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Kenya AI Economy: UN Sees New Export Opportunities

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Kenya AI Economy: UN Sees New Export Opportunities

Kenya AI Economy: UN Sees New Export Opportunities

Kenya’s AI economy could create new export opportunities for the country as global demand for artificial intelligence, digital services, software, fintech and cloud-based solutions continues to grow, according to a new United Nations trade report.

The country does not have major semiconductor or electric vehicle battery manufacturing industries. However, the latest UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Trade Update for July–August 2026 suggests that Kenya could still benefit from the rapid expansion of technology-driven global trade.

The report shows that AI-related industries are among the fastest-growing areas of international commerce. During the first quarter of 2026, trade in critical minerals increased by 38 per cent. Semiconductor trade grew by 25 per cent, while electronics rose by 18 per cent.

Trade in ICT products increased by 14 per cent, batteries grew by 15 per cent and electric vehicles recorded 11 per cent growth.

The report noted that “AI- and electric vehicle-related goods showed strong growth in Q1-2026,” highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence on global trade.

Kenya AI Economy Could Benefit From Digital Exports

Although Kenya does not have a major semiconductor manufacturing industry, it has built a strong reputation in digital services and financial technology.

Analysts believe this gives Kenya an opportunity to participate in the global AI economy without manufacturing the physical hardware behind the technology. Instead, the country can focus on exporting digital skills, software, fintech services and cloud-based solutions.

Kenya’s established technology ecosystem could help local companies serve customers beyond the country’s borders. Startups and technology firms can also use AI to develop new products and improve existing services in areas such as finance, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and business management.

The growing demand for digital services could therefore create new export opportunities for Kenyan businesses and skilled technology workers.

AI Creates New Opportunities for Africa

The global AI boom is changing how countries compete in international trade. While some nations are investing heavily in chips, batteries and other advanced hardware, others can benefit by providing the software, digital services and skilled professionals needed to support these technologies.

For Kenya, this could increase demand for software developers, data specialists, AI engineers, cybersecurity professionals and other technology workers.

The country’s fintech sector could also play an important role. Kenya is widely recognised for its digital payments ecosystem, and local companies could use AI to develop financial products for African and international markets.

However, taking advantage of this opportunity will require continued investment in digital infrastructure, reliable internet access, technical education and policies that encourage innovation.

The UNCTAD findings suggest that Kenya’s AI economy may not depend on producing semiconductors or electric vehicles. Its greatest advantage could instead come from using its growing digital capabilities to export knowledge, technology and services to markets around the world.

Nigerian Students Seek Rwanda Scholarships for Tech

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Nigerian Students Seek Rwanda Scholarships for Tech

Why Nigerian Students Are Looking to Rwanda for Tech Scholarships

More Nigerian students are exploring scholarship opportunities in Rwanda as the country builds a reputation for quality education, strong technology infrastructure and a growing innovation ecosystem. With institutions such as the African Leadership University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Rwanda is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for young Africans seeking opportunities in technology, engineering, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

Although the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States remain popular choices for Nigerian students, more young people are now considering opportunities within Africa. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has emerged as a destination for students looking for affordable and high-quality education while gaining exposure to the continent’s growing technology sector.

For students interested in studying technology in Rwanda, the attraction goes beyond tuition costs. The country’s investment in digital infrastructure, innovation-focused policies, startup development and technology education is creating an environment where students can connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

Kigali’s Rise as an African Technology Hub

Over the past decade, Rwanda has invested heavily in digital transformation. The government has focused on expanding broadband connectivity, developing e-government services, promoting digital payments and supporting innovation centres and technology education.

The country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and wider digital economy programmes continue to encourage investment in digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Rwanda is also developing Kigali Innovation City, a major technology and education project designed to bring universities, technology companies, research institutions and startup incubators together in one ecosystem.

These developments are helping position Kigali as an attractive destination for students who want to gain academic qualifications while experiencing Africa’s expanding technology and startup industries.

Scholarships Open New Opportunities for Nigerian Students

Affordability is another factor encouraging Nigerian students to consider Rwanda.

