Latest news with #SFIA
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Collective X invests R50 million to bridge South Africa's digital skills gap
Evan Jones, CEO of Collective. Image: Supplied. In a move that promises to reshape the landscape of digital employment in South Africa, Collective X has announced a commitment of R50 million aimed at creating job opportunities for junior ICT talent. This funding initiative is geared towards fostering innovative partnerships with employers, enabling the development of structured, outcomes-based work-integrated learning (WIL) programmes that merge digital skills training with tangible employment opportunities. The decision to allocate further funding stems from alarming findings featured in Collective X's latest research, which revealed a staggering 118,000 unfilled ICT positions across the country. Disturbingly, over 41,000 roles are specifically suited for junior talent — a group that continues to face high barriers to employment despite a staggering youth unemployment rate. With more than 30,000 ICT job openings currently available, the disconnect between job seekers and hiring employers has never been more evident. 'Our model is built on outcomes, not inputs,' said Evan Jones, CEO of Collective X. 'We partner with employers to ensure young people gain practical, on-the-job experience that leads to real economic opportunity—not just training for training's sake." Collective X's approach to investment utilises an outcomes-based financing model, allowing them to co-invest with employers on the condition that junior ICT professionals receive relevant training linked directly to industry benchmarks. All training adheres to the internationally recognised Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA), ensuring relevance and efficacy. This strategic alignment not only lowers hiring costs but also mitigates the risks associated with onboarding junior talent, fostering more inclusive, future-ready teams. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Employers are invited to participate by co-investing in skills development, specifically if they can provide: Entry-level ICT talent or assistance in digital placements Meaningful WIL opportunities, inclusive of coaching and mentorship Commitment to providing placements for at least 10 young people The deadline for employers to apply for the current co-payment window is 13 June 2025, with the new cohort of placements set to kick off on 31 October 2025. As a not-for-profit coordinating intermediary, Collective X plays a pivotal role in realising South Africa's national digital skills strategy. By leveraging collaboration across public and private sectors, the organisation is dedicated to producing entry-level digital skills that can help alleviate the urgent talent shortage within the nation's economy. Key junior roles, such as software development, web development, and Microsoft-focused positions, are seen as critical entry points for young job seekers, yet they remain largely unfilled due to the lack of relevant experience and exposure, which this initiative seeks to address. 'Training alone won't close the gap,' Jones emphasised. 'Work-integrated learning and employer-led solutions are the missing link. That's why we're putting this R50 million to work—so we can connect skills to real jobs and help young South Africans thrive in the economy of tomorrow.' Organisations interested in partnering with Collective X are encouraged to apply through their official website or contact them via email at hello@ for further assistance with submissions.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Outdated fertiliser rules favour imports over domestic production: Industry
The government's "outdated" fertiliser regulations are creating an uneven playing field, favouring Chinese imports over domestic manufacturers and undermining the "Make in India" initiative, industry bodies said on Tuesday. The fertiliser control framework's concurrent nature-governed by both central and state authorities-has led to numerous amendments but has struggled to keep pace with evolving domestic needs and global developments, gradually coming to be seen as a relic of the legacy "Inspector Raj" and "License Raj", they said. The industry bodies called for comprehensive reforms including implementing "One Nation, One Licence" policies, ensuring regulatory parity between domestic and foreign manufacturers, and capping inspector numbers to two per unit. The Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), in a statement, said a major public sector enterprise recently issued tenders for soluble fertilisers that explicitly excluded "Made in India" products, highlighting how current regulatory frameworks discourage local production while facilitating imports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo Under India's Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), domestic startups must obtain multiple licences, maintain offices and establish warehouses in every state where their products will be distributed. In contrast, foreign suppliers face minimal compliance requirements, needing only basic import formalities to sell across all Indian states. The FCO, established under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, was