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Advanced metering technology will transform Africa's electricity industry by providing real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and enhanced energy management. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

SteamaCo, a UK-based leader in energy revenue management, has announced that it has merged with Shyft Power Solutions, a Nigerian innovator in digital energy solutions

SteamaCo has more than a decade of experience providing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to energy companies across the continent. Its flagship product, Nimbus AMI, helps users manage their networks, detect losses and enhance customer service. Meanwhile, Shyft Power Solutions entered the Nigerian market around eight years ago with its cloud-based distributed energy resource management system and diesel management solutions. Its latest metering solution, FlexView, offers enhanced reliability and allows energy consumers to monitor usage in near real-time.

Uniting the two pioneers in advanced metering solutions, the merger is expected to pave the way for rapid expansion into the grid-connected market and increased consumer reach. It comes at a critical time as regulatory changes have opened up new investment opportunities for independent power producers and utilities and the need for reliable power across the continent continues to grow in urgency.

“Our vision goes beyond delivering cutting-edge technology; it’s about transforming the energy experience of power providers and their consumers,” remarked Shyft’s CEO, Ugwem Eneyo. “Alongside our customers, we can leapfrog inefficient grids and build more intelligent, resilient infrastructure. Power plays a critical role in economic advancement and enabling sustainable cities, so catalysing digital transformation with our solutions is a part of our overall commitment to enabling smart cities and sustainable communities.”

Tom Parkinson, MD of SteamaCo, added, “This merger greatly boosts our ability to grow in African markets. By combining our advanced metering technology with Shyft’s local expertise, we can better meet our customers' specific needs. Together, we will foster innovation, improve our services, and provide effective, customised solutions to Africa's energy issues.”

Revolutionising Africa’s energy sector

The announcement was also delivered alongside the news of a new funding round led by Equator VC with participation from Praetura Ventures and KawiSafi Ventures. Collectively, these bring decades of experience investing in African and climate-tech ventures.

“This merger represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of energy management across Africa," surmised Nijhad Jamal, managing partner of Equator. “We are creating a powerhouse capable of addressing critical energy challenges. This integration will enhance the sector’s ability to deliver reliable, smart metering solutions and drive significant progress in closing the energy access gap in Africa.”

An updated H120 GC hammer. (Image source: Cat)

Construction

Caterpillar has updated several of its GC hammers, turning them into more durable and high-performance pieces of equipment

The versatile GC hammers are designed with large hammer tool diameters and deliver high-impact power in order to quickly break through tough materials encountered in a range of application such as road construction, trenching and demolition. The updated Cat H130 GC, H140 GC, H160 GC and H180 GC hammers feature powerful hydraulics and quick access to maintenance areas to increase productivity, improve uptime and reduce costs, according to Cat.

“Earlier this year, we updated the H110 GC and H120 GC models, and they have been well received by our customers,” explained Tom Munch, senior product consultant. “Expanding these feature upgrades to the H130 GC through H180 GC models gives customers a full range of durable and reliable hammer work tool solutions fully validated and matched to machines from the 10- to 55-ton class sizes.”

Durable, effective and easy to maintain

To increase production and efficiency at the jobsite, Cat has aimed to combine power with fast impact frequencies. The new hammers have large tool diameters from 155-185 mm and have high impact power.

Moreover, durability is ensured through the standard high-vibration adapter alongside power cells made of high-quality alloy steel enabling a two-stage heat treatment process. Hydraulic components are also shielded from damage by heavy-duty side places to boost reliability.

Besides durability, Cat has also taken pains to improve and simplify the way maintenance is performed on the equipment. With quick and easy access to maintenance areas already hallmarks throughout the GC hammer line, the new models now feature a slip-fit and 90-degree rotatable lower brushing for easy replacement in the field. These help to reduce service time and extend service life.

Daily tool inspection and grease points are accessible from ground level with the hammer mounted on the machine. According to Cat, this enhances safety and reduces the time for routine maintenance. Finally, reinforced connecting hardware and easy bolt tightening help to provide strong, durable joints to extend the hammer life.

