Here’s what matters.

The setup

Global growth is expected to tick along at 2.8–3.5% this year, modest but stable. That stability is political gold. When leaders aren’t in crisis mode, they actually invest in the future instead of just firefighting today.

This year’s agenda clusters around five challenges including cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new growth sources, investing in people, deploying AI responsibly, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries. Translation = the economy is shifting from post-crisis triage to long-term productivity and inclusion.

Three things to watch

1. Infrastructure & skills investment

Look for announcements on blended finance for green energy, regional supply chains, and large-scale reskilling programmes. If these materialise with real funding and timelines, expect more middle-skill jobs in construction, energy, logistics and digital services over the next 18–24 months.

2. AI beyond the hype

The wild card is artificial intelligence. If Davos produces credible commitments on AI skills, responsible deployment and public-interest applications (health, education, agriculture), we’ll see productivity gains filter into wages and services rather than just shareholder returns. If it doesn’t, expect growing anxiety and regulatory backlash.

3. Climate as economics, not just morality

Nature-positive business models could unlock $10 trillion annually by 2030. For ordinary people, this means stable food prices, affordable energy transitions, and jobs in green sectors, not guilt-driven messaging.

Why this matters to you?

At the end of the day, Davos outcomes ripple into:

1. Your job: new sectors opening up, skills programmes worth enrolling in, wage pressure easing if productivity rises.
2. Your cost of living: more stable energy and food prices, faster internet, better public services, if infrastructure deals follow through.
3. Your opportunity: a global economy pulling toward inclusive growth means your city and region have a better shot at plugging into value chains locally.

The honest take

Davos won’t fix the world in a week, but if leaders walk away with credible coalitions, real funding and metrics (not just press releases), the signal is clear = 2026 is about building, not just managing decline.

Sunil Geness is the��Director of Global Government Affairs & CSR Africa, Global Sustainability Lead Africa at �鶹ԭ��.

The post Davos 2026: What “A Spirit of Dialogue” Really Means for Your Wallet appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

Africa’s social enterprises are emerging as one of the continent’s most powerful engines for inclusive growth, job creation and community development.

This is according to a landmark report released by the in partnership with the , the , , the and .

The report, , provides the most comprehensive mapping of the continent’s social enterprise landscape to date.

This article first appeared in .

The post Africa’s Social Enterprises Generate $96bn and 12 Million Jobs, WEF-backed Report Reveals appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

, head of mid-market at �鶹ԭ�� MEA South, says SMEs are vital to the continent’s economy, but many face significant hurdles stifling their growth. “Africa is home to a vibrant and diverse SME sector that contributes half its GDP and the majority of employment. However, skills constraints and a lack of technology is constraining growth in this vital sector.”

data indicates that SMEs account for 95% of all registered businesses in sub-Saharan Africa and contribute about half of the continent’s GDP. In South Africa, 91% of formal businesses are SMEs, providing 60% of all employment in the country.

According to the report, which was developed by �鶹ԭ�� and , more than a third of global SME leaders are prioritising growth through new customers, increased market share and greater revenue over the next two years. Factors such as improved innovation capacity and greater agility also ranked highly.

“Innovation is essential to business growth in the modern age, especially in light of the accelerating pace of change and ongoing disruption in global markets,” says Beveridge. “Small and medium enterprises are leveraging innovation to fulfil and deliver services more efficiently, boost their profitability, and grow their market footprint.

“There is also growing recognition of the role innovation can play in launching new services or business models, creating more personalised customer experiences, and preparing for the next wave of technologies, for example AI.”

About a quarter of companies that formed part of the study said they are currently using AI and machine learning, with half saying they’re planning to adopt these technologies in the coming year.

Beveridge says having the right foundation is key to enjoying the immense productivity, efficiency and innovation gains offered by technologies such as AI. “SMEs that have adopted the cloud reported improved agility, optimised processes, reduced costs, and improvements to customer and employee experiences.”

Cloud adoption also enhances sustainability efforts, with a separate report finding that SMEs that have adopted sustainability software solution reported reduced emissions, greater benchmarking capability, and improved data collection for ESG reporting.

Beveridge says growth-focused SMEs should build innovation strategies and business models that leverage technology and complement existing and future human capital needs.

