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In The Spotlight

Navigating in a new era for Africa's ports (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Logistics

Africa’s ports are facing increasing pressure as infrastructure is required to support larger vessels and growing demand

At the same time, these assets must perform within dynamic coastal environments, increasingly influenced by climate change. The future of the continent’s maritime infrastructure will depend on how well engineering, environmental understanding, and system-level thinking come together.

For Yasmin Kistner, principal associate: maritime, discipline lead: ports, WSP in Africa, the challenge begins with the physical reality of ports.

“Future-ready infrastructure means providing deeper, more robust facilities to accommodate increasing vessel sizes and cargo demand, while also responding to changing climate systems,” she explains.

Yet in South Africa, this is not a blank-slate exercise. Much of the country’s port infrastructure already exists, and that changes the nature of the problem.

“The challenge is working with what is currently there and improving it to make it future-proof, while continuing operations at the same time,” Kistner says. “You cannot simply deepen a channel or expand a basin without considering how that affects the stability of the existing infrastructure. Every intervention has knock-on effects.”

Balancing act

This tension between immediate functionality and long-term resilience plays out in every upgrade, where engineering decisions must balance operational continuity with structural integrity and future capacity.

Ports, however, do not operate in isolation. Their performance depends not only on the infrastructure itself, but on how efficiently cargo moves through the broader logistics system and how the port functions within its coastal environment over time.

“Seaports are critical for connecting South Africa to global trade, but inland dry ports are becoming an increasingly important part of how goods move inland,” says Kistner. “They allow cargo to be stored and distributed away from congested port environments, improving efficiency and reducing pressure on coastal infrastructure.”

As these systems become more interconnected, design must respond not only to operational demands and the capacity of hinterland networks to handle logistics flows, but also to how infrastructure performs within its coastal context over the long-term.

A coastal understanding

For Samantha Fourie, coastal modeller: maritime, WSP in Africa, numerical modelling of coastal processes provides the foundation for understanding how these environments behave before infrastructure is introduced or altered.

“Every project starts with a question, but before you can answer it, you need to understand the current environment,” she explains. “We build what we call a baseline. That means collecting data, measurements, and observations so we can quantify what is happening now before predicting what will change.”

This baseline is fundamental. It is what gives clients, regulators, and stakeholders confidence that decisions are grounded in reality.

“Data is everything,” Fourie says. “Without it, you cannot validate your model or your conclusions. Whether you are looking at coastal erosion, wave behaviour, or water quality, you need to understand the processes at play before you can assess the impact of any intervention.”

A deeper understanding

In practice, this means building detailed environmental models that simulate how coastlines, currents, and infrastructure interact under different scenarios, including long-term change.

“The outputs feed directly into decision-making,” Fourie says. “It comes down to risk, safety, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements. The work does not sit in isolation. It influences whether something gets built, how it gets built, and what safeguards need to be in place.”

The intersection between these two perspectives is where the future of port development is being shaped.

Port and coastal engineering has always considered and will always consider the dynamic coastal environment. The aspect requiring increased consideration is having a thorough understanding of potential long-term changes in the coastal and logistics environment.

Environmental considerations

From a design perspective, Kistner points to incremental yet meaningful shifts already underway.

“We are investigating the use of more environmentally friendly materials, such as alternative concretes in breakwater structures, and designing for future energy systems like shore power,” Kistner says. “This allows vessels to draw electricity while docked, reducing emissions and improving air quality in port cities.”

But sustainability is not limited to materials or energy systems. It is embedded in how infrastructure responds to long-term environmental change.

“Climate change is going to impact coastlines regardless of how we build,” says Fourie. “The role of modelling and engineering is to help infrastructure adapt to those changes, not just respond after the fact.”

Integrated thinking

Looking ahead, Kistner and Fourie both see a shift toward more integrated, system-level planning.

“There is a growing awareness that numerical modelling of coastal processes and engineering need to work more closely together,” Fourie adds. “You need predictive tools to design infrastructure that can adapt over time.”

This integrated approach is already shaping long-term planning at a national and regional level. “Across Africa, many established ports are already undergoing phased expansions and upgrades to accommodate increasing demand and evolving vessel requirements,” says Kistner.

