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blog

Apr 01 2021

Africa: opportunities for innovators

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Africa’s potential for sustainable economic growth is both underestimated and untapped. In 2018, six out of the ten fastest-growing economies were in Africa – with Ghana topping the world rankings.

It is one of the fastest urbanising regions of the world, with a population projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2030. Its growing, youthful workforce feeds into its appeal, with an abundance of labour and a rapidly upskilling population.

Growth sectors are as diverse as banking, telecommunications and infrastructure – each of which present clear investment opportunities. 

Landry Singé and Acha Leke’s writings identify that a large percentage of growth is likely to come from manufacturing, and there is also a significant chance that Africa will become the world’s next key manufacturer.

With all developing fields, good communication and cooperation is key. For Africa’s potential to be realised, there is a need for greater economic integration. African countries need to work together to promote peace and stability and address barriers to trade. They must also pay proper attention to tackling climate change, dealing with corruption, and addressing cybersecurity and the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Some projections indicate that African industries could increase production by nearly $1 trillion within a decade. Yet, with nearly 600 million Africans lacking access to an electricity grid, poor infrastructure remains at the heart of the impediments to growth. However, Africa has doubled its investment in infrastructure in recent years, representing a huge opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs keen to play a part in bridging the infrastructure gap. 

Africa’s natural resources are vast, with agriculture and the extractive sectors forming a vital asset in global value chains. Investing in these commodities will shape global economic activities over the coming decades and reveal Africa’s untapped potential.

The key to the future of strategic and sustainable business in Africa is innovation. Prime examples of this are well-documented and include Sumitomo Chemical’s insect-proofing mosquito nets technology that are helping to fight malaria and Hitachi’s seawater technology which is accelerating access to clean water.The challenge to businesses is simple: the days of taking from Africa are over. We must pioneer authentic win/win scenarios. More than that, my prediction is that those who lead in this arena of integrity will benefit the most.

Mar 26 2021

CLEAN SHIPPING OF THE FUTURE: TODAY

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We have entered a new paradigm: businesses no longer need to choose between operating at maximum profitability or committing to being environmentally-conscious. The corporate world has come a long way since 1994, when John Elkington coined the phrase ‘triple bottom line’ to refer to the importance of considering environmental and societal impact alongside traditional capitalism and fiscal metrics.

The term ‘corporate social responsibility’ has been around for even longer, dating back to the 1950s – but I have seen authentic CSR enjoying a phenomenal uptick in adoption over the past decade. The latest embodiment of this more holistic way of approaching corporate activity is known as ‘environmental, social and corporate governance’. ESG will soon eclipse CSR as the dominant methodology for addressing climate issues, responsible investment and sustainable corporate governance.

I’ve been involved in shipping and logistics for decades. Whilst the 100,000 or so transport ships that sail across our oceans every day have a vital role to play in keeping the global economy moving, serious thought is now being given to how to reduce and mitigate the impact that ships have on our planet. To this end, I’m closely watching developments in green cell shipping, with a view to adopting this technology at the earliest possible inflection point.

At the heart of the ‘Global Renewable Electrical Energy Network’ (GREEN) cell is a containerised power unit. These batteries harness and utilise solar and wind power alongside stored chemical power, and have the potential to transform shipping and greatly reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. I welcome this innovation.

I’m also greatly encouraged by signs that the Biden administration, the European Union and China seem committed to driving decarbonisation – and I will be eagerly awaiting the outputs and outcomes from the UN Climate Change Conference on Glasgow in November this year. Industry reports are tentative, and expectations are being set cautiously, but I sense that we’re on the cusp of an irrevocable and positive attitudinal and practical shift with regard to shipping, and also the wider logistical field.

The clearest indication yet that the UK Government is also aligned to the climate agenda came when the Prime Minister appointed Alok Sharma MP as full-time president of COP26. I’m glad to be a part of this new way of thinking about these issues which will deliver a cleaner and greener world, and help our shared agenda of building back better, post-Covid.

The conversations I have with my international network make it clear: there’s a convergence of mindset and determination from globally-minded entrepreneurs, national governments and transnational organisations that will make the world a better place: I’m confident that the next few years will see transformational step-changes in how we exercise our stewardship for our planet, whilst minimally impacting our commercial capabilities.

If you’ve read this far, let me issue you a challenge: will you join us? Together, we can truly make the oceans cleaner and safer for generations to come.

 

Written by Alessandro Bazzoni

Mar 03 2021

CREATING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IN AFRICA

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Analysts are observing that many developing countries are beating their developed counterparts in the arena of green power generation. This raises the question of whether the green energy movement is the primary force stimulating discussions about sustainable business across Africa.

The African Continent is home to several of the world’s fastest growing economies. So, when the concept of growth arises, thoughts of sustainable development and responsible business must also be present.

The developing world represents more than 50% of the global total of investment in renewable energy. Energy-hungry developing nations are increasingly looking to renewables because of their growing affordability. In turn, this has increased the awareness and interest in renewable sources.

