In The Spotlight
Big 5 Global unites global suppliers, innovators and policymakers to support resilient, efficient and sustainable construction. (Image source: Big 5)
Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, rapid urban expansion is reshaping economies at an extraordinary pace. With the United Nations forecasting that nearly 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, Africa in particular faces surging demand for housing, transport networks and large-scale urban infrastructure
As construction activity intensifies, industry stakeholders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to source technologies and solutions that reinforce supply chains, boost efficiency and support sustainable development.
Welcoming participants from more than 165 countries, with 70% of solutions presented by international exhibitors, Big 5 Global serves as a gateway linking Africa’s construction community with a worldwide ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers.
Strengthening supply chains for project delivery
Big 5 Global hosts 2,800 exhibitors and showcases over 60,000 products, systems and services designed to enhance the reliability of construction operations. International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with advanced building materials such as high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone technologies. India expands its presence with innovative MEP and smart construction systems suited for large projects across the Middle East and Africa. Austria and Pakistan also rejoin the event, displaying modular building solutions, interior systems and cost-efficient MEP technologies that streamline execution. Additional exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further widen procurement options for buyers seeking resilient and diversified sourcing channels.
“As Africa accelerates its infrastructure development agenda, collaboration across borders has become vital to advancing sustainable and resilient construction,” said Lufuno Ratsiku, president, South African Council for the Projects and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and managing director, Gentec Consulting. “Big 5 Global provides an essential meeting point for this exchange, connecting implementers, policymakers and innovators under one roof. Beyond theoretical discussion, it enables high-impact dialogue on urban development, construction and technology solutions, helping position Africa’s industry professionals at the forefront of regional growth and resilience.”
With regional demand rising, digital technologies are rapidly transforming procurement and project execution.
Technology reshaping procurement and construction workflows
At Digital Construction World, leading companies such as Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble highlight digital tools that improve transparency and coordination across supply chains. Odoo offers an integrated suite linking procurement, HR and operations, while Premier Construction Software simplifies budgeting and project management. Trimble demonstrates automated solutions that reduce site rework by up to 25%, directly improving project timelines and profitability. Meter Technology showcases its fully integrated digital platform that modernises surveying and engineering workflows by removing long-standing inefficiencies.
Ahmed Al-Ansary, chairman, founder and CEO of Meter Technology, commented, “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world's first fully integrated digital platform, we've eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World’, where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”
Sustainable manufacturing and advanced material innovation
Several global exhibitors are also reimagining material production, transportation and reuse to reduce environmental impact. China introduces a new Eco-Friendly Zone built entirely from recyclable materials and dedicated to low-carbon construction solutions.
Grundfos Gulf Distribution highlights high-efficiency pumping systems designed to cut water and energy consumption. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC presents modular and precast manufacturing plants that reduce onsite waste and speed up project timelines. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems engineered for superior thermal performance and lower material use.
GF returns with advanced MEP and sustainable building technologies that support efficient construction and environmentally conscious project delivery. "The region is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market’s unique challenges," said Michael Rauterkus, executive committee member of GF and president of GF Building Flow Solutions.
These collective contributions are helping the UAE build smarter cities aligned with long-term net-zero ambitions.
“As rapid urbanisation increases demand for project efficiency, quality and delivery, the global construction landscape must accelerate efforts toward net-zero goals and cross-sector collaborations,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president, dmg events. “Big 5 Global continues to connect government entities, international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment.”
Turning wasted flared gas into megawatts (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Africa’s flaring problem is less waste, more watts, according to Hesham Tawfik Elshamy head of commercial AMEAPAC at Aggreko, who unpacks how the continent can translate its flaring problem into a power solution
In 2024, Africa flared nearly 40 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas, with Nigeria, Algeria and Libya as the largest contributors. This volume represents more than 25% of global flaring and is nearly the equivalent of Africa’s entire annual gas consumption.
This data, from the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Tracker 2024, also found that the global total has now reached 151bcm, which is the highest level since 2007 and is releasing 389 million tonnes of CO2 into the environment. It is a climate tragedy.
It is also a missed opportunity. This flared gas can be used to generate electricity, cut emissions and provide affordable power where it is most needed, particularly in these African regions.
