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Supporting Mozambique's energy sector

Energy

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved US$43.6mn for the construction of the Namaacha–Boane transmission line and related electricity infrastructure in Mozambique

Mozambique’s national power utility, Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), the project company, a private sector-led development group involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia.

“This project is a major step forward in Mozambique’s transition to a low-carbon energy future,” said Kevin Kariuki, the bank’s vice president for power, energy, climate and green growth.

“It will deliver affordable electricity, support local industry, and improve livelihoods.”

 The new infrastructure will transmit up to 332 gigawatt-hours  of clean wind energy from the future 120 MW Namaacha wind farm in the southwestern part of the country to homes and businesses across Mozambique and in the wider southern African region.

The wind farm project, located about 50 kilometres west of Maputo, is also being put together by Globeleq and Source Energia.

Under the project, two new 43-kilometre, single-circuit, 66-kilovolt transmission lines will be constructed in addition to network upgrades and equipment to ensure stable power delivery.

Once completed, the project will  support thousands of new electricity connections in rural and underserved communities.

It will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 71,000 tons annually and bolster the regional trade in energy within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

The total financing package comprises US$33.2mn from the African Development Fund, a part of the AfDB, and US$10.4mn sourced from its Climate Action Window, a dedicated fund supporting 37 low-income African countries with climate-resilient infrastructure to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement. Mozambique government is also contributing to the project.

“This investment strengthens the backbone of Mozambique’s power system while accelerating access to clean energy for people who need it most,” said Wale Shonibare, director of the bank’s Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations Department.

The project also aligns with the AfDB’s “Light Up and Power Africa” strategic priority as well as Mozambique’s goal, in alignment with the Mission 300 initiative, to achieve universal electrification by 2030.

Over 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity, the lowest access rate of any continent.

In response, the AfDBk, the World Bank and other partners launched Mission 300 in 2024, an initiative that brings together African governments, the private sector, and development partners to deliver affordable power, expand electricity access, boost efficiency, and attract private investment to the sector.

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Business is thriving at Lobatse Clay Works. (Image credit: AfDB)

Construction

Lobatse Clay Works in Botswana is back in business, firing up the kilns once more to supply the nation’s construction sector with essential building materials

It follows an injection of funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) to turn around the company’s fortunes.

The brick manufacturer, based in southern Botswana, was once the cornerstone of the country’s construction industry and is now enjoying something of a renaissance.

Founded in 1992 as a joint venture between BDC and American firm Inter-Kiln, Lobatse Clay Works established itself as the nation's premier maker of bricks.

For decades, its distinctive reddish-brown bricks were synonymous with Botswana's construction boom, during which schools, hospitals and government buildings all showcased the company's craftsmanship.

But in 2017, it faced a perfect storm of challenges.

Ageing equipment, production inefficiencies, and rising fuel costs forced the shutdown of the once-thriving operation, leaving the factory idle and stripping the community of both jobs and identity.

Now, that’s all changing, said Anthony Moepeng, acting CEO of Lobatse Clay Works.

The recent investment enabled Lobatse Clay Works to acquire state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment that dramatically improved energy efficiency.

A new hybrid fuel system slashed production costs, while enhanced kiln technology boosted output capacity and product quality.

Investment enabled the plant to reopen in 2024 and the revitalised factory has already created 148 direct jobs with hundreds more expected in supporting industries from transportation to services.

“The buildings that shaped modern Botswana will rise again from our clay,” said Moepeng.

The plant's output of three million bricks per month is high enough to meet domestic construction demand and serve export markets in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, generating valuable foreign exchange for Botswana's economy.

"This has enabled us to restart operations and produce enough bricks for expansion opportunities into the region,” added Benedicta Abosi, acting managing director at BDC.

Lobatse Clay Works's revival also aligns with Botswana’s industrial diversification goal to reduce dependence on diamond revenues by strengthening manufacturing capability.

The company now plans to expand from brick manufacturing to include tiles, further cementing its role in Botswana's construction renaissance and economic diversification efforts.

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Moore’s strategies prove Haul Track transforms efficient, sustainable mining operations. (Image source: Rokbak)

Mining

In the high-pressure world of mining, quarrying, and construction, fuel efficiency is a make-or-break factor for both profitability and environmental impact.

Garry Moore, a veteran customer support manager at Rokbak, a Scottish manufacturer of articulated dump trucks (ADTs), has spent nearly 20 years refining strategies to optimise heavy equipment performance.

