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First low carbon copper anode shipment advances Lobito corridor and sustainable DRC to Europe supply chain. (Image source: Trafigura)

Logistics

Trafigura has finalised the inaugural sale of low-carbon copper anodes manufactured by Kamoa Copper to the Aurubis Group, a globally recognised non-ferrous metals producer known for its high sustainability standards

The milestone delivery represents an important move towards supplying some of the lowest-carbon refined copper available worldwide.

The anodes were transferred to Trafigura’s dry port facility in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and are scheduled for rail transport on the Lobito Atlantic Railway in the coming days. After reaching the Port of Lobito, the shipment will continue by sea to Aurubis for processing at its European refining facilities. The Lobito corridor offers the most direct connection between Kolwezi and an African export port, shortening inland transit to approximately seven days.

Production of the copper anodes took place at the newly commissioned smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC. The facility features advanced direct to blister smelting technology provided by Metso Outotec. The Kamoa-Kakula operation has been recognised as the lowest carbon-emitting major copper mine globally.

Kamoa Copper manages the complex through a joint venture partnership between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining. Trafigura serves as one of three designated offtake partners for output from the smelter. Following full ramp-up, the facility is expected to produce up to 500,000 tonnes annually of 99.7% pure copper anodes, positioning it as Africa’s largest copper smelter.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, head of metals, minerals and bulk commodities, Trafigura, commented, "Bringing together Trafigura, Aurubis, Kamoa Copper and the Lobito Atlantic Railway to complete the sale and transport of low-carbon copper anodes from the DRC shows what the mining supply chain can achieve when it works together."

"This transaction reflects the strength of our long-standing relationships with Aurubis, a world class company in its field, and Kamoa Copper, whose state-of-the-art smelter is among the least carbon-intensive in the industry - a testament to the world-class operation it has established in the DRC."

"We are equally proud that these anodes will be transported via LAR - a milestone made possible by the vision and support of the governments of the DRC and Angola, as well as the loan package provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).”

Ivanhoe Mines’ founder and executive co-chairman, Robert Friedland, commented, "The first shipment of 99.7%-pure copper anodes marks another milestone for Kamoa-Kakula and for Africa’s rapidly advancing infrastructure. The Lobito Atlantic Railway has become a transformational gateway linking the extraordinary mineral wealth of the DRC with global markets at unprecedented speed and efficiency."

"Copper produced at Kamoa-Kakula, transported via the Lobito Atlantic Railway and refined in Aurubis’s industry-leading low-carbon facilities in Europe, represents a new paradigm in the creation of the greenest and most sustainable refined copper supply chain serving global markets. Combined with our state-of-the-art smelter, this integrated supply chain is setting a new global benchmark for low-carbon-intensive copper for generations to come."

Operational data reflects the corridor’s growing momentum. In 2025, the Lobito Atlantic Railway transported more than 200,000 tonnes of cargo through the Port of Lobito. In January 2026 alone, volumes reached 30,000 tonnes, while the port handled a record 50,000-tonne bulk sulphur shipment.

Throughput is expected to rise consistently over the course of the year as the Lobito Atlantic Railway continues to strengthen its role as a dependable, high-capacity export route for the region.

Generation 6 ESP.4 expands multi-purpose handling options with electric drive technology for growing seaside and river ports. (Image source: Konecranes)

Construction

Konecranes has expanded its Generation 6 mobile harbor crane portfolio with the launch of the Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane ESP.4

Although the most compact model in the range, the ESP.4 delivers substantial performance, offering versatile handling capabilities for containers, bulk commodities and general or project cargo, particularly suited to smaller ports. The model is now open for orders.

"Many smaller seaside and river ports are ready for multi-purpose operations. They’re seeing growing volumes of containers, bulk and general and project cargo, and looking for the right kind of equipment to get the maneuverability and flexibility they need to succeed. We believe it’s time for them to seriously consider the mobile harbor crane concept, invented by Konecranes and now adapted to the Konecranes Gottwald ESP.4," commented Jörg Müller, vice-president, Mobile Harbor Cranes, Konecranes. "The ESP.4 is the ideal piece of equipment for their future growth.”

Built on generation 6 expertise

The Generation 6 series now spans from the ESP.4 through to the ESP.10 models and has gained strong acceptance among terminal operators globally. Drawing on more than seven decades of mobile harbor crane development, the ESP.4 incorporates the core strengths of the latest generation to efficiently manage diverse cargo types.