Several universities and development partners offer scholarships that may cover tuition, accommodation, research opportunities or part of the costs of studying abroad. Many of these opportunities are available to African students pursuing programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Institutions such as the African Leadership University, the University of Rwanda and Carnegie Mellon University Africa have attracted students from across the continent through competitive academic programmes and scholarship opportunities.

These programmes often look beyond academic performance. Many also value leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, giving students the chance to develop skills that can help them build businesses, lead organisations or contribute to Africa’s technology sector.

Why Rwanda Is Becoming an Attractive Choice

Rwanda’s growing appeal among Nigerian students reflects a wider shift in how young Africans view education and career opportunities. Instead of looking only to traditional study destinations outside Africa, students are increasingly exploring universities and innovation ecosystems within the continent.

For Nigerian students interested in technology, Rwanda offers a combination of education, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and regional exposure. Its growing technology ecosystem also gives students an opportunity to understand African markets and build networks with peers from different countries.

As Rwanda continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology education, Kigali could attract even more international students seeking scholarships and practical experience in Africa’s rapidly developing technology sector.

Kenyan Startup Turns Banana Waste into Packaging

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Kenyan Startup Turns Banana Waste into Packaging

Kenyan Startup Turns Banana Waste into Eco-Friendly Packaging

A Kenyan startup is turning discarded banana stems into fibre-based packaging, giving farmers a new source of income while helping businesses reduce their reliance on plastic and wood-based paper products.

Zuripacks Limited uses fibres extracted from banana pseudostems to make products such as shopping bags, food containers and cartons. Banana pseudostems are the thick, stem-like parts of banana plants that are often discarded after farmers harvest the fruit.

According to the company, Africa produces nearly 90 million tonnes of banana crop waste each year. Much of this waste is left to decompose or is burned after harvest. Zuripacks is giving some of this agricultural waste a new purpose by turning it into useful packaging materials.

Banana Waste Creates New Income for Farmers

Zuripacks buys discarded banana pseudostems from farmers, creating an additional source of income from material that previously had little or no commercial value.

The startup has also established a network of decentralised micro-processing units. These facilities extract banana fibres closer to farming communities, helping the company reduce transportation costs and strengthen its local supply chain.

The approach also helps Zuripacks maintain a more reliable supply of raw materials while creating economic opportunities within farming communities.

The company supplies its fibre-based packaging products to small and medium-sized enterprises, retailers, agribusinesses and other commercial customers looking for alternatives to plastic packaging.

Zuripacks Expands Its Circular Economy Business

Zuripacks says it has generated more than US$160,000 in revenue, secured over 300 supply contracts and built partnerships with 1,600 farmers and 10 community organisations across Kenya.

The company has also received recognition for its work, including the Circular Economy Catalyst Award and the 2024 Green Innovator of the Year Award.

Its work has also earned it a place among the Top 10 finalists in the GEC+ Africa Kenya Regional Pitch Competition 2026. The competition is organised by Uzuzi Hub in partnership with GEN Kenya, GEC+ Africa and NCBA.

The startup plans to increase its production capacity, expand its network of farmers and develop more fibre-based packaging products for customers across the East African market.

By turning agricultural waste into commercial products, Zuripacks is combining waste reduction with income generation and sustainable manufacturing. Its model shows how agricultural by-products can become valuable resources while helping businesses find alternatives to traditional packaging material

Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa 2026

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Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa 2026

Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa 2026 Opens Applications for Growth-Stage Tech Startups
Applications are now open for the Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa 2026, a three-month hybrid programme designed to help growth-stage technology startups led from South Africa scale their businesses and increase their impact.

The programme will run from September to December 2026 and will combine virtual and in-person activities. Selected startups will receive technical support, mentorship, strategic guidance and access to Google’s products, technology and global network of experts.

The accelerator is part of Google’s global series of startup programmes. Each cohort will include 10 to 15 startups that will work on technical and business challenges that could help them grow.

Google Accelerator South Africa 2026: What Selected Startups Will Receive

Founders will identify the most important technical challenges facing their businesses. Google and industry experts will then work with participating startups to address these challenges through one-to-one sessions, group learning and sprint projects.

The programme will also feature specialist workshops and deep dives covering areas such as product design, customer acquisition and leadership development.

Participants will receive equity-free support throughout the programme. They will also gain access to dedicated mentoring from Google teams and Google’s wider network of industry experts.

