In The Spotlight
Brady i7500 automates UHF RFID encoding for industry. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
Print and encode the first RFID label right, with 0 label waste. Brady Corporation’s new i7500 RFID label printer does not waste a single label in calibration. The printer uniquely recognises RFID labels and auto-selects the optimal RFID encoding option to achieve outstanding print and encode reliability
Unique technology
The new BradyPrinter i7500 Industrial RFID Label Printer prints and encodes the first RFID label right. Tested competitive models waste 10 to 30 labels after each consumable change.
The printer also automatically locates label RFID chips to select the right internal antenna and power level that optimally encode UHF RFID labels currently loaded in the printer. In most RFID printers this input needs to be provided manually. The Brady printer’s unique technology reduces label waste even further, limits void labels, avoids time loss in production environments and adds great practicality for non-expert RFID printer users. Brady claims the technology accurately recognises RFID chips, even on labels as small as 15 mm width.
The patent-pending print and encoding technologies included in Brady’s new i7500 RFID make the printer extremely easy to use in a wide range of industrial contexts. They enable industries to easily switch UHF RFID label types on a single printer, without suffering label waste with each consumable change.
Fast, automated setup
With setup time for large, small, on-metal (up to 2mm thick) and off-metal UHF RFID labels under 3 minutes, the i7500 RFID is 25 to 2 times faster than most competitive models.
The printer’s exceptional material setup and calibration speed strengthens its ability to protect industrial operational throughput. Designed to keep the line moving, Brady’s new RFID printer reduces support interventions, UHF RFID tag scrap, component scrap, unplanned downtime and production bottlenecks, all at a print & encode speed of 3 seconds per label.
High accuracy data
From large pallet labels to small component tags, the i7500 RFID printer includes automated UHF RFID label encoding verification. At the same time it can add human legibles and tiny machine-readable QR-codes and barcodes for legacy applications, in both 300 and 600 dpi.
Data can be sourced from company systems and sent to the printer via Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Common data standards can all be printed and encoded, including GS1 for worldwide unique RFID EPC codes and barcodes on item-level.
Next level track & trace
The BradyPrinter i7500 RFID brings on-premise RFID printing to a wider range of industries. Highly reliable and easy to use, the printer does not require extensive technical expertise nor large amounts of excess labels to waste in calibration.
The new i7500 RFID label printer is part of Brady’s complete industrial RFID solution that also includes reliable RFID labels, RFID readers and RFID software. Together, these solution components enable next level track & trace advantages.
Trigger IoT- events and automations when scanning a label or a specific volume of labels. Enable home-in applications on tagged assets. Improve just-in-time tracking, automated inventory and cargo control. Strengthen compliance in advanced industrial supply chains. Or link products to their digital passports with RFID. The BradyPrinter i7500 RFID can give any asset, item and product a unique digital identity that can be read from a distance, without needing line of sight. The new RFID printer completes Brady’s quality traceability offer that enables reliable track and trace in any industry, with barcodes and/or RFID.
Find out more about the BradyPrinter i7500 RFID >>
Brady Corporation in Africa & Middle East
Expanding Africa's project logistics expertise (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Combi Lift, which offers project logistics and heavy lift transportation services for the energy, mining, infrastructure, industrial, and renewable sectors, is strengthening its footprint in Africa
The company has announced the launch of Combi Lift Sub-Saharan Africa (CL SSA) with a regional headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The new entity draws on the experience of a strong international leadership team, including Dr Martin Harren, owner and CEO of Harren Group, who provides strategic leadership and guidance for the international expansion.
Harren said the expansion marks a key moment in Combi Lift’s global growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to supporting complex industrial and infrastructure projects across Africa.
“Africa offers significant opportunities and our presence in Johannesburg strengthens our ability to deliver integrated logistics solutions,” he said.
“Together with our global network and the strong support of Combi Lift India, we are well positioned to support major industrial and infrastructure projects across the continent.”
He said CL SSA positions Combi Lift closer to customers and stakeholders in key African markets, enabling enhanced operational support, faster response times and stronger regional engagement across key industry sectors.
Africa continues to attract significant investment in large-scale infrastructure and industrial development, driving demand for specialised project logistics expertise.
