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Zambia, with global partners, accelerates off-grid solar projects to provide reliable, clean electricity for rural communities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

Zambia has made significant strides in improving electricity access, with the percentage of the population connected rising from 30% in 2017 to nearly 50% today

However, half of the population still lacks access, and innovative energy solutions will be needed to bridge this gap. While hydropower currently accounts for 80% of Zambia’s electricity generation, recent droughts have highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying on this single source.

To address this, the Zambian government, in partnership with the World Bank, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Africa Minigrid Development Association (AMDA), and other collaborators, is intensifying its efforts to expand off-grid solar energy across the nation.

"Our target is to have at least 200 solar mini-grids operational by 2030, ensuring that every rural district in Zambia has access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity,” said Makozo Chikote, Zambia's minister of energy.

Solar home systems, which consist of rooftop panels offering power for lighting, phone charging, and essential appliances, alongside mini-grids providing electricity to entire villages, hold great potential to serve the 8.5 million Zambians still without electricity. These systems are the most cost-effective and practical solution for connecting remote communities, but developers are facing financial and technical challenges.

To address these issues, the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), COMESA, and AMDA are hosting a conference from April 1st to 3rd in Lusaka. The event brings together mini-grid developers, financiers, government officials, and development partners to review progress in mini-grid technology and discuss the barriers hindering their rapid deployment.

“Energy access changes people’s lives. It improves health and quality of life and helps create jobs and livelihoods that lift people out of poverty. The World Bank Group is partnering with the African Development Bank and other partners on Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 and accelerate development and poverty reduction. In Zambia, Mission 300 includes supporting an acceleration of the deployment of distributed renewable energy,” remarked Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia.

Zambia’s relatively low population density of 24 inhabitants per square kilometer makes extending the national electricity grid costly and challenging. To address these challenges, the World Bank supports Zambia’s electricity access initiatives, such as the Electricity Services Access Project (ESAP) and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector Project (ZTIP), both of which aim to expand affordable, sustainable energy access.

Raubex Building selects Potain MCT 185 tower crane for key housing project, backed by strong local equipment support. (Image source: Manitowoc)

Construction

Raubex Building, a prominent construction firm in South Africa, has added a new Potain MCT 185 topless tower crane to its fleet for use on a major housing project currently underway

The project is scheduled for completion in November 2026.

The crane, set up with a full 65 m jib and standing 36 m tall, will remain on-site for around 13 months. With a maximum lifting capacity of 8 t and the ability to hoist 1.5 t at the jib tip, the MCT 185 combines robust performance with a compact, lightweight design that allows for rapid and straightforward assembly.

According to Hugo van Zyl, plant manager at Raubex Building, the crane's efficient performance and the strong support from local Potain distributor Crane and Hoist Equipment made it the ideal fit for the project.

“We wanted a cost-effective, reliable, and productive crane, so opted for the Potain MCT 185. But it’s the aftersales service that truly sets this crane apart. We've worked with Crane and Hoist Equipment on previous projects, and the company’s commitment to reliable support has always exceeded our expectations. Knowing we can count on the expertise and responsiveness of Crane and Hoist Equipment gives us confidence that this crane will keep performing at its best long into the future, helping us meet deadlines while maintaining high construction standards,” concluded van Zyl.

Fake parts could undermine OEM equipment. (Image source: Metso)

Mining

Fake or counterfeit parts in essential mining equipment could result in potentially catastrophic consequences, according to one South African expert

The proliferation of non-OEM, fake or counterfeit parts for crushers and screens has created the perception in some procurement departments that short-term savings can be achieved without risk to customers or equipment, said Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Metso distributor Pilot Crushtec.

This is simply not the case, he said, as every ‘saving’ on an inferior part is likely to cause extra expenditure – if not catastrophic results – at a later stage.

“Fake parts will compromise worker safety, as there are normally a number of people in close proximity to this equipment who could be affected by a failure,” he said.