designed to ensure fertiliser quality and monitor distribution during a period when India relied heavily on imports. Live Events "However, the framework has struggled to adapt to modern domestic production capabilities," the statement added. Suhash Buddhe, mentor at IIM Nagpur Incubation Cell, said India's production of 112.62 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables relies heavily on 5 lakh tonnes of imported, non-subsidised fertilisers. "A single manufacturing unit is monitored by as minimum as 32 FCO inspectors, leading to excessive scrutiny and harassment under the guise of regulation. This overregulation deters startup growth and pushes India further into import dependence , instead of nurturing domestic innovation ," Buddhe said. Jayantibhai Kumbhani, President of the Chamber For Agri Input Protection (CAIP), Ahmedabad, said no other industry, including pharmaceuticals, faces such intense level of inspector oversight. "In some cases, a single district can have many inspectors monitoring one fertiliser unit, creating undue pressure on Indian entrepreneurs," he said, emphasising the urgent need for FCO reforms to foster self-reliance in the non-subsidised fertiliser sector. This view is echoed by Vijay Thakur, President of grassroots agri-entrepreneur association OAMA, Maharashtra, who shares similar concerns and advocates for urgent policy intervention. The regulatory burden particularly affects soluble fertilizers, which are critical for horticulture growth. Unlike sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and defence where the Central government's "Import Substitution" and "Make in India" initiatives have gained significant traction, the fertilizer sector has seen little progress. "Grassroots innovation in manufacturing these vital compounds continues to struggle due to a lack of market access, constrained by the outdated and rigid provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order," according to the statement. The high cost of setting up offices, warehouses, and securing licenses in each state-combined with the need for market partners to duplicate these efforts-erodes any competitive edge Indian manufacturers might have, it added. SFIA National Secretary Vinod Goyal said, "A practical path forward includes implementing 'One Nation, One Licence,' ensuring parity with foreign manufacturers by allowing marketers to add sourcing in one state and market across all operational states for Indian sources, capping inspector numbers to two per unit, and ultimately enacting a new law for non-subsidised fertilizers outside the Essential Commodities Act to realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat .
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Outdated fertiliser rules favour imports over domestic production: Industry
The government's "outdated" fertiliser regulations are creating an uneven playing field, favouring Chinese imports over domestic manufacturers and undermining the "Make in India" initiative, industry bodies said on Tuesday. The fertiliser control framework's concurrent naturegoverned by both central and state authoritieshas led to numerous amendments but has struggled to keep pace with evolving domestic needs and global developments, gradually coming to be seen as a relic of the legacy "Inspector Raj" and "License Raj", they said. The industry bodies called for comprehensive reforms including implementing "One Nation, One Licence" policies, ensuring regulatory parity between domestic and foreign manufacturers, and capping inspector numbers to two per unit. The Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), in a statement, said a major public sector enterprise recently issued tenders for soluble fertilisers that explicitly excluded "Made in India" products, highlighting how current regulatory frameworks discourage local production while facilitating imports. Under India's Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), domestic startups must obtain multiple licences, maintain offices and establish warehouses in every state where their products will be distributed. In contrast, foreign suppliers face minimal compliance requirements, needing only basic import formalities to sell across all Indian states. The FCO, established under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, was designed to ensure fertiliser quality and monitor distribution during a period when India relied heavily on imports. "However, the framework has struggled to adapt to modern domestic production capabilities," the statement added. Suhash Buddhe, mentor at IIM Nagpur Incubation Cell, said India's production of 112.62 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables relies heavily on 5 lakh tonnes of imported, non-subsidised fertilisers. "A single manufacturing unit is monitored by as minimum as 32 FCO inspectors, leading to excessive scrutiny and harassment under the guise of regulation. This overregulation deters startup growth and pushes India further into import dependence, instead of nurturing domestic innovation," Buddhe said. Jayantibhai Kumbhani, President of the Chamber For Agri Input Protection (CAIP), Ahmedabad, said no other industry, including pharmaceuticals, faces such intense level of inspector oversight. "In some cases, a