In The Spotlight
Scatec will seek to replicate the success it has had in previous hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Scatec ASA, a renewable energy provider, has reached financial close for the Mogobe battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in Northern Cape, South Africa
The 15-year power purchase agreement was awarded to Mogobe BESS under the first window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) which will see Scatec receive payments for making the storage capacity available for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
“We are showing and supporting that dispatchable energy and grid infrastructure are cornerstones to the sustainability of South Africa’s current and future energy system,” said Roar Haugland, EVP sub-Saharan Africa, Scatec. “By unlocking more grid capacity, we are enabling further electricity access, as well as enabling more renewable energy grid connections in years to come.”
A milestone for South Africa
With a total capex for the 103MW / 412MWh project at US$170mn, Scatec’s EPC contract account for approximately 83%. The project, which will see NTCSA utilise the capacity to balance the grid, will be financed by US$154mn of non-recourse project debt with Standard Bank of South Africa acting as mandated lead arranger, and the remaining equity from the owners.
“This marks a new milestone for Scatec in South Africa and for the renewable energy transition in the country,” commented Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. “The Mogobe BESS project is a first of a kind and reaffirms our standing as a leading renewable energy player in South Africa. We continue to see attractive growth opportunities in the market based on the need for growth in power generation, our strong position in the country and our strong and competent local team.”
“Standard Bank is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Scatec as the lead arranger for the groundbreaking Mogobe BESS project. This facility represents a significant step forward in South Africa’s energy transition, building on our successful collaboration on projects like Kenhardt. We’re committed to financing innovative energy solutions that drive sustainable development and economic growth in South Africa and across the continent,” added Rentia van Tonder, head: power – corporate and investment banking, Standard Bank of South Africa.
This step towards a sustainable future for South Africa is a timely announcement given the recent warning from IRENA that the world is set to miss a key climate target without immediate change. Click here to discover the full story.
BME’s mobile manufacturing units at the Dryden Innovex manufacturing plant. (Image source: Omnia)
Omnia Holdings, a diversified provider of specialised chemical products and services using in the mining agriculture and chemicals sectors, has rebranded Protea Mining Chemicals (PMC) under its mining segment, BME
The rebrand is aimed at closer aligning PMC with BME’s existing operations, consolidating the organisation’s global mining offering into a more unified brand that is capable of providing a comprehensive range of solutions spanning from mining to metal processing.
“Omnia is a global company with a unique customer value proposition, coupled with best-in-class infrastructure,” remarked Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia. “This rebranding and focus on two distinct client value propositions will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet our customers' needs across the entire mining value chain.”
Omnia’s mining business will reportedly focus on two refreshed client value offerings: BME Blasting Solutions and BME Metallurgy. The former provides explosive and initiation systems while BME Metallurgy is dedicated to mining chemicals and metallurgical solutions.
“We continue to enhance our contribution to more aspects of the mining cycle – not only in breaking rock through advanced blast design but also in enhancing mineral processing, which improves performance efficiency for our customers,” surmised the mining business’ managing director, Ralf Hennecke. “This offers exciting opportunities for our customers, who will now have enhanced access to a fully integrated value proposition and solution.”
BME’s footprint currently covers 17 African counties but it has reiterated its commitment to expanding its global footprint. In recent months, the company has proven its worth by helping a South Africa coal mine that was facing highwall challenges cut costs while retaining fragmentation. Click here to learn more about the story.
The HGY Series are designed to work seamlessly with micro-grids and renewable energy sources. (Image source: HIMOINSA)
HIMOINSA, a leader in power technology solutions, has launched the HGY Series, a new engine line with a capacity from 1,250kVA to 3,500kVA
According to the company, which is part of the Yanmar Group, it has future plans to reach 4,000kVA with the range which is engineered to deliver robust and sustainable solutions, particularly in areas with unstable national grids. The range, it claims, has the potential to significantly help address Africa’s growing energy needs, particularly in key sectors critical to the continent’s economic development such as healthcare, mining, oil and gas, and data centres.
Guillermo Elum, HIMOINSA's EMEA region head, remarked, “Africa is a key growth region for HIMOINSA, and our approach goes beyond merely selling products; we are committed to building local capacity. Our training programmes in Angola, South Africa, Morocco, Togo and soon, in Tanzania, ensure that African technicians and engineers are fully equipped to manage and maintain our technology, creating skilled jobs and developing expertise across the continent.”
