In The Spotlight
The ALPLArecycling division will produce up to 35,000 tonnes of rPET per year. (Image source: ALPLA)
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.”
Advanced metering technology will transform Africa's electricity industry by providing real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and enhanced energy management. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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)
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.
Jon Lopez, Yanmar CE's new president for the EMEA region. (Image source: Yanmar CE)
Jon Lopez has been named as the new president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE)
Reporting directly to José Cuadrado, CEO of Yanmar CE and joining the CE executive leadership team, Lopez has been tasked with driving forward the company’s strategic objectives and maximising operational excellence across the territory.
“The EMEA region offers tremendous opportunities for growth, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions, while driving operational excellence across the region,” remarked Lopez. “Together, we will continue to strengthen Yanmar CE’s position as a leader in the compact equipment market and build a more sustainable future for our customers and communities.”
In pursuing these ambitions, Lopez will draw from his extensive experience within the industry, having worked across within it for more than 20 years. Joining from his previous role as senior vice president of truck and mounted forklift at HIAB, his skillset has been identified as one of the missing pieces of the puzzle which will help to advance Yanmar CE’s goals in the region.
“We are excited to welcome Jon to the Yanmar Compact Equipment team,” commented Cuadrado. “With his extensive experience and strong leadership in international business, he will play a critical role in our mission to achieve sustainable growth in the EMEA region and position Yanmar CE as a leader in the compact equipment market.”
The Paratus Group has made significant investments in its extensive and diverse fiber network. (Image source: Paratus)
Paratus Group, a pan-African telco, has announced the completion of its East-West Africa fibre route which offers a fast link to anywhere in the world to users from the southern African region
Representing the first coast-to-coast terrestrial route using Paratus built fibre infrastructure, it stretches from Maputo, through Johannesburg, across Botswana and Namibia, and to the West coast at the Cable Landing Station in Swakopmund.
According to Paratus, it offers an alternative terrestrial route and the current demand for this has been expedited by the recent network outages. CEO Schalk Erasmus explained, “This sea-change in imperatives has arisen due to breakages in certain subsea cable systems. Operators need a more reliable route and, with, our new East-West route, by connecting to the Equiano subsea cable, we can assure customers a fast and robust alternative. Our East-West fibre route isn't just a line on a map — it's Africa's digital lifeline.”
Paratus group chief commercial officer, Martin Cox, added, “As a steadfast partner with pan-African expertise, we offer unequalled wholesale capacity solutions for network operators. Because we understand the unique connectivity needs of the various regions, we have tailored our solutions to specific requirements, and we offer carriers and operators not only a diverse East-West route but also onward transmission to Europe.
“Recent undersea cable cuts have shown the importance of robust alternatives and why we've built redundancy into every kilometre, ensuring southern Africa stays connected, no matter what. This isn't just about backup – it's about uninterrupted operations and seamless communications. With Paratus, you're partnering with innovators who are weaving resilience into Africa's digital landscape.”
The vessel has successfully reached Namibian waters and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay. (Image source: Kenzoll Capital)
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.
Worker in a cotton ginning factory in Benin. (Image source: M. Diarassouba für AbTF)
According to the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), Benin is establishing itself as a new procurement and production hub for textiles and clothing
AbTF is supporting this development through Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), one of its sustainability standards, that aims to provide a sustainable and local basis for textile production while also facilitating access to international markets. The potential of the country’s textile market was confirmed by visit from a AbTF delegation.
“African textile production is gaining momentum, and Cotton made in Africa makes a major contribution to ensuring that sustainability plays a key role,” said Gerlind Baz, a senior project manager at AbTF. “We are very pleased to support the development of a West African textile production sector here in Benin and to thereby further promote market access for sustainably produced cotton from Africa.”
The West African country has recently celebrated the construction of a textile production centre near Cotonou. With 100% of the cotton verified by CmiA, it has depicted as a major step forward in the development of an independent and sustainable textile industry in Benin.
Sustainable cotton
In Benin, cotton has been grown in accordance with the CmiA standard since the initiative was founded in 2005. Together with three cotton companies in Benin, AbTF is working through its CmiA and CmiA Organic standards to improve market access for cotton producers and to make people more resilient to the effects of climate change while protecting the environment and biodiversity.
After visiting the new textile park, the delegation, alongside partners from GIZ and PAN UK, met farmers who grow cotton in accordance with the CmiA Organic standards and who are a part of the Growing Benin’s Organic Cotton Sector project. This aims to improve living conditions for farmers and supports them in the transition to the cultivation of organic cotton in compliance with standards. By expanding market access through CmiA, the project plans to secure long-term investments in the organic cotton sector in Benin.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
-
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.
Advanced metering technology will transform Africa's electricity industry by providing real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and enhanced energy management. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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.”
The Redstone plant will achieve its full capacity soon. (Image source: ACWA Power)
GridOS deployed in a utility control room setting. (Image source: GE Vernova)
An updated H120 GC hammer. (Image source: Cat)
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.
Jon Lopez, Yanmar CE's new president for the EMEA region. (Image source: Yanmar CE)
Tshegare Moletsane, SANRAL’s transformation officer, explaining the importance of the scheme. (Image source: SANRAL)
The vessel has successfully reached Namibian waters and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay. (Image source: Kenzoll Capital)
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.
The Kabanga Nickel Project is believed to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulfide deposits. (Image source: Lifezone Metals)
With the funding secured construction of the Koné project will be getting underway. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
BasiGo aims to deliver 1,000 electric buses in East Africa within the next three years. (Image source: BasiGo)
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.