With its abundant natural resources, Africa can use renewable technologies as a means of accelerating its development. Countries are now able to build their way to energy security by investing in the capacity needed to manufacture the energy sources such as wind turbines, solar cells and other sources of energy. I welcome this idea in moving towards a world which embraces and explores the renewable energy sector in all areas of development.

The discussion of sustainable business has become prominent in my international network. I see the trend toward strengthening civil society across Africa,and believe that we must work together to this end, lending our voices across all sectors to deliver a cleaner world.

Africa contains some of the fastest growing companies in the world. Every region on the continent has something to offer, from natural resources to human capital. The continent is blossoming, teeming with a rising youth population and eager to develop into a global leader.

There is a new paradigm requiring the creation of long-term practices that respect the environment, and the prospects of future generations – whilst simultaneously preserving and improving profitability. I am confident that we will see sustainable businesses flourish in Africa in the years to come, and I’m keen to play a role in creating win/win/win scenarios for people, planet and profit.

Analysts are observing that many developing countries are beating their developed counterparts in the arena of green power generation. This raises the question of whether the green energy movement is the primary force stimulating discussions about sustainable business across Africa.

The African Continent is home to several of the world’s fastest growing economies. So, when the concept of growth arises, thoughts of sustainable development and responsible business must also be present.

The developing world represents more than 50% of the global total of investment in renewable energy. Energy-hungry developing nations are increasingly looking to renewables because of their growing affordability. In turn, this has increased the awareness and interest in renewable sources.

With its abundant natural resources, Africa can use renewable technologies as a means of accelerating its development. Countries are now able to build their way to energy security by investing in the capacity needed to manufacture the energy sources such as wind turbines, solar cells and other sources of energy. I welcome this idea in moving towards a world which embraces and explores the renewable energy sector in all areas of development.

The discussion of sustainable business has become prominent in my international network. I see the trend toward strengthening civil society across Africa,and believe that we must work together to this end, lending our voices across all sectors to deliver a cleaner world.

Africa contains some of the fastest growing companies in the world. Every region on the continent has something to offer, from natural resources to human capital. The continent is blossoming, teeming with a rising youth population and eager to develop into a global leader.

There is a new paradigm requiring the creation of long-term practices that respect the environment, and the prospects of future generations – whilst simultaneously preserving and improving profitability. I am confident that we will see sustainable businesses flourish in Africa in the years to come, and I’m keen to play a role in creating win/win/win scenarios for people, planet and profit.

Feb 19 2021

THE GREEN ENERGY REVOLUTION

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The Coronavirus pandemic pressed pause on the world, but not the energy industry. Energy is at the core of everything: keeping hospitals running, ensuring that there’s food on supermarket shelves, and forming the main ingredient in society’s fightback against Coronavirus. Therefore, it would be illogical for governments and corporations to pursue anything other than strategic, resilient, green economic growth. A sustainable economic recovery and creating futureproofed jobs is the right response to the challenges unleashed by COVID-19.

In light of climate change and its associated impacts, a global transition to low carbon energy is underway with renewable energy at the forefront. Related technologies are becoming more efficient and falling in costs; some renewable energy forms like solar PV and onshore wind are now at (or approaching) cost-parity with fossil fuels. The heat sector, for example, is likely to see further deployment of solar water heating, biomass-fuelled burners and direct geothermal heating.

Renewable energy is expected to continue expanding as costs come down, innovative technologies are commercialised, and environmental drivers strengthen. In order to meet long-term climate and sustainability goals, renewable energy deployment must accelerate in all sectors, enabled by policy and markets.

I have observed a rapid shift in entrepreneurs and large corporations alike regarding their approach to energy. It is no longer viewed as an outsourced product, but instead is integral to their outreach, identity and their stakeholder community as a whole. This change in discourse is evidence of the green revolution in action.

The race for renewable energy is shaping global politics. I commend the work of the various national, transnational and international bodies in driving decarbonisation. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister has set goals to ensure that, within the decade, the UK will be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. These bold ambitions and clear targets form the right signals at exactly the right time. They will encourage long-term investment and innovation from the renewables industry, and they will boost employment and economic benefits right across the UK. I am glad to be a part of this movement.

The green revolution has now gathered so much momentum, with net-zero goals enshrined in law in a number of nations, what once looked impossible now seems inevitable, to quote former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban-Ki Moon.

The Coronavirus pandemic pressed pause on the world, but not the energy industry. Energy is at the core of everything: keeping hospitals running, ensuring that there’s food on supermarket shelves, and forming the main ingredient in society’s fightback against Coronavirus. Therefore, it would be illogical for governments and corporations to pursue anything other than strategic, resilient, green economic growth. A sustainable economic recovery and creating futureproofed jobs is the right response to the challenges unleashed by COVID-19.

In light of climate change and its associated impacts, a global transition to low carbon energy is underway with renewable energy at the forefront. Related technologies are becoming more efficient and falling in costs; some renewable energy forms like solar PV and onshore wind are now at (or approaching) cost-parity with fossil fuels. The heat sector, for example, is likely to see further deployment of solar water heating, biomass-fuelled burners and direct geothermal heating.

