Bhavya B.

Gamathon 24 has come to a close. The event featured panel sessions, game showcases, and expert presentations. So, after six days at the show, what did we learn? Here are five takeaways from Gamathon 24. https://lnkd.in/eaaxyuZe

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The Kenyan people have united in a strong message: we will not tolerate any further taxation of the gaming industry. It's a well-established fact that no country has ever experienced economic growth through overburdening its citizens with excessive taxation. The current regulatory environment is scaring away existing businesses and potential investors & making it increasingly difficult for businesses to thrive in the country. Read my open letter to the government, which can be found in the comments section below, detailing my concerns and demands for reform. #FinanceBill2024

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We had a busy week at the studio. Here’s some of what went down: → We’re designing a UI for a large international bank. This new interface is part of a development project which will revolutionise how they handle investments. → We’re rebranding an African logistics company. Taking an outdated brand and injecting fresh energy into it. The transformation? Exciting to witness and we'll be sharing the outcomes in a month's time. → We’re creating investment fact sheets for a European financial services firm. Making complex data easy to digest. Lots of moving parts, but every project is about moving things forward. One thing though – we’re booked up until the New Year. If you’re looking to schedule a project with us, now’s the time to get in touch! #ChooseHalo

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🎥 In case you missed it! Our Chief Marketing Officer, Mathabo Sekhonyana (CMO) was invited to CNBC Africa studios in Sandton last week to unpack the rapid growth of sports betting in South Africa, as well as trends, drivers, and misconceptions. 🌍Observing World Tourism Day, she also highlighted how gambling tourism is on the incline and providing a much-needed boost for the economy! 🙌🏽 🎥 Watch the full interview here: https://encr.pw/9wx6E #sportsbetting #growth #economy

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🗣 At the GBTA I Southern Africa's conference, we heard about key trends affecting business travel in the region. Here's the headlines: - Meetings, incentives and events are moving beyond cities - Biodiversity is the new green travel buzz - Virtual cards are becoming a reality - Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the new co-pilot for business travel - Climate change is reshaping travel risk Learn more about these trends and what you can be doing as a travel programme owner now in this new report. Get your copy at: https://okt.to/Rot5M2 #BusinessTravel #CorporateTravel #GBTASA

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🌍 Endeavor South Africa’s Harvest Fund III: Investing in Africa’s Tech Future! 🌍​ ​ Endeavor South Africa has announced a successful first close of R190 million for its ambitious R500 million Harvest Fund III, dedicated to propelling African tech startups forward. This first round not only exceeded its R150 million goal but also reinforced confidence in the continent’s thriving tech sector. ​ ​ Harvest Fund III arrives as the previous fund, Harvest Fund II, concludes after investing R190 million across 17 companies. Prominent backers like Standard Bank, Allan Gray, and the SA SME Fund are helping drive growth by supporting a carefully selected pipeline of 135 Endeavor-backed companies, with 85% of the fund specifically allocated to South African ventures. 🚀​ ​ Alison Collier, Managing Director of Endeavor South Africa, highlighted the fund’s meticulous due diligence, which has taken up to two years to select only the most promising companies. With a target of 25% returns and a vision for substantial impact, Harvest Fund III builds on the success of its predecessor, which saw 58% annual revenue growth, R7.7 billion in revenue, and over 9,200 jobs created.​ ​ Harvest Fund III’s early success is a pivotal step in transforming Africa’s tech ecosystem. With support for trailblazers like Go1, TymeBank, Clickatell, and Sendmarc, Endeavor South Africa is fuelling innovation and strengthening the continent’s position in the global tech arena.​ ​ Learn more about Harvest Fund III and Endeavor South Africa’s mission here: https://bit.ly/3NJCJke ​ Endeavor Alison Collier ​ #EndeavorSA #HarvestFundIII #AfricaTech #Investment #StartupGrowth #InnovationAfrica #Entrepreneurship

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Let's then also relate this to streaming online. This is a problem we are solving at OPTIMALVID (a documentary streaming platform where documentaries are streamed online without cellular data; no WiFi, no offline downloads).