“SMEs can compete more effectively by investing in four focus areas, namely: defining clear goals and values for the business and mobilising employees in support of the goals; adopting relevant technologies to keep up with trends and competitors; engaging in continuous strategic workforce planning to ensure the business can grow with changes in the market; and fostering a culture of innovation that prizes adaptability and agility and encourages people to think of new ways to do business and deliver value to customers.”

He adds that effective innovation within SMEs requires the entire organisation to mobilise behind new ways of thinking. “SMEs should encourage every employee regardless of their role to actively participate and share ideas for building a culture of innovation that permeates every layer of the organisation. SMEs should also leverage customer insights to ensure their innovation delivers to customer needs.”

The post AI, Adaptability Top Priorities for SMEs appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

��In light of the United Nations 11th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October, it is vital to shine a spotlight on the progress and persistent challenges that young women face. This year, we are focusing on Kenya, which like many nations, has witnessed increased awareness of the issues that matter most to girls—leading to improved opportunities for them to have their voices heard on the world stage. However, amidst concurrent global crises such as COVID-19 economic recovery, climate change, and humanitarian conflicts, investments in girls’ rights remain limited. While Kenya has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, girls continue to grapple with various obstacles hindering them from realizing their full potential.

��The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) , a longstanding index that monitors countries’ progress in narrowing gender gaps since its inception in 2006, positions Kenya at 77th place among 146 countries, indicating that there is room for improvement. Further to this, the representation of women in decision-making processes in Kenya remains inadequate, and gender-based violence lingers as a pressing issue. Women and girls continue to spend extensive hours on household responsibilities such as fetching firewood and water, which not only hinders their school attendance rates and employment prospects but also impacts their overall well-being.

So, how can Kenya empower its girls and young women to overcome these challenges and achieve their full potential? One promising solution is mentorship which can provide guidance, support, and access to opportunities that young women might not otherwise have.

Forging a path to empowerment

��In Kenya, the youth (aged 15-24) hovered at around 13.35 percent in 2022, with little improvement from the previous year. To improve these statistics, mentors can serve as role models, demonstrating what is possible when women break down barriers and enter the labor force. Through mentorship, young women can gain valuable insights into various career paths, access networks, and receive advice on navigating the challenges they may face.

“At �鶹ԭ��, we believe that educating girls and women is one of the most effective ways to promote economic growth,” says Alexandra van der Ploeg, Head of Global CSR at �鶹ԭ��. “With this in mind, �鶹ԭ��’s Business Women’s Network joined hands with the Global Give Back Circle in 2019 with the aim to support vulnerable girls and young women based in Kenya. This initiative not only acknowledges the resourcefulness, creativity, resilience, and unwavering tenacity that girls embody in the face of adversity but also actively harnesses these qualities. Through the impact of mentorship, education, and sponsorship, the program drives empowerment and achievement for these girls and young women,” concludes Alex.

This is why �鶹ԭ�� colleagues volunteer as mentors, dedicating their time and contributing $1000 annually, a commitment that is matched and directed by the company towards beneficiaries’ tuition, school materials, and exposure to industry intellectual property. Perhaps most importantly, this $2000 covers a university scholarship for one year. At-risk girls require extra assistance to shift from a state of marginalization to one of empowerment. This support encompasses access to information, expanding their perspectives on possibilities, gaining 21st-century skills, life skills, and a caliber of mentoring that steers transformative leadership.

Operating in close partnership with local high schools and communities, the initiative pairs high school and college girls with inspirational mentors from across the globe. In doing so, it provides them with a toolbox of skills, bolstering their self-confidence, and fostering crucial networks essential for success, both in the workforce and as budding entrepreneurs. This closes the gap between education and employment, equipping girls and young women with the knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.

Collaborative achievements have formed a springboard for success

��The achievements of �鶹ԭ��’s Global Give Back Circle Mentor Chapter in 2023 are a testament to the commitment of �鶹ԭ�� colleagues and the program’s vision. Monthly meetings, mentor-mentee pairings, financial support and mentorship from 12 �鶹ԭ�� colleagues have made a tangible difference in the lives of 12 young women. When asked about what they enjoyed about the program, a first-year student at the University of Nairobi shared the following feedback: “Seeing how our mentors care about us and how they gave us much-needed advice in life situations really impacted me”. Another mentee who is currently a first-year student from the Coast Institute of Technology added that they liked the fact that they were encouraged to share their unique viewpoints, both on and offline: “The program taught me that I should not be afraid to air out my points of view in a public place. I feel enlightened on how to build my communication skills.”

