What is the greatest challenge facing your industry?

Thabo Makoko Global Head of Transactional Services, Absa CIB

“In terms of what I am trying to achieve and enable, one of the biggest challenges we face is cash. More than 50 percent of transactions on the continent are cash-driven, and this brings about many difficulties despite the fact it can be very convenient for the buyer and seller.

“Cash is real time and trustworthy – it is tangible. However, there is little appreciation of the indirect costs of managing cash. For example, if I gave you $100 in cash, yes, I can circumvent any transaction costs from the bank, but I have to get the cash to you in person and, if you are to spend it, you need to travel somewhere to use it.”

William Liabunya

CEO, EGENCO

“The challenging part of our sector is the fact that we are still not able to generate enough power to meet the growing demand. Our main source of power is hydro (90 percent) and has been badly affected by the climatic change.

“The rainfall pattern in the country have been reducing in the recent years and this has resulted in lowering water levels in Lake Malawi which is our main reservoir. The Shire River, where we have our major hydro plants, flows from Lake Malawi and any slight drop in water levels affects power generation. Of late, EGENCO has not been able to operate the hydro plants at full capacity. This is our major challenge.”

Dirk Odendaal

Director, RMD Kwikform

“The South African economy remains flat, with some sub-sectors in recession. The government had to revert to a focus on maintenance on infrastructure as opposed to new infrastructure development, and it is only the absolutely necessary and highest priority infrastructure projects that are going ahead currently. This further stretches an already embattled construction sector. As a result, liquidations and entrance into business rescue of many SA construction companies are on the rise.”

Charles Kateeba Managing Director, Uganda Railways Corporation

“Serious underinvestment and, as a result, unfair competition with the heavily funded motor highways. This is both for development, rehabilitation and maintenance, and the resulting deterioration of service levels means the railway industry is judged very severely in the public eye. The rail sub-sector has received less than two percent of the transport sector development budget in the last 20 years.”

George Mienie Chief Executive Officer, AutoTrader South Africa

“In any industry, ever-changing consumer buying behaviour is a challenge. The internet has provided information transparency and accessibility for vehicle buyers; therefore, a big chunk of the automotive buying journey is done online. The challenge is always going to be to stay up to speed with these changes and to continue to solve pain points for the consumer.”