Nigeria, for example, is one of the largest producers of flaring and is also struggling with poor grid reliability, which is affecting national productivity and the economy. Over the course of 2024, the country experienced at least six national grid collapses and prolonged blackouts. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s flaring has continued at the same intensity despite its oil production dropping by almost 50% between 2012 and 2022, with more than 174 individual flare sites as of 2022.
Africa is the only region in the world where the number of people without electricity is increasing, even though globally, access to electricity is becoming more advanced and capable. The sub-Saharan Africa region accounts for 85% of the world’s population without power. Yet vast volumes of flare gas are being wasted on the continent, often at oilfields located near communities that remain entirely off-grid.
The environmental and economic cost of this trend is significant. Based on European import gas prices, for example, the global value of flared gas in 2024 exceeded US$63bn, and much of this value is wasted in countries with low electricity access. And while countries like Angola and Libya reported modest improvements in flaring in 2024, the broader pattern of burned-off value remains consistent.
Fortunately, this is a story that can have a different ending. Flare-to-power solutions can transform the narrative in Africa, converting waste gas into electricity using modular on-site systems that don’t demand extensive spending into infrastructure, but do add value and deliver immediate return on investment.
Using flared gas as fuel is cheaper than diesel, grid tariffs or compressed natural gas (CNG) and for oilfield operators, it can lead to significant operational savings. Flaring also releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 84 times more potent than CO2 over 20 years. Capturing and using this gas reduces overall emissions and supports sustainability goals across both the organisation and the country.
This also taps into regulatory compliance requirements, which are becoming increasingly onerous and challenging to navigate. Governments across the continent are cracking down on flaring – Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission imposed higher penalties in 2023, including a US$2 per 1,000 scf fine for routine flaring. The World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative now includes Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
Treated gas can be used on-site or it can be monetised. Natural gas liquids, for example, can be extracted and sold, which opens new income streams for smaller operators previously unable to justify gas recovery infrastructure. In addition, flare-to-power systems can energise isolated oilfields and industrial hubs without access to grids or pipelines.
There are, however, challenges. In Africa, insufficient pipelines and gas treatment plants, capital access constraints, fragmented regulation, and market access limitations are affecting the move to monetise or transport this gas. Although capturing flare gas across Africa could yield 10GW of power generation capacity – more than double the total installed capacity of Kenya and capable of electrifying millions of households – it isn’t being harnessed to its full potential yet.
The ’yet’ is important. Flare-to-power solutions are available and capable. Aggreko has deployed more than 500 MW of APG-fuelled systems globally, including projects that support zero-flaring operations in the Middle East and Africa. In one recent case, an operator eliminated routine flaring while powering remote oilfield infrastructure off-grid. It is possible.
Change means developing legislation and providing support to companies to ensure that gas flaring is transformed into usable power and a way of providing electricity to millions across Africa. It is a clean technology that can provide access, cut costs and mitigate emissions, and in Africa, it is a smart way to capture the energy it is burning into the sky.
Read more:
Balancing power critical for African grid stability
Africa's hybrid energy edge Aggreko
Building reliable power for mining operations in Africa
Kalmar’s latest order from Transnet Port Terminals advances hybrid cargo handling, boosting efficiency and sustainability across South African ports. (Image source: Kalmar Global)
Kalmar has strengthened its sustainability-driven partnership with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) through a major order for 16 hybrid straddle carriers
The agreement, recorded in Kalmar’s Q4 2025 order intake, will see the machines delivered to TPT’s Cape Town and Port Elizabeth container terminals by Q2 2026.
TPT, a key provider of integrated and cost-efficient cargo-handling services across Southern Africa, manages 16 sea-cargo terminals situated in Durban, Richards Bay, East London, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Saldanha. Its extensive equipment portfolio includes diesel-electric straddle carriers, RTGs, reach stackers, empty container handlers, forklifts, and terminal tractors.
The newly ordered hybrid straddle carriers mark a regional milestone, as they will be the first of their kind to be deployed in Southern Africa. Of the 16 units, 12 are designated for the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, while the remaining four will operate at the Cape Town Container Terminal.