Cat has also made headlines recently for introducing its new Dynamic Energy Transfer solution the can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are operating. Learn more in the recent issue of African Review available now.

The vessel has successfully reached Namibian waters and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay. (Image source: Kenzoll Capital)

Mining

Acquired by private equity firm Kezoll Capital in partnership with LK Mining, the Adamastor offshore diamond mining vessel has arrived at Lüderitz harbour and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay

The vessel is outfitted with state-of-the-art marine mining technology and is capable of extracting diamonds up to depths of 32 metres. Advanced systems include hydraulic extraction, onboard diamond processing and a dynamic positioning system mean that the vessel will surely become an important asset for Kenzoll Capital and its local partners in Namibia’s offshore mining sector.

“This is a landmark moment for Kenzoll Capital and our partners at LK Mining,” said Lazarus Jacobs, representative of LK Mining. “The arrival of the Adamastor represents more than just an operational achievement – it’s a testament to our dedication to Namibia’s mining industry and the economic and social development of the Lüderitz region.”

A ripe diamond market

The acquisition and deployment of the Adamastor vessel in is aimed at taking advantage of the Namibian coast being recognised as one of the richest deposits of premium-quality gem diamonds globally. This reputation, and the country’s stable political environment, has made it a favourable location for further investment, despite the instability in the international diamond sector. Initial assessments of Hottentots Bay indicate promising diamond recovery rates, with yields expected to average between 0.2 and 0.4 carats per cubic meter.

BasiGo aims to deliver 1,000 electric buses in East Africa within the next three years. (Image source: BasiGo)

Logistics

BasiGo, a provider of electric bus solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, has successfully secured US$42mn in new funding to help scale the electrification of public transport in sub-Saharan Africa

The new capital will support the company in its core ambition of delivering 1,000 electric buses in East Africa in the next three years. A sizeable chunk of this will be used to increase manufacturing capacity at its E-Bus assembly line in Kenya. Additional funds will also be dedicated to expanding the Pay-As-You-Drive offering to new vehicle types and to improve BasiGo’s technology platforms such as Jani.

Significant investment in electrification

The new funding for BasiGo has come from a number of different sources. Primarily, it includes a US$24mn in Series A funding and US$17.5mn in debt facilities from British International Investment (BII) and the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The equity funding round is led by Africa50 and marks the most significant investment from an African fund in an e-mobility company according to BasiGo. The equity round also features co-investments from Novastar Ventures, CFAO Kenya, Mobility54, SBI Investment, Trucks VC, Moxxi Ventures, and Susquehanna Foundation.

“Since we founded BasiGo in 2021, our mission has been to create the future of clean, electric public transport in Africa,” explained Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo. “We are thrilled to have Africa50, a premier African infrastructure investment fund, recognise the potential of our mission. The combined equity and debt investment into BasiGo validates our business model and enables BasiGo to focus on scale and profitability. With BII's support to expand our E-bus model in Rwanda, we are ready to deliver hundreds of modern, emissions-free electric buses across East Africa.”

Raza Hasnani, managing director and head of infrastructure investments at Africa50, remarked, “We are delighted to conclude Africa50’s first investment in the e-mobility space to support the greening of the public transport sector in Kenya and Rwanda. We believe BasiGo is well positioned to scale in East Africa and beyond given its world class engineering and operations teams, strong value proposition to transport operators and the calibre of strategic and financial partners assembled by the founders.”

Electric vehicles in East Africa

BasiGo’s operations in Rwanda began in December 2023 and now consist of six pilot electric buses running inside Kigalo as well as inter-city routes to nearby towns. As per the new debt facility from BII, the company plans to launch commercial deliveries of e-buses in the country and has already received more than 300 reservations from bus operators.