“A business that buys and fits pirate parts runs the risk of sending a negative message to its operators – that saving money is more important than the safety of crews on site.”

Marais said genuine parts for crushers and screens are an essential part of the promise that OEMs make to the market to keep their customers’ projects profitable and their businesses sustainable.

“OEMs like Metso spend decades developing and supporting technologies that provide customers with reliable and high performance solutions for crushing and screening,” he said.

“However, this work is quickly undone when non-OEM parts are installed in our equipment, supposedly to save a few rand in maintenance costs.”

He said the performance of Metso’s high-tech equipment is based on its design and engineering – which includes various components and wear parts that must be replaced from time to time.

Copied parts from other sources do not carry this technical heritage, and simply undermine performance and reliability, he noted.

It also erodes the value of the relationship that OEMs work hard to build with customers, according to Merja Tyyni, vice president aftermarket distribution management, Metso.

“Our customer relationships focus on the whole process of delivering value to their operations,” said Tyyni.

“We pay attention to the end-product value, where we can supply not only the appropriate capital equipment, but also the follow-up trouble-shooting, repairs and overall technical advice.”

The quality of these solutions and services is based on years of research, development and testing, as well as continuous investment in the necessary technical infrastructure and capability to respond quickly to customer needs.

However, these efforts are compromised when customers place non-OEM parts into their machines as the quality chain is only as strong as its weakest link, noted Karima Dargaud, head of aftermarket Europe, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, Metso.

“Our OEM spares are an essential aspect of the support we provide, so customers can reliably meet their production targets and avoid costly penalties,” said Dargaud.

“Customers build their reputations on this consistent performance, by producing the right results safely, on time and within budget. Using non-OEM spares only puts this reputation at risk, as machines then become unreliable.”

Work begins on the Cross Rivers State SAPZ. (Image source: AfDB)

Logistics

Nigeria’s Cross River State has commenced the construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SPAZ), set to play a key role in transforming agricultural trade and logistics in the area

The SAPZ aims to tackle food insecurity, enhance local production, and position Nigeria as a food export leader by leveraging Cross River’s ports and research assets to boost global trade, reduce food imports and drive prosperity through the agro-industrialisation of crops like cocoa and cassava.

The project is one of a number of similar schemes being supported in Nigeria by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The groundbreaking in Cross River follows that of Kaduna, which took place days earlier, while six other states — Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory — are included in Phase 1 of the US$538mn SAPZ programme.

There are plans to expand to the remaining 28 states this year pending approval for Phase 2 funding.

Nigeria’s vice-president Kashim Shettima said the SAPZ programme has been recognised as a national priority for food security in the country.

“There is no better time than now for the federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector, and our communities to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the SAPZ project.”

AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina called it a “big day” for Nigeria, bringing “good news to farmers, agribusinesses and all rural areas of Nigeria. Good news of jobs, wealth and prosperity with agriculture as a business.”

He also highlighted Cross River’s export potential: “Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.”

The 130-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo will leverage the ports of Calabar and Bakassi, plus a 23 kVA power plant in Tinapa and a 630 kVA Calabar power plant.

Its Agricultural Transformation Centre, supported by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the University of Calabar, sits 45 minutes from Ikom, Etung, and Boki, boosting cocoa production for global markets.

Adesina added that the SAPZs will help Nigeria reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand local production and processing of food and agricultural commodities, strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment into the development of agricultural value chains.

The AfDB has committed US$934mn to SAPZs across 11 African countries.

In Nigeria, the initiative has also received funding from the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Green Climate Fund.

Cross Rivers State Governor Bassey Otu said the establishment of clusters of smallholder farmers focused on staple and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, and oil palm marked a vital step toward agro-industrialisation.

“These initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security, diversifying our state’s economy toward export-oriented agriculture, and boosting our GDP,” he said.

