Technip Energies has been awarded two front-end engineering design (FEED) contracts by Société Gabonaise de Raffinage (Sogara) for its refinery in Port-Gentil, Gabon

The FEED scope covers both the revamp and the expansion of the existing refinery.

"We are pleased to have been entrusted by Sogara with these two contracts, which reflect our recognised expertise in both brownfield optimisation and complex greenfield project development,” said Loïc Chapuis, president project delivery & services at Technip Energies.

The first contract covers the FEED for debottlenecking Sogara’s existing refinery.

It targets key process units and includes a new kerosene sweetening unit and four new storage facilities.

Technip Energies will ensure full process integration across existing and new units.

The second contract covers the FEED for a new, modularised hydrocracker complex designed to significantly expand refining capacity.

The scope also includes various infrastructure works, including a new marine jetty and offloading facility.

Chapuis said that Technip Energies will leverage its engineering and integration know-how into the projects, including its proprietary Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology for hydrogen production.

“The new hydrocracker complex demonstrates our ability to combine engineering excellence, technology integration, and our proprietary SMR hydrogen technology to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions,” Chapuis added.

Both projects are designed to meet Africa 5 fuel quality standards – the continent’s most stringent specifications for sulphur content in transportation fuels – supporting a meaningful reduction in sulphur emissions and improved air quality for local communities.

They will also support Gabon’s economic development and local employment.

“This award reinforces our commitment to modernising refining infrastructure across Africa and creating lasting value for our clients and local communities,” said Chapuis.

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Metso has strengthened its global Bulk Material Handling (BMH) network with the launch of a new regional hub in Cape Town

The facility enhances access to advanced automation technologies and engineering expertise, supporting bulk material handling and port customers across Africa. This development represents another milestone in Metso’s ongoing strategy to expand its capabilities in key markets.

The Cape Town hub reinforces Metso’s presence across Southern Africa, building on an established and growing installed base of equipment in the region. Operating within the same time zone, the hub enables faster technical assistance, more efficient issue resolution, and closer alignment with customer operations.

Facilitating market expansion and advancing talent development

Metso has maintained a long-standing relationship with Transnet, the state-owned enterprise responsible for the country’s port, rail and pipeline infrastructure.

“Bringing technical support closer to the operation is a practical step towards improving reliability and performance, and this partnership with Metso enables us to do that in a more structured and sustainable way,” commented Jabu Mdaki, CEO, Transnet Port Terminals.

“The African market is growing rapidly, and strengthening our regional presence is essential. Metso is well-recognized among the key companies in the region, reflecting our longstanding reputation and trusted partnerships within the local industry,” stated Ian Barnard, president, Africa Market Area, Metso.

The hub employs around 60 professionals who provide a wide range of services across the continent, including lifecycle support, modernisation solutions and technical expertise. Beyond direct employment, Metso also contributes to the local economy through engagement with consultants, suppliers and contractors.

In addition, the facility supports the development of regional industrial capabilities by fostering skills growth, particularly among younger professionals, and strengthening the broader workforce. This investment enhances the operational landscape for Port Solutions in South Africa and across the wider African market.

Full lifecycle support in bulk material handling

With more than 100 years of experience and over 8,000 bulk material handling installations worldwide, Metso continues to play a leading role in the sector.

The new hub builds on Metso’s global expansion efforts, including its recent acquisition of MRA Automation, aimed at strengthening its expertise in advanced automation and digitalisation. These capabilities will now be extended to customers in Africa, enabling the adoption of digital tools to improve reliability and optimise performance. The company has also expanded its footprint in North America with a new engineering hub in Pittsburgh.

Metso’s bulk material handling portfolio includes equipment such as railcar dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, ship loaders and unloaders, as well as cable belt conveyors and smart automation systems. Known for its expertise in design, supply and lifecycle services, Metso delivers tailored solutions that address evolving customer requirements across the full operational lifecycle.

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) has marked the official start of construction of its new monazite processing plant with a ceremonial soil-turning event

The milestone forms part of the mine’s phased development strategy and is expected to position South Africa as a producer of high-grade monazite concentrate, an important feedstock for rare earth elements used in renewable energy, electronics, medical and defence technologies.

The announcement follows recent operational progress at the site. SMM said it has successfully commissioned its on-site laboratory and, for the first time in more than 60 years, produced monazite concentrate through its metallurgical circuit.