From its Johannesburg hub, CL SSA will provide integrated solutions ranging from project forwarding and heavy lift transportation to multimodal logistics, cargo engineering, customs management, warehousing and turnkey execution.
Sunil Shetty, managing director of Combi Lift India, has been appointed CL SSA managing director, and will lead regional growth and engagement with customers.
“CL SSA combines global expertise with local execution,” said Shetty.
“Our goal is to become the preferred logistics partner for large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects across Africa, while supporting Indian EPCs and OEMs expanding into the region.”
By combining global resources with local expertise, the company aims to serve as a trusted partner for major projects across the continent.
A key element of its strategy is close cooperation between CL SSA, Combi Lift India and other Combi Lift offices.
This will include tracking opportunities with Indian EPC contractors and OEMs as they continue to expand their presence in Africa.
Combi Lift India already manages complex project cargo flows from manufacturing and project sites in India to destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging its expertise in heavy lift and turnkey logistics solutions.
“Together, Combi Lift India and CL SSA provide an integrated platform that enhances supply chain visibility, efficiency and risk management for clients investing in the region,” a statement released by the company noted.
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Dangote to boost Kenya's fuel supply (Image source: Adobe Stock)
As Africa looks to strengthen its energy security from within, a new generation of home-grown industrial projects is reshaping the continent’s fuel landscape
Dangote’s latest refinery venture in Kenya is another sign of African capital and expertise being mobilised to build the infrastructure needed to meet Africa’s growing energy demand.
Honeywell Technologies has been chosen by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE to assist in its Kenyan refinery project in a deal worth around US$300mn.
It will provide process technologies, licensing, engineering services, proprietary catalysts, equipment and digital solutions for the planned 700,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery.
Once complete, the facility is expected to become the world’s largest single-train refinery.
Dangote, Honeywell collaboration
The project builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between the two companies and leverages proven engineering designs that Honeywell Technologies developed for Dangote’s refinery in Lekki, Nigeria (Honeywell powers Dangote's bold refinery capacity transformation).
In a statement, Honeywell Technologies said that Dangote’s ability to draw on these established designs will help reduce the development schedule for the new facility by nearly two years – nearly 30% sooner than typical newly constructed facilities.
“Large-scale refinery projects require a combination of proven technologies, engineering expertise and digital capabilities,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell Technologies UOP.
“Through our long-standing relationship with Dangote, we have developed proven large-train engineering designs that can be applied to the Kenya refinery to help significantly reduce time-to-market. We will also provide modifications that enable the refinery to process a wide range of crude feedstocks, helping improve operational flexibility and reduce reliance on any single crude source or supply region.”
The Kenyan refinery will produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and polypropylene.
It will also have the flexibility to process a wide variety of crude oils, from light to heavy grades, enabling the use of feedstocks sourced from multiple regions and reducing reliance on any single supply source.
Fund-raising efforts
The announcement comes as Dangote works through an initial public offering (IPO) to raise funds for the expansion of its refinery in Nigeria and the new facility in Kenya.
The IPO worth US$1.6bn is believed to be Africa’s largest to date (Dangote refinery seeks US$1.6bn in Africa's biggest IPO).
The company has also been raising additional funding to assist with its growth plans (Dangote refinery secures US$2.5bn investment ahead of expansion).
“Dangote is committed to expanding Africa’s refining capacity and strengthening long-term energy security for the continent while also serving growing export markets,” said Aliko Dangote, president, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
“Our proven collaboration with Honeywell Technologies will enable us to bring the facility online faster and provide the flexibility to process a broad range of crude oils. Together, these capabilities will help us meet growing global demand for fuels and petrochemical products.”
In its statement, Honeywell Technologies said the new project underscores how proven refining technologies and digital solutions can help accelerate project execution while supporting energy security, supply chain resilience and economic growth.
Over the past year, Dangote announced that Honeywell Technologies would provide licensing, engineering, catalyst, digital services to help boost fuel and petrochemical production and enhance workforce capabilities at the Lekki facility, as well as support efforts to increase refining capacity, optimising existing assets and accelerating market delivery.
The company has also put in place other deals with equipment suppliers ahead of its group-wide expansion (Dangote seals XCMG refinery infrastructure pact).