Eligible startups may receive early access to selected Google AI products and tools through Google’s Early Access Program and Trusted Tester benefits. Startups can also apply for Google Cloud credits, subject to eligibility review and approval.

Participants may also qualify for free access to Cloud TPUs, which can support open-source machine learning research and other technology projects.

Other benefits include invitations to technical bootcamps where available, support with company and product strategy, and direct technical project partnerships with Google experts.

Each participating startup may also receive up to R1 million in non-dilutive, equity-free funding.

Who Should Apply?

The Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa programme is aimed at growth-stage technology startups led from South Africa that are looking to scale their businesses and solve significant technical challenges.

The selected companies should be prepared to work closely with Google and industry experts throughout the programme and use the opportunity to strengthen their products, technology and growth strategies.

Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa 2026 Timeline

  • Applications open: July 21, 2026
  • Application deadline: August 28, 2026
  • Programme begins: September 2026
  • Programme graduation: December 2026
  • Demo Day: December 2026

Startups interested in participating should submit their applications before the August 28, 2026 deadline and review the programme’s eligibility requirements before applying.

The accelerator offers South African technology startups an opportunity to access Google’s technical expertise, AI tools, cloud resources, mentorship and non-dilutive funding while working on the challenges that matter most to their growth.

Visit the Official Webpage of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program

ATU GSMA Telecom Revenue: Partnership Targets Africa’s $240bn Mobile Economy

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ATU GSMA Telecom Revenue: Partnership Targets Africa’s $240bn Mobile Economy

ATU, GSMA Partner to Grow Africa’s $240 Billion Telecom Revenue Through Policy Reforms

Africa’s telecom industry generates more than $240 billion annually, but stronger policies and increased investment could unlock even greater economic value. That was the key message as the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) deepened their partnership to strengthen the continent’s digital economy.

The two organisations announced their renewed collaboration during the ATU/GSMA Workshop on “Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data, Connectivity and Satellite Regulation” held in Abuja. Their goal is to help African countries remove regulatory barriers, improve digital connectivity, and expand the industry’s economic contribution.

ATU GSMA Telecom Revenue Partnership Focuses on Growth

Speaking at the workshop, ATU Secretary-General John Omo said Africa’s mobile communications sector already contributes more than $240 billion to the continent’s economy. He added that better regulatory policies and stronger investment frameworks could significantly increase that figure.

Omo cited findings from the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa Report, which show that mobile technologies and services contribute $240 billion to African economies, support 13 million jobs, and generate approximately $45 billion in government revenue.

He urged telecommunications regulators across Africa to go beyond simply reading the report and instead use its findings to guide policy decisions.

According to him, regulators should examine the data carefully, compare it with local market realities, identify information gaps, and develop evidence-based policies that support long-term industry growth.

GSMA Calls for Modern Telecom Regulations

GSMA’s Head of Policy and Regulation, Michaela Angonius, said many African countries still operate telecommunications licensing systems that were designed for older technologies.

She explained that technology-specific licensing frameworks are becoming outdated as satellite communications and other emerging technologies continue to expand.

Angonius recommended adopting technology-neutral licensing, allowing different communications providers to operate under one flexible regulatory system regardless of the technology they use.

She also called on governments to make better use of Universal Service Funds (USFs). Instead of allowing the funds to remain unused, she said they should finance connectivity projects in underserved rural communities.

According to her, governments should also prioritise policies that encourage infrastructure investment instead of relying heavily on strict quality-of-service regulations.

She noted that countries with the strongest telecommunications networks usually achieve better results by creating investment-friendly environments.

Affordable Smartphones Key to Closing Africa’s Usage Gap

GSMA’s Senior Director of Public Policy and Communication, Caroline Mbugwa, warned that Africa risks missing out on the benefits of artificial intelligence unless more people can afford to access digital services.

She said approximately 961 million Africans already live within mobile broadband coverage areas but remain offline because smartphones and internet services are still too expensive. GSMA describes this challenge as the continent’s “usage gap.”

Mbugwa urged African governments to reduce taxes on entry-level smartphones to make digital devices more affordable.

She pointed to South Africa, where removing a 9% luxury tax on entry-level smartphones helped increase smartphone adoption.

