cb.web.local

Top Stories

Grid List

Power plant in the desert (Image source: Himoinsa)

Energy

How a hybrid off-grid power system combined diesel generation and battery energy storage to deliver reliable electricity in a demanding, remote environment for a high-profile motorsport event in the Sahara

Himoinsa deployed a hybrid power system combining diesel generators and battery energy storage to supply up to 1 MW of power at the 2026 Rallye du Maroc, demonstrating an approach to managing variable electricity demand in remote, off-grid environments.

As Official Power Supplier to the rally, the company provided more than 20 pieces of power and lighting equipment to support temporary bivouacs in Agadir and Zagora, Morocco.

The installations supplied electricity for vehicle maintenance, communications, medical facilities, catering and race administration, operating in conditions characterised by heat, dust and limited access to infrastructure.

According to David Serieys, Himoinsa's event coordinator, the main technical challenge was designing an off-grid system capable of adapting to changing loads while operating continuously in remote locations.

“What made this project technically demanding was not just its size – although we deployed more than 20 units and made up to 1 MW of power available,” he said.

“The real challenge was designing an off-grid system capable of adapting to very different loads – while operating continuously in heat, dust and remote locations.”

The hybrid configuration combined generators, which provided sustained power and reserve capacity, with battery storage systems designed to respond to short-duration demand peaks and supply electricity during periods of lower consumption.

This approach also allowed generators to remain switched off when demand was limited, reducing unnecessary engine running hours.

“The generators provide the sustained power and reserve capacity the bivouac needs, while the batteries respond immediately to load variations, cover low-demand periods and reduce unnecessary engine running hours,” said Serieys.

Himoinsa's EHR battery energy storage technology is designed to store energy and supply electricity when required.

The EHR 45/60 model has a nominal power rating of 45 kVA and a nominal battery capacity of 56.8 kWh, using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology.When appropriately configured, combining battery storage with diesel generation can reduce fuel consumption, engine operating hours, maintenance requirements and noise compared with generator-only operation, the company said.

The deployment also included mobile lighting towers to support overnight vehicle repairs and maintenance, with more than 20 personnel involved in the operation.

“The lighting towers were equally important,” added Serieys.

“Once the competitors arrived, the service areas remained active throughout the night, with mechanics carrying out repairs and preparing the vehicles for the next stage. We needed mobile, autonomous lighting units that could be transported and repositioned quickly, withstand the desert environment and provide safe, reliable illumination.”

While the rally provided a demanding temporary application, the same hybrid power approach can be used in other settings where grid electricity is unavailable or inadequate, according to Himoinsa.

Construction projects, mining operations, rental power and critical infrastructure are among the potential applications, it says, where matching generation to actual demand can help improve operational efficiency.

Volvo CE expands excavator range with EC130 and EC150. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Construction

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has expanded its crawler excavator portfolio with the launch of the EC130 and EC150 across Africa, the Middle East and Oceania

The new models are designed to help operators improve fuel economy while maintaining productivity, combining positive control hydraulics, intelligent operating modes and fuel-saving functions with the performance and versatility needed for varied jobsite requirements.

Both excavators feature strong digging capabilities, rapid cycle times and simplified maintenance. Their operator-focused design includes an integrated 8-inch Volvo Co-Pilot touchscreen display, bringing key machine functions together in an accessible interface.

“The 13-tonne EC130 and the larger EC150 have been designed around what matters most to our customers — productivity, efficiency, uptime and operator performance,” said Steven Guo, product manager at Volvo CE.

“The result is two machines that make every drop of fuel count while delivering dependable performance, operator comfort and low operating costs,” he adds.

Fuel-saving technology and intelligent hydraulics

Fuel efficiency is central to the design of both models. Volvo's positive control hydraulic system works with the main control valve to supply hydraulic flow according to operating demand. This helps maintain digging power and productivity while limiting unnecessary fuel consumption.