The storage systems will support renewable energy integration at two major sites. (Image source: Gotion)
Egypt is set to deploy large-scale battery energy storage systems across the Nefertiti and Horus projects, with Gotion Grid supplying its 5MWh storage systems for what will be Africa’s largest standalone energy storage facilities once completed
The projects, developed by AMEA Power and built by China Energy Engineering Group, represent Egypt’s first large-scale standalone energy storage projects. The systems are intended to strengthen grid stability, support the integration of solar and wind power, and contribute to Egypt’s 2030 clean energy goals.
Gotion has begun global delivery of the equipment, with 50 heavy-duty trucks carrying its self-developed Gotion Grid 5MWh storage systems departing simultaneously from its Jinzhai and Nantong facilities.
The storage systems will support renewable energy integration at two major sites. At the Benban solar complex, the technology is designed to enhance solar power consumption, while at the Zafarana wind farm it will provide flexible peak-shaving capabilities.
The systems have been upgraded for operating conditions including extreme heat, sandstorms and salt fog. According to Gotion, their capabilities include high-voltage stability, high safety and millisecond-level response, features intended to support reliable operation in Egypt's challenging environmental conditions.
The deployment also highlights the role of battery energy storage in managing variable renewable generation. By storing electricity and providing flexible grid support, standalone storage can help align renewable power generation with periods of demand and provide additional operational flexibility for power systems with increasing shares of solar and wind generation.
Gotion completed the first shipment within three months of signing the project, reflecting its role in large-scale storage integration, global supply chain coordination and localised delivery.
"This shipment opens a new stage of broader cooperation," said by Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power, "We are proud and satisfied with our partnership with Gotion and are actively exploring new opportunities across the Middle East and Africa."
Li Chen, Senior vice-president of Gotion and president of Gotion Americas said, "Egypt is Gotion's key step into the Middle East and North Africa, proving it can deliver end-to-end, operate locally, and commit for the long term."
Sibanye-Stillwater advances mechanisation at Siphumelele platinum mine in Rustenburg with Epiroc low-profile equipment. (Image source: Epiroc)
Sibanye-Stillwater is advancing mechanisation at the Siphumelele shaft within its Rustenburg operations, using a fleet of low-profile underground equipment from Epiroc to support platinum mining in narrow-vein conditions
The equipment order includes Epiroc’s LHD 5.5 LP low-profile loader, UV42 utility vehicles and a large range of UV42 cassettes. The fleet is intended to support the ongoing mechanisation project at Siphumelele, with the aim of improving safety and productivity.
The low-profile equipment is designed for mining applications where narrow veins and restricted underground working conditions require compact machinery. The LHD 5.5 LP loader is designed for low-profile loading and hauling, while the UV42 utility vehicles support general underground operations, maintenance and logistics.
“We are proud to support the Siphumelele operation as it starts to use mechanized equipment,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “It will strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s continuous efforts to be as safe and productive as possible.”
The UV42 vehicles can be fitted with interchangeable cassettes that provide different work decks for a range of underground transportation requirements. These include the movement of personnel, tools and explosives, allowing the same utility vehicle platform to support multiple operational functions.
Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa operations at Sibanye-Stillwater, says: “The investment in Siphumelele is an important example of our strategic focus on extending mine life and unlocking additional value from our existing ore reserves. Epiroc's low-profile fleet is well suited to the mining conditions at Siphumelele and will support the safe and efficient execution of this strategically important project.”
The low-profile underground equipment is derived from Epiroc’s acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment in 2023. The acquisition expanded Epiroc’s offering in underground mining, including equipment for critical support and service applications.
For Siphumelele, the equipment forms part of the operation’s broader move towards mechanised mining. Its low-profile design is particularly relevant to underground environments where equipment dimensions need to accommodate narrow-vein mining conditions while supporting loading, logistics, maintenance and other activities.
Delivery of the equipment will begin in the fourth quarter 2026.
Dangote is seeking to bolster Nigeria’s fuel supplies (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The proposed expansion of Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery marks a significant step in the West African country’s push to build up domestic fuel production and reshape its role in the continent’s oil industry
An initial public offering (IPO) in the refinery has attracted “enormous” support from investors, according to the group’s founder, Aliko Dangote.
The US$1.6bn IPO is now open in a bid to raise additional funding to double capacity.The Lagos refinery is a key installation to ease energy shortages in the West African country, one of the continent’s biggest oil and gas producers.
