Pinker, 2018). The seven decades since the end of the Second World War brought greater improvements in living standards to more people than could previously have been imagined. In the two decades to 2020 alone, global poverty rates were […]
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Future of Business Process Management (BPM) Solutions Market by 2030 | Trends and Predictions (BZ)
The recently released Business Process Management (BPM) Solutions Market Report for 2023, spanning a substantial 111 pages, offers valuable insights into its present condition, size, volume, and market share. In today’s digitally driven world, understanding the dynamics of the market has become not just important but essential for businesses and marketers alike. With the growing importance of artificial intelligence […]
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FT business book of the year 2023 — the shortlist (FT)
Walter Isaacson’s newly published biography of Elon Musk is one of six finalists for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year Award. The book joins titles about the pressure on the world’s natural resources, how to handle failure, and how to tackle the challenges of rapidly advancing technologies. FT editor and chair […]
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ADF approves $20m grant to drive investment in climate-smart agriculture in Mozambique (EN)
The African Development Fund (ADF), the African Development Bank’s (AfDB’s) concessional lending arm, has approved a grant of $19.98-million to finance the implementation of Mozambique’s Economic Acceleration and Governance Support Programme. This funding is the first of two successive general budget support operations for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, each worth about $20-million. Click here to read […]
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US and Norway partner to invest $70 Million in African Agriculture Fund amidst food insecurity (BI)
A spokesperson from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that the United States and Norway are jointly committing $70 million to establish a fund to support farmers and agricultural businesses across Africa. Recurring drought, climate change, armed conflict, and economic and political instability have led to severe food shortages across the continent, […]
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4 Ways The Metaverse May (Positively) Impact Your Business Operations (Forbes)
There is no doubt about it: the next evolution of the internet – characterized by immersive virtual experiences – is already underway. This future internet brings many opportunities for organizations to enhance their internal processes. Here are four examples of how organizations can harness this more immersive future internet in their business operations. Click here […]
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Can SA bounce back from its current economic challenges? (Moneyweb)
South Africa faces a plethora of challenges and will need to bounce back soon to prevent it from spiralling out of control. The question we constantly grapple with is whether it can bounce back from its current economic challenges. Many Idols contestants really, really want to win – but the reality is that most simply […]
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Agriculture was the fastest growing sector of the SA economy in the second quarter (EN)
The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) has, in its brief report ‘Perspectives on Agriculture’s Performance in Q2 of 2023’, highlighted the contribution of the agricultural sector to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the second quarter of this year (2Q23). While total GDP grew by 0.6%, quarter-on-quarter, agricultural GDP grew by 4.2% over […]
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Economic growth in G7 versus Brics: A reality check (M&G)
In the UK, the BBC prepared and published data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January about various nations’ growth forecasts for 2023 and 2024. The BBC foregrounded some bad news for the UK. Of nine major industrial economies — the G7 (the UK, US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France and Canada), plus Russia and China — […]
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Driving diversity amid adversity (FT)
Practitioners discuss creating a cultural shift — and the role of business schools.In a time of culture wars, the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are on the frontline. “Go woke, go broke” has become a rallying cry for critics on social and news media, who claim that businesses’ financial success is at […]
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How tech improves dairy farming in Ethiopia(ShareAmerica)
A temperate climate and fertile soil make the shores of Lake Hawassa in Ethiopia ideal for raising cattle and growing animal feed. Yet for small-scale farmers near the lake, 300 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, producing a large enough supply of safe milk to consistently earn a profit isn’t easy.“The biggest challenge ahead is keeping […]
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