single district can have many inspectors monitoring one fertiliser unit, creating undue pressure on Indian entrepreneurs," he said, emphasising the urgent need for FCO reforms to foster self-reliance in the non-subsidised fertiliser sector. This view is echoed by Vijay Thakur, President of grassroots agri-entrepreneur association OAMA, Maharashtra, who shares similar concerns and advocates for urgent policy intervention. The regulatory burden particularly affects soluble fertilizers, which are critical for horticulture growth. Unlike sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and defence where the Central government's "Import Substitution" and "Make in India" initiatives have gained significant traction, the fertilizer sector has seen little progress. "Grassroots innovation in manufacturing these vital compounds continues to struggle due to a lack of market access, constrained by the outdated and rigid provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order," according to the statement. The high cost of setting up offices, warehouses, and securing licenses in each statecombined with the need for market partners to duplicate these effortserodes any competitive edge Indian manufacturers might have, it added. SFIA National Secretary Vinod Goyal said, "A practical path forward includes implementing 'One Nation, One Licence,' ensuring parity with foreign manufacturers by allowing marketers to add sourcing in one state and market across all operational states for Indian sources, capping inspector numbers to two per unit, and ultimately enacting a new law for non-subsidised fertilizers outside the Essential Commodities Act to realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Business Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Asean's climate commitment still intact amid geopolitical, economic uncertainty
[SINGAPORE] While sustainability has taken a backseat globally in light of ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, this could provide an opportunity for Asean to play a leading role in climate action, said Eugene Wong, chief executive officer of the Sustainable Finance Institute of Asia (SFIA), which is host of the Asean Taxonomy Board. In fact, current Asean chair Malaysia's public reaffirmation of the need to continue regional cooperation on climate shows that the commitment is still intact. During the recent sustainability-focused Ecosperity conference organised by Temasek, the country's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that there is an urgent need to protect South-east Asia's populations and coastal cities, given the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events. 'We must transition while safeguarding livelihoods. We must ensure no one is left behind. We must ensure development is climate-compatible. All of these must continue to be pursued, regardless if we end up with 24 per cent or 10 per cent, or as we all live in hope, 0 per cent tariffs,' he said. 'While we remain committed to resolving the tariff issue through negotiation, both on a bilateral and regional basis, the climate cooperation agenda must continue in tandem,' he added. Slightly more than a month ago, global markets roiled after United States President Donald Trump's imposition of a blanket tariff rate of 10 per cent on all countries. About two weeks later, solar exporters from South-east Asia were hit again with duties as high as over 3,500 per cent on their products – an outcome of a process that started under the previous administration under Joe Biden. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up Coupled with geopolitical and security concerns over the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as the recent India-Pakistan conflict, it is unavoidable that investment flows and national resources are re-allocated away from climate to address these issues. Despite these challenges, Asean has been quite resolute on the need to continue pushing for sustainability, said Wong, who was speaking with The Business Times. 'Asean, also in the last five years, has become quite a vocal leader in sustainable finance globally. So the question is, can we hold the line? We must, and we intend to,' he added. Wong also said that while short-term survival is top of mind for governments and businesses, sustainability has not been forgotten, but merely reprioritised. 'The more tariffs come and cause economic hardship, the more social equality is going to be important. So definitely, the sustainability agenda is still there. It's been reprioritised. It's going to come back at some point,' he said. Asean regulatory developments As a region made up of mostly emerging markets, South-east Asia has typically faced a dearth of much-needed investments towards green and energy transition projects that could support its decarbonisation. The focus of the region's regulators is to develop a more enabling environment for private investments by coming up with the Asean taxonomy and the Asean transition finance guidance frameworks. The Asean taxonomy – which is a regional classification system that defines what economic activities qualify for sustainable financing – is now in its third version, with plans for a fourth to be finalised by the end of this year. The Asean Taxonomy Board, along with SFIA, recently developed a digital tool known as Accept, which aims to provide a side-by-side comparison of how a particular economic activity is classified under various taxonomies. Designed to provide equivalence between taxonomies, the platform would help to reduce fragmentation by using the Asean taxonomy as a common language, while still allowing each Asean member state to address its own national needs, said Mardini Haji Eddie, who is chair of the Asean Taxonomy Board, as well as the deputy managing director for monetary operations, development and international at Brunei's central bank. 