BUSINESS NEWS REPORT – FEBRUARY 2020

Every month Africa HR Solutions curates the latest high impact news across Africa. Check out the top business news for February 2020.

Mobility 54

Japanese auto giant Toyota is making moves to get in early on the potential of African markets - particularly the future of mobility in the fast-growing region as barriers start to fall.

Last August, its trading arm Toyota Tsusho Corp. set up a venture capital unit called Mobility 54 specifically for African markets. Mobility 54’s stated aim is to invest in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and CASE (Connected – Autonomous – Shared & Electric) startups on the continent.

Google Developers Space in Lagos

Google launched its first Google Developers Space in Lagos, Nigeria. Previously referred to as the Google Launchpad Space, the Google Developers Space is a hub for African developers, entrepreneurs and startups.

Google does not charge for use of the space, which in addition to housing Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa will support developer meetups, training, experts office hours, Women in tech events, startup programs (outside of Launchpad), partner events that support the wider entrepreneur and developer ecosystem, as well as Google initiatives for empowering people through digital skills training.

High-impact Learning Programme

Uber has launched a high-impact learning programme to help women drivers and those in their communities to develop the skills needed to thrive as independent entrepreneurs and make the most of earning opportunities.

The 4-month Skills for the Future programme focuses on women drivers to help them address barriers to success as a modern independent entrepreneur. The programme will also help participants understand and financially plan for the risks that employment mobility can bring.

Scatec Solar

Scatec Solar, Norwegian company specialising in photovoltaics (solar electricity), has connected its first solar farm to the South African grid. The new operation adds 86 MW of the 258 MW required in the solar power complex currently operating in Upington, South Africa.

The new 86 MW solar power plant, named Sirius, is the first in a series of three projects planned for the arid area of Upington, set to provide a total of 258 MW directly into the enfeebled national grid.