6 SAs make WEF’s 2014 Growth Companies list
Earlier this year I was asked by the World Economic Forum to participate in the judging of nominations for the 2014 class of its prestigious Global Growth Companies. I'm not sure how many judges participated, but what I do know is this is no tick-box process. The announcement was made at the WEF's Africa Forum in Abuja earlier this month – many missed it among all the other news emanating from the event. Six South African companies have joined the list, half of them listed on the JSE: Norbert Sasse-led property group Growthpoint (market cap: R55bn); Gerrie Fourie's banking disruptor Capitec (R25bn); and Serge Belamant's technology business Net1 UEPS (R6.5bn). The other three are unlisted – legal group Webber Wentzel; food processor KZN Oils and rural retailer Tekkie Town. There are also six Nigerian companies among the 2014 inclusions with two from Kenya and one each based in Mauritius and Uganda. – AH
From the World Economic Forum:
Global Growth Companies (GGCs) in Africa, consisting of 16 of the region's most dynamic and high-growth companies. These companies are considered trailblazers, shapers and innovators that are committed to improving the state of the world.
GGCs are fast-growing companies with the clear potential to become global economic leaders. The 16 nominated African GGCs represent a broad cross section of industrial sectors, but share in common a track record in exceeding industry standards in revenue growth, promotion of innovative business practices and demonstration of leadership in corporate citizenship.
The selected companies are: Nation Media Group (Kenya); Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd (Kenya); GML (Mauritius); Nagode Group (Nigeria); UAC of Nigeria Plc (Nigeria); Computer Warehouse Group (Nigeria); Interswitch Limited (Nigeria); Notore Chemical Industries Ltd (Nigeria); Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (Nigeria); Growthpoint Properties (South Africa); Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd (South Africa); Webber Wentzel (South Africa); KZN Oils (South Africa); Net1 UEPS Technologies, Inc (South Africa); Tekkie Town (South Africa); and Simba Group (Uganda).
"The World Economic Forum is proud to recognize these 16 champions that are at the forefront of driving responsible economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurism in Africa. We look forward to the active and dynamic role they will play at our meeting in Abuja, working with the region's leaders to foster inclusive, sustainable growth in the region," said David Aikman, Managing Director and Head of New Champions at the World Economic Forum.