The engine and hydraulic pumps are optimised to match machine output with workload. The EC130 can run at engine speeds as low as 2,000rpm, while the EC150 operates at speeds as low as 2,200rpm. Hydraulic pump flow and pressure adjust continuously to suit changing load and speed requirements. On the EC130, a larger pump than that fitted to the previous generation further supports hydraulic efficiency.

Operators can select from ten work modes to adapt machine response, fuel use and cycle times to specific tasks and site conditions. Automatic engine shut-down and auto-idle functions provide additional opportunities to reduce fuel consumption when full engine output is unnecessary.

Together, these systems are intended to help contractors manage operating expenses while retaining the performance required for demanding excavation work.

Versatility for demanding jobsites

The EC130 and EC150 are built to provide precise control, responsive operation and reliable digging power across a range of applications. The EC150 also accommodates a larger bucket than the previous EC140, allowing operators to handle greater volumes of material with each pass and potentially improve site productivity.

Attachment compatibility extends the machines' application range. Operators can manage attachment settings through a password-protected system on the in-cab display, where hydraulic flow can be configured and stored for up to 20 attachments. This allows frequently used settings to be recalled quickly, helping ensure consistent operation when switching between tasks.

Depending on the attachment and work requirements, operators can choose between one-pump and two-pump flow. X1 constant-flow functionality, including preset options, further supports operation with compatible hydraulic attachments.

These features allow the two excavators to be configured for different jobsite demands while maintaining efficient and controlled performance.

Maintenance designed to maximise uptime

Volvo CE has incorporated extended service intervals and accessible maintenance points into both models to reduce routine servicing demands and help keep equipment available for work.

Engine oil, engine oil filters and fuel filters have replacement intervals of 500 hours. Swing reduction gear oil and the hydraulic oil service filter are scheduled for replacement every 1,000 hours, while the hydraulic oil return filter has a 2,000-hour replacement interval.

Maintenance is further simplified through grouped filters, ground-level service points, quick-drain ports, a swing-out air-conditioning condenser and centralised greasing points. Anti-slip plates and brightly coloured handrails support three-point access to the upper structure from the right-hand side.

The machines also feature durable components, hydraulic hoses designed to minimise leakage and a high-efficiency air filter to protect the engine. These design measures aim to limit wear, reduce maintenance-related downtime and support reliable operation in demanding conditions.

Operator comfort and control

The EC130 and EC150 feature operator environments designed to support comfort, convenience and productivity throughout the working day.

An integrated 8-inch Volvo Co-Pilot touchscreen provides access to essential machine functions and operating settings through an intuitive menu system. This enables operators to adjust configurations to suit the task without navigating unnecessarily complicated controls.

Cab configurations include a choice of seats and joysticks to accommodate operator preferences. Additional features include storage compartments, phone connectivity through the cab display, cup holders, wireless phone charging and USB sockets.

By combining adjustable controls, accessible machine information and everyday convenience features, Volvo CE aims to create a working environment that helps operators remain focused and productive on site.

Volvo Mining to target global mining sector (Image source: Volvo Group)

Mining

Volvo Group is poised to capture more of a share in Africa’s mining industry with a new dedicated entity with a focus on the sector

The newly-formed Volvo Mining unit will be officially launched on 1 January, 2027 and hosted within Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE).

It aims to bring together the group’s capabilities and expertise under a single, integrated business structure for the benefit of customers across the global mining industry.

The plan is that Volvo Mining will sell Volvo trucks, construction equipment and autonomous solutions to mining customers and their contractors.

As mining enters a new phase of growth and transformation, Volvo Mining will provide the focus needed to help customers meet increased demand for productivity, safety and resilience, according to Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE.

“Mining has been an important part of the Volvo Group for decades, but the industry's growing significance calls for an even greater level of focus,” said Jernberg.

“With Volvo Mining as our centre of expertise, we are combining capabilities from across the group to further enhance customer value in collaboration with our retail partners — this will create new opportunities to strengthen our position in a strategically important and growing segment.”