Graham Soden, CEO of SMM, said, “The initial product has demonstrated approximately 50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, confirming the high-grade nature of the deposit. In parallel, the mine’s hydrometallurgical laboratory circuit is currently undergoing optimisation. Early results have been encouraging, with production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) and cracked thorium anticipated in the near term.”

The new processing facility, located close to the existing underground decline shaft exit, will receive monazite-rich ore directly through a purpose-built conveyor belt system. Ore from underground operations will be transferred to the surface plant for initial concentration using gravity separation and flotation technology.

According to the company, the Steenkampskraal plant has been designed to achieve steady-state annual production of around 13,400 tonnes of monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO). During the initial ramp-up phase, output is expected to begin at approximately 6,600 tonnes per year, rising to full capacity by the end of the first year.

“This phase will use proven gravity separation and flotation technology, optimised through modern refinements and pilot testing by the Saskatchewan Research Council and Mintek. The process flow draws on the successful methods used during Anglo American’s historic operations at Steenkampskraal between 1952 and 1963. It has been adapted for modern environmental standards and incorporates a multi-gravity separation circuit, currently under evaluation for enhanced recovery efficiency.

“The processing plant will receive feedstock from both historic surface stockpiles and underground ore, minimising initial capital expenditure and operational risk. This approach provides early revenue generation while refurbishment of underground infrastructure continues in parallel. The design also includes a front-end comminution and milling circuit, ensuring consistent feed quality to the concentrator and allowing for optimal grade control.

“Phase 1 forms the foundation for subsequent processing stages, including hydrometallurgical treatment, oxide separation and product manufacturing, all of which will be undertaken within South Africa to maximise local beneficiation and value retention.”

Enock Mathebula, executive chairperson of SMM, added, “This phase represents the practical realisation of our strategy to re-establish Steenkampskraal as a globally significant source of rare earth materials.

“We are leveraging proven metallurgical processes, supported by modern technology and strong compliance standards, to ensure a sustainable and efficient operation that benefits both the national economy and local communities.

“The soil-turning event is more than a construction milestone, it is the foundation of Steenkampskraal’s commercial future. By establishing dedicated ore transport and processing infrastructure, we are creating South Africa’s first dedicated monazite concentration facility. This concentrate represents our initial revenue-generating product and will serve as feedstock for subsequent value-adding stages, including mixed rare earth carbonate and thorium production.

“The soil-turning demonstrates our commitment to rapid, responsible development. With funding secured and construction now underway, we are on track to establish a revenue-generating process before the end of 2026. This will not only generate early cash flow but also create jobs, support local communities and contribute to South Africa’s critical minerals strategy. Offtake discussions for the concentrate are already advanced with international partners.

“The Steenkampskraal deposit is recognised as one of the highest-grade rare earth and thorium resources globally, with a NI 43-101 compliant current resource of 665,000 tonnes at 14.5% TREO and significant co-products including thorium (2.14%). The spade-ready project benefits from fully developed underground and surface infrastructure, full regulatory licensing and an experienced mining partner, Bora Mining Investments (BMI).”

“SMM remains committed to sustainable practices, including environmental rehabilitation, community skills development and compliance with all nuclear and environmental regulations.”

Located in the Western Cape, Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine is a rare earth and thorium project owned by Steenkampskraal Holdings in partnership with Bora Mining Investments (BMI). The company said the fully permitted project is progressing a phased development plan to produce monazite concentrate, mixed rare earth carbonates, thorium and eventually separated rare earth oxides, supporting global critical minerals supply chains.

DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets

Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.

Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.

The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.

Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”

Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."

Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil

DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:

Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.

Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.

Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.

Strengthening Santos capacity

DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).

These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.

A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a new trade finance guarantee scheme to support Angolan businesses in association with local banks

The facility is provided to Banco de Fomento Angola (BFA) under the Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP), an initiative of the IFC, the World Bank’s private finance arm.

It is open to firms including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure the inputs they need, deliver to customers on time and sustain and create jobs across key value chains.

By de‑risking trade transactions and improving the reliability and speed of cross‑border payments, the facility will strengthen supply chains, support more diversified growth, and deepen Angola’s integration into regional and global markets, the IFC said in a statement.

“Trade finance keeps businesses going,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC's managing director.

