PZ Cussons reintroduces Premier Cool, offers new variants

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PZ Cussons reintroduces Premier Cool, offers new variants

To reposition and compete favourably in Nigerian soap market, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has rebranded and extended Premier Soap, one of its soap brands. The new variants are called Premier Cool Ultimate Deo Soap, Premier Cool Sports and Premier Cool Odour Defence. According to the brand owners, each variant possesses unique qualities and come in different packs and sizes.

During the brand re-launch recently in Lagos, Charity Ilevbare-Adeniji, the company’s Brand Activation Manager, Personal Care said: “With an innovation process is driven by consumer research, reflecting consumers’ lifestyle attributes and desire for attractive and effective offerings, Premier Cool soap now comes in a new range of alternates such as Odour Defence, Ultimate and Sport.

The PZ Brand Activation Manager further explained that as opposed to its previous promise of 24 Hours Freshness, Premier Cool soap now promises “25-hour Freshness” with the signature icy-cool feel.

“This is an exciting time for Premier Cool as we continue to evolve and improve to meet and satisfy the needs of our consumers. Premier Cool is one of the leading brands in its category and has continued to evolve over the years,” Ilevbare-Adeniji said.

She added: “The re-launch and product extension are in continuation of that tradition and also in line with the brand’s strategy to differentiate itself in the market and also sustain its drive to maintain its position as one of the leading soap brands in Nigeria.”

ODSG Introduce Driving Institute

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ODSG Introduce Driving Institute
The Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to establish the first Driving Institute at the premises of the State Haulage and Equipment Centre at Oba-Ile.
The institute, which would be in partnership with a private firm under Private Partnership agreement would have facilities for training of drivers before the issuance of driver’s license and motorcycle riders before they would be granted rider’s permit.
The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye, while conducting the governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu round the facilities yesterday, said the state government was no longer comfortable with carnage on the road occasioned by amateurish driving and riding.

Ogunleye explained that the driving institute was in line with the Blueprint to Progress under the leadership of Arakunrin Akeredolu.
His words: “We believe that this place has been underutilized.  It is too big and too wide to be used for just dumping impounded vehicles.
“We realised that the training and learning culture of our road users, the motorists, the motorcyclists, the tricyclists, has been zero. Most of those carrying drivers’ license cannot justify the license. How can you reconcile a sane driver that is driving against traffic and he will still carry driver’s license? This calls for suspicion.
“For this reason, this centre, the Ondo State Drivers’/Riders’ Institute would be for training and re-training of Okada riders who have never undergone training before. Most of the riders who just bought Okada will just jump onto the roads without any training, thereby endangering the lives of innocent people.
“So, this government is the government of life and not the government of death. And that is why the centre is going to be first of its kind in the South-West and Nigeria. The driver or rider is the trustee of your life for the period you are going to be with him until you alight from his vehicle, and as such he must be a competent person.
“So, any trustee of your life in this regard must be certified to have prerequisite training, and that is why the government of Ondo State has approved this place for the training and re-training of drivers and riders on our roads,” he stressed.
Ogunleye added that necessary training equipment would be provided at the centre.
He said ‘Go-Kada’, an Executive Motorbike transport system to be introduced at the centre would be a special means of transportation for commuters in the state.

Zain Saudi and Nokia use 5G network to support remote viewing of Hajj events via live, advanced Virtual Reality

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Zain Saudi and Nokia use 5G network to support remote viewing of Hajj events via live, advanced Virtual Reality
  • Nokia has deployed massive MIMO 5G technology using its AirScale platform in Hajj area for the advanced Virtual Reality (VR) application
  • The demonstration is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program 2020 for the development of digital infrastructure to improve the quality of life

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Zain Saudi Arabia and Nokia successfully demonstrated a 5G-enabled VR (Virtual Reality) advanced use case in Mashaer area and the Holy Mosque area in Makkah. This technology allows visitors to experience Hajj* remotely as if they are present on site.

 

As part of the demonstration, high-resolution 360-degree video feeds are transmitted to room-size displays enabling the viewers to be immersed in the experience. Zain’s 5G network is used to send the video feeds from cameras deployed in multiple locations in Makkah to cover the whole Hajj events in real-time, utilizing the extreme mobile broadband capability for the content delivery and the low latency for the real-time camera control.

