1.Labour Efficiency and Increased Productivity

Automated animal product harvesting systems, such as robotic milkers and automated egg collection, streamline the process, reducing the reliance on manual labour. In herds of bigger than 4 animals, manual harvesting can become exhausting, and unhygienic, highlighting to the farmer the benefits of automated processes.  In Sub-Saharan Africa, where skilled labour is often scarce and expensive, automation can significantly boost productivity. These technologies work tirelessly around the clock ensuring consistent and efficient collection of animal products, leading to increased yields and higher income for farmers.

2. Improved Animal Welfare

Automated harvesting systems prioritize animal welfare by minimizing stress and discomfort during the collection process. For instance, robotic milkers allow cows to voluntarily enter the milking station when they feel their udders are heavy, where they are gently milked, ensuring a comfortable experience. By adopting these technologies, Sub-Saharan Africa can improve the overall well-being of livestock, leading to healthier animals and higher-quality products. These healthier animals go on to lead longer lives, offering their resources to farmers for longer.

3: Enhanced Data Collection and Monitoring

Automated animal product harvesting systems are equipped with sensors and data tracking capabilities. These technologies provide valuable insights into animal health, productivity, and overall farm management allowing farmers to keep tabs on their livestock. Through data analysis, farmers can make informed decisions, identify potential issues at an early stage, and optimize their operations. This data-driven approach empowers farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve their production practices and maximize efficiency. By having an inner eye into the health of animals and the state of the quality of products they produce, a farmer is able to implement preventative measures to ensure high grade output and longevity

4: Addressing Labor Shortages

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges related to labour shortages in the agriculture sector. Many young people choose to migrate to urban areas in search of alternative employment opportunities rather than farm life. This leaves a void in rural farming communities and subsistence farmers livelihoods. By embracing automated animal product harvesting, the region can overcome this labour scarcity and move away from being labour demanding. These technologies require minimal human intervention, allowing farmers to manage larger livestock populations and maintain productivity levels without solely relying on manual labour.

5: Potential for Sustainable Agriculture

Automated animal product harvesting promotes sustainable agriculture practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. These technologies reduce resource wastage by optimizing feed consumption, water usage, and energy efficiency. Additionally, precise data collection allows farmers to implement targeted interventions and reduce the use of antibiotics and other chemicals or pesticides. By adopting automation, the region can achieve sustainable farming practices, preserve the environment, and mitigate the negative impacts associated with traditional farming methods.

Automated animal product harvesting has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region also has the rare opportunity to invest in something which they could become pioneers in. Through increased labour efficiency and adequate training on the use and maintenance of these automated machines, many new labour niches may arise. Knowing the ins and outs of how to repair, install and maintain these devices is what will also allow farmers to adopt a more hybrid approach to their farming systems along with offering their skill and expertise to other farmers in the region. Along with the improved animal welfare and enhanced data collection, these technologies offer numerous benefits to the region’s farmers in monitoring their animal wellbeing and the standard of the soil or crops in production. Moreover, by embracing automation, Sub-Saharan Africa can foster sustainable farming practices, which in turn ensures long-term food security and economic growth. It is crucial for governments, organizations, and stakeholders to invest in research, infrastructure, and training to unlock the full potential of automated animal product harvesting and propel the agricultural sector forward.

Just as this automation may be a foreign concept for local farmers, foreign investors may also find themselves navigating unknown waters. InterGest South Africa is a dedicated partner here on African soil offering you accounting, payroll, employer of record, banking and tax advisory services. For any enquires into our services or for more information on Africa as an investment destination, send us an email contact@intergest.com

SOURCES:

https://www.agriseta.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/116198_LG.pdf

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InterGest South Africa is listed as a consulting firm under the Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA Consulting Vouchers Africa. This means that our market entry consultations and services are funded in the following countries:

• Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia)
• East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda)
• West Africa (Nigeria)

The content below explains the qualification categories that German companies need to meet in order to qualify for funding, the application process as well as the rules and regulations around obtaining the funding.

1.  Aim of the “Consulting Vouchers” Funding Program

1.1   The aim of the program is to use needs-based consulting services to make it easier for German companies to enter the African market, to increase the competitiveness of the companies to be advised and thus to make an effective contribution to maintaining as well as creating jobs both in Europe and in African target markets Afford.

1.2   The funding is intended to assist German companies in correctly assessing possible economic risks associated with entering the African market.

2.  Subject of the Business Network Funding

2.1   The subject of the funding is external consulting services for the preparation and implementation of economic projects in African target markets by listed consulting companies/organizations.

2.2   The funded advice can relate to questions about specific industries or economic sectors, African target markets, and legal framework conditions about foreign trade and/or foreign investments and economic studies for the prospective project in Africa.

• • Funding will not be granted if:
    • If consulting services were already carried out before the decision on the grant was made.
    • If consulting services for market entry in Africa that have already been funded or promised by other aid from the EU, the federal government or a country.
    • If services are provided to partner or affiliated companies or where the consulting company/organization has a corresponding economic self-interest in generating income for the consulting company, e.g. B. a profit sharing.
    • Companies in difficulty under Article 2(18) of the General Block Exemption Regulation.

• • The advice is not eligible if:

• • • The company to be advised has not complied with a recovery order based on an earlier decision by the EU Commission to determine the inadmissibility of state aid and its incompatibility with the internal market.
    • The company to be advised has concluded the consulting contract with the consulting company/organization before the decision on the donation (consulting voucher) has been made, the consulting has started or agreements for future consulting have been concluded in a legally binding manner.
    • The consulting company/organization is no longer listed at the time the contract is concluded with the company to be advised.