Read more: 

IFC invests in Nigeria's Lagos Free Zone

Nigeria's federal and state governors endorse SAPZ

LADOL and Mammoet sign collaboration agreement for West Africa

Ghana International Bank to boost intra-African trade. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

Ghana International Bank (GHIB) has signed a trade finance facility worth US$50mn to boost intra-Africa business across a number of sub-Saharan markets

The funding package covers Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.

It is supported by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution.

Under a Master Risk Participation Agreement (MPRA), the US$50mn package will enable GHIB to support more businesses and facilitate trade flows in the target countries.

It addresses the general lack of credit appetite for frontier markets in Africa for reasons including high risk perception and comparatively lower volumes.“

At GHIB we believe our success over the last 65 years is rooted in a deep understanding of African risk,” said Dean Adansi, GHIB’s CEO.

“This partnership with British International Investment represents a viable path through which we can structure partnerships that leverage this deep knowledge of risk into profitable and impactful transactions.”

Increased trade finance can also enable local firms to import the commodities and equipment they need to sustain and grow their businesses.

The collaboration leverages GHIB’s extensive network and track record in trade finance and allows BII to engage in a partnership that addresses the expanding trade finance gap in African markets, especially under challenging economic conditions.

BII’s involvement brings essential foreign exchange dollar liquidity, critical for the import of key goods to GHIB’s operating markets.

“With this deal, we are employing a structure that uses our deep knowledge and access of the market, harnessed together with the superior scale and capacity of BII,” said Adansi.

“Together, we are bringing this to support and expand opportunity in these emerging markets enabling real GDP growth. Our research indicates that each dollar of trade unlocks about US$1.3 into the GDP of our markets. We will work to make this deal a success, as it will open the way for more liquidity injections into the market.”

BII’s country director for Ghana, Kwabena Asante-Poku, said many African countries have faced challenging economic conditions in recent years that have impacted growth and livelihoods.

“Trade remains a key driver of growth for African economies especially in frontier markets like Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. Enhancing the flow of trade credit and financial intermediation to these markets will ensure access to essential goods and services which in turn drives sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” said Asante-Poku.

Read more: 

Partners seek to bridge the gap in African trade finance

BII seeks to strengthen economic resilience in Africa

Opening Kerry's new manufacturing site in Kigali, Rwanda (IMAGE SOURCE: Kerry Group)

Manufacturing

Irish foods group Kerry has opened a new taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda to support local food and beverage producers

Located in Kigali, the site will expand Kerry’s capacity in the country to provide high-quality ingredients and world-class expertise to local food and beverage manufacturers.

The facility also builds on Kerry's presence in East Africa to deliver sustainable and authentic foods tailored to local preferences and delivers on its strategy to locate manufacturing and research and development facilities closer to high-growth markets across the continent.

“The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realising our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers,” said Jad Neaime, general manager, Kerry Africa.

“As the only global taste and nutrition solutions company producing in East Africa, we aim to partner with our customers to help them solve their unique challenges and grow their business by leveraging our innovative technologies and global network.”
  
The investment is part of a broader strategic business drive, which includes a €1bn investment in emerging markets to accelerate growth and sustainability in the global food industry.

Kerry has been present in East Africa since 2018 when it opened a technology and innovation centre in Kenya.

It has since expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and investments and its Africa manufacturing footprint now includes seven sites across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria, as well as sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.

In line with the group’s sustainability strategy, the new Kigali facility features zero waste to landfill, 100% utility equipment designed to the latest energy efficiency standards, and a fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment system.

“Rwanda's economy is fast-growing, driven by a thriving food processing industry,” said Neaime.

“Producing in Rwanda strengthens our localisation plans and brings us closer to our customers and their needs. This includes building local partnerships, expanding local sourcing and recruiting and upskilling local talent, to enable growth in the communities we operate.”

Read more: 
Afreximbank to boost Kenya's logistics sector

Ghana's LMI secures funding for industrial solar plant

Ghana's Mohinani Group to boost recycling in West Africa

BUA Group to pursue emerging market opportunities with US200mn finance facility

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