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Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
3 innovations set to transform South Africa's food system by 2040
Following World Food Safety Day on 7 June, themed 'Science in Action,' there is renewed focus on how innovation can improve food safety, reduce waste, and ultimately save lives. In South Africa, three emerging trends are poised to significantly enhance food safety and security by 2040, according to Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa. 'The unfortunate reality is that our food system does not serve the wider society,' says Dall'Omo. 'Today, 26% of South Africans are going hungry, not because we produce too little food, but because much of it is unsafe or wasted. "Approximately 34% of our food production, valued at R61.5bn, is lost or wasted each year, primarily due to inefficiencies in harvesting, inadequate storage infrastructure, a lack of cold chain logistics, standards that reject imperfect produce, and spoilage during transportation and retail. "These losses occur mostly before food even reaches consumers, reflecting systemic issues in our supply chain. We must fix this before food demand doubles by 2050 due to rapid population growth.' Dall'Omo also notes a growing shift in consumer behaviour toward organic and plant-based foods, which benefits both human health and the environment. ' Our Pictures of Transformation – South Africa in 2040 report shows that by embracing innovation, South Africa can build a healthier, more sustainable food system.' Here are three key innovations that could reshape South Africa's food system: 1. Smaller, vertical, and off-grid farming As demand for organic, pesticide-free produce grows, vertical farms are expected to become increasingly common in cities, retail spaces, and small-scale operations. This marks a shift from the past decade, where just 20% of large commercial farms produced 80% of the country's food. This decentralisation will also drive the adoption of renewable energy. As real estate and technology costs fall, smaller farms will become more viable, many operating independently with their own 5G networks, renewable energy sources, electric vehicle fleets, and regenerative farming practices. These innovations will empower farmers to better manage their yields, profitability, and environmental impact. 2. Digital innovation for transparency and efficiency One key area of innovation is water management. Siemens technology offers enhanced transparency in water consumption, ensuring that water usage is optimised efficiently across various agricultural activities. By leveraging digital weather forecasting tools, farmers can accurately determine the amount of water required for their crops, thereby preventing both overuse and scarcity. This data-driven approach not only conserves water resources but also maximises crop yields and sustainability. Consumers will benefit from better food, lower costs, and more sustainable practices. Farmers will use mobile apps to monitor soil health, while Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology will track inputs like seeds and pesticides to prevent contamination. On a larger scale, big data and AI will forecast supply and demand, optimise logistics, and reduce waste, cutting food costs by up to 15% and increasing crop yields by up to 13%. Technology-supported regulation and mobile food safety labs will further enhance food safety by 2040. 3. The Internet of Things (IoT) for smarter agriculture IoT is already transforming agriculture through remote sensors, drones, and robotics that monitor crops, livestock, and land. These tools assist with harvesting, disease control, and precision spraying to meet strict export standards. Smart silos, greenhouses, and machinery will be managed remotely, while real-time data will optimise water use and energy consumption. To reduce its carbon footprint, the sector will need to adopt regenerative practices, circular economy principles, and cutting-edge technologies. 'With the right innovations, South Africa's food and agriculture sectors can fix the system and build a more food-secure future for all."
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
XPANCEO partners with the University of Dubai to propel deep tech innovation
Dubai— XPANCEO, a leading deep tech company pioneering the next generation of computing via the development of smart contact lenses, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Dubai. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation at the nexus of academia and industry. Ranked among the UAE's top six academic and corporate organizations by the Nature Index, XPANCEO is on track to unveil the world's first fully integrated smart contact lens by 2026. Its partner, the University of Dubai — established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 1997 — is one of the region's most forward-thinking academic institutions. It is internationally accredited by AACSB and ABET, and is a key player in the UAE's thriving innovation ecosystem. Key areas of collaboration include joint R&D projects and co-authored publications that target high-impact scientific and technological advances. The partnership also includes internship and mentorship programs designed to integrate students into active research settings and provide co-supervision for senior research projects. Both parties will share access to laboratory facilities to support collaborative innovation. They will also organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and expert lectures to facilitate knowledge exchange. Additionally, the partnership will focus on joint involvement in innovation challenges and international hackathons. This partnership reinforces XPANCEO's ongoing commitment to building an ecosystem of visionary thinkers and innovators, while supporting the UAE's broader ambition to become a global innovation hub. 'At XPANCEO, we don't just build breakthrough technologies — we help shape the minds that will define the future. That's why we put a strong focus on cultivating new talent across our core research areas. Our collaboration with the University of Dubai gives students direct access to live challenges in optics, nanomaterials, and bio-integration. They bring curiosity, fresh perspective, and the drive to push science beyond today's limits. We bring deep expertise, infrastructure, and a set of ambitious tasks. This partnership is a hands-on step toward growing local talent and developing the kind of innovation ecosystem that the future demands.' Valentyn Volkov, Co-Founder, Scientific Partner at XPANCEO "As a leading academic institution committed to research-driven innovation, we see this partnership as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement and responsible application of next-generation wearable technologies. This initiative aligns closely with our strategic goals to bridge the gap between academia and industry, foster emerging tech ecosystems in the UAE, and prepare our students to become pioneers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Egypt: Contact Financial appoints new CEO; total portfolio exceeds $422mln in 2024
Arab Finance: Said Zater has handed over executive leadership to John Saad, who assumed the role of Managing Director and CEO of Contact Financial Holding, according to an emailed press release. This leadership shift coincides with Zater's appointment as Vice Chairman of the group, which ended 2024 with a total financing portfolio exceeding EGP 21 billion. Saad brings more than 20 years of diverse experience in commercial and marketing within the technology sector across various markets. He began his career at one of Egypt's largest telecom companies, where he advanced through several marketing roles before ascending to prominent C-level positions. The new official served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at key companies across Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He also held the position of CEO at a leading digital entertainment platform in the MENA region and is the Co-Founder and CEO of one of the region's leading AI-focused companies. Saad commented on his new role: 'It is an honor to be part of this Group, which has achieved a total lending of nearly EGP 75 billion since inception. I look forward to driving excellence by building upon these achievements, prioritizing customer-centricity, and developing innovative financing solutions, while preserving the Group's strong foundation and deeply rooted values." In capital markets, Contact maintained its position as a key player through Sarwa Securitization, as the group successfully closed its 45th bond issuance in 2024, valued at EGP 1.2 billion. Accordingly, the total value of bonds issued in the Egyptian market and backed by portfolios generated by Contact hit around EGP 30 billion through 29 bonds. Contact's insurance division also registered a significant performance, with Sarwa Insurance, Sarwa Life Insurance, and Contact Insurance Brokerage collectively recording Gross Written Premiums (GWP) nearing EGP 7 billion by the end of 2024. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