A high-capacity solution
With the release of the HGY Series, HIMOINSA has entered the high-capacity engine segment as it bids to support the continent’s rapid industrialisation and infrastructure expansion. By offering flexible fuel options, currently capable of operating with a range of diesel types and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), with future plans to support natural gas and hydrogen, the HGY Series ensures that businesses and communities across Africa have access to low-emission, efficient, and reliable power, regardless of local grid conditions.
Francisco Gracia, CEO of HIMOINSA, surmised, “We see enormous potential in Africa’s industrial and digital sectors, and the HGY Series is a powerful tool for realising that potential. From supporting vital healthcare facilities to powering new data centres that drive digital transformation; to providing continuous power for mining projects, our solutions are designed to make a tangible impact in Africa’s growth story. This launch is more than just a product introduction; it is our commitment to being a partner in Africa’s progress.”
The South African mining sector recorded a decline in year-on-year fatalities as of 14 October. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has called for a stronger health and safety culture within the country’s mining industry while speaking at the Mine Health and Safety Summit
“It is to be noted that the implementation of technology alone is not enough,” she remarked. “To achieve zero harm, we must also cultivate and sustain a strong health and safety culture throughout the mining sector. The Health and Safety Culture Transformation Framework developed by the Mine Health and Safety Council provides a solid foundation for this.
“However, the implementation of the framework across the industry remains uneven, and more work is needed to ensure that health and safety is elevated and recognised as a top priority and core value by all stakeholders and every mining operation, from the largest corporations to the smallest operators.”
As of 14 October, the country has recorded that year-on-year fatalities had declined from 38 to 34 deaths (11% in fatalities). Despite the improvement, the Deputy Minister said that even a single death was “one too many” and called for the sector to continue its efforts towards zero harm.
"It is about leadership, accountability and a deep, shared commitment to the well-being of every worker. It requires a shift in mindset, where the health and safety of mineworkers is not seen as an obstacle to productivity, but as a critical component of operational success,” Nemadzinga-Tshabalala continued.
“Many of these incidents are repeats and they can be prevented. Fall of ground accidents remain one of the largest accident categories, and the predominant cause of fatalities followed by general accident and transportation categories, respectively.
“This is regrettable, as it is expected that all mines should have appropriate measures and expertise to enhance the health and safety of mineworkers. So, we urge you to go back to the drawing board and constantly focus on safety performance.”
Constant improvement
The Deputy Minister listed the steps being actioned to reduce incidents within the country’s mining sector including engaging union leaderships; stopping unsafe mines; enforcing and monitoring of health and safety at sites; ensuring safe mining practices are being adopted; and ensuring that all mines collaborate with inspectors and organised labour to have health and safety campaigns to raise awareness.
“South Africa’s mining industry is globally recognised, and our safety record is comparable to some of the leading mining nations,” concluded Nemadzinga-Tshabalala. “However, as demonstrated by countries like Australia and Canada, there are higher benchmarks we can aspire to. We must, therefore, not allow ourselves to become complacent and accept that while the progress we have made is commendable there remains an opportunity for improvement.”
Enhanced visibility. Industrialised reliability. (Image source: Brady)
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Enhanced visibility. Industrialised reliability
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The RogueX2 features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. (Image source: Bobcat)
Bobcat, a global manufacturer of compact equipment, has received the Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader
The Red Dot Design Award is an annual international competition recognising excellence in design and business. Around 20,000 entries are submitted per year, making it one of the biggest design competitions in the world. The Design Concept category is bestowed upon new innovations that are precursors of tomorrow’s great products.
This year, that honour has gone to the RogueX2, a powerful, smart machine from Bobcat that produces zero emissions. Features include a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. The most striking of the solution, however, is the lack of cab. The fully-autonomous concept loader has been designed to work without need of an operator and explores the idea of how work machines of the future can be designed and optimised for new technologies. In this way, it provides a glimpse at an entirely new work experience.
“We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” remarked Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.
Key to the machine’s development was the Bobcat Global Design Studio, which supported the project in collaboration with the Bobcat Global Innovation team. The solution is currently in the research and development stage, and is not commercially available.
“To build a smarter, more sustainable and connected future, we must ask the questions no one else has thought to ask before and invent new solutions that previously did not exist,” concluded Honeyman.