The funds will partially finance a massive capacity expansion to 1.4 million bpd by 2029.
The IPO comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its domestic energy supply and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products, while also positioning itself as a major refining hub for West Africa.
The scale of the expansion also reflects the growing ambitions of Africa’s private sector to finance large, strategically important infrastructure projects through local capital markets.
Dangote told reporters in Kenya, where the group plans a separate refinery, that the outlook for the IPO is encouraging.
“Demand is there, enormous demand,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters.“In fact, I didn’t know the depth of our capital markets until now, really, because we have never tested it,” he added.
The IPO, Africa’s largest to date, is scheduled to close 13 October, 2026.
The Nigerian refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, commenced operations in 2024, and is the largest single-train oil refinery in the world.
In Kenya, Dangote is hoping to replicate its refining ambitions in East Africa with a planned 700,000 bpd refinery in Lamu, although the project has faced local challenges.
Understanding post-closure water quality (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Mine closure is often discussed as something that happens at the end of a mine’s life — in reality, many of the most important closure decisions are made much earlier; while the mine is still being designed, financed, operated, and assessed. Water is one of the clearest examples, writes Shameer Hareeparsad, director: geochemistry, WSP in Africa
Once underground workings begin to flood after closure, groundwater starts interacting with the materials left behind. Those interactions can influence water quality for decades. They may determine whether closure plans are credible, whether regulators have confidence in the proposed management measures, and whether surrounding groundwater systems are protected over the long-term.
For underground mines that use paste backfill, this presents a specific question: how will the backfilled material behave once it is saturated after closure?
Paste backfill has an important role in modern underground mining. It can support excavations, improve ground stability, allow mined-out voids to be filled with mineralised residues, and reduce the amount of tailings placed on surface. These are significant benefits. However, backfill should not only be assessed for how well it can be placed underground or how it performs structurally during operations. It also needs to be understood as a geochemical material that may interact with groundwater once the mine has closed.
Understanding the geochemical source
That requires a different kind of prediction. One of the practical tools used in this kind of prediction is a geochemical source term. It refers to the estimated quality and loading of water that may be released from a material into the receiving environment. Put more simply, it helps answer a practical question: what could this material contribute to groundwater, and under what conditions?
Post-closure water quality must be predicted using the best available evidence, while still recognising the uncertainty involved in modelling systems that will evolve underground over long periods.
Underground nickel mine assessment
In a recent underground nickel mine assessment, the paste aggregate fill included sulphide-bearing tailings, crushed waste rock, process residues, and a slag-based cement binder with an additional binder aid. From a geochemical perspective, this is not an inert blend. The tailings contain sulphide minerals that could generate acidity under certain conditions. At the same time, the binder contributes alkalinity, which can help buffer that acidity once the system becomes saturated.
The question, therefore, was not whether the material was “safe” or “unsafe”. The more relevant question was how the material was likely to behave as groundwater returned to the stopes after mining ceased.
To answer this, the assessment considered two main mechanisms by which solutes could move from the backfill into groundwater. The first is advection, where water movement carries dissolved constituents through pore spaces. The second is diffusion, in which constituents move more slowly due to concentration differences between the backfill and the surrounding water.
During the early flooding period, advective movement can be more significant because hydraulic gradients remain, and more soluble constituents may be flushed from the material. As the system becomes fully saturated and those gradients weaken, diffusion is expected to become more important over the longer term.
Laboratory testing provided the basis for this assessment. Modified triaxial permeability testing was used to estimate advective porewater quality, while the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework method was used to derive diffusion coefficients. These results were then used to inform groundwater modelling and closure planning.
The results showed a material with low hydraulic conductivity, which limits bulk water movement through the backfill. The long-term porewater chemistry was predicted to remain strongly alkaline and dominated by calcium and chloride. Under those conditions, most metals are expected to remain at low concentrations in solution.
The early flushing period is different. The upper-case scenario, which represents a cautious view of what could happen during initial saturation, showed short-lived increases in certain constituents, including calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, strontium, and copper. This is important because closure planning must account not only for the eventual stable condition, but also for the transitional period when a flooded underground system is still adjusting.
That does not mean the early-stage results should be treated as a forecast of permanent water quality. In the modelling, those upper-case conditions were deliberately conservative. The assessment applied cautious assumptions, including high mass-transfer rates and the exclusion of some secondary mineral reactions that could reduce dissolved concentrations.
