Morocco's first large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage system (BESS) has been successfully energised at OCP Green Energy's Benguerir mining site

The energization milestone marks the start of the progressive commissioning of this large-scale BESS.

The 25 MW / 125 MWh system was supplied and commissioned by Envision Energy under a contract signed in late 2025, and is now undergoing testing before entering commercial operation.

“The successful energisation of Morocco's first large-scale battery storage project demonstrates the reliability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of integrated renewable-plus-storage solutions in industrial applications,” said John Lee, general manager of Envision Energy for the Middle East and Africa.

“Envision is proud to be part of this landmark project and to contribute green technology to Morocco's energy transition.”

Envision Energy provided the full storage system and led the commissioning work, integrating the BESS with the site's solar generation, grid conditions and industrial load profile.

The system is designed to shift surplus solar power from daytime generation to peak consumption hours, reducing the site's peak-hour electricity bill by approximately 25%.

With five hours of storage capacity, the BESS functions as an industrial energy management tool rather than a short-duration grid asset.

It is supported by US$20mn from the Clean Technology Fund, managed through the African Development Bank, and is designed for a 25-year lifetime with daily charge-discharge cycles.

The project marks a milestone for battery storage and industrial decarbonisation in Morocco and supports the country’s target of achieving 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

For OCP, the value lies not in battery capacity, but in the system’s ability to reduce peak-hour costs over a 25-year operating life.

“Storage is the natural extension of our energy strategy. It allows us to reconcile the variable output of renewable energy with the continuous needs of our industrial platforms, while strengthening the reliability of our energy supply,” said Omar Kadir, CEO of OCP Green Energy.

“Beyond OCP Group's own needs, this technology paves the way for a more harmonious integration of renewable energy into the national power system. By bringing greater flexibility and resilience to the grid, it will help accelerate the deployment of renewable capacity.”

On 21 September, OCP S.A. also announced that it had raised almost US$150mn in financing, to be used for corporate purposes, through a tap issue on its April 2026 hybrid bond.

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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.” 

Discussions at Electra Mining Africa pointed to a changing operating environment for mining companies across the continent. With ageing processing assets, tighter capital budgets and increasing expectations around productivity, reliability and sustainability, operators are placing greater emphasis on improving the performance of existing infrastructure rather than committing to major greenfield projects

For FLS, this shift is reinforcing a move towards a lifecycle-focused service model. The company is combining flowsheet expertise with regional service capabilities, optimisation solutions and local technical support to help mining customers improve plant performance throughout the life of a mine.

Bernard Kaninda, President of Sales and Services for Africa at FLS, said conversations with customers at Electra Mining Africa showed that operational improvements are increasingly taking precedence over major capital projects.

"Many operations are looking to increase throughput, improve recovery and extend plant life without committing to significant capital expenditure," stated Kaninda.

"That places greater emphasis on service-led interventions such as process optimisation, audits, upgrades, retrofits and lifecycle support that allow customers to unlock additional value from assets already in operation."

Kaninda said the changing priorities also reflect an evolution in FLS's relationship with mining companies.

"Our objective is to become a long-term lifecycle partner rather than simply an equipment supplier. We work alongside customers throughout the life of mine to improve plant performance, minimise downtime and reduce operating costs while supporting their long-term production objectives."

The need for this approach is particularly pronounced across Africa, where ageing equipment, limited investment capacity and increasingly complex orebodies are creating demand for more comprehensive operational support.

Alistair McKay, vice-president capital sales, Europe, Arabia and Africa, said the continent's varied geology further increases the need for tailored mineral processing strategies.

"The continent encompasses Copperbelt copper-cobalt operations, West African gold, South African platinum group metals, iron ore and numerous other commodities, each presenting unique processing challenges," McKay says. "Supporting this diversity requires far more than individual products. It requires the ability to engineer and optimise complete mineral processing flowsheets tailored to each orebody and operating environment."

Operational challenges also extend beyond processing requirements, particularly for mines operating in remote areas.

"Many African mines operate in remote locations where long supply chains, customs delays and logistical constraints mean equipment reliability becomes inseparable from service capability. Maintaining operational continuity requires local technical support, regional parts availability and lifecycle partnerships that minimise production interruptions."

With operators seeking performance improvements without replacing complete processing circuits, equipment modernisation is becoming an increasingly important tool.