“We are delighted to support BasiGo as it expands into Rwanda,” surmised Seema Dhanani, head of office, Kenya and coverage director, East Africa at BII. “This marks a significant step in electrifying the local public transport sector, reducing pollution, and combating climate change impacts. This is in line with our priority of supporting e-mobility to foster sustainable economic growth.”

e-transport solutions are becoming an increasingly attractive option in East Africa with a number of companies seeking to support this blossoming sector. Leading EV energy tech company Ampersand, for example, has just opened a large manufacturing facility in Nairobi to help meet the increasing demand for electric motorcycles in the country. Click here to learn more about this story.

Samaila Zubairu and Saad Al-Khalb signing the Mou. (Image source: AFC)

Finance

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have signed an MoU to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing exports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and AFC member companies

“The MoU with the Africa Finance Corporation comes as part of the bank’s commitment to enhancing international economic and trade relations,” remarked Saudi EXIM CEO, H.E. Eng. Saad Al-Khalb. “The agreement will cover several areas of cooperation, including exploring opportunities to support joint projects between companies in the Kingdom and the member countries of AFC, by providing credit solutions that support companies and institutions of all sizes and activities. It will also pave the way for local investors to benefit from promising investment opportunities in Africa, thereby enhancing the flow of non-oil Saudi exports to expand into various African markets, in line with empowering the non-oil national economy and creating a diverse and inclusive economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Confirmed on the sidelines of the 2024 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, the MoU will also promote the exchange of information, technical expertise and knowledge sharing between the two organisations.

Samaila Zubairu, president & CEO of AFC, added, "Strategic partnerships are vital for economic transformation, and in today’s world, no nation can tackle sustainable development alone. As such, AFC is pleased to partner with the Saudi Exim Bank, marking a major milestone in strengthening ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to contribute significantly to driving industrialization, facilitating trade and creating jobs for a dynamic economic ecosystem that benefits both regions.”

The ALPLArecycling division will produce up to 35,000 tonnes of rPET per year. (Image source: ALPLA)

Manufacturing

ALPLA, an international plastics manufacturer and recycler, has cut the red tape on its new state-of-the-art recycling plant in South Africa, marking its entry into the country’s PET recycling market

The new plant is located in KwaZulu-Natal and has been completed following an investment of around US$60mn and approximately 18 months of construction.

Once all processes have been qualified and the flakes and pellets have been approved by the customer, the facility will begin production in 2025 and will help ALPLA to produce up to 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) flakes and food-sake rPET pellets annually in the country. Located on a 90,000 sq m site, the plant will increase the supply of rPET in the national market.

According to Dietmar Marin, managing director of ALPLA recycling, country’s beverage industry will benefit from this by receiving high-quality material and be able to meet the legal requirements. Currently, South Africa’s EPR regulation requires PET drinks bottles to contain 10% recycled material since 2022, and this will double to 20% by 2026.

The recycling plant is designed to increase the proportion of pellets and can accommodate a second extrusion line to promote the circular economy in South Africa. An additional 30,000 sq m of space is available at the site for further expansion. ALPLA will process the high-quality recycled material into PET preforms for the production of drinks bottles at the Lanseria plant, which opened in 2022.

Safe, affordable and sustainable packaging

The opening of the new facility was market by a ceremony with around 180 guests in attendance. This guest list included representatives from the South African Ministries of Trade, Industry and Competition and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as well as those from the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the iLembe District Municipality, and Austria’s Ambassador Romana Königsbrun.

Together, the guests celebrated the opening of the state-of-the-art plant that will process rPET produced at the plant in Lanseria back into safe, affordable and sustainable packaging.

“South Africa is a strategically important market for us and one in which we want to continue to grow,” commented ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner. “Together with our customers and partners, our aim is to provide safe, affordable and sustainable packaging solutions to our customers and to continue improving standards of living. With our investments in Ballito and before that in Lanseria, we have laid the foundation for a successful future.”

Sihle Ngcamu, CEO of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, added, “ALPLA’s involvement does not only accelerate the industrialisation of iLembe District Municipality, but ensures investing in projects that support UN Sustainable Development Goals, attracting other companies along the value chain and creating several thousand jobs in the collection infrastructure.”

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