 

Eng. Sultan Abdulaziz AlDeghaither, CEO of Zain Saudi Arabia, said: “Millions of people from around the world visit Hajj every year. This use case will allow them to have an immersive remote view of locations they have to visit such as the holy mosque to choose the best time and avoid crowds. Further, the concerned authorities will be able to provide better security to the pilgrims and the people of Saudi Arabia. We are committed to bringing innovative 5G use cases to the country. 5G collaboration with global technology-leader Nokia will help us provide innovative use cases to transform the way people live and work.”

 

Ali Jitawi, head of the Zain Customer Business Team at Nokia, said: “We are committed to supporting Zain Saudi in realizing the enormous potential of 5G. This virtual reality demo on its 5G live network is an important achievement in shaping the 5G use cases towards further contributing to National Transformation Plan 2020 and Saudi Vision 2030. The successful demo of this 5G-enabled use case is crucial and establishes that Zain’s network is now ready to provide innovative use cases which demand extremely low latency and ultra-high-speed.”

IG To Assign Special Squad To Ondo, Other South West States Over Insecurity

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IG To Assign Special Squad To Ondo, Other South West States Over Insecurity
Following the recent incessant kidnappings cases in the six South-West states, a plan by the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Muhammed to deploy Anti-Kidnapping Special Squad to the region to rid off these bandits is now at the top gear.
This was revealed on Wednesday, by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG)Police in Charge of Operations, Abdulmajid Ali, while on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN at the Governor’s office in Akure, the State Capital.
Akeredolu was represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.

Ali, accompanied by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of zone 11, Leye Oyebade and the State Commissioner of Police, Undie Adie, said the squad members are currently undergoing training in Abuja and will soon be dispatched to Ondo State and other south-west states to curb crimes.
The DIG commiserated with the state government over the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunori, the daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, saying the Nigerian police is keen on making the country safe for every Nigerian.
According to him” I am sent by the Inspector General of Police not only to Ondo State but to other south-west states to see the security architecture on the ground and as well as to see how to redesign the security apparatus
“I decided to start with Ondo before I go to Ekiti and Osun because Ondo being one of the focus states of recent, I believe we need to sit down with my officers here and see how we can merge ahead.
“I want to let you know that the Inspector of General of Police is mindful of what has been happening particularly along the road as well as some of these miscreants disturbing the peace of the people.
“I also want you to know that security is one of the first pillars of any government in doing any service to the people. If security is not provided, there won’t be peace in that area and the governor too will find it difficult to operate.
“We are aware of our responsibility. The Inspector-General has put in place a very strong team that is on training now and in the next two weeks, they will be out and Ondo and other south-west states have been the place of focus.
“We are deploying them here to take charge of security and to work with our men on the ground. I can assure you that the place will definitely have a chance because when the members of the Special Squad are around. I want to assure you that peace will reign again in Ondo state and other south-west states.
The Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, who responded on behalf of the Governor said he was worried on the recent insecurity in the State and the other South-West States, saying Ondo state was not known to be a dumping ground for crime.
He particularly charged the Police to arrest killers of Mrs Funke Olakunori, saying that is a debt that must be paid by the Nigerian Police.
Ajayi noted that it is high time the police embraced digital policing fully to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country.
He added “the police must also engage the community. This is very important. Even if you have 200,000 policemen in a community, you need the corporation of the people in that community for you to be able to carry out your job effectively”
He said the police must map out a strategy to secure the boundaries and other flashpoints in the state.
The Deputy Governor assured the visitors that the State government would give necessary supports that would enable the security men to chase criminals out of the state.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Kicks Off Rugby World Cup 2021 Regional Qualification Process

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Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Kicks Off Rugby World Cup 2021 Regional Qualification Process

Women’s international rugby has a new team with Madagascar set to enter the test arena in Johannesburg.

  • Rugby Africa Women’s Cup takes place over three match days on 9, 13 and 17 August
  • The winning team will qualify directly for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021
  • The event is the first opportunity for a team to directly qualify through the new regional qualification pathway
  • Women’s rugby experiencing huge growth with a 28% increase in registered players

The first opportunity for a team to qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 through the regional qualification route will take place at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 9-17 August 2019.