These projects are not only about adding capacity at the coastline. They are increasingly part of wider efforts to improve the movement of cargo across the full logistics network. This includes investment in rail and road corridors, as well as the development of inland terminals and dry ports that can support more efficient distribution.

By moving some activity away from constrained coastal environments, these interventions can help relieve pressure on ports while improving the reliability of trade flows between coastal gateways and inland markets.

Together, these developments point to a broader reality: ports are no longer standalone assets. They are critical nodes in a connected system of trade, infrastructure, and environmental dynamics.

Africa’s maritime future will depend on how well that system is understood, planned, and managed. “We are not just building for today,” Kistner says. “We are building infrastructure that must remain functional and resilient decades into the future.”

For Fourie, that future carries a more personal dimension. “It becomes quite personal when you think about it,” she says. “You want to protect coastlines, support sustainable development, and ensure that future generations can experience these environments in the same way we have.”

There is no single solution. The path forward lies in combining sound engineering with a clear understanding of environmental processes, while supporting efficient and sustainable port operations. “In a system with a limited tolerance for error, that level of integration is essential,” concludes Kistner.

Read more:

DP World launches Egypt's first integrated logistics centre

Suez Canal welcomes advanced LNG container ship

Gabon launches Kobe Kobe port construction project

Successful underground dewatering relies on careful planning, specialised equipment and precise installation to manage restricted access, high pressures and complex logistics. (Image source: Cementation Africa)

Mining

Cementation Africa is encouraging mining companies to prioritise underground dewatering during the early stages of mine development, emphasising that proactive planning is essential for managing groundwater inflows efficiently throughout a mine's lifecycle

According to the company, successful dewatering strategies begin during the feasibility phase, where hydrogeological investigations provide critical data on anticipated groundwater volumes. This information forms the basis for designing systems capable of supporting long-term underground operations.

"Hydrogeological studies form part of the mine’s initial feasibility work, with drill holes to understand what volumes the mine is likely to encounter," explained John Goulding, study manager mine engineering at Cementation Africa.

"Cementation Africa, as a leading underground mining contractor, uses this data as the basis for planning a dewatering strategy in a multi-disciplinary engineering process that intersects mine design, shaft infrastructure, power systems and operational logistics."

The company says its approach combines engineering design, construction expertise and operational knowledge to deliver integrated dewatering systems that address the practical challenges encountered in underground mining.

"Our strength lies in our ability to design and execute dewatering solutions across the full project lifecycle - from feasibility through to the operation of pump stations," Goulding said. "This includes the civil, mechanical, electrical and control design aspects that must come together in an underground dewatering system."

By incorporating dewatering requirements at the earliest stages of project planning, mine developers can ensure that pump stations, settling facilities and water storage infrastructure are appropriately located and sized to handle expected groundwater inflows. Early design also allows systems to be configured with sufficient flexibility to accommodate changing mining conditions over time.

Louis du Plessis, project engineer mine engineering at Cementation Africa, noted that the company frequently supports clients during the feasibility stage by providing engineering studies and technical option assessments.

"By conducting studies and technical assessments to guide mines’ decision-making, we can help them determine the most appropriate approach before committing to major infrastructure investments," said Du Plessis.

He added that underground dewatering systems should always be tailored to the specific operating conditions and infrastructure of each mine.

"This means working very closely with our clients, understanding what they need, and designing around that," he said. "This collaborative process leads to engineering solutions aligned with operational realities rather than purely theoretical designs."

The company also highlights the importance of carefully positioning dewatering infrastructure underground. Pump stations must remain accessible for safe maintenance, while pipelines need to be routed through shafts and haulages without interfering with other essential services such as power distribution and mine ventilation.

Despite detailed hydrogeological investigations and modelling, groundwater inflows can remain difficult to predict accurately.

"Even with studies and modelling, there remains considerable uncertainty about the volumes of water that miners will encounter during development and mining," Goulding said. "This makes it vital to design dewatering strategies that can adapt to varying conditions rather than simply operating at a fixed capacity."

