Tag: affordability

Acquisition of Julie's biscuits by ASN from Malaysia marks a significant stride in the culinary world, especially in the domain of premium snacking. The delectable assortment of Julie's biscuits has garnered immense acclaim not only from retailers but also from the discerning hospitality industry.

The “cashless revolution” spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has proven durable and persistent. PwC’s Payments 2025 & beyond publication, released in 2021, reported a 42% increase in global cashless payment volumes. The 2023 McKinsey Global Payments Report found that global cash usage continued to decline – by four percentage points year on year – and that the growth rate of electronic transactions was nearly triple that of the overall growth in payments revenue.

Climate change-induced extreme weather events have remained elevated across the globe in the last decade, proving disruptive to both economic and social activities. According to the global reinsurance broker, Aon, the 2023 economic losses due to natural catastrophes was 22% above the 21% century average – raising questions about the long-term affordability and sustainability of cover for vulnerable communities.

We are providing new insights into the African telecom space with the release of a groundbreaking white paper, "The Independent Tower Industry as a Key Enabler of the Development of African Telecommunications." This first-of-its-kind study dives deep into the continent's telecoms landscape, analysing 14 key markets, including Egypt, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania, revealing a compelling link between tower deployment and mobile sector performance over the past decade (2010-2022).

Events in recent years have pushed countries to rapidly evolve their healthcare systems, demanding that they shift their focus towards pivotal strategies that can curtail long-term healthcare costs. It is particularly pertinent in South Africa, where the escalating healthcare costs pose a formidable challenge. Healthcare costs are spiralling, putting immense pressure on the nation's economy.

For most people, purchasing a home represents the largest investment they will ever undertake, and carries emotional significance as a symbol of stability, security, and achievement. Property can offer much more than just a place to live – and it can also be a powerful investment vehicle capable of generating wealth, providing liquidity, enhancing cash flow, and diversifying one's portfolio.

Against all odds, 2024 is still believed to be the year of the first-time homebuyer resurgence. And while it’s a slow climb to the top, a combination of low house prices, competitive bank interest rates and impending rate cuts has many aspiring homebuyers hungry to get into the property game.  

The economic landscape continues to present formidable obstacles for South Africans. With the prices of essential goods surging and wage growth stagnating, disposable income has dwindled forcing consumers to cut back on spending to focus on essential items.

In the dynamic world of business, unexpected events can strike at any moment, threatening the stability of even the most well-established enterprises. From property damage caused by natural disasters to lawsuits from disgruntled customers, the need for comprehensive business insurance cannot be overstated.

Recent research into the South African payments industry has revealed that there is a clear trajectory towards the adoption of electronic payments. This transition not only reflects evolving consumer preferences but also presents promising opportunities for all stakeholders within the ecosystem.