Mastering
Global
Business
Doing Business
in Africa
Arrive and settle in at the hotel. Informal get together and dinner.
8:30 – 12:30: The South African economy within the context of Africa, the developing world and the developed world.
Prof Andre Roux, professor in economics at the USB, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at the USB and author of “Everyone’s Guide to the South African Economy”.
14:00 – 17:00: Building Business in Emerging Countries and Areas – the Sanlam Story.
Heinie Werth, CEO of Sanlam Emerging Markets.
Sanlam is one of the largest financial services companies in South Africa. It has built a solid base in the emerging part of the South African population, and has subsequently moved into Africa and India. There are both pull and push factors driving this expansion into emerging countries, and a sound strategy was a prerequisite to avoid a mismatch between internal competencies and external needs and requirements.
8:30 – 12:30: Doing Business in Africa.
Prof. Eltie Links is a member of the faculty of the USB. He is also a diplomat of renown in South Africa, and serves on various boards in corporate South Africa. He has also served as South Africa’s representative at the European Union.
Africa is a continent that is large enough to incorporate the landmass of China, the USA, India, Europe, and quite a few other countries. It has a population of about 1bn people and 54 countries. Infrastructure (or the lack thereof) is a driver/constraint of business. Doing business in Africa is therefore a challenge. Understanding Africa in macro context is essential for success.
14:00 – 17:00: Building markets in Africa by European Companies
Corne Nel – Managing Director of Elizabeth Arden.
European or Western companies see Africa as an area of growth. Africa has about a billion people and a fast growing middle class. Two companies that have seen the opportunities in Africa, include, amongst others, Elizabeth Arden and adidas. Elizabeth Arden has had to reposition itself in Africa, given that its original market was middle-aged white women in the USA. Its market in Africa is now young Black women. Their needs are vastly different.
8:30 – 12:30: Business Lessons from an entrepreneurial startup in Nigeria by a South African Expatriate.
Louw Burger, the CEO and founder of Thai Farm International.
Louw Burger started this cassava production and processing company in 2006 with investment from Nigeria and the East. One of his largest clients purchased the majority stake in TFI in 2012. Louw will address the challenges and opportunities of starting a business in Nigeria.
14:00 – 17:00: Developing a Retail Footprint in Africa – The Shoprite Story.
Photy Tzellios, the Supply Chain Director of the Shoprite Group.
Shoprite currently finds itself in 17 countries in Africa. It has recognised the potential of Africa’s retail market and the promise of success hinted at by the fast growing middle class in Africa. Today, its Africa division makes a substantial contribution to the revenue and profit of the Shoprite Group. Photy Tzellios will address the issues and challenges of developing an effective and efficient supply chain into Africa.
8:30 – 12:30: Building a bridge between Africa and Europe – The Case of Two-A-Day.
Speaker: Attie Van Zyl, Managing Director Two-a-Day and dr. Mias Pretorius, Head of Technical Division Two-a-Day.
Two-A-Day has been exporting apples and pears to the European market. It has recently also started to focus on Africa, for obvious reasons. The speaker will address the difference in business model and market development strategies on Europe and Africa. The focus of this session will be the growth of a South African entrepreneurial company (within the fruit industry) in both the established European markets and the newly developing African markets.
14:00 – 17:00: Botswana as an Economic Star in Southern Africa.
Speaker: Kenneth Molosi, CEO of EOH and member of the USB-ED International Advisory Board, Gaberone, Botswana.
Botswana is generally viewed as politically very stable with a sound economy. Although a small economy, it provides a lot of investment opportunity. The diamond industry in Botswana is one of the largest producers of diamonds in the world. This provides the country with a major contributor of GDP. Botswana is also an attractive tourist destination given the beauty of the country’s fauna and flora. In addition, it is attracting FDI from corporations in industries such as defence and motor vehicle production. The session will deal with the economic opportunities in Botswana.
8:30 – 12:30: Kenya as East African Business Hub.
Speaker: Sam Kimani, CEO of Jamii Bora Bank and member of the USB-ED International Advisory Board, Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya is viewed as the hub of business in East Africa. It has a healthy and growing economy, and the discovery of energy sources in East Africa creates both opportunities and challenges. Its financial services industry is a healthy one. In addition, in the field of ICT and Innovation, Kenya is not only an African leader, but also a world leader. In this regard, innovations such as mPhesa have become a household name in both East and Southern Africa. Politically the region has its own challenges.
14:00 – 17:00: Building a beer market in Africa – the SABMiller story.
Building a beer market in Africa – the SABMiller story.
Speaker: Roark Nel, PPM SAB South Africa.
SABMiller has grown from a local South African giant in 1990 to a global beer giant second to only the Belgian ABInBev. It tapped into various sources of growth on the African continent to expand its footprint. The challenges of growing this footprint will be expanded upon. In this regard, both pull and push factors will be addressed.
Final breakfast and Check-out of the hotel.