She also explained that expanding broadband infrastructure into rural areas remains expensive, often costing two to five times more than deployments in urban locations while producing much lower financial returns.

Satellite Services and AI Require Smarter Policies

Mbugwa said regulators should create technology-neutral regulations that allow operators to deploy whichever technologies best suit local conditions, including satellite communications where necessary.

She added that all providers offering similar communications services should operate under the same regulatory framework to encourage fair competition.

According to her, the Digital Africa Index provides policymakers with practical evidence to identify areas requiring reform and should guide future regulatory decisions.

She also announced that GSMA will introduce its AI Atlas initiative, which aims to integrate African languages into large language models to improve artificial intelligence accessibility across the continent.

Nigeria is among the participating countries, with four Nigerian languages already included in the project.

Partnership Supports Africa’s Digital Future

The partnership between ATU and GSMA reflects a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s digital economy through better regulation, increased investment, improved connectivity and wider digital inclusion.

Industry leaders believe that modern policies, affordable devices, expanded broadband infrastructure and technology-neutral regulation will help Africa unlock even greater economic value from its rapidly growing telecommunications sector.

African Fintech Companies Dominate CNBC’s 2026 Top Fintech List

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African Fintech Companies Dominate CNBC’s 2026 Top Fintech List

African fintech companies make strong showing

African fintech companies have secured 11 spots on CNBC and Statista’s 2026 World’s Top Fintech Companies ranking, with Nigeria’s PiggyVest, Moniepoint Group and Redtech among the companies representing the continent.

The fourth edition of the global ranking selected 500 fintech companies from more than 3,500 firms. The companies operate across nine major areas of financial technology, including payments, lending, wealth technology, digital banking and financial infrastructure.

CNBC and Statista assessed companies through applications, independent research and industry data before selecting the final 500 firms.

Nigeria recorded the strongest performance in Africa, with six companies making the list. Kenya, Egypt and South Africa accounted for the remaining five African entries.

African fintech companies lead in payments

Payments and financial infrastructure remain the strongest areas for African fintech companies. Seven of the 11 African firms on the ranking operate in this space.

Redtech, a Nigerian fintech backed by Heirs Holdings, made the list for the first time. Its RedPay platform has processed about $33 billion in transaction value since its launch. The company also operates more than 55,000 POS terminals across Nigeria.

Other Nigerian payment companies on the list include OPay and PalmPay. OPay serves more than 60 million users, while PalmPay operates a network of more than 500,000 mobile money agents across the country.

Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s longest-standing fintech infrastructure companies, also earned a place on the ranking. The company provides payment switching infrastructure to Nigerian banks and operates the Verve card network.

Beyond Nigeria, Egypt’s Paymob has expanded its payment gateway services across the Middle East and North Africa. Kenya-based PawaPay provides mobile money aggregation services in several African markets. South Africa’s Yoco continues to develop payment solutions and card services for small businesses.

African fintech companies expand lending and digital banking

The ranking also recognised three African companies in lending and digital banking: Moniepoint Group, M-KOPA and Tala.

Moniepoint Group reported ₦412 trillion, or about $294 billion, in transaction volume in 2025. The Nigerian company says its payment infrastructure supports a significant share of in-person payments across the country.

Kenya-based M-KOPA focuses on asset financing. Its services allow customers to access products such as smartphones and solar systems through flexible digital payment plans.

Tala, meanwhile, provides digital credit services to underbanked customers across several markets around the world.

PiggyVest stands out in wealth technology

PiggyVest was the only African company included in CNBC’s Wealth Technology category.

The Nigerian fintech operates a digital savings and investment platform that allows users to save money, invest and manage their personal finances through digital tools.

The company’s inclusion highlights the growing role of African fintech companies in helping consumers access formal financial services and develop better saving and investment habits.

Nigeria remains Africa’s leading fintech market

CNBC’s 2026 ranking covers nine categories, including payments, wealth technology, neobanking, alternative financing, digital assets, enterprise fintech, insurtech and regtech.

Regtech, which focuses on technology for regulatory compliance and financial oversight, appeared as a new category in this year’s ranking. Its inclusion reflects the growing importance of technology in helping financial institutions meet regulatory requirements.

The United States dominated the global ranking, accounting for 42% of the selected companies. The United Kingdom followed with 13%.