To improve operational resilience, dewatering systems can incorporate spare pumping capacity or be designed for future expansion. Flexible configurations also enable water to be transferred between different mining levels as operations extend deeper underground, ensuring efficient groundwater management throughout the life of the mine.

Volvo Trucks South Africa marks 250,000 km milestone as customer-operated electric trucks accelerate sustainable freight transport. (Image source: Volvo)

Construction

Volvo Trucks South Africa has marked a major milestone in its electromobility journey, with its customer-operated electric truck fleet surpassing 250,000 km since the vehicles were first introduced to the local market in 2023

The achievement highlights the growing adoption of battery-electric trucks across a range of commercial transport applications.

The fleet has been operating in diverse environments, helping customers reduce emissions while gaining first-hand experience in electric transport operations. The milestone was achieved using Volvo's current generation of heavy-duty electric truck models.

"While a quarter of a million kilometres may seem modest compared with the more than 400 million already accumulated by Volvo electric trucks globally, it represents a significant achievement in the South African context, where the majority of Volvo electric trucks are operating on shorter-route and urban distribution applications," said Eric Parry, senior manager sustainable solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

Across the customer fleet, the vehicles are averaging approximately 2,000 km per month, while the highest-utilisation trucks consistently record around 10,000 km per month. Average energy consumption across the fleet stands at 1.77 kWh/km, covering a range of applications from eight-tonne 4x2 trucks carrying payloads of five to seven tonnes to 6x4 tractor units hauling interlink trailers with payloads exceeding 32 tonnes.

The milestone reflects customers' confidence in Volvo Trucks' electric mobility solutions and demonstrates that battery-electric trucks can reliably support everyday commercial transport operations.

Reflecting on the progress, Parry said, "Our customers have embraced this technology with a willingness to learn, adapt and pioneer new ways of operating. Reaching a quarter of a million kilometres is not only a testament to the capability of the trucks, but also to the commitment of the customers and drivers who are making this achievement possible."

The operational data collected over the past two years has also provided valuable insights into charging strategies, vehicle utilisation, uptime requirements and driver experience under real-world South African operating conditions.

All customer fleets currently charge their electric trucks either at depots or loading and off-loading facilities using their own charging infrastructure. Depending on operational requirements, customers utilise a combination of overnight slow charging and fast top-up charging.

"One of the most satisfying aspects of this journey has been seeing electric trucks move from being a future concept, to becoming part of everyday transport operations," said Parry. "Every kilometre travelled helps build confidence in the technology and strengthens the business case for broader adoption."

To support fleet operators, Volvo Trucks provides specialised dealer and workshop services for electric vehicles, including real-time battery pack monitoring, dedicated 24/7 roadside assistance and range prediction tools.

Next-generation electric trucks on the horizon

Building on the experience gained to date, Volvo Trucks South Africa is preparing to introduce its next generation of electric trucks later this year. The new models will offer longer operating ranges and additional power options, enabling electric transport solutions to be deployed across an even wider range of applications.

"The trucks currently operating in South Africa are laying an important foundation for what comes next. With increased range and capability on the horizon, we are excited about the opportunities the next generation of electric trucks will bring," explained Parry.

As more fleet operators begin adopting battery-electric transport, Volvo Trucks South Africa views the 250,000 km achievement as an important step in the country's transition towards cleaner commercial mobility.

"While a quarter of a million kilometres is an important milestone, it is what those kilometres represent that matters most: growing customer confidence, valuable operational experience, and a foundation for the next generation of electric transport," said Parry.

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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. 

  • 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.

Top Stories

Grid List

Energy

Aerial view of the new Hydra project in South Africa (Image source: TotalEnergies)

Energy

South Africa’s Hydra project, thought to be the largest hybrid renewable energy development in Africa, has been inaugurated in the Northern Cape

TotalEnergies and partners Hydra Storage Holding and Reatile Renewables announced the start up of the project on 16 July.

It combines a 216 MW solar photovoltaic plant with a 500 MWh battery energy storage system.

The facility will supply 75 MW of dispatchable renewable electricity to the national grid under a 20-year power purchase agreement signed with state utility, Eskom.