3.  Who can Apply for Funding:

3.1   The funding for consulting services is aimed at legally independent small and medium-sized commercial German companies with a permanent establishment or branch in Germany who are interested in entering the African market.

3.2   A German company is considered to be medium-sized German if it employs fewer than 500 people at the time of application and generates a maximum of EUR 50 million in sales annually.

4.  Funding Amount:

4.1   For a consultant day, a maximum of 1,200 euros net are eligible per day, depending on the consulting issue.

4.2   A maximum of 15 consultant days are funded per consultation. The eligible daily maximum rates for the respective consulting topics are as follows:

4.3   A consulting day consists of at least eight hours. Preparation and follow-up of the consultations, travel expenses and other ancillary costs including the costs of financial transactions are compensated with the respective daily rate.

4.4   In one calendar year, a maximum of three advisory vouchers of a maximum of 13,500 euros each can be used. The annual maximum amount that can be paid out is therefore 40,500 euros. This corresponds to a funding rate of 75% when using three times 15 consulting days at a maximum of 1,200 euros net.

4.5   Only activities in the same category (maximum daily rates) can be applied for each consultant voucher. It can e.g. For example, advice on customs/import regulations and logistics and transport can be combined, but not customs/import regulations with the development of a sales structure or financing.

4.6   The service provided is taxable at the full rate of sales tax applicable in the country in which the service was provided. The expenses not covered by the consulting voucher are to be paid by the company to be advised (beneficiary) as a personal contribution.

5.  Application for Consulting Vouchers

5.1   Interested companies first find out more about the target market and eligible projects on the website of the “Business Network Africa” office. The office staff are also available by telephone for non-binding advice on the basic feasibility and eligibility of the advice project. With the information from the homepage and, if necessary, from the discussion with the office, please look for a listed consulting company/consulting organization and contact the consulting company/organisation.

5.2   Important! Please note that a consulting contract may only be concluded after the consulting voucher has been approved.

5.3   After you have chosen a listed consulting company/consulting organization from the list, please submit an electronic application for funding for consulting services.

5.4   A total of three applications can be submitted per year. The applications can only be submitted one after the other, i.e. the second application can only be submitted after BAFA has checked the proof of use of the first application.

Further information pertaining this process, find out how to Receive Government funding for your business activities here: BAFA Funding presentation.

With InterGest South Africa’s reputable name in the industry of international consulting vouchers and particularly consulting vouchers for Africa, clients are reassured of our services and often will choose to work with us. Our experts hold unique knowledge with regard to consulting vouchers and are always eager to assist. With 20 years of service behind us our team is well accustomed to any funding queries you may have. For more information on how we work or to get in contact, visit our website: https://intergest.co.za/

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The South African IT and telecoms industry is experiencing strong growth in 2022.

IT sector South Africa – South Africa’s work environment is changing – businesses are increasingly being forced to invest in new technology solutions to stay up to date with the accelerated technology trends that the business world is undergoing post covid.  Companies are required to stay up to date with the technology in order to support the workforce and accommodate consumer demands. IT and telecommunications providers are amongst the industries that are benefiting from the technological advancements thus opening many opportunities for foreign investors with innovative technologies.

Telecoms sector projected to be fastest growing sector in Africa

According to a new study of executives for blockchain-based mobile network operator World Mobile, the telecoms sector has been predicted to be amongst the fastest growing industries in Africa over the next five years. – Three of the four executives that participated in the study believe that the fastest growing sector will be the Telecoms sector.

The study surveyed senior executives of companies with a total annual turnover of more than $6.75 billion in Tanzania, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

The main driver of this development according to the study is the improving internet connectivity across the continent.

According to World Mobile CEO Micky Watkins, the expansion of the Telecoms sector in Africa is essential for economic growth – the study shows that business leaders agree with his statement.

Watkins said that the growth of the Telecoms sector is directly fuelling growth development in other sectors as companies become more digital and technology driven. The sectors this mostly applies to are Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail and Education.

Successful Technology providers in South Africa benefiting from the increased demand:

The South African IT sector provides excellent opportunities for foreign companies looking to expand into new markets.

South African mobile company, Vodacom, reported an impressive 19.2% increase in data traffic and grew its mobile data subscriber base by 8.2% in 2021. Competitor MTN reported similar growth rates.

In addition to telecoms providers, growing sectors include home office technology providers such as Alviva Group. In 2021, hardware and software providers boast revenue growth of 8.4% and 7.5%, respectively. During the same time, revenues of most ICT sectors increased significantly, according to the BMIT’s ICT Market Overview and Sizing Report.

According to Hector Beyers, CEO of web and mobile app developer Codehesion, consumer demand for mobile app development has increased significantly in recent months: “We have received a record number of app development requests in 2022 and have had to expand our team quickly to cope with the demand”

InterGest South Africa has been assisting foreign companies with market entry into Africa for the last 20 years. Our team of professionals offer unparalleled support to ensure that your business expansion into Africa is done timely and without any struggles.

For more information, please send an email to contact@intergest.com

Sources:

• https://mybroadband.co.za/news/technology/445070-excellent-news-for-south-africas-it-industry.html
• https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2022/07/telecoms-will-be-africas-fastest-growing-business-sector-study/

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