If you're back at the office and been reading our newsletters, you would have noticed our Biz Trends 2013 series kicked off last Monday, 14 January 2013. Today Gerry Costa looks at the heart of African marketing and what is required to formulate Afro-centric marketing strategies that can succeed. He gives some insight on what we can expect in 2013. As part of the series, here are some other insights from players in the advertising, marketing and media industries:

Time of choices, decisions for strategic marketing management by Darren Woolley;

Social media marketing and the youth by Bradley Maseko;

Reinventing the sales function by Peter Gilbert;

The year we stop living to work, start working to live By Greg Schneider;

Seven youth-influencer outreach insights by Mongezi Mtati. In news this week, the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Saturday in South Africa. The official partner of the sporting tournament, Orange is offering a number of dedicated services and special commercial offers during the event. The African Film Development Foundation is looking for country representatives across the continent. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland, starting on Wednesday, 23 January and ABN Productions will host the Brand South Africa and Forbes Africa panel discussion titled 'Dynamic Africa: A New Reality'. In Kenya, Joseph Odindo has been elected as the new chairman of The Media Council of Kenya. Have a fantastic week! Evan-Lee Courie @evan1985
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