The designation ESP reflects the crane’s defining attributes. The "E" denotes electric capability, featuring a modular drive system that supports fully electric operation via external power supply and battery integration, alongside optimised diesel generator configurations. The "S" represents smart functionality, with an array of digital tools and intelligent features. The "P" highlights powerful performance, offering high operating speeds, robust lifting curves and a strong classification rating. The ESP.4 can be configured on a five-axle rubber-tired chassis, mounted on rails via a portal, or installed on a barge.

The crane’s electric architecture aligns with Ecolifting, Konecranes’ structured pathway towards eliminating tailpipe emissions and advancing port decarbonisation. The company’s portfolio spans renewable diesel solutions, hybrid systems and fully electrified equipment fleets, while also exploring future alternatives such as hydrogen, enabling customers to transition at a pace suited to their operational needs.

Konecranes continues to prioritise customer-focused innovation and sustained business development. Ongoing investments in digitalisation and advanced technologies underpin its efforts to optimise material flows, enhance safety, promote circularity and support the broader decarbonisation of industrial operations.

RFQ marks first step in private sector participation process to strengthen operations and attract private investment

Logistics

Transnet SOC Ltd has released a Request for Qualification to begin identifying a private sector partner for its Private Sector Participation project at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal

The RFQ marks a significant step under Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy and reflects its intention to formally engage the market to enhance operational efficiency, secure private investment and reinforce the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s freight and logistics network.

The Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal serves as a vital export hub for bulk commodities, especially chrome and magnetite. Through the PSP initiative, Transnet aims to harness private sector capital and operational expertise to strengthen reliability and efficiency, enable future capacity expansion and maintain strategic control of the asset.

In addition, the project is expected to create opportunities linked to supplier development, local participation and community upliftment, particularly in the Richards Bay area.

As the first stage of the selection process, the RFQ calls on interested bidders to demonstrate their technical expertise, operational track record, financial strength and compliance with Transnet’s stipulated requirements. Applicants must also present clear and measurable proposals detailing how they will advance community upliftment through the PSP arrangement. Parties that satisfy the qualification criteria may progress to a subsequent Request for Proposal phase.

Transnet has emphasised that the PSP process will be managed transparently and competitively, in full alignment with applicable governance standards and regulatory obligations. Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, including employees, organised labour and government, will remain central throughout the process.

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African Review

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Top Stories

Grid List

Energy

Eritrea to get solar mini-grid system (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans to invest US$58mn into Eritrea’s power system to expand clean electricity and support rural economic growth
 
The funding will expand access to reliable and clean electricity across three towns in the country’s southwest Gash Barka region.
 
It will support deployment of a 34 MW solar-powered mini-grid system that will strengthen distribution networks and expand local energy capacity, delivering affordable, reliable electricity for households and businesses in and around Tesseney, Berantu and Kerkebet, according to said Kevin Kariuki, AfDB’s vice-president for power, energy, climate and green growth.
 
“This timely investment will help deliver reliable and affordable clean power to communities in Eritrea that need it most,” he said, “thereby spurring job creation, strengthening local economies and helping Eritrea move towards a sustainable energy future.”
 
Under the Eritrea Energy Integrated Project for Tesseney, Kerkebet and Berantu, AfDB will provide an African Development Fund grant of US$37.31mn, plus a US$20.73mn grant sourced from the bank’s Transition Support Facility.
 
The project will also power clean water pumping, improve irrigation and agricultural productivity, and enable small enterprises and agro-processing to extend operating hours and reduce costs.
 
In addition, 542 km of distribution lines will be constructed or upgraded.
 
The project is also expected to create jobs, particularly during construction and operational phases and will strengthen local technical skills and support the growth of small enterprises linked to renewable energy services.
 
Overall, the Eritrea Energy Integrated Project is expected to benefit around 306,000 people, as well as help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time, and support Eritrea’s transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy.
 
The project, which falls under the AfDB’s Desert to Power initiative, adopts an integrated approach that links energy access with agro-processing, irrigation, and local industrial development to unlock broader socio-economic transformation.
 
Desert to Power is the bank’s flagship renewable energy and economic development initiative that aims to harness the vast solar energy potential of eleven countries in the Sahel: Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.
 
It aims to increase electricity access for populations in regional member countries within the context of Mission 300 – a partnership with the World Bank to deliver electricity to 300 million additional Africans by 2030.
 