All games will be live-streamed via https://livestream.com/baruchmedia/WomensRuby

In April this year, World Rugby announced details of a new qualification pathway for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 whereby non-qualified teams will compete in new and existing regional tournaments.

Regional tournaments will be hosted in Oceania, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America with the final opportunity for teams to qualify to be through the new repechage tournament, which will be held in 2020.

READ MORE ON RWC2021 QUALIFICATION PATHWAY >>: https://www.World.Rugby/news/410898

A brand-new competition, the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup will be held at the Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg on 9, 13 and 17 August, with the first matchday of the tournament marking National Women’s Day in South Africa.

The competition will see hosts South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar and Uganda play three games each in a round-robin format where the winner will directly qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021.

Women’s international rugby has a new team with Madagascar set to enter the test arena in Johannesburg as they’ll make their play their test match debut against Kenya on day one.

READ MORE ON MADAGASCAR >>: https://www.World.Rugby/news/439211

Hosted in New Zealand, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 will be the first time that the women’s tournament has been held in the southern hemisphere. After winning the 2017 event in Ireland, New Zealand will be looking to defend the title on home soil.

The top seven teams from Rugby World Cup 2017 – New Zealand, England, USA, France, Canada, Australia and Wales – have already secured automatic qualification for the 2021 competition.

Last weekend saw the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship Division I title claimed by Kazakhstan who has been promoted to the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship and will join Japan and Hong Kong in playing at the highest level of the women’s game in the region on 2020.

Promotion to the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship also keeps their dream of appearing at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 alive as the winner of that tournament will qualify for the game’s flagship event in New Zealand.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont said: “As the first opportunity to qualify directly through the regional tournaments, the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup signifies a very exciting point in the journey towards Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021.

“Introducing these regional tournaments into the qualification pathway for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 increases the level of competition in the women’s game and allows us to engage more fans in the game worldwide.”

World Rugby is dedicated to growing the women’s game and recently launched a new ‘Women in Rugby’ brand identity and global campaign ‘Try and Stop Us’, aimed at driving increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the women’s game.

VIEW TRY AND STOP US CAMPAIGN >>:

Women’s rugby is one of the sport’s great success stories, experiencing unprecedented growth around the world. Participation levels are at an all-time high with 2.7 million players globally – making up more than a quarter of the global playing population – and a 28 per cent increase in registered players since 2017.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup fixtures: 

Bosman Stadium, Brakpan, Johannesburg, South Africa

All times local time (GMT+2)

9 August, 2019
Madagascar vs Kenya, KO 13:00
South Africa vs Uganda, KO 15:00

13 August, 2019
Kenya vs Uganda, KO 13:00
Madagascar vs South Africa, KO: 15:00

17 August, 2019
Madagascar vs Uganda, KO: 13:00
South Africa vs Kenya, KO: 15:00

Where to watch: 

All games will be live-streamed via https://livestream.com/baruchmedia/WomensRuby

Stay up to date on social media by following @RugbyAfrique

The Leading Nigerian Digital Printing Company Chooses Canon For Its Digital Colour Printing For Maximum Versatility

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The Leading Nigerian Digital Printing Company Chooses Canon For Its Digital Colour Printing For Maximum Versatility

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) world-leader in imaging solutions, is proud to have among its clients KAS Prints, a leading Nigerian digital printing company, and to participate fully in the development of its business objectives. This collaboration, based on commitment, multi-sector knowledge, secure data management and high value-added solutions that guarantee sustainable innovation, allows them to combine their mutual know-how to provide KAS Prints customers with unique and unmatched services.

Canon’s continued investment in research and development offers KAS Prints confidence that they are using technologies specifically designed to improve their productivity and data security. Canon appreciates that customer expectations in the digital and printing industries are constantly evolving which has an impact on business models in all imaging sectors. Integrated and intelligent applications allow businesses to reduce the complexity of challenges related to their environment and contribute to positive value creation.

“We have found in Canon a trusted partner with whom we share the same values and is committed to helping us successfully anticipate our customers’ needs especially in our offering of the latest solutions. Canon’s long-standing experience in the digital and printing world encourages the emergence of innovations that will transform service delivery for our customers. We will be able to quickly adapt to any changes in the printing sector which will enable KAS Prints to maintain its leading position in the digital print market” said Ademola Kasumu – Managing Director and CEO, KAS PRINTS.

