About us
We bring people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversation to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem.
20 years operating across Africa
A Uniquely African Approach
Industries in Africa are developing rapidly, offering rich opportunities for businesses able to connect to the right people. VUKA operates in this fluid environment with an approach that fits the business landscape.
Entrepreneurial spirit is baked into Africa culture, & businesses that innovate in this space can grow fast.
During 2021, VUKA grew out of Clarion Events to form an independent B-BBEE compliant company, adapted to the unique conditions of Africa.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in emerging industries is seeing how rapid growth drives positive change. That’s what keeps VUKA people motivated, and we bring that same drive to help you grow your enterprise.
Our Portfolio Brands
“Our responsibility at VUKA Group is to serve our customers, and grow emerging industries in Africa to the benefit of local communities.”
Murad Ebrahim
CFO
VUKA Group
About Us / Our Story
Growing Emerging Industries
There's a belief that you need to be a bit crazy to be in the events & media business. Add to that the fast pace & high energy of Africa, and the craziness quotient goes up a lot.
However, this environment is where VUKA people find work most rewarding. We’re able to go and do things no other business in our space does.
It starts with a fluid approach. Operating in Africa means adapting to the local conditions.
VUKA Group events focus on innovative settings that bring together decision makers in an informal environment, where real conversations & connections can happen.
Because we’ve grown with emerging industries, our media titles are trusted resources read by leading decision makers in industry & government.
VUKA has built the reputation & knowledge to connect your business to the people who can help you grow to the next level.
This year’s smarter mobility was fantastic. It was an excellent networking opportunity for those interested in Smarter Mobility for Africa. I certainly have high expectations for the 2022 event
Gad Senyuiedzorm Ashiagbor
Lead Moderator, AfricaNEV
[Nigeria Mining] is indeed a proven platform to connect to industry professionals, promote the company and its activities and provide a business-to-business singular interaction
Fadi Abou Ghazale
CEO, Ag Vision Mining Ltd
I would like to thank the VUKA Group team for the professional and creative execution of the Enlit Africa sessions...it is comforting to witness the agile nature in which they worked with us
Gugu Masina
Brand Manager, Conlog
I have had the pleasure of working with the team at ESI Africa a few times. I have found the team to be very professional throughout the process from conception through to execution of the campaign.
Kevin Robinson
Technical Sales, LONGi Solar - MEA
DRC Mining Week is a platform where the sector can meet and exchange experiences which is fundamental for the region's development and will benefit the population.
Eric Monga Mumba
Chief Executive, Kipay Investments
Our Industries
Access Trusted Partnerships and Connections
Built over Decades in the Industry
Meet the Team
Leaders in your Industries
Ben Pullen
Group Director Mobility
Ben lives and breathes smart mobility and is passionate to play his part in building a better world for the future. He has enjoyed running projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa over the last 10 years.
Tracey Gersowsky
Group Director Client Experience & Operations
Tracey has over 20 years’ event experience across Africa and in the UK, and is passionate about delivering creative, fun and engaging in-person, hybrid and digital experiences for audiences, knowing that there is only one chance to make a good first impression.
Bruce Robinson
Chairman
Bruce has a global career offering extensive experience in the commercial and financial leadership of multi-national businesses, working across Start-Ups, SME's to Blue Chip listed companies.
Terry Southam
Group Director Retail
Terry is the innovative leader of VUKA Group's retail sector. With over 150 conferences on his track record, he's responsible for delivering the two largest eCommerce & CX events in Africa.
Amelia Kühn
Marketing Operations & Data Director
Fifteen years in marketing, design and data, has fed Amelia's natural passion for problem solving. She makes sure her department answers the ‘why’ and not just the ‘how’ in their marketing.
David Ashdown
Chief Executive Officer
David is a twenty six year veteran of growing businesses in global emerging markets. He's leading the VUKA Group at a pivotal point in the company's growth, with a focus on clear communication.
Errol Bryce
Group Sales Director
Errol brings his extensive experience in global print media to his role in VUKA. His goal is to deeply understand customer objectives & create campaigns that deliver measurable results.