Dean Moodley, general manager of capital projects at TPT, said, “We are committed to continuously improving efficiency and sustainability at all our port terminals, and hybrid straddle carriers have an important role to play in supporting this commitment. The new machines will enable us to significantly reduce fuel consumption, noise and carbon emissions all while enhancing operational excellence. Kalmar continues to be one of our valued partners in the renewal of our cargo-handling fleet.”
Karri Keskinen, head of global sales, horizontal transportation at Kalmar, added, “Kalmar is a true partner for TPT, supporting their journey towards more sustainable and cost-efficient cargo handling operations. We have built a strong supplier-customer relationship over many years of working together. We are delighted that TPT has chosen our proven hybrid technology to future-proof their port terminal operations.”
Infinity is scaling up its African clean energy portfolio
Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional €217mn to complete the Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo roads project in Uganda
In a statement, it noted that the project would reinforce Uganda’s and Rwanda’s shared vision of stronger regional connectivity and trade.
The additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange linking the expressway to the Northern Bypass.
These improvements will address chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a key bottleneck along the Northern Corridor connecting Kampala to Kigali.
Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring, the bank added.
Once completed, the 27.3-km expressway is expected to cut travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi and the surrounding communities.
“This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s principal transport engineer and project task manager.
“The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.”
The total cost of the upgraded Uganda section now stands at €424.61mn — more than double the cost from the original €176.26 million, reflecting a scaled-up project scope, according to the AfDB.
The government of Uganda is also contributing €30.98mn to the scheme.
Additional components to be financed also include seven new bridges and 54km of lined drainage channels.
Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in early January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.
According to the AfDB, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs – 800 during construction work and 400 in operations.
Read more:
Abu Dhabi to fund Uganda roads project
Chinese contractors complete Tanzania's John Magufuli bridge
Guinea’s Simandou project enters the next stage (Image source: Baowu Resources)
One of the world’s largest mining and infrastructure ventures marked a milestone this week with the start of operations at Simandou in Guinea
The major project partners from the Chinese-led scheme, including WCS, Baowu, Chinalco as well as Rio Tinto, took part in a ceremony at the port in Forécariah prefecture to celebrate the launch of what is Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project.
WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) and United Mining Suppliers (collectively 51%) and Baowu Resources (49%).
“This milestone reflects years of hard work and strong partnership,” said Winning Consortium chairman Sun Xiushun. “Winning Consortium is proud to have delivered on our commitment and to stand with our partners in bringing Simandou into operation.”
The project is delivering more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use trans-Guinean rail together with barge and transhipment vessel port facilities.
Following commissioning and ramp up, this infrastructure will support the export of a combined total of up to 120 million tonnes per year of mined iron ore by SimFer and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country.
The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the government (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%) — itself a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.
Chalco Iron Ore Holdings is a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese state-owned enterprises, including Chinalco, Baowu, China Rail Construction Corporation and China Harbour Engineering Company.
“The start of operations of the Simandou project is an important achievement guided by the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, noted Chinalco’s president Wang Shilei.
“It reflects the joint efforts and pragmatic cooperation between China and Guinea, contributing to Guinea’s industrialisation and modernisation process.”
Shilei added that Chinalco is committed to working together with all partners to “fully implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, advance the high-quality development of the Simandou iron ore project, take concrete actions to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.”
Testing and commissioning of the mine, rail and barge port system infrastructure is now underway, with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port via the trans-Guinean rail line.
Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with the government holding the remaining 15%.
Rio Tinto’s CEO Simon Trott said the achievement has been made possible through the hard work of thousands of colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of the company and its various partners.
“Today we are unlocking an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand from customers for low-carbon steel making, enhancing our world-class portfolio of iron ore mines in the Pilbara and Canada.”
Hu Wangming, chairman of China Baowu Group, added that the start of operations marks a “milestone” in the history of the global mining industry.
“Throughout the development process, all parties have maintained a broad perspective and a long-term vision, adhering to the principles of market orientation, rule of law, and internationalisation, ensuring the project’s advancement with high standards and high quality,” Wangming said.
“The stable supply of Simandou’s premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low carbon raw materials for the development of China’s steel industry and the global steel sector.”
Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee, hailed the project as a “driving force” behind national transformation.
“This collective success reflects the vision of the head of state and the determination of an entire nation to build a future of shared prosperity. This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, which now stands as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa.”
Read more:
First CTG locomotives arrive for Simandou project
XCMG Machinery invests in Africa talent pool
Wabtec nets US$248mn order for TransGuinéen rail locomotives
Electrification is a key part of Uganda’s economic transformation (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects
Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.
“A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”
Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets.
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In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.
Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.
Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers.
Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention.
By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.
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Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.
“Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”
Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue.
There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.
Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets.
Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations.
Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.
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Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.
Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session.
Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality.
As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement.
Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.
Infinity is scaling up its African clean energy portfolio
Dingbo Power has confirmed a new order from Haiti for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set, now in production. (Image source: Dingbo Power)
Turning wasted flared gas into megawatts (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Turner & Townsend partners with Everstrong Capital to deliver Africa’s largest PPP road project with global best practices. (Image source: Turner & Townsend)
The Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway, Africa’s largest road public–private partnership (PPP), has officially welcomed Turner & Townsend, a global leader in programme and project management, as a strategic delivery partner
The addition of Turner & Townsend reinforces the consortium’s capacity to execute the transformative US$3.6bn, 459 km expressway, which aims to reduce travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa from over ten hours to just 4–5 hours.
Designed to alleviate congestion along the A8 highway, the new transport corridor will enhance mobility for both passengers and cargo while improving safety standards. The expressway also represents a new model for sustainable infrastructure in Africa, integrating intelligent transport systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wildlife crossings, and climate-resilient design features.
Turner & Townsend will bring its global expertise in programme management, governance, cost control, risk oversight, and project assurance, ensuring that the Usahihi Expressway is delivered efficiently, transparently, and to the highest international standards.
The company’s appointment builds on its extensive track record in large-scale infrastructure delivery, having supported governments and private sector partners across East Africa on major initiatives such as Kabalega International Airport and key components of the Tilenga Project. These experiences, involving complex budgets, multi-stakeholder coordination, and performance management, have prepared Turner & Townsend to manage the scope and intricacies of the expressway project.
Kyle McCarter, partner at Everstrong Capital and chairman of the Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway, said, “Turner & Townsend’s track record across Africa speaks for itself. Their expertise in large-scale, complex projects ensures that the Usahihi Expressway will not only be delivered successfully but will also set a new benchmark for infrastructure delivery on the continent.”
John Rogers, regional director, East Africa, at Turner & Townsend, added, “The Nairobi – Mombasa Expressway is a game-changing landmark project in Kenya which will cut journey times in half greatly improving regional connectivity. The Usahihi Expressway isn’t just a road, it’s a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and climate-smart development.
Our partnership with Everstrong Capital will allow us to deploy our world-class expertise in programme management, governance, risk oversight, cost control and project assurance to the project. We look forward to delivering this complex infrastructure programme that will support transformational growth across Kenya and East Africa.”
Turner & Townsend joins Everstrong Capital and the broader Usahihi consortium, which includes TRAC, Lotz to Develop, Ashitiva Advocates, Rebel, Andersen, CPF Group, and Kurrent, in delivering this landmark project.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to global best practices in PPP delivery, guided by transparency, accountability, and collaboration. As the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) reviews the project’s feasibility study, the strengthened consortium is preparing to move into the next phase of development for this critical transport infrastructure initiative.
Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)
LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Construction of road to Tulu Kapi in 2025. (Image source: KEFI)
Guinea’s Simandou project enters the next stage (Image source: Baowu Resources)
Hitachi powering change in South Africa's mines. (Image source: Hitachi)
Orange Marine expands its eco-efficient fleet with two cutting-edge vessels to secure and modernise global subsea networks. (Image source: Orange Marine)
Orange Marine, a subsidiary of Orange specialising in submarine cable operations, has announced the construction of two advanced cable ships to boost the resilience of undersea communication networks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
With these additions, the Orange Group will possess one of the world’s most technologically advanced and modern maintenance fleets. In total, four vessels will serve key maritime regions, including the Atlantic, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. Together, they will ensure the continuity and protection of critical submarine cable systems that connect continents. In addition, Orange Marine and its Italian subsidiary, Elettra TLC, operate two cable-laying vessels and one reconnaissance ship used for marine surveys.