Why conservative modelling matters
This approach is intended to avoid understating the potential loading to groundwater.
That precaution is essential. In mine closure, overconfidence is expensive. If predictions are overly optimistic, the consequences may not become visible for years, when treatment requirements, environmental impacts, or liability concerns are far harder to manage. A conservative model does not remove uncertainty, but it gives project teams, regulators, and other decision-makers a more defensible starting point.
This is also why site-specific testing matters. It is tempting to borrow assumptions from other operations or to rely on generic expectations about how paste backfill should behave. That is seldom good enough. The mineralogy, binder chemistry, groundwater setting, saturation rate, and underground geometry all influence how a backfilled stope may perform after closure.
Why site-specific testing matters
No laboratory programme can perfectly reproduce the underground environment over the course of decades. Temperature, groundwater chemistry, hydraulic gradients, mineral reactivity, and stope-scale flow paths will always introduce uncertainty. But a structured approach can narrow that uncertainty and make it easier to refine predictions as monitoring data becomes available during operations and after mining has ceased.
Planning for uncertainty
The scrutiny around closure plans is also changing. Regulators, financiers, communities, and internal governance teams increasingly expect mining companies to show not only that a closure plan exists, but that it is based on credible evidence and can be adapted as conditions change.
Paste backfill can play an important role in more responsible underground mining and closure design. But its value depends on understanding both its structural and geochemical performance. A material that works well operationally still needs to be assessed for how it may behave once the mine is no longer active and groundwater conditions begin to recover.
Bringing water quality into closure planning
The broader lesson is that post-closure water quality should not be treated as something to discover after flooding has occurred. It should be part of the design conversation from the outset.
Better prediction will not eliminate every closure risk. Mining systems are too complex for that. But it can help the industry make more informed decisions, identify where monitoring is needed, and demonstrate that long-term water protection has been considered before the mine reaches the end of its life.
That is where closure planning needs to move: not towards false certainty, but towards evidence strong enough to support responsible decisions in conditions that will always carry some uncertainty.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Dangote is seeking to bolster Nigeria’s fuel supplies (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The proposed expansion of Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery marks a significant step in the West African country’s push to build up domestic fuel production and reshape its role in the continent’s oil industry
An initial public offering (IPO) in the refinery has attracted “enormous” support from investors, according to the group’s founder, Aliko Dangote.
The US$1.6bn IPO is now open in a bid to raise additional funding to double capacity.The Lagos refinery is a key installation to ease energy shortages in the West African country, one of the continent’s biggest oil and gas producers.
The funds will partially finance a massive capacity expansion to 1.4 million bpd by 2029.
The IPO comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its domestic energy supply and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products, while also positioning itself as a major refining hub for West Africa.
The scale of the expansion also reflects the growing ambitions of Africa’s private sector to finance large, strategically important infrastructure projects through local capital markets.
Dangote told reporters in Kenya, where the group plans a separate refinery, that the outlook for the IPO is encouraging.
“Demand is there, enormous demand,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters.“In fact, I didn’t know the depth of our capital markets until now, really, because we have never tested it,” he added.
The IPO, Africa’s largest to date, is scheduled to close 13 October, 2026.
The Nigerian refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, commenced operations in 2024, and is the largest single-train oil refinery in the world.
In Kenya, Dangote is hoping to replicate its refining ambitions in East Africa with a planned 700,000 bpd refinery in Lamu, although the project has faced local challenges.
Dangote to boost Kenya's fuel supply (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The storage systems will support renewable energy integration at two major sites. (Image source: Gotion)
Telehandlers are among the Wacker Neuson compact machines supplied by newly appointed dealer Welgro in Mpumalanga (Image source: Wacker Neuson)
Wacker Neuson South Africa has expanded its dealer network and reinforced its presence in Mpumalanga with the appointment of Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies
“Welgro’s established sales network, fully equipped workshop and service infrastructure, together with its proven track record across the mining, engineering, construction and agricultural sectors, made the partnership the natural choice,” said Eric Berrington, Wacker Neuson’s regional manager for Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies is a provider of industrial and construction equipment solutions that has served the region for 40 years.