The agreement reportedly represents one of the largest contracts signed by Turkish contractors abroad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The appointments have been made in line with the next phase of its reimagine transformation. (Image source: JLR)
Samaila Zubairu and Saad Al-Khalb signing the Mou. (Image source: AFC)
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 report offers a vision of climate finance’s future. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The transaction marks a significant milestone as the first investment under the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator. (Image source: BII)
The ALPLArecycling division will produce up to 35,000 tonnes of rPET per year. (Image source: ALPLA)
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.”
Worker in a cotton ginning factory in Benin. (Image source: M. Diarassouba für AbTF)
Ampersand aims to deploy five million e-motorcycles by 2033. (Image source: Ampersand)
Most Read
Genuine Volvo Parts are specifically developed, tested and approved to get the very best results from your Volvo machine. (Image source: Volvo CE)
The project carries an estimated total cost of US$12bn. (Image source: The Republic of Ghana Presidency)
By localizing production, Stellantis is contributing to job creation, skill development, and technology transfer in Egypt. (Image source: Stellantis)
Bobcat has included additional features to enhance the visibility around the machines. (Image source: Bobcat)
The project sought to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion. (Image source: SANRAL)
The transaction will give TotalEnergies an interest in hydropower projects in Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The initiative was unveiled at a meeting at the UIA head office. (Image source: UIA)
Africa Energy Forum 2024 was held in the Fira de Montjuïc in Barcelona. (Image source: ACP)
The Cat G3520 Fast Response natural-gas generator set is available for dealers around the world. (Image source: Cat)
The project will extend and modernise the Moroni and Boingoma ports. (Image source: AfDB)
LINX expands its African interconnection platform to PAIX Data Centres Nairobi, enhancing peering and connectivity for Kenya’s digital growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Ugandan Government, local communities and the companies involved in the project’s delivery. (Image source: AMEA Power)
The Carmix 3.5TT is renowned for its robust performance in concrete mixing. (Image source: Carmix)
Hyde Johannesburg marks a major milestone for Ennismore as the brand’s first hotel in Africa. (Image source: Ennismore)
The Forte Secondary School fulfils an important role of educating 2,400 learners. (Image source: Bell Equipment)
Through the acquisition, Mauser is extending its existing production capacities and footprint in South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions. (Image source: Vertiv)
Paltech stated the new collaboration solidifies its position as a leading provider of advanced valve solutions in South Africa and beyond. (Image source: 2Roads)
L to R: Wayne Bowyer, managing director of Toyota Tsusho Africa; Andrew Velleman, CEO of CFAO South Africa; Andrew Kirby, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa; Rev Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs; Minister Parks Tau, SA Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Hiroshi Morita, CEO of Ogihara Thailand; and Nigel Ward, Toyota EVP: manufacturing and manufacturing support. (Image source: CFAO South Africa)
Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology Solutions. (Image source: Africonology Solutions)
Latest news
The ALPLArecycling division will produce up to 35,000 tonnes of rPET per year. (Image source: ALPLA)
Advanced metering technology will transform Africa's electricity industry by providing real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and enhanced energy management. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
An updated H120 GC hammer. (Image source: Cat)
Jon Lopez, Yanmar CE's new president for the EMEA region. (Image source: Yanmar CE)
The Paratus Group has made significant investments in its extensive and diverse fiber network. (Image source: Paratus)
Worker in a cotton ginning factory in Benin. (Image source: M. Diarassouba für AbTF)
The system’s flexibility allows for high sublimation rates (>3 kg/m²h) or higher capacity at low vacuum (
Tshegare Moletsane, SANRAL’s transformation officer, explaining the importance of the scheme. (Image source: SANRAL)
BasiGo aims to deliver 1,000 electric buses in East Africa within the next three years. (Image source: BasiGo)
The Redstone plant will achieve its full capacity soon. (Image source: ACWA Power)
GridOS deployed in a utility control room setting. (Image source: GE Vernova)
BOD3 3D Construction Printer with Material Delivery System Onsite. (Image source: COBOD)
Sub-Saharan Africa was the least connected region in 2023. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Multiple variants of Grandoreiro are accounting for global banking trojan attacks across the world. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Menengai Geothermal Project will be developed in five phases with the goal of developing 465MW of geothermal steam equivalent. (Image source: GDC)
Successfully implementing PPP projects requires a nuanced understanding of financial, legal, and operational complexities. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)
The KOSAP programme is part of Kenya Vision 2030, the long-term development blueprint for the country. (Image source: d.light)
Scatec will seek to replicate the success it has had in previous hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The HGY Series are designed to work seamlessly with micro-grids and renewable energy sources. (Image source: HIMOINSA)
The agreement reportedly represents one of the largest contracts signed by Turkish contractors abroad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
More Articles
The Paratus Group has made significant investments in its extensive and diverse fiber network. (Image source: Paratus)
The system’s flexibility allows for high sublimation rates (>3 kg/m²h) or higher capacity at low vacuum (
Sub-Saharan Africa was the least connected region in 2023. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Multiple variants of Grandoreiro are accounting for global banking trojan attacks across the world. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Rawbank is looking to ensure a scalable and reliable environment for its digital assets. (Image source: OADC)
Enhanced visibility. Industrialised reliability. (Image source: Brady)
The funds will be used to consolidate and expand capacity and infrastructure of data centre assets across Ooredoo’s MENA operations. (Image source: Ooredoo)
The OADC Texaf – Kinshasa facility, with a 2MW capacity, sets a new standard as a cornerstone of the DRC’s growing digital ecosystem. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
LINX expands its African interconnection platform to PAIX Data Centres Nairobi, enhancing peering and connectivity for Kenya’s digital growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The development will enable mobile service providers to deliver 5G services to their subscribers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In phase 2 of the project, GBB adopted Huawei’s FusionDC1000B prefabricated modular data centre solution. (Image source: GBB)
East and West Africa are emerging as pivotal hubs in the data centre market. (Image source: Schneider Electric)