Murad Ebrahim
Chief Financial Officer
Murad leads an incredible financial team within VUKA, growing the business across the African Continent. He's also passionate about VUKA's social programs that give back to communities.
Liezel Killingbeck
HR Director
Liezel uses her studies in psychology & sociology to help develop the skills of the VUKA team. Every business boils down to people & her role is to support them in creating fulfilling careers.
Chanelle Hingston
Group Director Energy
Chanelle uses her international marketing experience to lead the energy sector of VUKA Group media properties. Her passion is developing and growing people & brands in a fast changing industry.
Ashvir Dhanrajh
Finance Manager
Ashvir's experience in one of the Big 4 accounting firms set the stage for him to master the financial needs of large corporations. He ensures financial reporting compliance across VUKA Group.
The Really Good Stuff
Community Outreach Projects
“The Bumi children & team warmly thank you & are very grateful for your faithful support which encourages us to continue our work with passion & enthusiasm!”
Lila Doutrelepont
Bumi Children’s Village
Increasing Safety & Sustainability of an Orphanage
Problem:
The orphanage was very rundown & lacking in security measures. This meant the children were in danger at night from intruders. Sanitation was poor, & major upgrades were needed for the facilities.
Solution:
Improving the living environment has allowed the community to develop and evolve. The first item was to install a fence around the compound to keep the children safe. Then our crew went in & painted the building, installed a ceiling, & upgraded the plumbing.
Results
The orphanage has been able to start a sewing workshop dedicated to the manufacture of reusable masks in African fabrics.
More than 6500 masks have been sold to local companies, generating income for the orphanage. Other masks have been distributed for free in the community to enable them to protect themselves against the virus.
Update
During the DRC Mining Week edition 2022, the Vuka team invested in purchasing food stocks for the Bumi Orphanage including nutrient rich items such as beans and maize which is essential for a growing child.
The soccer team also received new football kits. The President of the Bumi Foundation, Aimeric Moser says, “It really made them dream. They planned to play football match at the weekend”
“The Bumi children & team warmly thank you & are very grateful for your faithful support which encourages us to continue our work with passion & enthusiasm!”
Lila Doutrelepont
Bumi Children’s Village
“Golden Valley Primary School is known to be one of the best performing schools... due to the support rendered through the Agritech Outreach Programme.”
Darius Chisenga
Head Master
Improving Education & Opportunities for a Zambian School
Problem:
The school was very rundown, most of the desks were broken, the toilets weren’t working, & the electrics were dangerously old. No maintenance had been done in years, & there was no funding for improvements.
Solution:
The school was renovated, including: rewiring, plumbing, new desks, & upgrading the school building. Water tanks were installed & malaria kits donated. A training program taught students how to grow food at school.
Results
There was a 30% improvement in students’ pass rate. Growing food at school improved the children’s nutrition. They were also able to sell the excess food to fund future school developments, so the process became self-sustaining.
“Golden Valley Primary School is known to be one of the best performing schools... due to the support rendered through the Agritech Outreach Programme.”
Darius Chisenga
Head Master
“Outreach Programmes where we give back to local communities are where the magic happens. Vuka Group is committed to scaling its African Outreach.”
David Ashdown
VUKA Group CEO
VUKA Group Community Outreach Programs
One of the most rewarding parts of running regional VUKA exhibitions and conferences are the outreach projects our team has run on location. We’ve been able to donate & do local work to improve communities where events are taking place.
This includes projects like renovating schools & orphanages, & introducing agricultural technologies to areas other organisations aren’t willing to go.
An increase in crop yield or an improvement in education has the ability to lift communities, leading to a better quality of life. Initiatives like this are where the magic happens.
We work with local community leaders and organisations to drive real change at a neighbourhood level. If you have ideas for an Outreach Project, please share with us.
“Outreach Programmes where we give back to local communities are where the magic happens. Vuka Group is committed to scaling its African Outreach.”
David Ashdown
VUKA Group CEO
Contact Us
Want to Generate Opportunities?
VUKA is the trusted media partner to key professionals, policy makers, suppliers and
manufacturers. We provide unparalleled opportunities for industry-wide connection.