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Taking Africa’s software testing talent global

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The company aligns a career map for each employee and is committed to advancing them from a “start” to a “vision” position in their career

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 11, 2022 South African pure-play software testing company, Inspired Testing (www.InspiredTesting.com), is on a continent-wide drive to attract, develop and place Africa’s digital talent on the global stage. The company is on a determined path to ensure that African talent plays a meaningful role in the 4th Industrial Revolution and believes that the continent’s digital-savvy talent is the answer to a worldwide software skills shortage.

Andre Barnard, Chief People and Culture Officer at Inspired Testing (https://bit.ly/3NYCe4P), says, “We are currently headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa and in Edinburgh and London, the United Kingdom, servicing local and global clients from both locations. Our endeavour to further grow into other territories means that we’re unlocking employment opportunities for software testers from the likes of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and from other countries on our continent.”

“We want to partner with potential employees, be they senior or intermediate automation engineers or graduates seeking to further a career in software testing. We will even consider testers that are self-taught. We are willing to give you the opportunity of growing with us and further developing your skills especially if you are aligned with our purpose and trust-centred values of ability, integrity and dependability. Our leadership is challenged to be real partners of our employees – to listen and to act accordingly for the benefit of every individual in our organisation,” says Barnard.

Inspired Testing describes the candidates it seeks as ideally in possession of an ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Certification or willing to acquire this qualification within 3 months, coupled with a readiness to grow and engage and someone who wants to take control of their progression in software testing. The company aligns a career map for each employee and is committed to advancing them from a “start” to a “vision” position in their career.

Barnard says that the company’s employees and its leadership are known for possessing a “mentality of abundance”. He describes this notion as, “Being intentional in always giving away our best.”

“Our purpose is to make way for potential, “says Barnard when asked what Inspired Testing had to offer persons seeking employment at the organisation. He went on to explain that truly making way for potential has to go beyond just paying a market-related remuneration. “It comprises access to leadership, a functional mentorship programme, the opportunity to upskill and self-develop, with funding assistance from the company, and global work exposure to multinational companies of varying sizes.”

Inspired Testing’s global clients span across Legal, Banking, Financial Services, Telecommunications, e-Commerce and Retail sectors, to name a few.

Barnard points out that the business verticals that they currently service have grown exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic and the strategic migration and deeper advancement to digital-first platforms and operations have indeed created quite an upsurge in the software industry, thereby creating the need for more resources in software testing as a discipline.

Inspired Testing also runs The Inspired Academy, that tailor makes programmes and curriculums designed specifically for the upskilling of clients’ software testing teams and individuals who wants to advance their career. The academy, borne from the organisation’s desire to positively impact both society and the industry sector they operate in, has seen many successfully completed training courses in the six months passed. The programmes run here directly contribute to ramping up software testing skills sets and often leads to career progression for the incumbents.

The company invites all interested software testers to connect with them on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/35SLS7P) or visit the career page (https://bit.ly/3xdNy7d) on their website to discover the global possibilities that await their homegrown talent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Inspired Testing.

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Ghana’s Print Sector Expands as Retail Growth and Advertising Demand Drive Investment in Advanced Production Technologies

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Ghana’s retail market was estimated at approximately US$32 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$54 billion by 2031, reflecting strong commercial expansion and consumer spending

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Ghana’s visual communications and printing industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by expanding retail activity, urban development, and rising demand for high-impact branding and advertising solutions.

 

Ghana’s retail market  was  estimated at approximately US$32 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$54 billion by 2031 (https://apo-opa.co/4uK1j95), reflecting strong commercial expansion and consumer spending.

Outdoor advertising — a key driver of large-format printing — generates around US$60 million annually, accounting for more than 20% of total advertising expenditure (https://apo-opa.co/3P5PERC).

As brands compete for visibility across storefronts, malls, events, and public spaces, print service providers are investing in advanced production systems that enable faster turnaround, greater versatility, and durable output suited to West Africa’s climate.

Accra-based Chroma Digital Solutions is among the companies leading this transformation. The business has enhanced its capabilities with the installation of the Canon Colorado M5W wide-format printer, expanding its ability to deliver premium retail displays, interior décor, and high-durability outdoor signage.

As retail, infrastructure, and advertising sectors expand, print businesses are investing in technologies that allow them to diversify offerings

This installation marks one of the earliest deployments of the Colorado M5W technology in Africa, positioning Chroma Digital Solutions to meet emerging demand for specialised and high-value print applications.“In today’s market, clients expect speed, consistency, and the ability to handle everything from décor to large outdoor graphics,” said a Kwame Owusu-Kwarteng , Operation Manger from Chroma Digital Solutions. “Investing in the Canon Colorado M5W enables us to deliver all of this on one platform. Its UVgel technology produces prints that withstand heat and sunlight, while features like white ink, matte-and-gloss finishes in a single job, and texture printing open new premium applications previously difficult to produce locally.” The system’s high productivity and efficient ink usage also support cost control — a critical factor in Ghana’s price-sensitive business environment.

According to Canon, Ghana’s evolving economy is prompting print providers to move beyond basic production towards value-added services that support branding, retail experiences, and architectural design.

“Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic visual communications markets,” said Tushar Vashnavi, Business Unit Director, B2B, at Canon Central & North Africa. “As retail, infrastructure, and advertising sectors expand, print businesses are investing in technologies that allow them to diversify offerings, respond faster to customers, and operate more profitably. Solutions like the Colorado M-series are designed to support this transition by combining productivity, application versatility, and durability.”

CCNA adds that reliable local technical support and strategic business guidance remain essential for successful technology adoption and sustainable growth in emerging markets such as Ghana.For Chroma Digital Solutions, upgrading to advanced production capabilities has opened new business opportunities and strengthened  reliability.