'For investors and financiers, the challenge is that if they operate regionally or globally, they have to deal with different taxonomies and determine how they deal with each classification, under those taxonomies. But if they use the Asean taxonomy, and also through Accept, they only have to determine their preferences under the Asean taxonomy, and Accept will translate any taxonomy classification into the equivalent Asean taxonomy classification,' said Mardini, who was also speaking to BT in the same interview with Wong. When asked if the Net-Zero Banking Alliance's recent decision to replace its 1.5 deg C climate target to 'well below 2 deg C' was a vindication of Asean's earlier decision to have some flexibility baked into its taxonomy and transition finance framework, Wong said that there was a need for Asean to be realistic given the economic development levels of some of its member states. The region's regulators had previously been criticised for designing the Asean taxonomy and transition finance guidance as a tiered system, in which the highest tier sets the criteria and threshold for economic activities aligned to a 1.5 deg C pathway, while the lower tiers are not on that gold standard trajectory. The region's regulators had previously been criticised for designing the Asean taxonomy and transition finance guidance as a tiered system, in which the highest tier sets the criteria and threshold for economic activities aligned to a 1.5 deg C pathway, while the lower tiers are not on that gold-standard trajectory. But while some corporates have the ability and resources to pursue decarbonisation plans aligned with the 1.5 deg C pathway, most of the 71 million micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the region do not, said Wong. 'We know that it's not possible because our countries have different starting points. We are not Europe, and we will cause social and economic dislocations if we just go for 1.5 deg C,' he said. 'Transition is a balance between ambition and reality... How can we get the reality to fit with the ambition? There is this concept of paradox of ambition. If you actually push people to do something that's too ambitious, they'll just give up, or you won't succeed. So you might as well be practical about it. You might as well try and have a very realistic pathway on how you can achieve what you want to do,' he added. The tiered approach also reflects one of the foundational principles of the Paris Agreement, known as the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities principle, said Wong. This means that while all countries share the obligation to address climate change, their levels of responsibility and capacity to do so differ based on their historical emissions and economic development.
Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
SFIA Launches 'Thesis Showdown' at SOMS 25: A National Call for Agricultural Innovation
VMPL Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 25: In a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural application, the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), in collaboration with ICAR-NRC Grapes, Pune, has announced the launch of 'Thesis Showdown'--a national-level research contest to be held during the prestigious SOMS 25 Conference in Ahmedabad. This unique initiative invites participation from India's most esteemed agricultural universities and government research institutions, aiming to spotlight innovative research in soluble fertilizers, organic inputs, micronutrients, and bio-stimulants. Recognizing the crucial role that research and science play in advancing modern agriculture, SFIA is offering a platform for scholars, PhD candidates, and scientists to present their findings before a national jury of industry leaders and experts. This contest is not merely a competition but a celebration of scientific inquiry, innovation, and the collaborative spirit that drives sustainable agriculture. The association, which represents a national network of producers, importers, agronomists, and policy experts, has long advocated for SOMS-based practices as an effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional subsidized fertilizers--especially in horticultural crops. SOMS, an integrated concept that blends water-soluble fertilizers, organic matter, micronutrients, and stimulants, has proven its effectiveness over the past three decades through field adoption and positive outcomes among progressive Indian farmers. Building on this success, SFIA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICAR-NRC Grapes to conduct comparative research on SOMS versus traditional fertilizer usage in grape cultivation. The