This represents more than 400 GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 200,000 South African households.

“We are delighted, together with our partners Reatile Renewables and Hydra Storage Holding, to bring the Hydra project into operation,” said Magali Pailhé, managing director of TotalEnergies Southern Africa.

“It enables us to supply dispatchable renewable power to the South African grid, thereby strengthening the country’s energy security while decarbonising its electricity generation.”

Pailhé also said that the project reinforces the company’s own renewable production capacity in South Africa, the continent’s largest power market in terms of electricity consumption.

TotalEnergies and Hydra Storage Holding each hold a 35% in the development, with Reatile Renewables holding the remaining 30%.

It forms part of South Africa’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme launched by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

Read more:

Lephalale solar plant powers Exxaro's greener mining

DRC on-site hybrid mining power project advances

EAAIF backs Egypt's landmark solar and storage project

Everllence’s 175D GenSet delivers 3 MVA of dependable standby power in a compact design for modern data centres (Image source: Everllence)

Powering Africa's next data centre generation

Construction

Caterpillar drives digital innovation at Málaga technology showcase. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Construction

Caterpillar has brought together more than 400 customers and dealers from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for its fourth Construction and Quarry Technology Days, held at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Centre in Málaga, Spain

The two-week event welcomed representatives from 15 Cat dealers to explore the company's latest technologies and their practical applications across construction and quarrying operations.

The programme began with opening remarks from Kristin Gaskill, Caterpillar vice-president of technology in Construction Industries, followed by a live product demonstration focused on technology-driven solutions. Over the following days, attendees participated in guided sessions across five dedicated technology areas, allowing them to see how these solutions perform in real-world conditions and how they can be integrated into their own projects.

Gaskill highlighted Caterpillar's ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation within the industry.

"Our focus is clear: accelerating technology and digital adoption to deliver measurable outcomes for our customers."

"This week in Málaga is a powerful example of how Caterpillar and Cat Dealers are working together to solve customer challenges using technology & digital solutions in the dirt and back office. Our goal is to ensure technology is easy to buy, easy to use and delivers value at scale. Ultimately, we’re here to help customers unlock new and different business outcomes by partnering with them for long-term success on the job site."

Throughout the event, Caterpillar demonstrated a range of technologies designed to address critical operational priorities. Featured solutions included Better Data for Better Decisions, Perfecting Payload, Safer Jobsites, Remote Site Control with Cat Command, and Cat 2D and 3D Grade technologies.

Together, these technologies are intended to help customers improve productivity, enhance jobsite safety and simplify operations while addressing one of the industry's ongoing challenges: attracting and retaining skilled equipment operators.

Now in its fourth edition, Construction and Quarry Technology Days continues to serve as a platform for strengthening collaboration between Caterpillar, its dealer network and customers across the region.

The event also provides opportunities for customers to exchange experiences, learn from industry peers and gain greater confidence in implementing new technologies. With support from the global Cat dealer network, participants can better understand how to scale digital solutions across their operations.

As digitalisation continues to reshape the construction and quarrying sectors, the Málaga event demonstrates Caterpillar's focus on helping customers transform data, connectivity and automation into measurable operational and business benefits.

Volvo Trucks South Africa marks 250,000 km milestone as customer-operated electric trucks accelerate sustainable freight transport. (Image source: Volvo)

Uganda to get new Karuma Bridge (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Mining

Innovation and technology will power Africa’s future mining story

Mining

Technology, telecommunications and other innovative solutions will be just as important to Africa’s mining future as the rocks and gemstones in the ground

"The future of mining is not just in terms of the minerals and what we can extract from the ground, it's also about the ecosystem of industries that enable mining to thrive,” said Paratus Botswana managing director, Shawn Bruwer.

Paratus Botswana and Eutelsat showcased resilient, integrated connectivity solutions for mining during the recent Future of Mining Summit 2026, as southern Africa’s mining sector continues to embrace digital transformation.

As the official connectivity partner and silver sponsor, Paratus Botswana and Eutelsat engaged with delegates on how combined terrestrial and satellite capabilities can support Botswana’s mining sector.