“The dealership also represents several respected international brands that demand a high standard of technical expertise and aftersales support, giving us further confidence in Welgro’s ability to successfully support customers over the long term,” added Berrington.
He said Welgro’s alignment with Wacker Neuson’s core values, together with recommendations from multiple industry contacts, prompted Wacker Neuson to initiate discussions.
“Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies has built its business on long-term relationships, practical product knowledge and dependable service, with a steadfast focus on first understanding each customer’s operation before recommending the right solution to support sustainable operations,” said Kyle Handley, managing director at Welgro.
“Because every site and operation faces unique pressures, from production deadlines to safety requirements and downtime challenges, we adopt a hands-on, consultative approach, supporting customers with a wide range of industrial and construction solutions, backed by experienced sales and technical staff and a well-equipped workshop.
”Playing a vital role in the national economy, Mpumalanga is central to Wacker Neuson’s dealer expansion strategy, with the company’s approach anchored around three key hubs – Mbombela, eMalahleni and Secunda – and aligned to the industries driving growth across the province.
Handley outlined key reasons why Welgro was eager to partner with Wacker Neuson, including product quality and reliability, as well as strong reputation in construction, plant hire and infrastructure development.
He said customers want high-performing, dependable equipment that helps optimise their operations, and highlighted Wacker Neuson’s machines as well-engineered, robust and built for tough working environments.
“The machines are practical, intuitive and productivity-driven – qualities that resonate with operators.”
Under the dealership agreement, Welgro will supply Wacker Neuson’s full range of compact machines, including mini excavators, telehandlers and wheel loaders; construction equipment, including pumps and lighting towers; compaction equipment, including rammers and plate compactors; concrete technology, including external vibrators; and other specialised worksite solutions.
The range is positioned to support the diverse requirements of customers across the construction, agricultural, mining and related industries.
“Our immediate focus is on building a strong, reliable offering around Wacker Neuson’s products already in demand locally, expanding the range over time in line with customers’ changing requirements,” said Handley.
“Compact machines and equipment are especially well-suited to the market, with the capability to perform efficiently in confined spaces – a quality that is highly valued across the sectors. We also expect to see strong demand for lighting towers, particularly in mining, where reliable site illumination is critical for safety and productivity.”
He said there are also “compelling growth prospects” for electric and zero-emission equipment.
“We are ready to introduce more of Wacker Neuson’s electric product ranges to support customers with sustainable, efficient, environmentally conscious and forward-looking solutions.”
Rwanda study assesses market for green building materials. (Image source: GGGI)
Construction boost for Accra's hotels sector
ESB adds its first Liebherr LICCON3 crane. (Image source: Liebherr)
ESB Kranverleih Transport u. Hebetechnik GmbH is continuing to modernise its crane fleet with the addition of a new Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 equipped with the LICCON3 control system
The 55-tonne mobile crane is the first LICCON3 model in the Biberach-based company's fleet and has been selected to meet the demands of confined construction sites and regional lifting operations.
At the same time, ESB is preparing for its next phase of development with a generational change in its management team. Larissa Maurer, representing the third generation of the family-run business, joined the management team on 1 January 2026.
First LICCON3 crane joins ESB fleet
ESB ordered the three-axle LTM 1055-3.3 at the Bauma trade fair. Its compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and lifting performance made the crane particularly suitable for the company's operating area around Biberach and within a radius of approximately 40 kilometres.
“ In our operating area around Biberach and within a radius of around 40 kilometres, confined construction sites and limited space are daily challenges,” explains Managing Director Karl Engeser Jr. “The three-axle crane is highly manoeuvrable, quick to get to the job site as a ‘taxi crane’ and, thanks to flexible driving modes, offers maximum operational freedom – with or without a permit under Section 29, the road permits required for certain transport configurations in Germany.”
The LTM 1055-3.3 combines a compact three-axle configuration with a boom of approximately 40 metres. This enables the crane to operate effectively on urban construction sites, including applications where access is restricted and lifting operations need to take place around existing structures and obstacles.
Liebherr fleet supports regional lifting operations
The latest acquisition forms part of ESB's ongoing investment in modern lifting equipment. The company currently operates 11 Liebherr mobile cranes with lifting capacities ranging from 35 to 230 tonnes.