The Global Give Back Circle also emphasizes the importance of bridging cultural differences, career development, and preparing mentees for the job market. As these girls’ and young women transition into the labor market, they contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by bolstering its workforce and fostering economic development. In addition, Kenya’s GDP also stands to benefit further from the inclusion of a skilled and empowered female workforce. This mentorship initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to achieve gender equality, thereby contributing to a more equitable society and sustainable economic progress.

This exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have on both individual lives and the overall prosperity of a nation. With the right skills and opportunities, these girls and young women can be the changemakers who drive progress in their communities.

The future looks promising

��In line with our purpose, �鶹ԭ��’s objective is to create positive economic, environmental, and social impact within planetary boundaries with a special focus on climate action, the circular economy, social responsibility, and holistic steering and reporting.��As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, �鶹ԭ��’s Global Give Back Circle Mentor Chapter stands as an encouraging example of the power of mentorship and investment in girls’ education. We hope that the success of this partnership will serve as a source of inspiration for nations to invest in their young women.

By empowering girls and young women with essential skills, education, and mentorship, we unlock the boundless potential of Kenya’s female population. This collaboration between the private sector and local communities not only changes individual lives but also contributes to the growth of the Kenyan economy, paving the way for a brighter future for all. It is an illustration of the belief that girls are not just beneficiaries of change but powerful agents of progress who, with the right support, can shape a more inclusive and prosperous world for everyone.

The post From Mentorship to Female Empowerment: Learnings from �鶹ԭ��‘s Partnership with the Global Give Back Circle appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

• ��suggests we are far from reaching a consensus about who is responsible for taking action on climate change and who is trusted to do so

• Results suggest 81% of people say businesses are primarily responsible for taking action on climate change, for example, yet only 28% trust businesses’ claims about sustainable practices.

• Analysing experience data is crucial to know what solutions will drive impact on climate change.

This article first appeared on the .

The post Mind the Gaps: How Experience Data can Help Fight Climate Change appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

“�鶹ԭ�� is committed to a dramatically cleaner ocean by 2030,” Klein said. “We can achieve this commitment by working together with customers, NGOs, governments, and partners, and by providing them with the tools, insights, and solutions to eliminate waste and maximize resource productivity. Many of our customers have made commitments to a cleaner planet, and so have we. We will support them in achieving their ambitious goals, and together we will achieve a plastic-free ocean over the next 10 years.”

The health of the world’s oceans is at the top of the agenda in Davos, and Klein was part of a panel session with other business leaders and nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives at the event.

Click the button below to load the content from YouTube.

Always allow YouTube

The crisis is very real: 8 million metric tons of waste enters the ocean every year and the amount is increasing an accelerating pace. Recently published research indicates the levels of plastics in the ocean may be a than previously thought. Plastic material slowly degrades into micro-plastics that harm the ecosystem and enter the ocean food chain. On average, people around the world are swallowing a total of five grams — about as much as a credit card — of harmful plastic material every week. That’s the equivalent of a half a pound yearly, ingested from many sources, including tap water and everyday foods such as sugar, salt, pasta, shellfish, rice, milk, and bread.

We know that the well-being of the economy, the environment, and the people on our planet are inextricably linked. It is understood that there can be no economic growth or development if business does not play a key role in operating profitably within planetary boundaries. A fundamental shift is needed in how we produce, use, dispose, and re-use materials in our economies. The current system is largely linear, meaning resources are used in production, made into products, and then are disposed of in the form of waste.

To sustain this “take, make, waste” lifestyle,�� 1.8 planets worth of resources are needed; the current model is clearly unsustainable. An emerging circular economy aims to change that. Despite all the efforts in responsible packaging design, recycling programs, and re-use business models, we are only about nine percent circular, according to the Circularity Gap report.

�鶹ԭ��: Uniquely Positioned for Impact

With consumers shifting their preferences to sustainable products, investors and employees clamoring for action, and regulators pushing new legislation, there is enormous momentum for businesses to drive responsible growth. And with 77 percent of the world’s transactions touching �鶹ԭ�� systems and more than 430,000 companies using �鶹ԭ�� software, the company is uniquely positioned to make a huge difference by helping customers redesign global value networks toward more circular business models and processes.