results of this pathbreaking study are expected to be published in 2025. Speaking on the occasion, Rajib Chakraborty, National President of SFIA, emphasized the significance of academic collaboration, stating: "SOMS 25 and the Thesis Showdown represent our commitment to blending grassroots agricultural wisdom with scientific rigor. We firmly believe that the future of Indian farming lies in sustainable, residue-free practices. Through this national platform, we are not only recognizing exceptional research but also building bridges between academia and industry to ensure that innovations reach the farmer's field. This is an invitation to the scientific community to step forward and shape the next chapter of Indian agriculture." The Thesis Showdown at SOMS 25 will bring together leading minds from across India to present research that addresses the efficacy of SOMS inputs, their impact on soil health, nutrient mobilization, sustainable farming practices, and market opportunities. Presentations will also delve into the manufacturing processes of SOMS inputs, environmental sustainability, advanced testing methodologies, and consumer acceptance. Participants will be judged on the depth of their research, practical applicability, and innovation. Each researcher will be given fifteen minutes to present their thesis followed by a ten-minute Q & A session with the jury. The jury comprises prominent figures such as Dr. Suhas Buddhe, CMD Biocare India pvt ltd, Dr. Pranjib Chakrabarty, former member of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Dr. Swapnil Bachchhav, Managing Director of Richfield Fertilizer Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. K.R.K. Reddy, pioneer in agricultural biotechnology and founder of Sri Biotech Laboratories. To ensure inclusive participation, SFIA will cover travel, accommodation, and local transportation costs for one participating researcher along with an official representative from the institution. This includes round-trip airfare and a two-night stay in Ahmedabad. The top three research presentations will be honored with prize money of Rs50,000, Rs25,000, and Rs10,000 respectively. Only institutions invited by SFIA are eligible to nominate candidates, and the nomination must come through official channels such as the Head of Department, Director, Vice-Chancellor, or Registrar. Researchers are required to submit their full thesis by April 30, 2025, and a presentation synopsis by May 15. Registration can be done through a QR code that leads to a Google Form, which must be completed on behalf of the candidate by the institution. In addition to the thesis competition, SFIA has extended a warm invitation to agricultural universities across India to attend the SOMS 25 Conference as a delegation. Each participating institution may send up to 25 members, including faculty and students, to engage in knowledge exchange, networking, and industry exposure. Institutions interested in sending a delegation are encouraged to confirm via email to receive their official entry passes. With SOMS 25, SFIA seeks to create an environment where science meets practice, and research transforms into real-world agricultural solutions. This is a rare opportunity for scholars to not only showcase their work but also contribute to shaping the future of Indian agriculture. More details about the event and registration process are available on the official website, For SOMS- Visit : SOMS Events - Sfia About Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association he Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) is dedicated to developing a sustainable agri-input ecosystem by driving progress through association, collaboration, and policy reforms. We foster an innovation-driven environment that empowers practitioners and agri-preneurs, advocating for regulatory reforms to recognize and support their contributions. Committed to promoting specialty fertilizers as a key pillar of sustainable farming, SFIA works towards shaping policies and industry standards that enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental responsibility. About SOMS SOMS (Soluble Fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Micronutrient, and Bio Stimulants) is a scientifically structured approach that enhances nutrient use efficiency, promotes environmental sustainability, and reduces dependency on conventional subsidized fertilizers. It encourages innovative, non-subsidized solutions for a more sustainable agricultural future. To drive this vision forward, SFIA (Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association) is organizing SOMS25 B2B International Exhibition and Conference on non-subsidized specialty fertilizers. Now in its second edition, SOMS25 serves as a global platform connecting Indian Agri-Input MSMEs with international buyers, investors, and industry leaders. The event aims to empower Indian manufacturers by providing them global exposure, fostering collaborations, and driving innovation in the agri input sector. By bridging the gap between Indian producers and global markets, SOMS25 is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and agribusiness growth and at the same time it provides an opportunity for the global players in establishing their business in India.