Backed by dedicated financial resources, Volvo Mining will drive product and service portfolio management for the group’s mining segment globally and take on a coordinating role in the various research projects across the group.

Initially, Volvo Mining will focus on mining customers and contractors in the Nordic region, with a phased expansion into additional markets.

Africa is a key and growing global mining region, producing commodities including platinum group metals, copper, cobalt, gold and manganese. 

As demand for critical minerals grows, mining companies are under increasing pressure to boost productivity, improve safety and reduce emissions, creating new opportunities for major equipment suppliers offering integrated solutions.

“Success in the mining industry is built over time. Customers make long-term investments and value trusted partners that combine high performance, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of their business,” said Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.

“By creating one organisation focused solely on creating a world-class product and services portfolio for the mining industry, with an end-to-end perspective, we can better leverage the Volvo Group offer in a more seamless approach.”

Mining operations require multiple types of machines and vehicles working together across excavation, hauling, loading, and transportation in demanding and often remote conditions.

As mines continue to focus on improving productivity, reducing emissions, and enhancing safety, the need for integrated solutions is increasing.

“By combining our proven autonomous technology and operational experience with Volvo group’s broader expertise, portfolio and customer relationships, we can provide integrated solutions that also deliver measurable value for mining customers – improving safety, productivity and efficiency across their operations”, added Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions.

Expansion expected to reduce vessel turnaround times by up to 50% and enable simultaneous handling of two Post-Panamax vessels. (Image source: DP World)

Logistics

Since beginning operations in 2021, DP World has invested more than US$260mn in upgrading and modernising its terminal at the Port of Luanda

Over the past five years, annual container throughput has nearly doubled, rising from 177,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to more than 350,000 TEUs. This growth has been supported by an additional 28,000m² of yard space.

To strengthen its handling capacity, DP World acquired two additional Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) and an extra empty handler this year, increasing its fleet to eight MHCs. The terminal has also expanded its refrigerated container connections, increasing reefer plugs from 630 to 700.

During the inauguration of its new terminal building at the Port of Luanda, DP World announced a further US$90mn investment over the next two years. The funding will support additional infrastructure, equipment and operational improvements. Planned works include extending the quay by 222 metres and expanding the operating area by 10 hectares, raising the terminal’s design capacity to 1.2 million TEUs.

The expansion will also involve the acquisition of three Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 12 semi-automated rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes. These additions will enable the terminal to handle two Post-Panamax vessels simultaneously, strengthening Luanda’s position as a container gateway for Central Africa and a major trade hub in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project is also expected to support local employment and industrialisation, enhance export competitiveness and encourage foreign investment, while facilitating more sustainable regional trade flows.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and managing director, Africa, DP World, said, “The expansion of DP World Luanda is an important milestone both for Angola and for the wider region. The ability to handle larger vessels will support new shipping services and strengthen the terminal’s potential as a gateway for West and Central Africa. Our investment will improve the efficiency and sustainability of trade flows, giving customers greater reliability, shorter turnaround times and improved access to global markets, and reinforcing Angola’s prominent role within our regional and global logistics network.”

Paco Pinzon, CEO, DP World Luanda, stated, “Having our concession extended to 2051 demonstrates our long-term commitment to Angola and its future as a leading regional trade gateway. Our continued investments will create a more efficient and competitive experience for our customers, while supporting Angola’s ambitions to strengthen trade connectivity, diversify the economy and become a continental logistics hub. The expansion will benefit the entire logistics ecosystem, and we will continue to create opportunities, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Angola.”

Africa can still thrive amid global geopolitical upheaval (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

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.”

Read more:

Supply chain boost for African businesses

AFC green bond to boost Ivorian solar sector

New trade finance facility for Angolan firms

Wang Jiazhong, senior vice president of Yadea Technology Group, pictured with Spiro’s CEO Anant Badjatya (Image source: Spiro)

Manufacturing

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.”

Read more:

Wartsila renews Mercy Ships service agreements

Volvo Buses to supply 38 electric buses to Cape Town

Bolt business mobility solutions thriving in Nigeria