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Driving Change: Transforming South Africa’s Digital Workforce At The Collective X, we are on a mission to double South Africa’s national output of digital skills by 2030, with a goal to create 500,000 high-value digital jobs over the next decade. As a coordinating intermediary, we are working to align skilled youth with employer demand through a unified national digital skills strategy that addresses market inefficiencies and builds scalable, demand-driven solutions. To tackle South Africa’s digital skills crisis, we are focused on four key strategic pillars: 1. Co-Funding for Change and Scale  Our outcomes-based fund co-funds work-integrated learning to develop the talent businesses need to stay competitive. 2. Implement Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)  Combining academic learning with hands-on experience prepares graduates for real-world success in the digital economy. 3. Apply the SFIA Framework Implementing the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) across our network ensures that skills are continuously updated and aligned with industry needs. 4. Ecosystem Advocacy  Collaborating with government and private sector partners to drive the adoption of the National Digital Skills Framework builds impactful partnerships that enhance digital skills and create significant job opportunities. By leveraging these four pillars, The Collective X is addressing the digital skills shortage, fostering growth, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for South Africa’s youth. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dBwdsv5i #TheCollectiveX #DigitalSkills #TalentDevelopment #YouthEmployment #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

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Join us as our founder, Sandiso Sibisi interviewed by Mudiwa Gavaza, MBA, shares insights on COOi Studios' mission to drive local tech dominance through responsible business practices and a commitment to sustainable development goals. In this episode, Sandiso discusses: 💡 COOi Studios' journey from inception to becoming a trusted partner for clients like Sasol, Engen, Anglo American, and Standard Bank. 💡 The impact of gender equality, responsible innovation, and sustainability in our work. 💡 Key trends in technology innovation and how COOi Studios is shaping the future of business in industries such as financial services, resources, telecommunications, and more. 💡 The value of Sandiso’s corporate experience and how it has shaped her entrepreneurial path to success. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about COOi Studios’ business model, growth, and how we’re making waves in the tech consulting space. 🔗 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/d4NEdYBY #COOiStudios #TechInnovation #BusinessGrowth #SustainableBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TechnologyConsulting #BusinessDaySpotlight #Podcast

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South Africa's film and television industry, estimated to bring in over R90bn (roughly $5bn) in foreign investment to the country stands at risk of losing lucrative projects to other countries that are offering higher/better incentive for foreign funded projects. As such, independent film makers in South Africa are not happy. We recently spoke to a panel of players from Animation SA, Hollard Film Guarantors; and the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) to understand the pain points. The local industry has raised concerns over government reforms that have shrunk tax breaks for foreign-funded projects. It is feared the contentious policy changes will stifle growth in the sector and lead to losses of billions of rand in potential investment. The industry, which once thrived on international collaborations, faces a downturn as professionals seek greener pastures. The recently revised foreign film tax rebate offers 20% on qualifying expenditure, with an additional 5% for postproduction services provided by black-owned companies, capped at R25m, down from R50m. ---------- #BDSpotlight PODCAST | New rules blunt SA’s ability to attract foreign-funded film projects We're joined by Nick Cloete, Animation SA’s head of policy and outgoing National chair; paul raleigh, director at Hollard Film Guarantors; and Ayanda Sibisi , interim general secretary of the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO). LISTEN https://lnkd.in/dj-B8y6m via Business Day on BusinessLiveSA