Nigeria’s six companies on the list further strengthen its position as Africa’s largest fintech market. The country has more than 430 fintech companies, representing nearly 28% of the continent’s fintech firms.

The strong showing by African fintech companies also reflects the continent’s growing influence in global financial technology. From digital payments and mobile money to savings, lending and financial infrastructure, African innovators continue to develop solutions designed around the needs of rapidly growing digital economies.

Fuse360 AI Platform Launches in Seychelles for Trade Businesses

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Fuse360 AI Platform Launches in Seychelles for Trade Businesses

Fuse360 AI Platform Targets Trade Businesses

Seychelles-based fintech company Fusepay has launched the Fuse360 AI platform, a new business management system designed to help wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers manage their daily operations more efficiently.

The platform combines inventory management, orders, invoicing, customer credit, collections and retailer relationships in one system. It also connects with FusePay, the company’s licensed payments platform. This allows businesses to manage operations and financial transactions within the same digital ecosystem.

Fusepay developed the Fuse360 AI platform to address a common problem among trade businesses. Many companies still manage inventory, invoices, payments and customer information across different software, spreadsheets and messaging apps.

How the Fuse360 AI Platform Works

Fuse360 uses AI agents to help employees handle repetitive tasks. These include payment reconciliation, debt collection, reporting, credit monitoring and business analysis.

The company said the technology aims to support employees rather than replace them. By automating routine work, businesses can spend more time on customers, operations and growth.

The platform also provides a retailer portal. Through the portal, customers can place orders, view invoices, download account statements and check outstanding balances.

Fuse360 also includes Know Your Business (KYB) and Know Your Customer (KYC) tools. These features can help suppliers assess customers before offering them trade credit.

AI Credit Intelligence for Businesses

Another feature of the Fuse360 AI platform is its AI-powered credit intelligence system.

The tool analyses customer payment behaviour, historical transaction patterns and outstanding financial exposure. Fusepay said this information can help wholesalers make better credit decisions.

For trade businesses, access to this type of information could make it easier to identify payment risks before extending credit to customers.

Fusepay Founders Draw From Business Experience

Fusepay was founded by Chief Executive Officer Vidhyasahar Thiyagarajan and Chief Technology Officer Francesco Rocchi.

Both founders grew up around family-owned retail and wholesale businesses. They said their personal experiences influenced the development of Fuse360 and helped them understand the challenges faced by businesses that manage large numbers of customers, orders and payments.

Thiyagarajan said the company created the platform after seeing businesses spend too much time moving between disconnected systems instead of focusing on growth.

Fusepay Plans African Expansion

Fusepay is licensed as a payment service provider by the Central Bank of Seychelles. The company operates from Seychelles and has a parent company incorporated in Delaware.

The fintech has raised more than US$350,000 in pre-seed funding. Its investors include Hustle Fund, Everywhere Ventures, First Check Ventures and Startup Istanbul. Velocity Digital and angel investor Ashwin Ravichandran have also invested in the company.

The Fuse360 AI platform launched in Seychelles in July 2026. Fusepay plans to expand into Mauritius in September. The company also intends to enter selected East and Southern African markets before the end of 2026.

The expansion could give Fusepay an opportunity to bring its AI-powered business management and payment tools to more trade businesses across the region.

As businesses across Africa adopt more digital tools, platforms that combine payments, inventory, credit and customer management could help companies reduce manual work and improve decision-making.

For Fusepay, the launch of Fuse360 marks a move to address these needs through a single platform that brings business operations and financial services together.

STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

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STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

STEM Africa Fest has returned to Lagos, bringing thousands of children and parents together for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The annual event aims to help young Nigerians develop practical skills and prepare for future careers in technology and innovation.

The organisers said the initiative has reached more than 25,000 children across Africa over the past six years. They also called for greater use of practical STEM education in Nigeria’s school curriculum.

The sixth edition of the festival attracted about 3,500 children and parents from across Lagos and other locations. The event featured activities that allowed participants to explore science and technology through experiments, building projects and emerging technologies.

STEM Africa Fest Brings Classroom Lessons to Life

The festival started in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown and has since expanded beyond Nigeria to Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Zambia, Rwanda and Kenya.