Read more:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Switchgear integrated into the mini substation forms a key component of the fully assembled power distribution solution supplied by Trafo Power Solutions. (Image source: Trafo Power Solutions)

Powering South Africa with solar energy (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Construction

Generation 6 ESP.4 expands multi-purpose handling options with electric drive technology for growing seaside and river ports. (Image source: Konecranes)

Construction

Konecranes has expanded its Generation 6 mobile harbor crane portfolio with the launch of the Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane ESP.4

Although the most compact model in the range, the ESP.4 delivers substantial performance, offering versatile handling capabilities for containers, bulk commodities and general or project cargo, particularly suited to smaller ports. The model is now open for orders.

"Many smaller seaside and river ports are ready for multi-purpose operations. They’re seeing growing volumes of containers, bulk and general and project cargo, and looking for the right kind of equipment to get the maneuverability and flexibility they need to succeed. We believe it’s time for them to seriously consider the mobile harbor crane concept, invented by Konecranes and now adapted to the Konecranes Gottwald ESP.4," commented Jörg Müller, vice-president, Mobile Harbor Cranes, Konecranes. "The ESP.4 is the ideal piece of equipment for their future growth.”

Built on generation 6 expertise

The Generation 6 series now spans from the ESP.4 through to the ESP.10 models and has gained strong acceptance among terminal operators globally. Drawing on more than seven decades of mobile harbor crane development, the ESP.4 incorporates the core strengths of the latest generation to efficiently manage diverse cargo types.

The designation ESP reflects the crane’s defining attributes. The "E" denotes electric capability, featuring a modular drive system that supports fully electric operation via external power supply and battery integration, alongside optimised diesel generator configurations. The "S" represents smart functionality, with an array of digital tools and intelligent features. The "P" highlights powerful performance, offering high operating speeds, robust lifting curves and a strong classification rating. The ESP.4 can be configured on a five-axle rubber-tired chassis, mounted on rails via a portal, or installed on a barge.

The crane’s electric architecture aligns with Ecolifting, Konecranes’ structured pathway towards eliminating tailpipe emissions and advancing port decarbonisation. The company’s portfolio spans renewable diesel solutions, hybrid systems and fully electrified equipment fleets, while also exploring future alternatives such as hydrogen, enabling customers to transition at a pace suited to their operational needs.

Konecranes continues to prioritise customer-focused innovation and sustained business development. Ongoing investments in digitalisation and advanced technologies underpin its efforts to optimise material flows, enhance safety, promote circularity and support the broader decarbonisation of industrial operations.

Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Group, flanked by XCMG machinery (Image source: XCMG)

Babcock introduces new Volvo wheel loaders in South Africa

Mining

The rebuilt Sandvik hydraulic hammer is ready for installation at site. (Image source: Sandvik Rock Processing)

Mining

Sandvik Rock Processing has finalised a comprehensive OEM-level refurbishment of a Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker and a Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom for a leading gold mining operation in Ghana

The project restored a key component of the site’s primary crushing circuit, with the rebuild, reinstallation and commissioning delivering measurable gains in equipment availability and output. Ongoing quarterly inspections and technical support from the company’s Kumasi-based team continue to reinforce performance.

The refurbishment was carried out at Sandvik Rock Processing’s fully equipped workshop in Kumasi. The breaker and boom assembly are installed at the mine’s run-of-mine grizzly, where oversized rocks generated during blasting are reduced to prevent blockages and maintain smooth material flow into the crusher.

“This project restored a vital asset that plays a central role in the mine’s primary crushing circuit,” commented Amos Fordjour, senior service technician at Sandvik Rock Processing. “Our extensive rebuild has returned the machine to OEM performance standards, significantly improving the mine’s reliability and production continuity.”

After more than five years in operation, the equipment was scheduled for refurbishment. Work commenced on site, where the 11 tonne boom assembly was dismantled using the mine’s crane infrastructure before being transported over a three-hour journey to the Kumasi workshop.

“Once in the workshop, our technicians stripped the units completely - checking for critical components such as pins, bushings, cylinder seals and mounting brackets that required replacement,” remarked Fordjour. “The boom was sandblasted and inspected for cracks, the hydraulic cylinders were rebuilt and pressure-tested and the hammer was fully refurbished.”

Haqq Abdul Rahman, graduate technician at Sandvik Rock Processing, highlighted the importance of parts availability in reducing turnaround times. He explained that mines frequently face challenges with oversized rocks at the run-of-mine grizzly, and temporary mobile breakers often require considerably more time to handle the material.