Tenaui, the official representative of Canon in Nigeria, was of big support to build this strong relationship between Canon and KAS. “Tenaui is really proud to have a valued partner such Canon and we are working very closely with the team to generate and develop more business in the country” added Yasser Alfara, Managing Director, Tenaui.

“We are very proud to be able to welcome KAS Prints among our customers to whom we have already provided C10000 printers. KAS Prints has a diverse customer portfolio and we are committed to supporting them with increasingly innovative and reliable high-performance state-of-the-art machines. I am confident that this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership that will last for the foreseeable future, as Canon helps KAS Prints achieve the goal of placing the customer at the heart of service delivery. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tenaui who continues to support us and have enabled us in recent years to pursue satisfactory growth in Nigeria” concluded Somesh Adukia Regional Sales Office Director, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Billions Poised For Africa’s Real Estate Sector

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Billions Poised For Africa’s Real Estate Sector

The growth and opportunity displayed by a diverse spread of International funds, DFIs, Banks, PE firms, institutional investors and others is evidence that despite apparent indifference to African opportunities in SA boardrooms, the continent’s real estate sector has evolved.

As Central and Eastern Europe become increasingly popular for South Africa’s property sector due to subdued growth potential and earnings locally, should these funds not be investing closer to home?

This is the view of Kfir Rusin, the host of the most significant annual gathering of capital investors in African real estate, the 10th annual Africa Property Investment (API) Summit taking place on October 2 & 3 in Johannesburg, whose stakeholders have been more active in the first half 2019 than in the previous 24 months.

“In the first two quarters of 2019, we’ve tracked ten significant transactions in excess of more than a half a billion dollars across multiple jurisdictions and sectors by API Summit stakeholders,” says Rusin.

The growth and opportunity displayed by a diverse spread of International funds, DFIs, Banks, PE firms, institutional investors and others is evidence that despite apparent indifference to African opportunities in SA boardrooms, the continent’s real estate sector has evolved, and become increasingly more liquid and provides value in key nodes and sectors.

Some of the most high-profile deals include well known listed funds and global investors including Growthpoint Investec African Properties Investment Fund (GIAPF); Grit Real Estate Income Group; WeWork, Centum Real Estate, Nedbank; Standard Bank, the IFC and the UK’s CDC.

For investors and developers looking for data and partners experienced in African development or looking to sell prime assets, these are the men and women responsible for structuring and executing these mega deals who will be at this year’s conference, confirmed Rusin. These include GIAPF’s Managing Director Thomas Reilly; Grit’s CEO Bronwyn Corbett; multiple senior investment officers from the IFC; Standard Bank’s Head of Africa real estate, Niyi Adeleye, the CDC’s Illaria Benucci, Centum’s RE MD Samuel Kariuki and many more in attendance.

“The market has moved forward in the past six months, and we’re thrilled that so many major dealmakers will be at the API Summit to transact and share their experiences with our delegates,” he says.

These high-value transactions, while not a repudiation of the South African listed sector’s muted view of the African opportunity, do provide a compelling narrative that the continent’s property markets are investable, but require nuance and insights. It’s not simply a copy and pastes what’s worked here (SA) will work elsewhere says, Rusin.

According to noted real estate analyst Craig Smith of Anchor Stockbrokers, Africa’s top markets are “definitely a more attractive entry point than 18-24 months ago” but cautions that investors still need to exercise a “higher level of diligence” when investing.

And while deal many South African funds continue to look at Central and Eastern Europe for scale (sizeable transactions) and positive funding spreads, says Smith, the transaction spread by API Summit’s investors point to a market that is expanding, which is in line with his view that the “the opportunity set over the long term is immense.”

An analysis which may explain, the increased diversity and complexity in these deals, says Rusin. “We’re witnessing sophisticated deal structuring in Affordable Housing; Hospitality; Logistics; Office spaces and Mixed-use, across countries and regions.”