Conveners Titi Adewusi and Jadesola Adedeji said they created the festival to close the gap between what children learn in classrooms and how they apply that knowledge in real life.

This year’s theme, “Building Future Innovators,” reflects the organisers’ goal of helping children become creative thinkers, problem-solvers and future technology leaders.

Adewusi said the festival gives children the chance to experience technologies instead of only learning about them in theory.

She explained that a child learning about 3D printing should have the opportunity to use a 3D printer. Similarly, children learning about robotics or artificial intelligence should have practical experiences that help them understand how the technologies work.

Organisers Call for More Practical STEM Education

Adedeji said the idea for the festival came from a shared desire to make science education more interesting and engaging for children.

The first edition, which took place during the pandemic, attracted more than 1,000 participants globally. The first physical edition later welcomed more than 6,000 attendees.

The organisers said funding, stakeholder mobilisation and expanding the programme to new locations remain some of their biggest challenges.

However, growing interest from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries has encouraged them to adopt a partnership model. Through this approach, partners can replicate the festival in new locations using an established programme framework.

The organisers urged governments at all levels to strengthen STEM education by introducing more practical learning into school curricula. They also encouraged greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to give more children access to science and technology education.

Adewusi said the organisation has developed a STEM curriculum that some schools already use. She added that the organisers are ready to work with the government to expand the programme in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on quality education.

Adedeji also called for government support in areas beyond funding, including curriculum development, teacher training and stronger institutional support for STEM programmes.

Private Sector Supports Future Innovators

Representing Access Holdings, Programme Manager for Sustainability Ikechukwu Iheagwam said the company’s continued support for the festival reflects its commitment to education and technology.

He said giving children early exposure to technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics can help prepare them for future careers.

Iheagwam also noted that private sector organisations have an important role to play in supporting government efforts to improve STEM education.

Students Discover New Interests in Science and Technology

For many children, the festival offered an opportunity to learn through direct participation.

Jason Lawal, a student of Court Hill College, Opebi, took part in activities including a Rubik’s Cube challenge and an artificial intelligence masterclass. During the session, participants created short animations using AI tools.

Another participant, Fatima Namama of Greater Ecstasy High School, Iyana-Ipaja, said attending the festival over the years has increased her interest in laboratory science and technology.

She called for schools to include more STEM subjects and practical activities in their learning programmes. She also encouraged organisers and schools to create more opportunities for pupils to participate in hands-on science and technology events.

The organisers said the impact of STEM Africa Fest goes beyond the number of children who attend each year. They noted that some former participants have returned as exhibitors in areas such as coding and robotics.

According to the organisers, this development shows how early exposure to practical learning can help children develop lasting interests in science, technology and innovation—and potentially become the innovators Africa needs in the future.

Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

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Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

Remote work in South Africa has reached a record high, with flexible job opportunities growing beyond the technology sector to include finance, administration, marketing, recruitment and customer support.

The latest figures from job platform Pnet show that remote job opportunities increased by 28% in the first half of 2026compared with the same period in 2025. They were also 41% higher than two years ago, showing that remote employment is becoming more common across a wider range of industries.

Remote Work in South Africa Spreads Beyond Technology

Information technology remains the largest source of remote jobs. Opportunities in the sector have increased by 44% over the past two years, with software development, systems administration and IT project management among the leading areas.

However, the fastest growth is now happening outside traditional technology roles.

Remote opportunities in finance have more than quadrupled in two years, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors for flexible work. Jobs in marketing and design and media have both doubled since 2024.

Strong growth has also been recorded in business and management, sales, administration, office work and support services.

As a result, occupations such as financial accountants, bookkeepers, administrative clerks, personal assistants, customer support agents, sales representatives and recruitment staff are increasingly being offered as remote or flexible roles.

Pnet said remote work is no longer simply an employee benefit associated with the technology industry. Instead, companies are increasingly using it as a strategic recruitment tool to reach a wider pool of workers and find people with scarce skills.

Remote Jobs Recover After Pandemic Decline

The growth in remote employment has not followed a straight upward path.

Remote work opportunities increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many companies were forced to move employees out of traditional offices. However, opportunities declined during 2023 and 2024 as more employers introduced return-to-office policies.

