GRUNGECAKE

Tag: Africa

  • Walmart launches first branded stores in South Africa this year

    The South African government warmly welcomed Walmart’s announcement, stating that this investment reflects strong confidence in the nation’s growth and stability.

    On September 9, 2025, Walmart (NYSE: WMT) officially unveiled plans to open its first branded retail stores in South Africa by the end of the year. This marks a major expansion for the US retail giant, which has until now operated in the country primarily through its subsidiary, Massmart.

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    These new Walmart stores will offer a wide inventory—spanning fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel, technology, and more—whilst integrating locally sourced products. The initiative combines Walmart’s hallmark Every Day Low Prices and global operational standards with South Africa’s rich cultural and entrepreneurial spirit, according to Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay.

    Building on its April Growth Summit in Johannesburg—which brought together suppliers from twelve African nations—Walmart has already recruited numerous small and medium-sized African vendors. These partnerships highlight the company’s commitment not only to value-driven retail but also to regional empowerment and local economic development.

    Several store locations are already under development, with official opening dates expected in October 2025. Whilst specific sites and further details on employment and community engagements will be disclosed soon, customers can anticipate digital features designed to enhance the shopping experience.

    By entering the South African market under its own brand, Walmart will directly challenge established domestic retailers such as Shoprite, Woolworths, and Pick n Pay—and even e-commerce leaders like Amazon and Takealot.com.

    The South African government warmly welcomed Walmart’s announcement, stating that this investment reflects strong confidence in the nation’s growth and stability. It supports medium-term development goals by promoting supplier development and job creation.

    As the year draws to a close, all eyes will be on the official opening of Walmart’s first branded outlets in South Africa—an expansion with far-reaching implications for retail, local entrepreneurship, and competition.

  • Africa, meet 7 Black astronauts

    Co-hosted by Africa.com and the Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP), the event highlights the transformative power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education

    Africa.com is excited to present Africa, Meet 7 Black Astronauts. The free, virtual event features seven Black NASA astronauts. Scheduled for March 18, 2025, this inspiring event invites students, educators, and curious minds from across Africa and beyond to hear firsthand from trailblazing astronauts who have made history in space exploration.

    Co-hosted by Africa.com and the Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP), the event highlights the transformative power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of the most accomplished astronauts of our time.

    The 7 featured astronauts:

    Dr Robert L Satcher Jr – NASA astronaut, orthopedic surgeon, and the first orthopedic surgeon in space

    Captain Winston E Scott – NASA astronaut, naval aviator, and veteran of multiple spacewalks

    Major General Charles F Bolden Jr – NASA astronaut, former NASA Administrator, and space shuttle commander

    Dr Bernard A Harris Jr – NASA astronaut, physician, and the first Black American to perform a spacewalk

    Joan E Higginbotham – NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer who flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery

    Colonel Frederick D Gregory – NASA astronaut and the first African American to pilot and command a space shuttle mission

    Captain Robert L Curbeam Jr – Veteran NASA astronaut with three spaceflights and seven spacewalks

    Inspiring Africa’s next generation of scientists and engineers

    “As Africa advances in technology and innovation, we must invest in inspiring young minds to dream big”, said Teresa Clarke, Chair and CEO of Africa.com. “The event brings together seven pioneering Black astronauts whose careers exemplify perseverance, education, and ambition. We hope their stories will ignite the passion of Africa’s future scientists, engineers, and technology trailblazers.”

    This live-streamed event is open to all and will feature engaging discussions on the astronauts’ experiences in space, the challenges they overcame, and the critical role of STEM education in shaping the future of exploration. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions, making this an interactive and inspiring experience.

    Event Details:
    Date: March 18, 2025
    Time: 3:00 PM (SAST, UTC +2)
    Registration: Join from anywhere in the world

  • Senegal prepares to host Africa’s first Olympic event: the Youth Olympic Games 2026

    Thirty-five International Federations (IFs) will be involved in these Games, with 25 sports featuring on the competition programme and 10 to be part of the engagement programme

    Senegal will welcome the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil. Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from October 31, 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the best young athletes from around the world.

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    The YOG will be held in three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), and are envisioned to serve as a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport, whilst also aiming to inspire new hope, opportunities and confidence among young people across Africa and become a blueprint for future YOG hosts. This approach is embodied in the Games’ motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”, which underscores the uniqueness of this YOG edition: Senegal is the first African country to host an Olympic sports event. The Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) emphasises that the YOG will be an event for the entire African continent.

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    In creating the motto, Dakar 2026 showed its desire to develop a brand that highlights its unique vision for the YOG, seeking to create an event that combines the Senegalese Teranga — the host nation’s generosity of spirit and hospitality – with sport, youth, hope and celebration.

    Thirty-five International Federations (IFs) will be involved in these Games, with twenty-five sports featuring on the competition programme and ten to be part of the engagement programme. Dakar 2026 will showcase one discipline from each of the twenty-five sports on the competition programme. These are athletics (track and field), aquatics (swimming), archery, badminton, baseball (Baseball5), basketball (3×3), boxing, breaking, cycling (road cycling), equestrian (jumping), fencing, football (futsal), gymnastics (artistic), handball (beach handball), judo, rowing (coastal rowing), rugby (rugby sevens), sailing, skateboarding (street), table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball (beach volleyball), wrestling (beach wrestling) and wushu.

    Additionally, Dakar 2026 will feature an engagement programme showcasing ten sports: canoe-kayak, golf, hockey, karate, modern pentathlon, shooting, sport climbing, surfing, tennis and weightlifting. These will not feature in the competition programme but will be promoted through interactive activities on site and via digital platforms, emphasising their role as integral components and an official part of the YOG.

    In total, the Games will feature one hundred fifty one events – split equally between men and women, with seventy-two events for each, alongside seven mixed-gender events. For the first time in the history of the Summer YOG, full gender equality will be achieved – not only in the overall athlete quota but also across every sport, discipline and event.

  • Apple Music’s Ebro Darden hosts a special one-hour radio show highlighting the brand new ‘AFRICA NOW’ playlist

    Apple Music’s Ebro Darden hosts a special one-hour radio show highlighting the brand new ‘AFRICA NOW’ playlist. Featuring Africa’s biggest superstars from across the continent, many of whom sent in voice memos talking about their tracks. Featured artists include Davido, Nasty C, Diamond Platnumz, Fireboy DML, Oxlade, Stonebwoy, Sauti Sol, Kwesi Arthur, and more.