“As a leader in global digital infrastructure, Orange manages over 450,000 km of undersea cables connecting all continents. This strategic investment in our fleet of cable ships will be a key to ensuring the resilience and security of the global Internet. It demonstrates our confidence in Orange Marine's prospects and the expertise of its teams,” said Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale.
Expanding capabilities with cutting-edge technology
The two new sister vessels, modelled after the Sophie Germain launched in 2023, will primarily perform submarine cable maintenance but will also have the capacity to lay connecting segments of up to 1,000 km. They are set to replace the Léon Thévenin (1983, based in South Africa) and Antonio Meucci (1987, based in Italy), which currently handle maintenance across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Red Sea.
Construction of the new ships has been awarded to Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka, a shipyard recognised for its expertise and the successful delivery of the Sophie Germain. This project reflects Orange Marine’s focus on industrial excellence and global collaboration, with delivery planned for 2028 and 2029.
A sustainable and innovative fleet
In line with Orange Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the two vessels will feature technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to current ships.
Key sustainable features include:
* A streamlined hull that cuts fuel consumption by up to 25 percent
* A hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with onboard power generation and battery storage
* Azipod main thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability and reliability
* Shore power connection capabilities to reduce emissions while docked
Both ships will be equipped with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), developed by Orange Marine, allowing for precise underwater cable cutting, inspection, and burial operations.
Didier Dillard, President of Orange Marine and Elettra TLC, said, “The aging of the cable ship fleet is a major concern for all players in the submarine cable industry. Building these new ships will enable Orange Marine and Elettra to have the most modern fleet in the world, serving all our clients globally, with an optimized environmental footprint.”
Kalmar’s latest order from Transnet Port Terminals advances hybrid cargo handling, boosting efficiency and sustainability across South African ports. (Image source: Kalmar Global)
Enhancing trade efficiency and digital transparency across East Africa. (Image source: DP World)
Afreximbank leads US$1.35bn facility in US$4bn syndication to strengthen Dangote’s refinery operations and growth
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the signing of a US$1.35bn financing facility for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL)
This forms part of a larger approximately US$4bn syndicated financing arrangement for DIL, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate, with Afreximbank acting as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the syndication.
This transaction — one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets — will be used to refinance capital invested in the construction of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The financing will reduce initial operational expenditures, strengthen DIL’s balance sheet, and support its ongoing growth.
Afreximbank’s contribution of US$1.35bn, the largest share among participating banks, highlights its commitment to major infrastructure projects that drive Africa’s industrialisation, energy security, and intra-African trade.
Since the refinery complex commenced operations in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to provide financial support for crude supply and product offtake, ensuring smooth operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining project.
Commenting on the deal, Benedict Oramah, president & chairman of the board of directors at Afreximbank, said, “With this landmark deal, we once again demonstrate that Africa’s development can only be meaningfully financed from within. It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow. The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway. Through the Bank’s funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.”
Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Industries Limited, added, “Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialise Africa from within. This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s suppy of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa.”
The syndicated facility attracted strong interest from major African and international financial institutions, reflecting confidence in Africa’s industrial growth and in Dangote’s vision for transforming the continent.
AfDB and Algeria’s Knowledge Economy Ministry partner to scale African startups and SMEs, with fresh funds and policy support
Paycorp invests in UK’s Currency Stream to accelerate FX tech growth across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe
FLS strengthens Delmas site as a global polyurethane hub. (Image source: FLS)
FLS has completed a significant upgrade to its polyurethane manufacturing facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, positioning the site as a key global hub for the production of its advanced NexGen wear-resistant material
This development forms part of a wider modernisation programme by FLS, aimed at strengthening supply chains, increasing manufacturing efficiency and enhancing
sustainability across its global footprint.
Brad Shepherd, director service line - screen and feeder consumables at FLS, said the investment at Delmas aligns with the company’s global strategy to standardise and optimise production processes.