Paratus Botswana provides Eutelsat Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services, combining them with terrestrial infrastructure to support increasingly digital mining operations, particularly in remote locations where traditional infrastructure alone cannot always meet operational requirements.

“We see the mining sector as a catalyst for growth across a range of supporting industries,” said Bruwer.

“That includes people, power, rail, roads and telecommunications. Modern mining requires connectivity that is integrated, scalable and resilient, and the support to go with it.”

Eutelsat’s LEO technology is suited to mining environments because it can extend low-latency connectivity to remote and distributed operations, while adding redundancy where fibre or microwave links may be limited, delayed or unavailable.

"Integrated network models are creating a new connectivity environment for the mining sector,” said Philippe Baudier, vice-president of Eutelsat Africa.

“By combining Eutelsat OneWeb's Low Earth Orbit capabilities with Paratus extensive network and expertise across Africa, their local support and experience in mining environments, mining operations can achieve greater efficiency, resilience and continuity.”

Read more:

Pilot Crushtec launches compact mobile scalping screen

Barloworld delivers southern Africa's first Cat 707 wbt

Sky Park strengthens De Beers rough diamond operations

Three Reports advance South African mining modernisation

Successful underground dewatering relies on careful planning, specialised equipment and precise installation to manage restricted access, high pressures and complex logistics. (Image source: Cementation Africa)

Logistics

TAILG president Michael Yao signs the MOU with Jean-Luc Stalon, resident representative of UNDP Kenya (Image source: TAILG)

Logistics

TAILG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Kenya with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to jointly implement green, low-carbon mobility projects

This includes the development of a Green Mobility Centre of Excellence (GM-CoE).

The MOU, which establishes a long-term cooperation framework between the two parties, identifies the GM-CoE as a key foundation for continuously driving the growth of Africa’s green and low-carbon mobility industry.

TAILG, a leading company in e-mobility solutions, will be involved in project operations and governance, the establishment of an innovation system, the implementation of ecosystem projects, and international technical exchanges, creating a professional and sustainable platform for Africa’s green technology innovation ecosystem.

“This strategic partnership with UNDP marks an important milestone in TAILG’s high-quality global development,” said Michael Yao, president of TAILG.

“In the future, TAILG will leverage its new energy two-wheeler technologies to collaborate on advancing green mobility, gasoline-to-electric conversion, and carbon reduction projects in Africa.”

TAILG already operates seven R&D and manufacturing bases worldwide, with an annual production capacity exceeding 15 million units.

Its products and services are available in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide.

Yao said that TAILG will continue collaborating with UN agencies and other partners to advance the development of green electric mobility, driving regional green growth and contributing to global carbon reduction goals and sustainable development.

“Through concrete actions, we will advance the Sustainable Development Goals, share China’s low-carbon transportation solutions, and jointly promote the long-term development of the region’s green economy. Through continuous technological innovation, we will protect the ecological environment, contribute to global sustainable development, and help the Earth go further.”

Read more:

Spiro ready to scale electric mobility

Volvo launches new electric trucks

Hybrid green ferry launched on Gambia river

 

Egypt partners with DP World to boost exports

Navigating in a new era for Africa's ports (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

African boost for sustainable aviation fuels (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

Africa’s first privately-financed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant has secured funding from the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) and various Middle Eastern investors

The deal expands EAAIF’s footprint into the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, following its ongoing expansion into Asia.

The US$212mn clean fuels project, located in Egypt’s Sokhna Special Economic Zone, will be owned and operated by Green Sky Capital Limited together with its local subsidiary, SAF Fly Egypt.

EAAIF, a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company managed by Ninety One, supported a senior secured loan of US$40mn for the development of the plant.

The transaction marks the first project-financed SAF plant in the MENA region.

The facility is designed to produce 200,000 tonnes per annum of biofuels, including SAF, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), bio-propane and bio-naphtha and will utilise commercially proven Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology to convert waste-based feedstock into high-grade sustainable fuel.

To ensure long-term bankability, the transaction will be anchored by Shell who will purchase the facility’s products on a take-or-pay basis and act as its primary feedstock provider.