"Many mines are extending the operating life of existing assets through rebuilds, retrofits and targeted upgrades," added Kaninda. "These solutions often deliver significant improvements in throughput, energy efficiency and reliability while requiring substantially lower capital investment than complete equipment replacement."

Digital technologies are also contributing to asset optimisation, particularly where mining operations are geographically isolated.

"Remote condition monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital diagnostics allow customers to identify potential issues before they develop into failures," he says. "These technologies are particularly valuable at isolated operations where specialist technical resources are not always immediately available."

FLS is also expanding its regional service infrastructure to support this lifecycle model. Kaninda points to the expansion of the Chloorkop service centre in South Africa and the establishment of a new service centre in Accra, Ghana, as initiatives intended to bring engineering expertise, repair capabilities, spare parts and technical support closer to mining operations.

"Reducing downtime is not simply about responding quickly when equipment fails," stated Kaninda. "It is about ensuring customers have immediate access to skilled technicians, specialist repair capability, critical spare and wear parts and engineering expertise within the region. Local proximity significantly shortens response times and reduces dependence on lengthy overseas supply chains."

The company is placing particular emphasis on regional teams working directly with customers.

"Our strategy is built around people on the ground who understand local operating conditions and customer requirements. That local knowledge enables faster decision-making, stronger customer relationships and more effective technical support."

For Nico Erasmus, vice-president and head of pumps, Cyclones and Valves (PCV), Africa, equipment reliability needs to be considered alongside the logistical realities of operating mines across the continent.

"In many parts of southern and central Africa, uptime depends not only on equipment performance but also on the ability to support that equipment quickly and effectively," Erasmus says. "A pump or valve failure can stop production for an extended period if replacement parts or repair capability are not readily available. Reliability therefore means resilience across the entire support ecosystem."

FLS's Stormill PCV Service Centre supports this approach by providing specialised repair, refurbishment and technical services for pumps, cyclones and valves in the region.

"Having local service capability allows us to restore critical equipment much faster than relying solely on overseas facilities," hesaid. "It also creates opportunities to develop local technical expertise and strengthen skills within the African mining industry."

Erasmus said rebuilds and upgrades are becoming increasingly relevant as mining companies contend with import costs, currency volatility and longer lead times for replacement equipment.

"Rebuilding and upgrading existing equipment often provides a more cost-effective solution than importing new assets, while extending equipment life and maintaining operational performance."

Resource efficiency is another consideration for mining operations facing constraints around water and energy.

"In many African mining regions, water availability and energy security have become operational constraints. Improving slurry transport efficiency not only lowers operating costs but also reduces water and energy consumption, delivering measurable productivity and sustainability benefits simultaneously."

Kaninda said this approach is consistent with FLS's global CORE’26 strategy, particularly as operators seek to link productivity improvements with more efficient resource use.

"In Africa, sustainability and productivity are closely linked. Improving resource efficiency strengthens both mine economics and operational resilience, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or unreliable power supply."

McKay said the discussions at Electra Mining Africa also highlighted growing demand for integrated partnerships that extend beyond individual equipment purchases.

"Africa's mining industry is focused on extracting greater value from existing operations while building more resilient, efficient and sustainable processing plants," he says. "Delivering that outcome requires more than supplying equipment. It requires long-term partnerships supported by local expertise, engineering capability and service infrastructure that remain close to our customers throughout the life of their operations."

French industrial group MND, which specialises in ropeway transport, snowmaking systems, mountain safety and leisure infrastructure, has established MND Africa, a new subsidiary headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco

The new company is intended to support and accelerate MND’s development of urban mobility and tourism solutions across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The move forms part of the Group’s international expansion strategy, with more than 70% of its business already generated outside France and projects and references in around 50 countries.

Cable transport responds to urban mobility challenges

Cable transport is gaining relevance as cities look for mobility solutions that can overcome difficult terrain, rivers and other geographical constraints. The technology can also provide an alternative where conventional heavy transport infrastructure, including metro and tramway systems, is difficult to deploy because of land, topographical or urban limitations.

Across Africa and the Indian Ocean, interest in urban cable transport is growing. North Africa already has several urban cable transport systems, while new developments are emerging elsewhere on the continent, including projects supported by major international financial institutions.

"This mode of transport has a clear role to play in the new mobility solutions being developed across the continent. In the future, African cities will also move by cable. We want to contribute to this transformation, with humility and a long-term commitment," said Xavier Gallot-Lavallée, chairman of MND.