Here, Moore unveils seven expert tips for harnessing Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system to slash fuel expenses, curb carbon emissions, and boost site productivity.

Here are seven ways to achieve it

1. Keep engines in top shape for fuel savings

A neglected engine burns more fuel and pumps out excess emissions. Haul Track’s real-time diagnostics alert managers to issues like blocked filters or suboptimal fuel systems, enabling quick fixes. By acting on these email notifications, operators ensure ADTs run lean, saving fuel and reducing environmental harm.

2. Spot and fix delays with idling insights

Trucks idling in queues waste fuel and stall progress. Using Haul Track’s GPS and idle-time tracking, managers can identify bottlenecks where ADTs wait for loaders. Moore suggests rebalancing fleet setups—adjusting loader or hauler sizes—to keep operations moving, cutting fuel use and CO2 output while ramping up efficiency.

3. Maximise loads with precision weighing

Half-empty trucks force extra trips, inflating fuel costs and equipment wear. Rokbak’s On-Board Weigh, synced with Haul Track, provides live load data, empowering operators to fill trucks to capacity every time. This approach boosts output, conserves fuel, and keeps production targets on track.

4. Redesign sites for shorter, smarter routes

Inefficient haul roads and traffic snarls sap fuel economy. Haul Track’s movement tracking, combined with fuel and idle reports, works across all equipment brands to highlight trouble spots. By streamlining routes and easing congestion, managers can trim fuel bills, lower emissions, and extend machine life.

5. Coach operators for smoother driving

Aggressive driving habits, like rapid acceleration or sudden stops, can inflate fuel consumption. Haul Track’s fuel usage comparisons reveal when specific trucks burn more than peers on similar tasks. Moore advocates using these insights for constructive training, helping drivers adopt smoother techniques to save fuel.

6. Protect tyres, save fuel

Underinflated tyres increase drag, forcing engines to work harder and wear out faster. Haul Track’s real-time tyre pressure monitoring catches issues early, allowing quick corrections. Proper inflation optimises fuel use, prolongs tyre durability, and enhances site safety.

7. Drive progress with clear performance goals

Haul Track’s robust data lets managers set fuel efficiency targets and monitor results over time. By analyzing trends and sharing feedback, teams stay motivated to improve. This data-driven approach fosters smarter decisions and a culture of continuous progress.

Moore’s strategies show that Haul Track is more than a data tool. It is a  game-changer for cost-conscious, eco-aware operations. With these seven tactics, site leaders and operators can transform insights into action, driving down costs and emissions while keeping their sites running at peak performance.

Also read: HMD and Rokbak flexible financing solutions making an impact in West Africa

Bayobab enhances East Africa’s connectivity with resilient cross-border fibre via railway infrastructure

Logistics

Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has marked a key milestone in advancing digital infrastructure across East Africa with the official launch of the Kenya Railway–Uganda Railway NLD Mombasa to Kampala fibre route

This strategic cross-border initiative significantly enhances digital integration between Kenya and Uganda.

The newly commissioned fibre route covers 260 km along the Uganda Railway corridor from Kampala to Tororo, extending to Malaba at the Kenya–Uganda border. It links directly to Kenya’s National Long Distance (NLD) fibre, which was introduced in 2024 and runs along the Kenya Railways Meter Gauge Route from Mombasa to Malaba. The seamless interconnection at Malaba integrates into Bayobab’s subsea cable systems in Mombasa, further reinforcing East Africa’s data transport capabilities and enabling high-capacity, low-latency connectivity from Uganda to global networks.

Strengthening regional digital infrastructure

"Kenya’s position as a regional digital gateway is further cemented by this cross-border collaboration. By interconnecting with Uganda via this high-capacity route, we are enhancing regional digital resilience, creating alternative routes for traffic, and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities along the corridor. This is not just fibre in the ground — it’s a new pathway for digital transformation across East Africa," commented Sylvia Anampiu, managing director: Bayobab Kenya.

Constructed between December 2024 and February 2025, the Kampala-to-Malaba segment is securely deployed along railway infrastructure, ensuring protection from road-based risks such as construction damage and providing stable and uninterrupted network service. This initiative aligns with Bayobab’s broader strategy of enabling secure and seamless cross-border digital connectivity throughout Africa.

Delivering impact through interconnection

As a landlocked country, Uganda gains significant strategic advantage from the route, which provides a shorter and more resilient connection to Mombasa’s subsea cable landing points. The infrastructure supports both rural broadband development and high-bandwidth enterprise services, while linking key data centres across Uganda and Kenya.