“We are regularly investing in our fleet so that we can offer our customers modern, high-performance technology at all times,” says Engeser. “This is the only way we can remain flexible and reliable in meeting a wide variety of requirements.”
ESB also highlighted its relationship with Liebherr and the availability of local service support as factors behind the investment.
“We benefit from the close proximity of Liebherr in Ehingen, the service works well, and we’re seeing a high level of satisfaction with the products in the region.”
The LTM 1055-3.3 entered service at the end of May and has since been used for a range of lifting operations. According to ESB, the new crane has already demonstrated its suitability for narrow access routes and uneven terrain.
“Our new 3-axle crane has been very well received by customers and stands out as a new model with modern design. It has also managed to get through easily so far, even on narrow access routes and uneven terrain,” reports Engeser.
The new 55-tonne crane replaces an older machine as part of ESB's fleet modernisation programme. The company is also planning a further fleet upgrade in the second half of the year, when an existing 130-tonne crane is scheduled to be replaced by a 150-tonne model.
“We will then replace our existing 130-tonne crane with a 150-tonne model and, at the same time, expand our fleet’s capacity range,” says Engesser.
Third generation joins ESB management
Fleet modernisation is being accompanied by a generational transition within the family-owned business. Company founder Karl Engeser Sr. has stepped back from day-to-day operations while continuing to support ESB with his experience and expertise.
Karl Engeser Jr. is responsible for the commercial side of the business, while Larissa Maurer joined the management team on 1 January 2026.
“Carrying on our family-run company into its third generation and helping to shape its future is something I am particularly proud of,” she says happily.
Founded in 1981, ESB Kranverleih Transport u. Hebetechnik GmbH currently employs 11 crane operators in addition to its management team. The company says its lean organisational structure and stable business situation provide a foundation for continued development.
“We have a lean organisational structure and are benefiting from a stable business situation,” reports Larissa Maurer, adding: “We are very satisfied and look to the future with confidence.”
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Maersk expands container network in Cameroon. (Image source: Maersk)
Maersk has opened a new container depot with a capacity of 1,500 TEU in Kribi, Cameroon, as part of its investment strategy to strengthen logistics infrastructure across Africa
Kribi is home to a growing deep-water port and serves Cameroon as well as neighbouring states and countries.
"By easing logistics bottlenecks we can, together with our customers, mutually unlock stronger growth for Cameroon’s economy. Efficient, reliable supply chains are levers for market growth, lowering costs and strengthening competitiveness," Franck Dedenis, managing director of Maersk Area West Africa.
Container depots connect the ocean and inland legs of global supply chains, supporting more seamless and efficient import and export operations.
“Our customers will greatly benefit from the new facility,” Dedenis added.
The new Maersk depot in Kribi provides specialised cargo-handling services, storage options, and customs inspection and clearance services. These capabilities can help accelerate supply chains, while also providing flexibility when demand changes or customers need to manage overstocking.
The facility also improves the availability of different types of container equipment closer to customers’ facilities.
Alongside manual cargo-handling services, customers using the Kribi depot will have greater visibility into their container status through Maersk’s digital booking, tracking and monitoring solutions.
"In disruptive times like ours, visibility translates directly into supply chain resilience. Right now, resilience of supply chains is on top of many customers’ agenda," commented Dedenis.
The Kribi depot also allows cargo owners to temporarily expand their storage infrastructure by integrating the facility into their supply chains. This provides flexibility compared with renting additional warehouse capacity at short notice.
The depot is equipped to handle reefer containers, supporting the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. It will also offer food grade containers.
The facility enables customers to return empty containers more easily, helping them avoid detention and demurrage costs.
With the opening of the Kribi facility, Maersk now provides dedicated services through eight Maersk-owned depots across West Africa, alongside more than 20 depots operated by third-party vendor partners.
The new depot adds 16,000 sqm to Maersk’s depot network, which already includes 150,000 sqm in Maersk-owned depots and more than 280,000 sqm in third-party depots.
Maersk’s dedicated depot services are now available across ten West African countries, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
The investment comes as increasing ocean transport volumes place pressure on terminals and hinterland logistics, while insufficient investment in port and landside infrastructure has contributed to logistics bottlenecks in many regions.