“Having dependable support behind the technology gives us confidence to grow and take on more complex projects,” the spokesperson added. “It allows us to focus on delivering real value to our customers.”

As Ghana’s economy continues to diversify, demand for high-quality visual communication is expected to increase across retail, real estate, events, and corporate sectors — positioning technologically advanced print providers at the centre of this growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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“Always On”: 83% of employees stay connected to work during time off, fuelling digital anxiety

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Kaspersky

A new Kaspersky (http://Kaspersky.co.za) survey undertaken in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region reveals that digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture, as employees don’t disconnect even during their free time and vacations.

According to the findings, 83% of respondents keep an eye on work tasks outside working hours. An overwhelming 85% reply to all work-related messages in instant messaging apps, while the same share (85%) check work emails during their time off – and 81% admit they are responding to work emails while on vacation or in their personal time.

 

The pressure to remain constantly available is contributing to heightened stress levels in the workplace. Other sources of stress include work issues, for example, 43% experience anxiety after accidentally sending a random message to a work chat. Interestingly, not all digital mishaps are perceived equally: 40% report that they take it calmly when they send an unfinished email, proving that some mistakes are considered less damaging than others.

 

Digital anxiety doesn’t just affect employee well-being – it can also increase cybersecurity risks for organisations

Blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, combined with instant communication tools, are intensifying feelings of constant monitoring and fear of making digital errors. More than a third (36%) of respondents say they feel extremely uncomfortable or even scared if their boss notices them scrolling through social media at work instead of working. The “always-on” culture may undermine employee well-being, increase burnout risks, and reduce overall productivity in the long term.

 

“Digital anxiety doesn’t just affect employee well-being – it can also increase cybersecurity risks for organisations. When people feel constant pressure to respond immediately to messages and emails, they are more likely to act impulsively, without carefully verifying links, attachments, or sender identities. This urgency can make employees more vulnerable to phishing, and other scams using social engineering techniques,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.

 

Kaspersky recommends employees to follow the below tips to avoid digital anxiety and associated cyber risks:

  • Slow down before clicking or replying. Digital anxiety can trigger automatic reactions. A short pause to check sender details, URLs, or attachments can prevent security breaches.
  • Treat urgency as a red flag. Cybercriminals often exploit pressure and fear. Always verify unexpected or urgent requests before responding.
  • Avoid handling sensitive information on unsecured networks. Public Wi-Fi, often used when working outside regular hours, increases exposure to cyber threats. Mobile network and VPN should be applied in such cases.
  • Use technologies that will help reduce risks. For example, Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/4cRPM0P) offers AI-powered anti-phishing features designed to help warn of potential threats.

 

Businesses can reduce cybersecurity risks related to employees’ digital anxiety by providing regular cybersecurity training that helps staff recognise threats and respond correctly even under stress. At the same time, organisations should use robust cybersecurity solutions to minimise the impact of human error. Kaspersky Next’s adaptable and robust cloud-native protection, underpinned by an unequalled cybersecurity track record, is one of such products. Protection solutions for mail servers, such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, with anti-phishing capabilities, help to additionally decrease the chance of infection through a phishing email.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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Binance Earn Offers Users a Simple Way to Put Idle Crypto to Work

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Binance

As interest in passive crypto strategies continues to grow, Binance Earn is becoming an increasingly important part of how users engage with digital assets

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 19, 2026/APO Group/ –As the cryptocurrency market (www.Binance.com) matures, more users are looking for ways to make their digital assets more productive. Rather than leaving crypto idle in wallets, many are exploring ways to generate rewards without actively trading or constantly monitoring the market.

 

Binance is addressing this demand through Binance Earn, a feature designed to help users generate rewards on the crypto they already hold. By enabling users to allocate supported assets to reward-generating products, Binance Earn (https://apo-opa.co/4sl8sLm) offers a simple, accessible way to put idle crypto to work.

For many users, the appeal lies in simplicity. Binance Earn is built around a straightforward experience: users select their assets, choose a product, and once set up, their holdings begin generating rewards automatically. This “set-and-forget” approach allows users to remain invested while their assets work in the background.

The feature is particularly relevant for long-term crypto holders who are not actively trading but still want to derive value from their portfolios. Instead of waiting for market movements, users can explore ways to make their holdings more productive over time.

Simple, ‘set-and-forget’ solutions are becoming increasingly relevant as more users take a longer-term approach to digital assets

Binance Earn offers a range of products to suit different user needs. Flexible options allow users to access their funds at any time, providing liquidity when needed. At the same time, fixed-term products are designed for users who are comfortable committing assets for a defined period. This flexibility allows users to choose options that align with their individual strategies and financial goals.

“We’re seeing growing interest across Africa in ways to make crypto holdings more productive without active trading,” said Larry Cooke, Africa Head of Legal at Binance. “Simple, ‘set-and-forget’ solutions are becoming increasingly relevant as more users take a longer-term approach to digital assets.”

As interest in passive crypto strategies continues to grow, Binance Earn is becoming an increasingly important part of how users engage with digital assets. The feature provides a practical alternative to active trading, allowing users to participate in the crypto ecosystem in a more hands-off way.

This trend reflects a broader shift in user behaviour. While active trading remains a key part of the market, more users are exploring approaches that focus on holding and gradually growing their assets over time.

At the same time, users should be aware that cryptocurrency markets remain volatile, and reward rates may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and product structures. As with any financial product, users need to understand how Binance Earn works and assess whether it aligns with their individual risk tolerance and financial objectives.

As digital asset adoption continues to expand across Africa, tools like Binance Earn are helping to shape how users interact with their crypto holdings. For many, the ability to put idle assets to work—simply and without constant involvement—is becoming an increasingly important part of their overall strategy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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