“It was important that we controlled the turnaround time on this project so the mine could put the equipment back to work as soon as possible,” said Rahman. “This particular unit breaks oversized rocks much faster than the smaller mobile units that the mine had to rely on while this one was being refurbished.”

The Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom, rated at 55 kW input power, provides a maximum reach of 12.7 m, with nominal horizontal and vertical reaches of 9.8 m and 9 m respectively, and a full 360° swing capability. The 2.3 tonne Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker incorporates an operating principle that optimises stroke length, blow energy and includes an idle blow protector, enabling adaptability across applications while enhancing hydraulic efficiency and operational safety.

Fordjour underscored the role of strict quality control procedures throughout the refurbishment.

“We follow strict operating procedures and standards in everything we do,” continued Rahman. “This includes using only genuine Sandvik parts which allows us to guarantee the quality of both the components and the workmanship.”

Following workshop completion, Sandvik Rock Processing teams returned to site for installation and commissioning. The three-week process required detailed coordination around crane usage, electrical integration, positioning and safety compliance.

“We work very closely with customers during removal, installation and commissioning,” Fordjour noted. “In this case, the mine provided the cranes and support equipment and we handled all the technical work; that collaboration is critical.”

Rahman explained that the restored boom and breaker now offer enhanced structural integrity, precise OEM clearances and improved swing performance, supporting efficient energy transfer and high twist resistance under demanding impact conditions.

“For the mine, the biggest impact is uptime and production,” said Rahman. “Without this breaker, their crushing circuit slows down considerably; now that it is back to full performance and production is consistent again.”

Post-commissioning support remains ongoing, with Sandvik Rock Processing conducting quarterly inspections to assess pins, seals and overall structural condition, while maintaining readiness for service interventions whenever required.

Glencore driving DRC's copper mining growth

Weir designates its upgraded Alrode facility as the global manufacturing centre for ENDURON Elite screens. (Image source: Weir)

Logistics

AD Ports Group and two UAE based investors will hold a combined 60% stake in the operating company, alongside Africa Ports Development LTD with 40%. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Logistics

AD Ports Group has entered Africa Ports Development’s 30 year concession to develop and operate a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in the Republic of Cameroon, marking a further expansion of its African footprint

Under the agreed investment framework, AD Ports Group and two UAE based investors will hold a combined 60% stake in the operating company, alongside Africa Ports Development LTD with 40%. This structure translates into an effective economic interest of 51% for AD Ports Group.

Aligned with its ownership share, AD Ports Group’s portion of the phase 1 investment is projected at approximately AED 320 million, (approx. US$87mn). The first phase will deliver two berths and roughly 450 metres of quay wall, with an annual handling capacity of about 4 million tonnes of dry bulk commodities including clinker, gypsum, fertiliser and grain.

Construction is scheduled between 2026 and 2028 and will be undertaken in close coordination with the Port Authority of Douala to respond to sustained demand at Cameroon’s main maritime gateway.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group, said, “This agreement represents a strategically important expansion of AD Ports Group’s presence in Africa and reinforces our commitment to developing high-impact maritime infrastructure in high-growth markets, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. The Douala dry bulk terminal will enhance trade resilience, support industrial development, and strengthen Cameroon’s role as a gateway to Central Africa.”

Al Menhali added: “Through our partnership with Africa Ports Development, we are combining local market expertise with AD Ports Group’s global capabilities in port development and operations to support the Port Authority of Douala’s plans to modernise and enhance Douala Port, enabling regional trade and long-term economic growth. We commend the Port Authority for the significant progress achieved in recent years, which has driven strong growth in Cameroon’s maritime sector, and we look forward to contributing further to its long-term development ambitions.”

Marc Tabchy, managing partner of Africa Ports Development, said,“We are honoured to bring this partnership to life with AD Ports Group, a global reference that shares our firm belief in this project, in Cameroon, and in the potential of the African continent. Building upon the opportunity provided by the Port Authority of Douala’s modernisation and specialisation initiatives, this collaboration establishes a strategic synergy combining our group’s ambition and regional depth with AD Ports Group’s operational excellence.”

Situated at the Port of Douala, Cameroon’s largest seaport and the primary entry point for bulk imports, the new terminal is expected to reinforce regional supply chains and improve the handling efficiency of essential cargo streams. The port also functions as a vital transit corridor for landlocked markets across Central Africa, and the project will benefit from established hinterland connections linking Douala to major industrial zones and regional trade routes.