"This is why Maersk is investing significantly in land-based infrastructure, including building or modernizing terminals, expanding its depot network and offering warehousing facilities where needed. The Kribi depot is another example of Maersk’s priority to simplify and strengthen global supply chains, from factory to end consumer and from farm to fork for fresh agricultural produce," concluded Dedenis.
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Africa can still thrive amid global geopolitical upheaval (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Africa has an opportunity to convert geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade patterns into a catalyst for industrialisation and long-term economic resilience, according to a new Afreximbank report
Leveraging Geopolitics for Trade and Industrialisation in Global Africa examines trade and economic developments across the continent and globally, and outlines strategies for African nations to benefit from supply chain realignments and changing geopolitical dynamics.
“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” said Dr Yemi Kale, group chief economist and managing director of research and trade intelligence at Afreximbank.
“Geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation are reshaping global trade patterns, but they also present a historic opportunity for the continent. By strategically leveraging these shifts, Africa can build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive economic future.”
Despite a challenging global backdrop, the report highlights Africa’s strong recent economic performance.
While global economic growth slowed to 3.4% in 2025 and is projected to ease further to 3.1% in 2026, Africa’s real GDP growth accelerated from 3.4% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, outperforming the global average.
Africa’s merchandise trade also expanded by 6.1% to approximately US$1.5 trillion, while aggregate inflation fell significantly from 21.6% in 2024 to 13.1% in 2025.
According to Afreximbank, these gains reflect improved macroeconomic management, ongoing policy reforms and the role of development finance institutions in supporting economic stability.
However, the report warns that significant structural challenges remain.
Africa’s trade finance gap is estimated at approximately US$74bn in 2025, limiting the continent’s ability to fully capitalise on trade and industrial opportunities.
The situation is compounded by foreign exchange constraints and a continued decline in correspondent banking relationships.
The report also notes that evolving shipping routes and persistent disruptions in global logistics networks are increasing freight costs and extending delivery times, particularly for economies dependent on imported inputs and external markets.
To strengthen resilience, Afreximbank identifies accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expansion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and reforms to the global financial architecture as key priorities.
The report notes that stronger industrial ecosystems, increased intra-African trade and sustained financial support will be critical if the continent is to transform geopolitical disruption into sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“It is imperative for the continent to act decisively to strengthen regional value chains, deepen industrial capacity, expand access to trade finance, and accelerate continental integration,” said Kale, adding that Africa “cannot afford to delay.”
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African mobility group Spiro has signed a partnership with Yadea to scale accessible and sustainable electric transport across the continent
The partnership comes as Spiro accelerates its next phase of growth and expansion across Africa following its latest US$270mn funding round, which included investment from NewTrails Capital, a Chinese fund.
Yadea, founded in China, is the world's leading manufacturer of electric two-wheelers, with more than 100 million vehicles sold worldwide in over 100 countries and 10 exclusive production facilities globally.
Under the agreement, Yadea will supply electric two-wheelers and related EV products tailored to Spiro’s expanding regional markets, while Spiro will integrate the vehicles into its proprietary battery-swapping and energy infrastructure.
The companies will also co-develop customised two-wheeler platforms engineered specifically for local road conditions and commercial utility across Africa.
“Africa’s shift to electric mobility is accelerating and this partnership helps us meet that demand at scale,” said Anant Badjatya, CEO of Spiro.
“By bringing together Yadea’s manufacturing strength with Spiro’s electric mobility ecosystem and operating experience across Africa, we are compressing the timeline to clean transport — helping thousands more riders switch to affordable EVs faster and multiplying our climate impact across the continent.”
Spiro already boasts an operational network and battery-swapping ecosystem across seven countries.
Together, the companies aim to build a scalable, commercially sustainable EV framework serving millions of commercial fleet operators, delivery services, logistics providers, and daily commuters in Africa’s fastest-growing mobility markets.
“Our strategic partnership with Yadea…opens fantastic opportunities to jointly pioneer the next era of electric mobility in emerging markets”, said Gagan Gupta, Spiro’s founder.
Wang Jiazhong, senior vice president of Yadea Technology Group, said Africa represents a huge frontier for zero-emission transport.
“Our mission to reduce carbon emissions has reached a powerful milestone through this partnership with Spiro. Together, we are combining global innovation with local infrastructure to deliver scalable and sustainable mobility solutions that serve millions of riders and transform Africa’s urban transit.”
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