Renewable energy is expected to continue expanding as costs come down, innovative technologies are commercialised, and environmental drivers strengthen. In order to meet long-term climate and sustainability goals, renewable energy deployment must accelerate in all sectors, enabled by policy and markets.

I have observed a rapid shift in entrepreneurs and large corporations alike regarding their approach to energy. It is no longer viewed as an outsourced product, but instead is integral to their outreach, identity and their stakeholder community as a whole. This change in discourse is evidence of the green revolution in action.

The race for renewable energy is shaping global politics. I commend the work of the various national, transnational and international bodies in driving decarbonisation. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister has set goals to ensure that, within the decade, the UK will be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. These bold ambitions and clear targets form the right signals at exactly the right time. They will encourage long-term investment and innovation from the renewables industry, and they will boost employment and economic benefits right across the UK. I am glad to be a part of this movement.

The green revolution has now gathered so much momentum, with net-zero goals enshrined in law in a number of nations, what once looked impossible now seems inevitable, to quote former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban-Ki Moon.

 

Written by Alessandro Bazzoni

Feb 15 2021

GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY IN THE POST-BREXIT WORLD

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One of the positive outcomes of the year-long global fight against Covid-19 is that it has shown us that we can continue to talk, do business and overcome obstacles to communication. Whilst none of us enjoy being glued to our phones or stuck on endless Zoom calls, we can speak to (and see) friends, colleagues and associates in different timezones at no cost or low cost at any time of day or night. I sometimes think we take that for granted.

My work often causes me to make calls at odd times of my working day, but the flexibility that technology gives me to do this is something I’m grateful for. I wonder how long it will be until truly immersive technology goes mainstream, resulting in our video calls moving away from the two-dimensional to 3D. I’m curious to know when virtual reality and augmented reality will truly transform our ability to interact. How much better would it be to feel as if you’re actually sitting around a boardroom table with people from different continents, rather than staring at a 2D laptop, with tiles of faces?

I predict that 5G technology and ultra-fast broadband connections will become the norm even quicker than the experts are predicting, and that this will help lift emerging markets swiftly up the value chain. There will always be a place for face to face meetings, and indeed there are times when they are vital. Developing rapport, seeing sites with your own eyes and getting a feel for an operation, country or culture cannot be replicated virtually. Yet, as technology leads us forward, we will be able to be even more environmentally conscious and selective about our travel plans.

Four countries that I’m especially keen to visit in the near future are Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These nations are brimming with creativity and vitality. They are youthful and hungry to develop. Pioneering entrepreneurs have already created dynamic ventures, and I’m glad to see that many of the most successful new businesses and partnerships emerging have a strong emphasis on sustainability and on ensuring that all parts of the value chain benefit.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you can play a role in building businesses that straddle continents and create sustainable capitalism, I’d encourage you to be bold. We live in a time like no other. Not only are the opportunities plentiful, but global connectivity and the deep digital reservoir of knowledge give us all the tools we need to succeed. Fortis Fortuna adiuvat!

One of the positive outcomes of the year-long global fight against Covid-19 is that it has shown us that we can continue to talk, do business and overcome obstacles to communication. Whilst none of us enjoy being glued to our phones or stuck on endless Zoom calls, we can speak to (and see) friends, colleagues and associates in different timezones at no cost or low cost at any time of day or night. I sometimes think we take that for granted.

My work often causes me to make calls at odd times of my working day, but the flexibility that technology gives me to do this is something I’m grateful for. I wonder how long it will be until truly immersive technology goes mainstream, resulting in our video calls moving away from the two-dimensional to 3D. I’m curious to know when virtual reality and augmented reality will truly transform our ability to interact. How much better would it be to feel as if you’re actually sitting around a boardroom table with people from different continents, rather than staring at a 2D laptop, with tiles of faces?

I predict that 5G technology and ultra-fast broadband connections will become the norm even quicker than the experts are predicting, and that this will help lift emerging markets swiftly up the value chain. There will always be a place for face to face meetings, and indeed there are times when they are vital. Developing rapport, seeing sites with your own eyes and getting a feel for an operation, country or culture cannot be replicated virtually. Yet, as technology leads us forward, we will be able to be even more environmentally conscious and selective about our travel plans.

Four countries that I’m especially keen to visit in the near future are Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These nations are brimming with creativity and vitality. They are youthful and hungry to develop. Pioneering entrepreneurs have already created dynamic ventures, and I’m glad to see that many of the most successful new businesses and partnerships emerging have a strong emphasis on sustainability and on ensuring that all parts of the value chain benefit.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you can play a role in building businesses that straddle continents and create sustainable capitalism, I’d encourage you to be bold. We live in a time like no other. Not only are the opportunities plentiful, but global connectivity and the deep digital reservoir of knowledge give us all the tools we need to succeed. Fortis Fortuna adiuvat!

 

Written by Alessandro Bazzoni