The development forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader growth strategy across the continent, building on its existing operations and investments in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and the Republic of the Congo, and strengthening its role as a key partner for trade, logistics and enabling infrastructure in Africa.

 
 

First low carbon copper anode shipment advances Lobito corridor and sustainable DRC to Europe supply chain. (Image source: Trafigura)

RFQ marks first step in private sector participation process to strengthen operations and attract private investment

Finance

Africa well positioned despite current global uncertainties (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

The countries of sub-Saharan Africa are set to become more important as the global economy realigns in the face of wider geopolitical shifts, a new report suggests

South Africa, as one of the so-called BRICS nations, also stands to prosper.

The report, by Boston Consulting Group, suggests that global trade will show some resilience, and could grow 2.5% annually through to 2034 despite rising fragmentation.

According to the report, nations in the so-called ‘Rest of the world’ category — which includes all of sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of South Africa — look set to gain overall on the back of strategic neutrality.

“These free agents, however, will become increasingly important in the future, both as markets and suppliers of goods and services,” the report notes.

While there are a wide range of trade scenarios, reflecting current volatility, small non-aligned countries appear to be relatively isolated from any potential negative fallout.

The BRICS+ nations — including South Africa, and countries that joined later, such as Egypt and Ethiopia — will also seek to expand relationships within the Global South.

“BRICS+ countries have been taking steps to collaborate with each other on trade, which they see as a driver of growth,” the report notes. But their approach to trade differs, with some negotiating deals with other groupings and some not.”

BRICS+ nations (excluding China) could see 3% growth with the rest of the world over the period as well as trade growth among themselves, it adds.

“Global trade isn’t retreating, it’s reorganising,” said Marc Gilbert, managing director and senior partner, Global Leader of the Center for Geopolitics, and a co-author of the report.

“Leaders who embed geopolitics in capital and strategic decision-making will be best positioned to navigate the next decade of change to secure resilience as well as growth.”

Read more:

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Afreximbank accession to help power South Africa’s economy (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Revitalising Nigeria’s power industry. (Image source: AFC)

Manufacturing

Toyota Tsusho’s TTMG acquires Toyota and Hino distributor in Ghana, strengthening mobility services and local operations

Manufacturing

Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana Co. Limited (TTMG), a subsidiary of CFAO SAS (CFAO), has acquired the Toyota and Hino distributor business from Toyota Ghana Limited Company (TGLC) in Ghana, effective December 31, 2025

Strengthening mobility operations in Africa

Toyota Tsusho is developing four core business areas across Africa: mobility, green infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer solutions. Its mobility operations cover all 54 African countries, with the group directly operating Toyota automotive distributors in 35 of these nations, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Ghana, TGLC, which is independent of Toyota Tsusho, has previously served as the distributor for Toyota and Hino vehicles. Meanwhile, CFAO Mobility Ghana, a Toyota Tsusho group-operated distributor, has handled multiple other automotive brands in the country.

Purpose of the acquisition

This strategic acquisition brings the Toyota and Hino distributor business under the direct management of Toyota Tsusho in Ghana, allowing the company to expand its mobility value chain. Toyota Tsusho aims to offer a safe and reliable automotive experience in Ghana, consistent with its standards across Africa, including after-sales service and insurance offerings.

TTMG, which currently manages the assembly of Toyota and Suzuki vehicles in Ghana through semi knock down production, will now also take on sales functions, serving as the main customer contact while continuing its manufacturing role. Semi knock down production refers to a method where vehicle bodies are imported welded and painted, with major components assembled locally onto the chassis.

Future developments

With this acquisition, Ghana becomes the 36th African country where Toyota Tsusho directly operates a Toyota distributor, reinforcing the group’s development strategy in the region. The move is expected to improve vehicle inventory management, streamline logistics, and enhance sales to governments and international organisations.

Toyota Tsusho will also explore opportunities to optimise sales across Ghana in collaboration with CFAO Mobility Ghana, further strengthening its local presence.

Guided by the philosophy “with Africa for Africa,” the Toyota Tsusho group continues to invest in Africa’s sustainable development while providing world-class automotive products and services across the continent.

Modular glass crushing plants from Pilot Crushtec are built to grow with production needs, making it easy to increase output as throughput requirements rise. (Image source: Pilot Crushtec)

Modular design is the key to streamline product portfolios

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