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Braintree partners with Old Mutual Africa towards a new era of financial management and operational efficiency

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Braintree

This collaborative approach was instrumental in achieving a smooth transition and in harnessing the full potential of the new system

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 23, 2024/APO Group/ — 

There is no doubt that the goal of a company’s Chief Financial Officer is to have clean and accurate audits across the business – a single source of truth with a strong focus on compliance. As a diversified financial services company operating in 12 countries across the continent, Old Mutual Africa embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its finance and operations (F&O) across these territories, integrate their operations, introduce efficiency savings, and ensure the reliability and integrity of financial reporting.

Central to this journey was a partnership with Braintree, tasked with implementing a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations Enterprise Resource Planning solution—a crucial component of the broader transformation strategy.

The Role of Braintree in the Transformation Journey

Donald Van der Merwe, Programme Executive at Old Mutual Africa who led the broader financial transformation programme, says that this journey was not just about technological implementation, but a strategic endeavour to consolidate over a hundred product systems across life assurance, asset management, unit trusts, property, insurance, and banking into a single platform.

As a leading IT solutions provider of Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions, Braintree was selected for its deep expertise and understanding of the challenges at hand. Their role in this partnership was pivotal, focusing on the seamless implementation of the Microsoft D365 F&O system. This collaboration was characterised by a shared ethos and vision, with both parties bringing a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the financial services landscape. What resulted was the consolidation of all finance systems within 11 countries by April 2024.

The strategy and objective

Helping finance to become a strategic partner within the organisation was a key objective from the outset. This was achieved by restructuring the business and delivering a unified platform with an end-to-end view of all relevant financial and non-financial data, enabling real-time insight and decision-making while still delivering core finance capabilities.

Standardisation was key to the strategy of this transformation project, with chart of accounts, processes and internal controls all needing to work on the same system and a seamless flow of data into the company’s general ledger.

Automating these processes also meant the introduction of easier and more accurate workflows. For example, with D365’s powerful automation capabilities, 99% of all Old Mutual Africa’s bank reconciliation has now become automated.

Collaboration and buy-in

The success of this project was a testament to the vision and dedication of both teams

A key factor in the success of this initiative was the emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Rather than adopting a top-down approach, the programme fostered a sense of ownership and involvement among all stakeholders, ensuring that the transformation was embraced at every level of the organisation. This collaborative approach was instrumental in achieving a smooth transition and in harnessing the full potential of the new system.

Buy-in from the organisation itself also translates as an investment of their time, both in the design phase as well as the implementation. This cannot be done in isolation, with the finance teams and other stakeholders needing to participate from the very beginning of the process.

With a project of this magnitude comes certain inevitable challenges, from data migration and cultural integration across different territories to different operational standards and regulatory requirements. However, these challenges were met with a spirit of collaboration and transparency. The expertise of Braintree, coupled with the leadership and strategic vision of the Old Mutual finance transformation team, ensured that each obstacle was met with clear communication and transparency and viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth.

A long-term investment in efficiency

This journey towards an integrated financial system was driven by the need to reduce manual input, improve reporting timelines, and ensure compliance with new international reporting standards, such as IFRS 17. These challenges were not merely technical hurdles but opportunities to redefine the way this multi-tiered organisation approached its financial operations.

Any company making the decision to implement technology such as this needs to view what this investment means in the long run, the value that this flexible and scalable operating system brings to the business and the costs that the business will incur when their financial and reporting systems do not align.

“This financial transformation has positioned Old Mutual Africa for sustainable growth and agility to future challenges. The scalable nature of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations system means that this business is equipped with a robust platform that can evolve as the business grows, ensuring long-term resilience and efficiency,” Van der Merwe says. He adds that the overall project architect, Braintree’s Craig Fidler, was instrumental in the success of the implementation based on his extensive expertise and experience as a former Chief Financial Officer.

“This collaboration was not just about implementing a system; it was about incorporating innovation and strategic foresight into the very fabric of their operations. Seeing the substantial benefits of our work, from enhanced efficiency to strategic decision-making, reinforces our belief in the power of partnership and technology to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. The success of this project was a testament to the vision and dedication of both teams,” says Fidler.

The power of partnerships

“This implementation stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and has spearheaded a future where Old Mutual Africa can leverage real-time insights, streamline operations, and meet the dynamic needs of the market with agility and precision,” says Van der Merwe.

This is one example of how a multi-tiered enterprise can incorporate world-class technology to improve efficiency and accuracy, streamline operations, minimise risk and enhance financial management.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Braintree.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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