“Working with BFA, we’re helping Angolan firms access vital imports, trade more smoothly across borders, and create jobs, strengthening supply chains and the wider economy.”

Trade finance remains a “binding constraint” for many African firms, the IFC noted.

The continent faces an estimated trade finance gap of roughly US$100bn to US$120bn annually, with SMEs disproportionately affected, despite representing over 90% of businesses and accounting for about 80% of employment in Africa.

The new trade finance facilityis expected to unlock trade, boost businesses and support jobs in Angola, where access to foreign exchange and limited correspondent banking relationships have complicated cross-border payments, making it harder for firms to source inputs and fulfil orders.

These constraints impact sectors like food and agriculture, where Angola imports a substantial share of its consumption needs and firms require steady access to inputs; recent assessments indicate Angola imports over half of its food, underscoring the importance of reliable trade finance to keep supply chains flowing.

Through the Global Trade Finance Programme, IFC’s guarantees will back BFA’s issuance of trade instruments, such as letters of credit, trade‑related promissory notes and bills of exchange, and standby instruments including bid and performance bonds and advance payment guarantees.

By de‑risking cross‑border transactions, the facility is designed to help BFA grow its trade portfolio, broaden its network of counterparties, and expand access to trade finance for Angolan firms across sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing and essential goods.

The goal is to strengthen Angola’s integration into regional and global value chains while relieving pressure points that often hinder SMEs from scaling and creating jobs.

“We are confident this partnership will have a positive impact not only on communities but also on the Angolan economy,” said Luís Roberto Gonçalves, BFA’s CEO.

It means BFA will have more instruments at its disposal to finance SME enterprises in productive sectors of the economy, boosting food production and distribution, enhancing food security and creating jobs.

“This partnership reaffirms BFA’s commitment to scaling solutions that advance the development of Angola’s financial system and reinforce the trust our clients and partners place in us.”

It also aligns with the World Bank’s strategy to grow access to finance in Angola's private sector as a means of unlocking economic growth.

Reliable trade finance will ensure access to fertiliser and seeds for farmers, packaging and raw materials for manufacturers, and spare parts and equipment for service providers.

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DP World has reinforced its commitment to community healthcare in Nigeria by extending its partnership with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation

The company has announced an additional US$500,000 investment to support the expansion of the TCF Eye Hospital in Abuja, bringing its total contribution to US$1.5mn.

The partnership, which began in 2019, focuses on tackling avoidable blindness, a widespread public health issue affecting thousands across the country. Through this collaboration, both organisations have worked to improve access to affordable and high-quality eye care services for underserved communities.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO & managing director, DP World Africa, said, “Access to quality eye care is not only a health priority, it is a social and economic imperative. Through our partnership with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, DP World is committed to restoring sight, dignity and opportunity for thousands of individuals and families across Nigeria. The impact achieved at the Abuja Eye Hospital demonstrates what is possible when purpose driven organizations collaborate to deliver sustainable, long-term change.”

The initiative is delivered under TCF’s Mission for Vision programme, which aims to expand access to essential eye care. Located in Kukwaba, Abuja, the hospital provides a full range of services, including cataract and glaucoma surgeries, paediatric ophthalmology, low vision care, and community outreach. Its cross-subsidy model enables paying patients to support free treatment for those unable to afford care, ensuring both inclusivity and sustainability.

Since the partnership was established, the hospital has performed 60,000 surgeries, with 63% offered at no cost. Outreach efforts have also extended within a 100-kilometre radius of Abuja, covering screenings, transport, surgical procedures, medication, and follow-up care.

With the latest investment, the hospital will expand its capacity from 82 to 160 beds. Plans are also underway to establish a training institute to develop local ophthalmic and paramedical professionals, strengthening long-term healthcare capacity in Nigeria.

Jagdish Chanrai, chairman of the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, said, “Our vision has always been to eliminate preventable blindness by ensuring that quality eye care is accessible to all, regardless of economic circumstance. DP World’s continued support enables us to scale our impact, strengthen local capabilities, and reach more communities with sustainable eye care solutions. Together, we are building a model that restores sight today while securing better healthcare outcomes for the future.”

Beyond healthcare initiatives, DP World continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s economy, operating across logistics, market access services, and freight forwarding, with an estimated contribution of US$6 billion between FY2022 and FY2023, according to independent analysis by Accenture.