Abraham Stephanos, COO of Tata Steel Processing And Distribution Limited, talks to Jayne Alverca about the challenges of shifting focus from a manufacturing orientation to viewing service as a key differentiator.

Joe Rousmaniere, CEO of PETRONAS Base Oil (M) Sdn Bhd, talks to Jayne Alverca about the alchemy that transforms a commodity into an added value product with a global market.

As African economies develop, many nations have learnt the value of maintaining links to their former colonial pasts. In Mozambique, the Cahora Bassa Dam has delivered energy across Southern Africa for over 30 years. Andrew Pelis explores how Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa has managed to maintain supplies through a turbulent 30 years, with a little help from Portugal.

Fishing is an important industry in Namibia but unlike some other fish species, the country’s merluccius capensis (shallow water hake) and merluccius paradoxes (deep water hake) are managed responsibly. Managing director Hendrik van der Westhuizen tells John O’Hanlon how Hangana Seafood (Pty) Ltd remains a sustainable business based on a sustainable resource.

Biggest doesn’t have to be best but the scale of Eskom’s Kusile coal-fired power station is of strategic importance to the hard-pressed utility: it has to catch up with ever increasing demand from industry and South Africa’s mass electrification programme.

Over 30 years Dolphin Offshore Enterprises has emerged as India’s primary offshore oil and gas industry diving and engineering service company, with a reputation for efficiency and innovation. Joint managing director Navpreet Singh talks to Gay Sutton about his strategy for expansion and development.

A major contribution to improved airline efficiency in southern Africa is coming from the air traffic controllers, as Jeff Daniels learns.

Al-Rashed International Shipping has established its position as a leader in shipping services in the Persian Gulf. General manager Ravi Varrier explains to Gay Sutton why the human touch is so important.

Investing in technology and innovative services to drive its customer appeal, and inspired marketing to unite football with the internet, MTN South Africa is unlocking the massive potential of mobile telephony, as managing director Karel Pienaar tells John O’Hanlon.

Businesses can protect their reputation and boost their chances of survival by tightening up the supply chain, as John Kinge, head of Risk at Exor Management Services (EMS), explains.