“This is a milestone for us,” commented Shepherd. “We are integrating cutting edge technology and modern manufacturing methodologies across all our polyurethane plants, and Delmas is leading the way. The upgrade enables us to respond more quickly and reliably to customer needs across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.”
The centrepiece of the upgrade is the introduction of purpose-built infrastructure to produce NexGen screen media - a polyurethane material developed by FLS to deliver extended wear life, reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency. In on-site trials, screen panels made from NexGen have demonstrated up to three times the wear life of conventional rubber and polyurethane products, making it a gamechanger for industries that rely on high performance screening solutions.
Warren Walker, head of global manufacturing - polyurethane operations at FLS, explained that Delmas is the first of the company’s five global polyurethane plants to complete this transition. “We have installed new, latest generation polyurethane machines, precision tooling and dedicated preheating ovens for inserts,” he said. “This allows us to significantly increase our output while ensuring consistent quality.”
The facility now includes two trommel screen media stations and three screen media stations, each tailored to produce NexGen products. One of the standout technologies introduced is a programmable auto- calibrating polyurethane machine capable of adjusting material hardness to suit
specific applications.
“The flexibility to produce varying hardness levels is critical,” Walker noted. “It means we can tailor our screen media precisely to the customer’s application, ensuring optimum performance and longevity.”
To complement this, a high capacity polyurethane machine capable of pouring up to 42 kg per minute is in operation at the facility. This system is particularly suited to applications requiring large volume pours, such as flotation spare parts and vertical mill components.
The Delmas facility already benefited from a significant upgrade in 2019, when a state-of-the-art six-axis machining centre was introduced for tooling precision, along with robotic welding systems for manufacturing screen media panel inserts and a CNC controlled spiral welding machine to produce wedge wire products. The latest round of investments builds on this foundation and brings the facility to the forefront of global polyurethane production capability.
Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the new layout and equipment design. “We have incorporated smart energy saving features like individual temperature control on each casting table station,” Walker remarked. “This avoids the need to heat large surface areas unnecessarily and contributes to our carbon reduction goals.”
Further supporting these goals is the installation of 300 kW of solar generation capacity at the Delmas site, completed in 2024. Plans are already in place to expand this by another 500 kW in 2026, along with the integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling greater energy independence and resilience.
FLS’s offering from Delmas extends beyond screen media manufacturing. The facility is equipped to handle the complete fabrication of vibrating screens, from raw material processing and in-house machining to assembly and factory acceptance testing. This vertical integration allows the company to deliver customised solutions with tighter control over quality and lead times.
Shepherd emphasises that FLS operates both as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a screen media specialist, supplying screen panels for all types and brands of vibrating screens, feeders and trommel screens.
“We don’t just supply products,” he said. “We work closely with our customers through our network of on-the-ground specialists to assess site conditions and select the best screening media for their specific needs.”
He notes that many older processing plants are treating materials that differ from their original design specifications. In these cases, screen efficiency can often only be improved by optimising the screen media. “This is where NexGen makes a real difference,” Shepherd commented. “Combined with the correct aperture design, it allows customers to get more life and better performance from their screens.”
Unlike injection-moulded polyurethane, which can compromise the structural integrity of screen panels, FLS’s proprietary process retains superior mechanical properties, resulting in a tougher more durable product. “We have never used injection moulding because it reduces the quality of the end product,” Shepherd explained. “Our process delivers a product that stands up to the toughest operating conditions and offers lasting value.”
Walker adds that the expansion at Delmas not only supports FLS’s global operations but also contributes meaningfully to the South African economy. “Our commitment to local manufacturing is evident in the scale of our investment and the jobs we have created,” he said. “We have expanded our workforce, prioritised local recruitment and significantly grown our apprenticeship programme.”
A strong focus has also been placed on developing female artisans. In 2024, six women from the local community were recruited into a three year trade apprenticeship programme, receiving training in welding, fitting and boilermaking.
“Our investment during a period of economic uncertainty underlines FLS’s long term commitment to South Africa and to our customers in the broader EMEA region,” said Walker. “We are not just building products – we are building skills, opportunities and partnerships that will power sustainable growth for years to come.”
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