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Private Sector Thinks ‘Out of the Box’ on South Africa’s Woes

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Jacob Zuma, South African president
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The private sector should collaborate with government to solve South Africa’s problems and brainstorm workable solutions that lend themselves to public-private partnerships.

A more proactive approach, innovative thinking and the willingness to work together could achieve far more than the general tendency to point fingers and complain.

This was one of the main points made at the first “Brain Trust” on Infrastructure Development held in Johannesburg on December 3, a private sector platform hosted by DuPont that seeks to generate discussion on new approaches to the socio-economic dilemmas of South Africa and the rest of the continent.

“Government keeps asking how the private sector can contribute and we always say government must make the environment conducive. Let’s see how we can meet government halfway,” said Macfarlane Moleli, facilitator of the discussion.

This first Brain Trust was a collaborative effort involving four private sector players concerned about the lack of productive engagement between government and the private sector.

The companies consist of global science company DuPont, law firm Hogan Lovells, investment company Shanduka Group, and REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa).

There are plans to introduce similar forums involving other private sector players from various industries in the future.

At the discussion, representatives of all four organisations emphasised the importance of pooling knowledge and sharing experience.

“Issues could be solved if we think innovatively and collaborate, because no company or organisation can solve Africa’s challenges alone,” said DuPont P&IP Business Leader, Richard Ntombela, referring not only to collaboration between the private sector and government, but also between business in South Africa and in other African countries.

“South Africa is well developed and has the resources and know-how, but how do we take our knowledge and share it with the rest of Africa”?

Stacey Davidson of REDISA said one area where South Africa had been highly successful in public-private collaboration – and could share with other African countries – was the tyre recycling industry.

“This is an example of real out-of-the-box thinking. Instead of focusing on the linear economy where products are sold, distributed and thrown away, we should perhaps start focusing on stimulating the circular economy, where waste is turned into worth and not thrown away.”

Julian Nixon of Shanduka Group said another successful example of public-private partnership in South Africa was the ongoing renewable energy programme, REEP.

“We have seen government take the lead and it is a well-run programme. Through this public-private partnership, an international company has set up a wind tower factory in Cape Town and is making technology that previously was imported. Now we need to take our best practices further and show that when we engage with each other and with international companies, we address issues.”

Commenting on the relationship between business in South Africa and the rest of Africa, Rajen Ranchhoojee, head of the Africa Desk at Hogan Lovells, said South Africa was at a crossroad in a sense.

“South Africa needs to decide whether we want to be a springboard into Africa or an innovator. Do we want to be a country that grows through the benefit of foreign direct investment or do we as the most developed country in Africa want to capitalise on Africa by sharing and investing? South Africa is not nearly active enough in engaging the rest of Africa. It is only in the last five years that South African firms have really taken an interest.”

All four panel members agreed that it was essential to fill the vacuum between government and the private sector by discussing and collaborating on solutions that have already been shown to work and could be extended to other areas of the economy or the continent.

They also agreed that the Brain Trust should not become just another “talk shop” but a platform for putting words into action.


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World Bank Blocks Social Media Comments from Nigerians over Loan Backlash

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World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page after thousands of Nigerians flooded the platform begging them to stop lending money to Nigeria.

World Bank Blocks Social Media Comments from Nigerians over Loan Backlash

The protest erupted after reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking a fresh $1.25 billion dollar loan for approval on June 26.

Some Nigerians asked the World Bank to provide more details about the purpose of the loan and how the funds would be managed.

Others said the country should reduce dependence on foreign loans and focus on improving local revenue.

The federal government has continued to defend its borrowing plans.

Officials say the funds will support economic reforms, development projects and efforts to strengthen the economy.

Nigeria remains one of the major borrowers from the World Bank in Africa, with different administrations securing loans over the years for infrastructure, social programmes and economic support.


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Lagos Plans New Cybersecurity Centre

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The Lagos State Government plans to establish a Cybersecurity Operations Centre to strengthen protection of government systems, digital services and citizen data amid rising cyber threats linked to the city’s expanding digital economy.