14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)
Innovative startups 14Trees and Paebbl are set to receive investment from Holcim and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund
14Trees, which was established as a joint venture between Holcim and BII to accelerate the provision of sustainable construction solutions in Africa, will receive funding by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund as well as a follow-on investment by Holcim. With the company carving a name for itself by pioneering the delivery of the first 3D-printed house in Africa, the world’s first 3D-printed schools, and one of the largest 3D-printed neighbourhoods across the globe, the injection of capital will be used to accelerate its construction of large-scale buildings, including low-carbon data centres.
“We are excited to count Amazon and Holcim as investors in 14 Trees, to take our successful 3D-printed technology from homes and schools to data centers, to deliver low-carbon and high-performance buildings,” remarked Francois Perrot, managing director, 14Trees.
Carbon dioxide concrete storage
Paebbl converts CO2 into a future-proof industrial raw material that turns the built environment into a permanent carbon store. The investment into the company, meanwhile, is part of a broader investment round to scale its advanced mineralisation technology which is designed to permanently store CO2 in concrete as a carbon sink.
Marta Sjögren, co-founder and co-CEO, Paebbl, surmised, “We are thrilled to welcome first movers in their respective fields, Amazon and Holcim, as first commercial partners to bring our vision to market. This funding round enables us to take even bolder steps in our mission to make the built environment a cornerstone of the decarbonised economy.”
Nollaig Forrest, chief sustainability officer, Holcim, added, “By investing with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund into 14Trees and Paebbl, we can scale up these pioneering technologies to push the boundaries of sustainable building, from 3D printing to making concrete a carbon sink.”
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.
Scatec will seek to replicate the success it has had in previous hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Scatec ASA, a renewable energy provider, has reached financial close for the Mogobe battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in Northern Cape, South Africa
The 15-year power purchase agreement was awarded to Mogobe BESS under the first window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) which will see Scatec receive payments for making the storage capacity available for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
“We are showing and supporting that dispatchable energy and grid infrastructure are cornerstones to the sustainability of South Africa’s current and future energy system,” said Roar Haugland, EVP sub-Saharan Africa, Scatec. “By unlocking more grid capacity, we are enabling further electricity access, as well as enabling more renewable energy grid connections in years to come.”
A milestone for South Africa
With a total capex for the 103MW / 412MWh project at US$170mn, Scatec’s EPC contract account for approximately 83%. The project, which will see NTCSA utilise the capacity to balance the grid, will be financed by US$154mn of non-recourse project debt with Standard Bank of South Africa acting as mandated lead arranger, and the remaining equity from the owners.
“This marks a new milestone for Scatec in South Africa and for the renewable energy transition in the country,” commented Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. “The Mogobe BESS project is a first of a kind and reaffirms our standing as a leading renewable energy player in South Africa. We continue to see attractive growth opportunities in the market based on the need for growth in power generation, our strong position in the country and our strong and competent local team.”
“Standard Bank is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Scatec as the lead arranger for the groundbreaking Mogobe BESS project. This facility represents a significant step forward in South Africa’s energy transition, building on our successful collaboration on projects like Kenhardt. We’re committed to financing innovative energy solutions that drive sustainable development and economic growth in South Africa and across the continent,” added Rentia van Tonder, head: power – corporate and investment banking, Standard Bank of South Africa.
This step towards a sustainable future for South Africa is a timely announcement given the recent warning from IRENA that the world is set to miss a key climate target without immediate change. Click here to discover the full story.
The HGY Series are designed to work seamlessly with micro-grids and renewable energy sources. (Image source: HIMOINSA)
COP29 will build on the COP28 agreement by advancing initiatives and priorities that accelerate the development of renewable energy potential and remove barriers to its expansion. (Image source: IRENA)
The RogueX2 features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. (Image source: Bobcat)
Bobcat, a global manufacturer of compact equipment, has received the Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader
The Red Dot Design Award is an annual international competition recognising excellence in design and business. Around 20,000 entries are submitted per year, making it one of the biggest design competitions in the world. The Design Concept category is bestowed upon new innovations that are precursors of tomorrow’s great products.
This year, that honour has gone to the RogueX2, a powerful, smart machine from Bobcat that produces zero emissions. Features include a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. The most striking of the solution, however, is the lack of cab. The fully-autonomous concept loader has been designed to work without need of an operator and explores the idea of how work machines of the future can be designed and optimised for new technologies. In this way, it provides a glimpse at an entirely new work experience.
“We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” remarked Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.
Key to the machine’s development was the Bobcat Global Design Studio, which supported the project in collaboration with the Bobcat Global Innovation team. The solution is currently in the research and development stage, and is not commercially available.