�鶹ԭ�� has been leading programs and partnerships to drive sustainable change around the world. �鶹ԭ�� created the and partnered with Google on the challenge to foster revenue generating ideas that support circular use cases. The company also recently joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100) Network, a collaborative network of business, innovators, cities and governments, universities, and thought leaders all working together to accelerate adoption of circular economy practices and processes that maximize the use of resources.

�鶹ԭ�� is part of a growing movement of policymakers, NGOs, social groups, and leading companies coming together to work on solutions such as avoiding single-use plastics, better managing and recycling plastic waste streams, and creating a circular plastics economy.

Many of the world’s leading brands are both part of the challenge and leading the way forward. For example, companies in the consumer packaged goods industry have started rethinking packaging and opting for more recyclable and sustainable alternatives.

Aside from the benefits gained from preserving the natural environment, there is a massive economic upside for business to move fast. It is the plastics industry could consume 20 percent of total global oil production. Since most plastic is used only once, 95 percent of its economic value — currently up to $120 billion annually — is lost.

, for example, has committed to a world without waste by making all packaging 100 percent recyclable by 2025. to eliminate non-recyclable plastic within five years. role model in responsible production by managing every stage of a product’s life cycle — from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and distributing products — in order to reduce environmental impact.

�鶹ԭ�� is already working with these customers and many others to help them manage the complex task of recycling many different types of plastics.

Impact Across the Value Chain

The �鶹ԭ�� vision for a plastic-free ocean calls on these customers and other global heavyweights to accelerate progress on their commitments. It also calls on companies of all sizes and industries to seek ways �鶹ԭ�� technology can help them in key areas, including responsible production, waste insights, secondary marketplaces, and consumer experiences.

�鶹ԭ�� has a number of solutions and platforms, including the portfolio, that enable manufacturers to design, produce, and distribute products using more sustainable materials and responsible, transparent processes. The Plastics Cloud, for example, is a platform that enables the UK Plastics Pact to tackle the scourge of plastic waste through a unique collaboration between business, government, and citizens across the entire plastics value chain in the UK.

A US$400 billion market, the waste management industry is poised to be disrupted and rapidly expand through the effective use of data. Michael Groves is founder and CEO of , the Scottish smart-waste company that won the Circular Economy 2030 challenge this year. He explains that the waste value chain is very complex and opaque, with many private and public sector players and a significant informal sector around the world. Realizing that money follows data, Groves developed a solution that uses analytics and machine learning to follow trash as it travels. Clear data and insights will be fundamental to spurring investments in new infrastructure and innovation in the sector.

With useful data available about what waste is where and in what quality and quantity, companies can then procure this waste much more effectively and bring the materials back into their production processes. The expansion of these secondary materials marketplaces is another area where procurement platforms like can help companies become more circular and sustainable.

�鶹ԭ��’s intelligent enterprise strategy focuses on connecting enterprise operational data (O-data) with the experience data (X-data) from their consumers. The company’s recent acquisition of experience management firm Qualtrics offers an entirely new level of support for companies to understand their consumer feelings, emotions, and desires about products, brands, and the impact they are making. Innovations across �鶹ԭ�� offer customers ways to inform, educate, and engage with consumers about products and processes, including apps that help consumers better understand how to recycle products and blockchain traceability and information platforms.

“Many of our global customers are looking for solutions across their value chains and across their global markets to drive real positive change for their consumers, their business, and for the planet,” Klein said. “Through our technology and innovation, �鶹ԭ�� can help companies unlock US$4.5 trillion in economic growth by creating sustainable business models and processes.”

Follow me on Twitter:

This article first appeared on the �鶹ԭ�� News Center.

The post �鶹ԭ�� Aims for a Plastic-Free Ocean appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

Reducing the amount of plastics entering the ocean requires cross-industry collaboration armed with data and intelligent technologies. To support this, �鶹ԭ�� is planning to launch the next phase of its Plastics Cloud to allow businesses to shift rapidly to alternatives to single-use plastics, scale design for circularity, invest in materials collection infrastructure and ensure a better consumer experience.

“�鶹ԭ�� is committed to a significantly cleaner ocean by 2030,” said Christian Klein, Co-CEO and Member of the Executive Board, �鶹ԭ�� SE. “We want to achieve this objective together with customers, NGOs, governments and partners and will provide them with the tools, insights and solutions to eliminate waste and maximize resource productivity. Many of our customers have also made commitments to a cleaner planet. We will support them in achieving their ambitious goals, and together we can accelerate the move to a restorative and regenerative economy.”