The latest Pnet data suggests that the remote job market has now moved beyond its pandemic-era peak.

This indicates that the current growth is not simply a continuation of the COVID-19 work-from-home boom. Instead, remote employment appears to be experiencing a second period of growth as businesses and workers find new ways to use flexible working arrangements.

Some Remote Roles Are Declining

Despite the overall increase, not every job category is moving in the same direction.

Within the IT sector, Pnet’s occupation-level data shows that remote opportunities in data analysis and data warehousing, as well as technical architecture, are declining. These were the only IT categories in the report that recorded a downward trend.

Some companies are also moving away from remote work completely.

JSE-listed technology group iOCO, for example, ended its work-from-home policy earlier in 2026. The company said the decision had helped improve productivity.

Hiring Activity Also Shows Signs of Growth

The Pnet report also found that overall hiring activity increased by 10% month on month in June 2026, although it remained flat compared with the same period a year earlier.

The report is based on data from Stepstone Group South Africa’s recruitment platforms, which have more than eight million registered users.

The findings suggest that while the South African job market continues to face mixed conditions, remote employment is becoming a more established part of the country’s workforce.

For employers, flexible work can provide access to talent beyond their immediate location. For job seekers, it is creating opportunities to work for companies without necessarily relocating to major business centres.

Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

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Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

Agricultural automation is helping South African farmers and food producers reduce product losses, improve efficiency and increase profitability as the industry faces rising labour costs, tighter profit margins and stricter export requirements. By automating key stages of processing and packaging, producers can reduce waste, improve accuracy and strengthen their competitiveness in local and international markets.

As farming becomes more demanding, industry experts say success depends not only on producing quality crops but also on handling, weighing, packing and transporting them as efficiently as possible.

Agricultural Automation Reduces Hidden Product Losses

One of the biggest challenges facing agricultural processors is the hidden loss of products during packaging.

A small error, such as adding an extra 10 grams to a 1-kilogram bag, may seem insignificant. However, when repeated across hundreds of thousands of packages, the excess product can add up to several tonnes, resulting in significant revenue losses.

Other common sources of waste include inaccurate grading, inconsistent pack weights, manual handling errors, poor traceability and product damage during transport.

Industry experts say identifying these losses is only the first step. The real value lies in using technology to eliminate them.

Reliable Equipment Delivers Long-Term Value

While many automation systems are available, producers are increasingly looking beyond the initial purchase price.

Factors such as equipment reliability, weighing accuracy, processing speed, durability and after-sales support have become essential when choosing automation solutions.

For businesses processing thousands of tonnes of produce each season, equipment downtime or inaccurate packaging can lead to costly disruptions and reduced profits.

As a result, many large agricultural businesses continue to invest in proven technologies from established manufacturers with strong records of performance.

Goldpack Brings Global Agricultural Technology to Africa

Goldpack has positioned itself as a supplier of advanced agricultural automation solutions by partnering with internationally recognised equipment manufacturers.

The company represents global brands including Newtec, JASA, C-Pack Gillenkirch, Squid Ink, and Reisopack, providing sales, technical support and maintenance services across Africa.

These partnerships allow Goldpack to offer technologies that improve weighing accuracy, automate packaging processes, reduce product losses and increase productivity throughout the agricultural supply chain.

For example, Newtec’s weighing and grading systems help producers achieve greater precision, while JASA’s automated packaging solutions improve packing speed and reduce dependence on manual labour.

Additional coding, bag-closing and load-securing systems help ensure products move safely and efficiently from packing facilities to customers.

Automation Supports More Efficient Farming

According to Goldpack, the goal is not simply to automate operations but to help agricultural businesses remove hidden inefficiencies that reduce profitability.

With labour costs continuing to rise and export markets demanding higher quality standards, automation is becoming an important investment for producers seeking long-term growth.

Many agricultural businesses are now focusing on technology that delivers reliable performance over many years rather than choosing equipment based only on its upfront cost.

Every Gram Matters in Modern Agriculture

As competition increases across the agricultural sector, improving operational efficiency has become essential.

Modern agricultural automation enables producers to reduce waste, improve product quality and increase profitability while meeting the growing demands of domestic and international markets.

For many South African producers, investing in dependable automation technology is becoming a key part of building a more productive and sustainable agricultural business.

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