Designed to meet the demands of hyperscalers, service providers, and enterprises expanding in East Africa, the route ensures reliable and scalable digital access across the region.

This project underscores Bayobab’s ongoing commitment to building a robust, secure, and interconnected digital ecosystem in Africa. The Mombasa–Malaba–Kampala corridor represents one of several initiatives designed to digitally unite the continent and connect it more effectively to the global digital economy.

From Senegal to South Africa, Africa is witnessing a quiet but decisive shift in the way trade is conducted. (Image source: dmg Nigeria events)

Finance

From Senegal to South Africa, Africa is witnessing a quiet but decisive shift in the way trade is conducted

With global trade soaring to an unprecedented US$33 trillion in 2024, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), developing regions like Africa are playing an increasingly prominent role in global commerce.

At the heart of this transformation lies the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark agreement that encompasses 55 countries, uniting a population of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion. Despite this immense potential, the practicalities of sourcing, logistics, and supply chain management continue to hinder progress for many industrial players.

The shift to digital platforms is offering a promising solution. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, highlighted the continent’s growing digital momentum, “The continent’s digital economy is projected to reach US$180bn by 2025, up from US$115bn in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa’s GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent’s economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.”

Among the digital innovators driving this shift is Matta, a platform built to streamline industrial trade through a unified digital ecosystem. Mudiaga Mowoe, Matta’s Founder and CEO, explained, “Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade’s potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.”

Currently, Matta’s offerings include its digital marketplace (www.Matta.Trade), the Flux logistics coordination platform, and the soon-to-launch Oxide Finance, which will handle trade financing and cross-border payments. Together, these tools provide an end-to-end solution for manufacturers and suppliers across multiple industries—from food and personal care to automotive assembly and textiles—allowing them to manage sourcing, logistics, and transactions seamlessly and sustainably.

Instead of displacing traditional trading models, Matta enhances them, providing real-time insights, verifiable supply chains, and fast, secure settlements. These innovations will be spotlighted at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, scheduled for 21–23 October, 2025.

The summit will convene policymakers, investors, technology leaders, and manufacturers to explore actionable solutions for Africa’s industrial growth. Matta will join key industry players at the event to explore digital opportunities in West Africa’s industrial landscape. As more manufacturers look beyond just infrastructure and regulations to scale production, the demand for smart systems that streamline procurement and ensure supply chain stability is growing.

Matta’s integrated approach meets these demands head-on by directly linking manufacturers with trusted suppliers, helping them overcome procurement delays that often hamper operational efficiency.

Digital trade platforms are reshaping how African economies approach manufacturing and logistics—addressing procurement, coordination, payments, and planning all at once. With these technologies, West Africa is poised to accelerate its industrial development and strengthen its presence in global trade networks.

As countries across Africa pursue economic self-determination, platforms like Matta are playing a crucial role in speeding up industrial capability and competitiveness. The continent’s digital trade evolution is not just on the horizon—it’s already transforming the future of African commerce.

30% of respondents invested over US$500mn in the water sector in 2024

Manufacturing

Global law firm White & Case LLP has released a new report, Currents of Capital 2025, revealing strong investment momentum in water infrastructure, technology and services throughout 2024, with capital deployment set to rise further in 2025

The findings are based on a survey of over 300 senior leaders from across the water value chain, including utilities, multinational corporations, investment funds, engineering firms and technology providers in more than 20 countries.

According to the report, 30% of respondents invested over US$500mn in the water sector in 2024, with 15% allocating more than US$1bn.

Infrastructure funds led this activity, deploying an average of US$1.3bn each, nearly matching the average US$1.5bn from public sector entities.

Multinational corporations accounted for much of the remaining investment.

Looking ahead, 72% of organisations expect to increase their water-sector spending by up to 50% in 2025, while 4% anticipate even steeper increases.

This signals rising confidence in the sector, underscoring growing awareness of water’s importance to both economic security and sustainable development.

Investment priorities are shifting, with 40% of respondents now viewing water as their top investment focus and 33% targeting portfolio growth, moving away from maintenance-driven spending towards strategic expansion.

Technology is seen as a central enabler of this shift, with more than 60% citing AI as the most likely driver of transformation in the sector.

While Western Europe and North America remain the top destinations for capital deployment, geographic diversification is picking up pace.

Asian investors are expanding into Western markets to tap advanced water management technologies, while 29% of all respondents are exploring new regional opportunities.

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