Martijn Proos, co-head of emerging market alternative credit, Ninety One, the fund manager of EAAIF, said the transaction arrives at a critical juncture for the global energy market.

“Amid heightened geopolitical volatility and energy market uncertainty, this first-of-its-kind facility provides a practical solution to advancing both decarbonisation and energy security,”he said.

“By acting as the global mandated leadarranger, Ninety One and EAAIF are demonstrating how institutional capital can be mobilised to support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, which is projected to account for 5% of global emissions by 2050 without intervention.”

The project is being developed with the support of regional sponsors, including Al Mana Holding, a Qatari diversified conglomerate, and Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer.

Ninety One acted as the global mandated lead arranger and coordinating lender, facilitating the mobilisation of a total debt package of US$142.9mn with a US$40 million commitment from EAAIF and Ninety One’s Emerging Markets Transition Debt (EMTD) Fund.

Ninety One has also mobilised the participation of Qatar National Bank (QNB) via its Egyptian subsidiary, QNB S.A.E, with a commitment of up to US$31.4mn.

The debt financing was completed by The Arab Energy Fund, which acted as co-MLA and global structuring lender committed US$71.4mn to the project.

SAF is estimated to offer up to an 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions, compared to conventional jet fuel, supporting the aviation industry’s target of reaching net-zero by 2050.

The project's strategic location near the Suez Canal offers a direct export route to key demand centres in the EU and UK, which are currently implementing strict SAF mandates.

The transaction also demonstrates strong appetite among regional and international lenders for renewable fuels infrastructure, supporting both energy security and price stability amid heightened global volatility.

“Emerging markets have been transitioning toward renewables and cleaner energy sources for some time, driven by rising energy costs and the need to strengthen energy security,” said Alper Kilic, head of alternative credit, Ninety One.

“This investment highlights the critical role long-term capital plays in scaling next-generation energy infrastructure in emerging markets.”

He added that sustainable aviation fuel is “one of the most compelling – and challenging – decarbonisation pathways” requiring proven technology and strong commercial structures to deliver at scale.

“This project demonstrates how institutional investors can pursue attractive risk-adjusted returns while supporting the real-economy transition, and underscores the growing opportunity for transition debt strategies to finance high-impact assets in hard-to-abate sectors.”

Read more:

Supply chain boost for African businesses

AFC green bond to boost Ivorian solar sector

Vantage Capital, Greenpoint funding to boost SolarAfrica

 

Lobito is a strategic project connecting central and west African markets to the USA. (Image source: AFC)

Africa can still thrive amid global geopolitical upheaval (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Manufacturing

Jendamark Automation’s catalytic converter shrinker machine integrates a 12- segment precision shrinking system, where SEW-EURODRIVE servo gear units and motion control software ensure each can is accurately reduced to predetermined dimensions based on mat weight and component tolerances. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)

Manufacturing

Innovative technology for ‘shrinking’ catalytic converters - designed and built in South Africa by Jendamark Automation for the global market - relies on the precision of SEW-EURODRIVE’s highly dynamic servo-geared units and software

Based in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Jendamark Automation is a specialist in advanced automated assembly systems for powertrains, catalytic converters, hydrogen technologies and other automotive components. Yanesh Naidoo, executive innovations director at Jendamark Automation, says that 95% of the locally produced machines are exported and are in operation in Europe, India and the USA.

"The shrinking machine - or ‘shrinker’ - is a core component within our catalytic converter assembly cell," commented Naidoo.

“This cell is a highly automated production environment in which multiple machines, robots and laser measurement systems operate in coordination.”

The process begins with the core of a catalytic converter - a ceramic ‘brick’ or monolith, coated with precious metals such as platinum and palladium, that converts exhaust gases into less harmful emissions. This brick is wrapped in a thick spring-like insulation mat and inserted into an outer casing (or can) of stainless-steel. In this process, there are many variable factors to consider, he explains.

“Because the ceramic monolith is extruded and baked, its diameter can vary slightly - by two or three millimetres in a passenger vehicle converter and up to ten millimetres in a truck converter,” he said.

“This makes the size of every monolith slightly different.”