TOP TEN AFRICAN REAL ESTATE DEALS IN 2019 

  • Growthpoint Investec African Property Fund to acquire malls in Ghana & Zambia
    Deal Size: Undisclosed

  • Centum RE & Nedbank ±$75M Debt Deal for their Two Rivers development project
    Deal Size: $75M

  • IFC invests in Hilton in Lusaka Protea Hotel (Zambia)
    Deal Size: $9M

  • African Logistics Properties (ALP) Signs Debt restructuring deal with Standard Bank
    Deal Size: $26.5M

  • Shelter Afrique in Affordable Housing Deal with Habitat International
    Deal Size: $100M

  • Grit buys Senegal Club Med
    Deal Size: $12.5M with development plans of $28.8M

  • CDC commits to mezzanine debt investment in Teyliom Hospitality
    Deal Size: $30.7M

  • WeWork opens its first of many African Office locations in Johannesburg
    Deal Size: Undisclosed

  • Actis & Shapoorji launch affordable housing Joint Venture in Kenya
    Deal Size: $120M

  • Westpark & Siemens to build sustainable industrial Park
    Deal Size: Undisclosed

Regarded among local and international decision-makers as Africa’s Property gathering, the API Summit is recognized as a platform for investing but is also vital in developing deeper layers of transparency for investors looking to meet and understand the continent’s divergent and complex markets to avoid previous mistakes committed by SA developers.

As Smith comments, “Africa’s markets are still relatively opaque, and it is vital that these markets continue with their efforts to improve transparency.” Adding that, “The experience of GIAPF is crucial in my view as this will provide evidence of performance to the SA market.”

Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ smartphones

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Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ smartphones
Samsung has presented its new Galaxy Note smartphone in New York. The top-of-the-range device comes in two versions this year: the Galaxy Note 10 with a 6.3-inch screen and the Galaxy Note 10+ with a 6.8-inch display. They will go on sale 23 August, costing from EUR 949 for the Note 10 and EUR 1,099 for the Note 10+.
The new devices come with the so-called Infinity O-display, with a near-edgeless display and small punch hole at the top for the front camera. The Note 10 offers a Full HD+ resolution, and the Note 10+ comes with QHD+, while both run the Exynos 9 processor from Samsung or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, depending on the region. The Note 10 features 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage, while the Note 10+ packs 12 GB and a choice of 256 or 512 GB storage, plus a microSD card option in the second SIM slot.
https://youtu.be/CYA_XAMfRfo?t=2
Triple camera for Note 10, quad-camera for Note 10+

The Galaxy Note 10 comes with three back camera sensors, including a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens, 12-megapixel standard camera and 12-megapixel telephoto lens. The Galaxy Note 10+ adds a fourth Time Of Flight camera for advanced depth sensing. The front camera on both phones features a 10-megapixel sensor with 80-degree wide angle.

S Pen air actions

Samsung also upgraded the S Pen stylus for the new Note with so-called ‘air actions’. Connected via Bluetooth to the phone, the S Pen can trigger actions such as taking a photo with a click of the stylus. Additional motion controls include camera settings, such as zooming in and out with a circular movement of the S Pen.

Samsung also brought Microsoft to the event, to highlight new integrations with Windows PCs and apps. The Note 10 integrates Link to Windows directly into the Quick Panel of the phone. With one click, users can connect to their Windows 10 PC. They can then see notifications, send and receive messages, and review recent photos from the phone directly on the computer, without having to look at the phone.

In addition, the Outlook email app will come pre-installed on the Note 10 and include enhanced integration with the S Pen. Microsoft also plans to soon integrate OneDrive directly into the Samsung Gallery app, for automatic syncing of photos and videos to the cloud storage platform.

45W super-fast charging

The basic Note 10 comes with a 3,500 mAh battery, and the Note 10+ offers 4,300 mAh. Superfast charging at up to 45W is included on the Note 10+ for customers who buy a separate charger.

Pre-orders have opened already for the phones, and customers who order by 23 August can receive a discount on the new device with the trade-in of an old phone.

5G model in the US

A 5G version of the Note 10+ will launch in the US, first exclusively with Verizon Wireless and then at other carriers. In addition to the Aura Glow, Aura White and Aura Black colours, an exclusive Aura Blue version of the Note 10+ will be available at Samsung.com and Best Buy.

Samsung also presented its new Galaxy Book S at the event. Developed in partnership with Microsoft and Qualcomm, this new Windows 10 laptop offers gigabit LTE connectivity, touch-to-wake capabilities, the Snapdragon 8cx compute platform and a premium design that is ultra-slim and light-weight for mobility. The Galaxy Book S will be available this autumn in select markets.