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Embedded within the foundational principles of iGaming AFRIKA lies an unwavering commitment—an earnest pledge to ascend to the pinnacle of iGaming journalism in Africa and stand as the undisputed leader within the continent. This commitment is not merely a proclamation but a deeply rooted vision that propels us forward, steering our endeavours toward a future where our platform goes beyond its current standing. In this envisioned future, iGaming AFRIKA emerges as the unparalleled primary source of information, a beacon that illuminates the iGaming landscape across the African continent. Our vision extends beyond the dissemination of news; it encompasses a holistic role where we become architects of industry dialogue. We see ourselves as catalysts, shaping and influencing conversations, trends, and narratives that define the contours of the iGaming sector. By assuming a central role in industry discourse, we aim to foster a community where knowledge flows seamlessly, innovations are celebrated, and challenges are met with collective solutions. In this envisioned future, our platform becomes more than a news provider—it becomes a dynamic hub that facilitates a robust exchange of ideas, insights, and expertise, fostering an ecosystem that propels the growth and maturation of the iGaming sector on the African continent. #iGamingAFRIKA #Gaming #AFRICA

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If you’ve been following Rafiki Mwema for a while, you’ll know that we do everything we can to keep our operating expenses in Australia as low as possible, allowing us to direct the maximum amount of funds to Kenya. Because of this, we don’t have a budget for advertising, fundraising staff, or marketing. With just 1.5 paid employees (Sarah and Lou), it can be difficult to manage all the work required to keep the organisation running smoothly and to keep our doors open. This is why we rely so heavily on your help. Your voice and your network are our strongest form of outreach, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support you provide. We wanted to share some of the most impactful ways you can help us continue our important work at Rafiki Mwema: 🖤 Sponsor a Child https://lnkd.in/edgiA86c 🖤 Become a Regular Giver https://lnkd.in/ewcAgrCe 🖤 Fundraising for Rafiki Mwema https://lnkd.in/eNfuRd8v 🖤 Corporate Support & Partnerships https://lnkd.in/eAMitqsj 🖤 Leave a Legacy https://lnkd.in/e5dB5tdc 🖤 Volunteer with Us https://lnkd.in/eJmnqjjR 🖤 Shop in our Online Store https://lnkd.in/dnHuXJe No matter how you choose to get involved, know that your support is invaluable to us and the children we care for. Every effort, no matter how big or small, helps us in our mission to protect and heal some of the world’s most vulnerable children. #RafikiMwema #ChildSponsor #SponsorAChild #DoyleFarm #Sustainability #CSR #SupportLocal #RafikiMwema #Shamba

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CMQ Media (Communiqué) & Takeout Media, a TM Global Company teamed up to put together a comprehensive report diving deeply into Africa’s creator economy. Just read it and I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, for the fact that you even made it free, God bless you all. You can download the report here: https://lnkd.in/de_b7eaR (sweet! I'm the poster child for this report)

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Here's an article, I contributed to, discussing how Africans will engage with the Olympics through their 2nd and sometimes 3rd screens. #Olympics #Africans #Sports #SecondScreen #ThirdScreen

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June marked an exciting month for the Sandton Startup Huddle as we hosted Umdoko Internet for a dynamic discussion on the innovative Amusema App. I am thrilled to share that the Amusema App team will unveil their new product at the upcoming Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in Johannesburg on August 29! In the video: Watch an enlightening episode of The Industry Torque 4.0 as we delve into the transformative world of event management and technology with our special guest Shakes Mkhonza CEO of Umdoko Internet, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the industry. Join us as we explore the exciting developments leading up to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in Johannesburg, where Umdoko Internet will showcase its Proudly South African innovative platform designed to simplify and enhance the event planning experience. Discover how generative AI is being integrated into every aspect of their operations, reshaping the way we approach technology and its capabilities. Our guest shares the company's core values, emphasizing the importance of wowing the customer, maintaining transparency, and fostering a family-like culture within the team. Learn about the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach, which allows for continuous improvement based on user feedback. We also dive into the common challenges for event planners, from logistical complexities and technology integration to risk management and data security. Umdoko Internet's mission is to address these issues head-on, providing a robust and user-friendly solution for event planners worldwide. Don't miss this episode filled with insights on innovation, accountability, and the future of event management. Watch this webisode now to gain a deeper understanding of how modern technology can better humanity and transform industries. #AWSSummit #GenerativeAI #EventPlanning #Innovation #Amusema #umdokointernet

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