Underscoring this, �鶹ԭ�� has updated the Plastics Cloud to help companies produce products more responsibly by providing global insights to enable better understanding about what materials are used and their fates. This support will be based on local recycling infrastructures and policies in each city, region and country. It will allow them to calculate more accurately the environmental and business impact of using more recycled or reusable materials and packaging. �鶹ԭ�� software systems also help companies adapt to changing regulations, such as extended producer responsibility policies, and stay current with local markets, global standards and best practices.

The new Plastics Cloud offering links to a secondary materials marketplace based on Ariba Network, which connects packaging and consumer products companies to new sources of recycled plastics and plastic alternatives. This will complement initiatives such as the announced last year by waste-insights company .

Consumers, regulators, investors and employees are fueling the momentum for business to drive responsible growth. Experience management firm Qualtrics, an �鶹ԭ�� company, conducted a large-scale global to understand better the experience citizens around the world are having with various issues on the Forum’s sustainability agenda, including the use of plastics. When asked what method they favor for reducing the harmful effects of plastics, nearly 50 percent of the 10,501 research participants said they prefer replacing plastics with other materials. On the other hand, while vast majorities called recycling very important, only 30 percent of participants said recycling was the best solution to the plastics crisis. Read about the study in “.”

Collaboration for a Cleaner Ocean

�鶹ԭ�� is part of a growing movement of policymakers, NGOs, social groups and leading companies working together on solutions to create a restorative and regenerative economy. Global leaders from �鶹ԭ��, The Coca-Cola Company, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and World Wildlife Fund discussed their vision for a plastics-free ocean earlier today at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

“I am delighted to welcome �鶹ԭ�� to the Global Plastic Action Partnership community,” said Kristin Hughes, director of Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) and member of the World Economic Forum’s executive committee. “As a pioneer in the technology and innovation space, it is fantastic to see �鶹ԭ�� channel its expertise and resources into solutions that will strengthen the global response to plastics pollution and drive progress towards a fairer and more sustainable world. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

�鶹ԭ�� recently joined The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100) Network, a collaboration of business, governments, universities and thought leaders working together to accelerate adoption of circular economy practices and processes that maximize the use of resources.

Visit the . Follow �鶹ԭ�� on Twitter at .

About �鶹ԭ��

As the Experience Company powered by the Intelligent Enterprise, �鶹ԭ�� is the market leader in enterprise application software, helping companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 77% of the world’s transaction revenue touches an �鶹ԭ�� system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. �鶹ԭ�� helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables more than 437,000 business and public customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, �鶹ԭ�� helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. For more information, visit .

Note to editors:
To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visit . On this platform, you can find high resolution material for your media channels. To view video stories on diverse topics, visit . From this site, you can embed videos into your own Web pages, share video via email links, and subscribe to RSS feeds from �鶹ԭ�� TV.

For customers interested in learning more about �鶹ԭ�� products:
Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
United States only: +1 (800) 872-1�鶹ԭ�� (1-800-872-1727)

For more information, press only:
Bettina Wunderle, +49 7544 970 538, bettina.wunderle@sap.com, CET
�鶹ԭ�� �鶹ԭ�� Room; press@sap.com

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to �鶹ԭ�� are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. �鶹ԭ�� undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect �鶹ԭ��’s future financial results are discussed more fully in �鶹ԭ��’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including �鶹ԭ��’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
© 2020 �鶹ԭ�� SE. All rights reserved.
�鶹ԭ�� and other �鶹ԭ�� products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of �鶹ԭ�� SE in Germany and other countries. Please see for additional trademark information and notices.
Please consider our . If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact press@sap.com and write Unsubscribe in the subject line.

This article first appeared on the �鶹ԭ�� News Center.

The post �鶹ԭ�� Joins Collective Action to Create a Cleaner Ocean by 2030 appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.

Business leaders solve multiple challenges every day. But are we prepared to solve the following? There are 7.7 billion people on the planet today. Already tomorrow, it will be 190,000 more.

Christian Klein is co-CEO of �鶹ԭ�� SE.
.

The post How to Use Digital Transformation to Create a More Sustainable World appeared first on �鶹ԭ�� Africa News Center.