You Think West Africa’s (Liquefied Natural Gas) LNG-To-Power Projects Are Lingering? Zoom In On Benin

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You Think West Africa’s (Liquefied Natural Gas) LNG-To-Power Projects Are Lingering? Zoom In On Benin

With a population of less than 12 million and a GDP of $10.35bn in 2018, Benin is often overshadowed by its massive neighbour, Nigeria. Yet as African countries try to revitalize their energy sector, bring in private capital and develop gas-to-power, it is in West Africa and Benin that observers should look for positive developments. With recent legislative reforms and a strong political will, the small West African nation is strengthening its place as the capital of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and positioning itself as a big hub for gas and power in the sub-region.

On July 24, French super-major Total signed a Gas Supply Agreement and Host Government Agreement with Benin and its state utility, the Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE). The agreement will see the development of a 0.5 mtpa Floating, Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), the first in West Africa. LNG supplies sourced from Total’s global portfolio are set to start in 2021 and last for 15 years.

This is no small move for a region that has repeatedly tried to develop its gas-to-power infrastructure but has remained faced with financing, infrastructure and regulatory challenges. Between Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, up to 7,750MW of gas-to-power facilities could be installed by 2030 according to Power Africa. In practice, however, erratic supplies from the West Africa Gas Pipeline, lack of gas and transmission & distribution infrastructure, unattractive pricing structures and outdated master plans mean that such potential might remain under-exploited.

In this context, the recent signing of agreements with Total brings hope to a region hungry for power. It is first the result of a strong political will. Under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, Benin has been implementing a strong Government Action Plan (PAG) since 2016 which places the revitalisation of the country’s energy sector and private sector capital as a pillar of economic development. The formula is working: Benin grew by almost 7% last year and is expected to grow by 6.5% this year (IMF), placing it in the top 15 of the world’s fastest-growing economies. And political vision has led better ease of doing business. Benin has been revising its Electricity Code, and its Council of Ministers approved last month the new framework of intervention for the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), improving investment and operating conditions for private investors in the country’s power industry.

As a result, the agreement with Total will not only see the development of West Africa’s first FSRU, it is also reviving hopes of seeing clean LNG powering future homes and industries across the region. The new gas import project will indeed supply power plants in Benin, such as the new 127 MW power station at Maria Gléta, with regasification infrastructure developed and operated by Total.

Addis Ababa leads Africa in hotel room rates

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Addis Ababa leads Africa in hotel room rates

Addis Ababa registered an absolute average daily rate (ADR) of US$163.79 when measured in constant currency, which removes the effects of inflation…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, posted Africa’s highest average daily rate (ADR), according to the most recent 12-month data from STR. The market will play host to the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) on 23-25 September at the Sheraton Addis.

From July 2018 through June 2019, Addis Ababa registered an absolute ADR of US$163.79 when measured in constant currency, which removes the effects of inflation. That figure was a 1.1% increase year over year. The next closest STR-defined markets in Africa were Accra Area, Ghana (US$160.34) and Lagos Area, Nigeria (US$132.51).

“Addis Ababa continues to maintain high ADR levels when compared internationally,” said Thomas Emanuel, a director for STR. “The city has multiple demand drivers, such as a growing economy, successful airline and its status as the diplomatic capital for Africa. Air connections and ease of access compared with other cities also factor in the equation for strong demand, which provides hoteliers with the confidence to maintain rate levels.

“With healthy performance comes to interest in investment. The market’s pipeline is strong with 22 hotels and 4,820 rooms in active development. We will continue to monitor these new openings to see how the market reacts once these additional rooms open.”

Emanuel will present the latest hotel performance and development insights on the Tuesday (24 September) of AHIF.

“Hosting high-profile international meetings like AHIF is one factor that has helped Addis to maintain its position as the city with the most expensive hotel accommodation in Africa,” said Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events (AHIF organiser). “Our delegates will be looking carefully to see if the addition of a lot more high-quality accommodation and meeting space will depress room rates or help Addis become even more attractive as a destination.”

Addis Ababa’s occupancy over the same 12-month time period was 58.4%, up 6.5% year over year. Cairo & Giza was the continent’s occupancy leader at 74.5%. Cape Town Centre, South Africa (65.0%), ranked second in the metric followed by Accra Area (59.7%).

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