Casablanca base to support regional development

MND describes the establishment of MND Africa as a long-term commitment to the region. The Casablanca-based team will focus on developing projects across Africa and the Indian Ocean while maintaining close engagement with customers.

The subsidiary will work with governments, cities and financial partners to develop urban and tourism cable transport projects designed around reliability, sustainability and long-term operation.

Morocco was selected as the base for the new entity because of the maturity of its urban cable transport market and the number of projects being developed in the country. This includes initiatives linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

MND is also monitoring opportunities in Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, alongside projects in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar and Mayotte.

ZÈL La Montagne demonstrates MND’s capabilities

MND is also drawing on its current project in La Réunion Island as a reference for its African ambitions. The Group is building ZÈL La Montagne, which is planned to become the world’s first energy self-sufficient urban cable car.

“We are bringing a powerfull demonstration of our expertise with us,” siad Xavier Gallot-Lavallée. “This is the same level of ambition we want to bring to the African continent.”

The project adds to MND’s experience in urban transport infrastructure, including the renovation of the Montmartre funicular in Paris and the cable car in Huy, Belgium.

Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia to lead regional expansion

MND has appointed Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia as director of Africa & Indian Ocean Development to lead the subsidiary’s regional growth.

He brings experience of the African and Indian Ocean markets, as well as knowledge of the financing mechanisms used for infrastructure projects of this type. His previous work includes responsibility for MND’s urban cable car project in La Réunion Island.

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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The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a €100mn (approx. US$117mn) loan to Gotion Power Morocco to support the construction of an integrated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery gigafactory in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Free Trade Zone, marking a significant step in the development of Africa's electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem

In addition to its direct financing, the Bank intends to mobilise up to a further €141mn (approx. US$165mn) from financial partners under the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), where it will serve as the Mandated Lead Arranger. The blended financing package is designed to accelerate delivery of one of the continent's largest battery manufacturing investments.

Building Africa's battery manufacturing capacity

The project is being developed by Gotion High-Tech Co. Ltd., a leading global battery producer headquartered in Hefei, China, and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Once operational, the facility will become the first fully integrated cathode-to-cell LFP battery manufacturing plant in both Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Phase one of the project will deliver an annual production capacity of 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells and battery packs for electric vehicles, with long-term plans to increase output to 100 GWh. The investment is expected to reinforce Morocco's position as an emerging global centre for electric mobility manufacturing and green technology supply chains.

The project also reflects growing investment in battery production as demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage continues to expand worldwide. By establishing large-scale local manufacturing capacity, Morocco aims to strengthen regional supply chains while supporting the transition towards cleaner transport and energy systems.

Kevin Kariuki, the Bank group's vice-president for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, said, "Battery storage is the missing link in Africa's clean energy transition. A facility of this scale, powered primarily by renewable energy, strengthens the foundations for the large-scale integration of solar and wind power, which our grids increasingly depend on. This is exactly the kind of project that will deliver reliable, low-carbon energy while creating green industrial jobs and building the resilient value chains Africa needs to sustain its energy transition."

Supporting industrial growth and local value creation

Beyond expanding battery production, the gigafactory is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Morocco. During its initial phase, the development is projected to create more than 600 direct jobs while achieving a 70% local industrial integration rate, supporting skills development and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The project is also intended to encourage the growth of local supplier networks and increase value addition within Africa's critical minerals sector, helping retain more economic value from resources that are essential to global energy transition technologies.

Achraf Tarsim, the African Development Bank group's country manager for Morocco, commented, "This gigafactory will be a major catalyst for strengthening Morocco’s industrial competitiveness and for accelerating its emergence as Africa’s manufacturing hub for sustainable mobility industries. It will help foster an African industrial ecosystem for batteries and electric vehicles while promoting the local beneficiation of critical minerals essential to the energy transition."

Advancing Africa's clean energy ambitions

The investment supports the African Development Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points strategic vision by promoting resilient infrastructure, accelerating industrialisation, increasing value addition to Africa's natural resources and strengthening regional integration.

As demand for battery storage continues to rise alongside renewable energy deployment and electric vehicle adoption, projects of this scale are expected to play an increasingly important role in positioning Africa within global clean energy and electric mobility value chains. By expanding domestic battery manufacturing and energy storage capabilities, the initiative is set to support the continent's transition towards a lower-carbon economy while enabling wider deployment of renewable energy technologies.

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