Tunbosun Alake, Lagos commissioner for innovation, science and technology, said the centre would help secure the infrastructure supporting online payments, e-government services, cloud platforms and technology-driven business operations across the state.

According to Alake, the facility will monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats targeting government networks, digital transactions and sensitive public data.

The move comes as Lagos accelerates its smart city agenda through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital identity systems and automated public services.

Alake said Lagos had already deployed 109 Data Protection Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which he described as the highest number among Nigerian states, to strengthen compliance with data protection regulations.

Alongside the proposed cybersecurity centre, the state also launched the Lagos Campus Network Upgrade project aimed at improving digital infrastructure within the public sector.

The upgrade is expected to improve network performance, automate internal government processes and enhance digital engagement with residents. The cybersecurity initiative follows the release of Lagos State’s cybersecurity guidelines in April.

The framework recommends measures including multi-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, encrypted backups and tighter endpoint security controls.

The guidelines align with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.

 


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LG Electronics Strengthens Household Energy Efficiency in Nigeria with Advanced Inverter Refrigerator Solutions

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LG Electronics (LG) is reinforcing its commitment to smarter and more energy‑efficient living by spotlighting its range of inverter‑powered refrigerators designed to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian households.

As electricity costs continue to rise and inflationary pressures shape consumer spending, LG’s refrigerator portfolio is positioned as a practical solution that combines dependable performance with responsible energy consumption.

Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in Nigerian homes, operating 24 hours a day and accounting for a significant share of household electricity usage. LG addresses this challenge through its proprietary Inverter Compressor technology, which intelligently adjusts cooling power based on actual usage conditions.

By reducing unnecessary energy draw, the system delivers stable temperature control while helping households lower energy consumption and manage monthly utility costs more effectively.

Beyond energy savings, LG refrigerators are designed to support food security and reduce waste, an increasingly important consideration for families navigating rising food prices. The inverter system enables faster cooling recovery after power interruptions and helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, preserving food freshness for longer periods. With fewer friction points in the compressor design, LG refrigerators also offer enhanced durability and long‑term reliability, minimizing maintenance costs over time.

LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator lineup includes Top Mount, Side‑by‑Side, and Door‑in‑Door models, each tailored to different household sizes, storage needs, and lifestyle preferences. The Top Mount refrigerators offer practical, space‑efficient designs ideal for everyday family use, delivering reliable cooling with optimized energy efficiency.

The LG GN-F452PFAQ model keeps food perfectly fresh with FRESH Converter+ that optimizes temperature as per food items and never runs out of ice with the Auto Ice Maker.

For households that require larger storage capacity and improved organization, Side‑by‑Side models provide generous interior space, improved visibility, and consistent cooling across compartments.

For more design‑conscious consumers, LG’s Door‑in‑Door refrigerators reduce cold air loss by allowing quick access to frequently used items, supporting both energy efficiency and long‑lasting freshness.

At the premium end, LG continues to innovate with advanced models such as the MoodUP™ refrigerator, which combines customizable aesthetics with functional energy‑saving features like the InstaView panel, allowing users to view contents without opening the door and reducing unnecessary cold air loss. This refrigerator comes with a washing machine as a bundle promotion.

According to LG, this range‑based approach reflects a deep understanding of how Nigerian households differ in size, consumption habits, and lifestyle needs.

“Nigerian consumers are becoming more intentional about how they use energy and manage household costs,” said Mr. Oktai Kim, General Manager, Home Appliance Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria. “By offering a diverse range of inverter‑powered refrigerators, we are giving families the flexibility to choose solutions that suit their homes while delivering long‑term value through energy efficiency and dependable performance.”

Rather than focusing on technology alone, LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator portfolio emphasizes everyday benefits, efficient operation, reliable cooling, and designs that adapt to real living conditions. Available nationwide, LG refrigerators continue to support smarter living and economic resilience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering durable, consumer‑focused home solutions for Nigerian households.


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