Business in Africa![](https://biz-file.com/b/0910/33386.jpg?1) The effects of the global economic downturn are evident everywhere from the number of companies undergoing liquidation, to unemployment figures rising sharply. However, things should be looking up all-round as Africa counts some of its losses and moves on. It's still a viable mobile market according to Informa Telecoms and Media as demand has yet to seize on the consumerfront. And from the looks of it, the mobile handset will be the key link in bridging the digital divide for emerging markets to join the global digital era. It's already having a pronounced effect, changing lives across the continent. Online is key, especially for media entities to stay alive. The Blantyre Newspaper Group recently acknowledged this by upgrading its website making it more user-friendly and opening itself up to feedback from its consumers - it should now invest in social media platforms to really give it that edge over its competitors. SABMiller is also having a good run in Africa showing off a notable growth rate during the first six months of the year. Sales will definitely be going up as the festive season sets in. (Have you noticed the tinsel already lighting up till points?) On the 2010 front, problems seem to be arising between FIFA and two of SA's outdoor media giants over 'protocol routes' where advertising will be restricted during the event. Hopefully the issue is resolved amicably. On a happier note, summer is finally here in Southern Africa, so bring on the fun in the sun! Cheers! Sindy Peters, Content manager
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[Dumisani Ndlela] The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) is to hold its inaugural convention in the resort town of Nyanga from 21 - 23 October 2009, an announcement said. Read more >> 2010 FIFA World Cup
[Amukelani Chauke] A war is brewing between soccer's world governing body, FIFA, and two of South Africa's outdoor marketing giants over lucrative advertising billboards alongside major routes to 2010 stadiums. Read more >>![](https://biz-file.com/c/0910/38540.jpg) PUMA has unveiled Afcon 2010 and World Cup 2010 team kits to be worn by its 11 African teams: Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Togo, Senegal, Angola and Namibia. The kits will be worn at January's African Cup of Nations in Angola, and the World Cup in South Africa. Read more >>Advertising
![](https://biz-file.com/c/0910/38585.jpg) CNBC Africa this week launches its Media&Money programme, focusing on the competitive and business side of Africa's media, marketing, advertising, branding and communications sector. The show will each week feature some of the most influential advertising leaders and branding professionals as guest hosts. Read more >>Eventing
Meetings Africa 2010 is targeted at those involved in planning, securing and hosting business meetings in southern Africa. It will be held between 24 - 26 February 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Read more >>Media
Naspers, Africa's largest media company, has proved successful in growing its footprint, particularly in emerging markets where other South African companies have struggled or failed to have an effect. Read more >>Mobile
LONDON: Informa Telecoms and Media, late last week, announced that despite a slowdown in subscription growth in recent quarters, the African mobile market continues to offer huge potential for foreign investment. Read more >>Newspapers
AFRICA IFRA Expo 2009 info available on multiblogHighlights from the recently held IFRA Expo 2009 are available on the WAN-IFRA Magazine multiblog at www.wan-ifra.org/blogs/ifraexpo09. The event was held in Vienna, Austria from 12 - 15 October 2009. The 39th annual exhibition included 284 exhibitors from 27 countries, including printing press manufacturers, editorial and advertising system providers, new media providers and other suppliers to the newspaper industry. Online Media
[Gregory Gondwe] Malawi's oldest media institution, the Blantyre Newspaper Group has rebranded its website, which has new features that will, among other things, allow feedback and opinion from readers. Read more >>Public Relations
![](https://biz-file.com/c/0910/38538.jpg) The ability of business communicators to engage stakeholders was addressed at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa Region's 16th annual conference. The event was held at Kievits Kroon Country Estate and Spa near Pretoria earlier this month. Read more >>Retail
Global brewing giant SABMiller said on Thursday, 15 october 2009, that for the first six months Africa delivered lager volume growth of 3% on an organic basis. Soft drinks sales in Africa grew 5% on an organic basis with good performances across the region. Read more >>![](https://biz-file.com/c/0910/38534.jpg) UAL (Universal Africa Lines) set up a South African office in June 2009, and has extensive experience in the shipment of explosives and other hazardous cargo into Africa. This focus area has positioned local explosives manufacturers well in supplying African mining industries. Read more >>Featured jobs![](https://biz-file.com/b/0909/18590.jpg?4) Bizcommunity.com is looking for talented people who know they have a future in online sales Read more >>
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