To secure the monolith inside the casing with the right spring load, the casing itself has to be adapted. This is the key function of the shrinking machine - to reshape the stainless steel casing to the exact diameter required for each brick and mat combination. Shrinking stainless steel to tolerances of 50 microns requires enormous force and control which the shrinker achieves by closing a set of heavy tapered segments around the can.

“For a passenger vehicle converter we use twelve segments, while for a commercial vehicle converter - which is larger - we use sixteen,” stated Naidoo. “We pull a massive steel ring back over those segments and as the ring moves the segments close in, collapsing the can evenly around the monolith.”

Driving that motion are two powerful SEW-EURODRIVE servo motor systems, each connected to precision roller screws that pull the ring from both sides. Synchronizing those drives is critical.

“If one side is pulled just a few millimetres more than the other, this will damage these very expensive roller screws,” he explains. “This is where SEW-EURODRIVE’s technology comes into its own; the drives and controllers keep the two motors synchronised to within very fine tolerances, even at the high speeds we need to hit our 30 second cycle times.”

The speed at which Jendamark Automation’s shrinker operates is one of its critical advantages, Naidoo emphasises, and this has been achieved through its innovative tool changer. He explains flexibility is particularly important in converter production for commercial-vehicles as variants change every few hours. Traditionally, each change required a lengthy manual tool change which would mean two to three hours of downtime.

“This is why we developed an automatic tool change system for the shrinker,” he says. “We have got two cartridges outside the machine, one of which is preloaded with the next set of 16 segments. When the operator hits ‘tool change’ the machine ejects the old set, inserts the new one and locks everything down - all automatically in about 45 seconds.”

That innovation, also powered by SEW-EURODRIVE servo drives, has transformed productivity.

“We have reduced tool changing times significantly, giving our customers more production time per shift, allowing them to produce around 80 additional parts,” he says. “With two or three tool changes a day, the gains are massive.”

The entire catalytic converter assembly cell can contain up to 30 SEW-EURODRIVE servo drives, powering and synchronising multiple machines – from laser measuring systems to robotic handlers. Behind the scenes, Jendamark’s proprietary Variant Manager software orchestrates these movements.

“Every part coming down the line is slightly different, so every 30 seconds a new set of parameters - such as diameters, spring loads and positions - is sent to the drives,” Naidoo continued. “There are no fixed positions so it is completely dynamic, adapting in real time.”

Parallel to this performance, he adds, is an equivalent focus on reliability as customers require minimal downtime to ensure that their processes and products remain viable. He notes that a USA customer, Cummins (through its acquisition of Faurecia’s USA factory), has been running Jendamark’s shrinker for almost six years - during which time it has produced over three million catalytic converters.

“Apart from greasing the screws, there has been no major maintenance and no drive failures at all,” he stated. “That is a testament to the robustness of our overall design and of the reliability of SEW-EURODRIVE equipment.”

The customer was so impressed that it decided to standardise globally on Jendamark’s machines.

“They had two other suppliers’ machines next to ours on the same line,” commented Naidoo. “Now they’re replacing those with Jendamark machines, because of reliability and consistency of quality.”

Phillip Steyn, Branch Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE in Gqeberha, says the project exemplifies how advanced motion control systems enable complex automation.

“Our MOVIAXIS multi-axis servo system, combined with our efficient servo motors and dynamic gearboxes, provides the accurate positioning and torque that this machine needs,” remarked Steyn. “The challenge was to deliver very high torque while maintaining precise synchronisation and feedback at rapid speeds.”

He notes that it is easier to be accurate when machinery is moving slowly but it becomes much more challenging in the context of high speed machines like this one. SEW-EURODRIVE’s control architecture ensures that every motion - from the synchronised pulling of the ring to the positioning of the auto-tool change mechanism - is tracked and verified before the next cycle begins.

“There is a great deal of feedback between the drive and the upper level controller,” Steyn explained. “The system scans the input data - the product types and can sizes - and adjusts torque and position in real time. It is the brain and the muscle working together.”

Naidoo highlights the value of SEW-EURODRIVE’ integrated unit - the motor, gearbox and drive - which is already matched for torque and speed.

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