Insyte Weekly: SA Tourism to Launch New Initiatives in 2025, Samsung and NVIDIA Shine During CES 2025, and more

CES 2025, the latest edition of the world-renowned tech conference, happened this week. I am always amazed by all the innovative products that are showcased or announced during this event because it is inspiring to see how different organisations are pushing the limits in their respective industries. Here’s a breakdown of some of the stories that grabbed headlines during the week.

Media & Entertainment

As reported in PYMNTS, X (formerly Twitter) is progressing toward its vision of becoming a super app by introducing X Money, a payment system set to launch in 2025. Announced by CEO Linda Yaccarino at CES 2025, X Money aims to integrate financial services directly into the platform, offering both payment solutions and opportunities for creators. The initiative seeks to streamline financial transactions and expand X's functionality beyond social media. Leaked code revealed that the system is expected to support cryptocurrency payments, including bitcoin and stablecoins. However, regulatory challenges loom. X has faced opposition, including legal pushback from law firm WMHW, which cited the platform’s alleged ties to controversial activities. Despite these hurdles, X owner Elon Musk remains optimistic. This rollout marks a bold step in transforming X into a multi-functional app, though its ultimate success may hinge on navigating regulatory scrutiny.

Restaurant

As reported by Kiosk Marketplace, iCart Africa, a subsidiary of the Dalsman Group, is transforming Africa's quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry with solar-powered mobile kiosks. Founded three years ago, the company addresses challenges such as unreliable power and limited financing for local food entrepreneurs. Equipped with financial management software, AI-driven location selection tools, and digital platforms for online food delivery, the kiosks empower entrepreneurs to operate efficiently and sustainably. CEO Usman Dalhatu emphasized their vision to empower food entrepreneurs and innovate the QSR landscape across Africa.

Fintech

According to PYMNTS, FinTechs have significantly increased their marketing spend, particularly in larger cities, with ad expenditures rising over 45% in the past three years, as reported by Bloomberg. This surge, driven by companies like CashApp, Klarna, PayPal, and Stripe, reflects their growing user base and ambitions for acquisitions or IPOs. Key players like Stripe and Brex have broadened their advertising strategies, targeting a wider audience, including enterprises. Meanwhile, FinTechs are navigating increased regulatory scrutiny, especially concerning partnerships with banks and fee transparency. Despite these challenges, partnerships between FinTechs and credit unions are strengthening. 

AI

At CES 2025, Samsung Electronics introduced Samsung Vision AI, an innovation designed to transform TVs from passive devices into interactive, intelligent companions. This AI-powered platform offers features such as Click to Search for seamless content exploration, Live Translate for real-time subtitle translations, and Generative Wallpaper to personalize screen aesthetics. Samsung Vision AI integrates with the SmartThings ecosystem to enhance home living through Home Insights for safety updates and Pet and Family Care for monitoring loved ones. It also improves picture and sound quality using on-device AI for a tailored viewing experience. These advancements, along with other innovative products like Ballie and the Smart Monitor M9, have garnered Samsung the 2025 CES Innovation Award, underscoring its commitment to blending entertainment, lifestyle, and AI technology.

As reported by Reuters, At CES 2025, Nvidia showcased new innovations aimed at broadening its market reach, including advancements in AI for robotics, gaming, and desktop computing. CEO Jensen Huang introduced Cosmos foundation models, which generate photo-realistic videos to train robots and self-driving cars using synthetic data. This approach significantly reduces costs by replacing traditional methods like on-road data collection or manual robot training. Cosmos will be available under an open license, mirroring Meta’s Llama 3 model strategy. For gaming, Nvidia unveiled its RTX 50 series chips featuring Blackwell AI technology, enabling movie-like graphics with enhanced realism in shaders and human facial features. These chips, priced between $549 and $1,999, will be available starting Jan. 30. While Nvidia's robotics push has potential, analysts note challenges in making these products cost-effective and mainstream, akin to earlier niche markets like the metaverse and autonomous cars.

Tourism

As reported by Tourism Update, South African Tourism (SAT) is hosting over 45 Chinese travel agents in February 2025 to promote South Africa as a premier destination during the Chinese New Year. The initiative is part of SAT's broader efforts to restore pre-pandemic Chinese tourist numbers by 2026.

Key initiatives include:

• Campaigns: "Discover Best of South Africa" highlights the country's wildlife, landscapes, and culture, while "Live South Africa in Summer" promotes summer travel.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with platforms like Chang’an Club target high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury experiences.

• Addressing Challenges: Efforts to simplify visa requirements with e-visas and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, as well as improving direct air connectivity, are underway.

Chinese tourists are increasingly drawn to sustainable and off-the-beaten-path experiences. While 2024 saw 35,000 Chinese visitors, SAT aims to close the financial year with 50,000 arrivals, targeting growth in both leisure and business travel.

Tourism Update also reports that South African Tourism (SAT) aims to grow Indian tourist arrivals to 10% of total international visitors by 2025/26, up from the current 3.9%. The goal for 2024/25 is 100,000 visitors, building on the 79,774 arrivals in 2023.

Key strategies include:

• Simplifying Visa Processes: Introducing e-visas and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) for faster approvals.

• Improving Air Connectivity: Exploring code-share partnerships with Indian airlines.

• Targeted Campaigns: The "More & More" campaign promotes affordability and diverse experiences, with collaborations with influencers and Ethiopian Airlines.

Indian tourists favour adventure activities, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and family-friendly attractions. The “Learn South Africa” workshop targets travel trade partners in second-tier cities, promoting South Africa's value-for-money offerings. SAT is confident in meeting its goals through these focused initiatives.

Retail

As reported in Businesstech, South Africa's government is exploring changes to its value-added tax (VAT) system, focusing on expanding the list of VAT-exempt food items to alleviate financial pressures on low- and middle-income families. Basic food items like maize meal, rice, and milk are currently VAT-exempt, with the last expansion in 2018. While this proposal has gained political support, the National Treasury has expressed concerns about revenue losses and implementation challenges.

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