“To build a smarter, more sustainable and connected future, we must ask the questions no one else has thought to ask before and invent new solutions that previously did not exist,” concluded Honeyman.
14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)
The new Volvo L110H and L120H wheel loaders are designed to improve output. (Image source: Volvo CE)
BME’s mobile manufacturing units at the Dryden Innovex manufacturing plant. (Image source: Omnia)
Omnia Holdings, a diversified provider of specialised chemical products and services using in the mining agriculture and chemicals sectors, has rebranded Protea Mining Chemicals (PMC) under its mining segment, BME
The rebrand is aimed at closer aligning PMC with BME’s existing operations, consolidating the organisation’s global mining offering into a more unified brand that is capable of providing a comprehensive range of solutions spanning from mining to metal processing.
“Omnia is a global company with a unique customer value proposition, coupled with best-in-class infrastructure,” remarked Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia. “This rebranding and focus on two distinct client value propositions will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet our customers' needs across the entire mining value chain.”
Omnia’s mining business will reportedly focus on two refreshed client value offerings: BME Blasting Solutions and BME Metallurgy. The former provides explosive and initiation systems while BME Metallurgy is dedicated to mining chemicals and metallurgical solutions.
“We continue to enhance our contribution to more aspects of the mining cycle – not only in breaking rock through advanced blast design but also in enhancing mineral processing, which improves performance efficiency for our customers,” surmised the mining business’ managing director, Ralf Hennecke. “This offers exciting opportunities for our customers, who will now have enhanced access to a fully integrated value proposition and solution.”
BME’s footprint currently covers 17 African counties but it has reiterated its commitment to expanding its global footprint. In recent months, the company has proven its worth by helping a South Africa coal mine that was facing highwall challenges cut costs while retaining fragmentation. Click here to learn more about the story.
The South African mining sector recorded a decline in year-on-year fatalities as of 14 October. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Machinery Exchange will now supply Rokbak trucks to customers in Zimbabwe. (Image source: Rokbak)
The agreement reportedly represents one of the largest contracts signed by Turkish contractors abroad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish contracting company with a focus on construction, has officially signed the contract to oversee the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Railway Project
Valued at around US$3bn, Yapi Merkezi will lead the design, construction and supply of rail vehicles for the 273 km railway. Meeting European and American standards and fully electrified, the project features a design speed of 120 km/h and includes two major stations, four medium stations, one marshalling yard, and three freight terminals.
According to Yapi Merkezi, the agreement represents one of the largest contracts signed by Turkish contractors abroad and will hold strategic significance for Uganda and the wider East African region.
To fulfill the contract, Yapi Merkezi will leverage its extensive expertise in railway engineering and has provided optimal engineering solutions for the project.
Elsewhere, the 800 km Zambia Lobito Rail Project received a boost with new concession agreements signed between AFC and the governments of Angola and Zambia. Click here to learn more
The appointments have been made in line with the next phase of its reimagine transformation. (Image source: JLR)
The project is part of the Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway and Transport Facilitation Programme. (Image source: ECOWAS)
The transaction marks a significant milestone as the first investment under the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator. (Image source: BII)
British International Investment, a development finance institution and impact investor, has sought to boost private sector growth in high-impact sectors through the launch of a US$25mn risk sharing facility with Ecobank Sierra Leone
Currently, SMEs provide employment for about 70% of Sierra Leone’s population. Despite representing a crucial component of the country’s economy, BII has noted that these businesses still struggle to gain access to capital due to a number of factors such as limited availability of suitable financial products, high collateral requirements, high interest rates and the prevalence of short-term loans.
The risk sharing facility, which includes a comprehensive technical assistance programme, will therefore support Ecobank to increase lending to ambitious businesses in a frontier market where economic growth is hampered by lack of capital and investment.
“The signing of this agreement with Ecobank Sierra Leone underscores BII’s pioneering role to lead investments in countries that are often overlooked by investors,” remarked Samir Abhyankar, MD and head of financial services, BII. “The facility will be a game-changer for Sierra Leone, providing much-needed capital for ambitious local businesses to accelerate their growth, spur job creation and deepen impact. It’s an example of BII innovating and working with partners to help address pressing challenges where it matters the most.”
Growing Sierra Leone business
Building on US$50mn trade finance facility between the two entities in 2021 (which helped the bank to deepen its reach across Africa), the new facility will support local currency lending. According to BII, it will demonstrate its ability to act as the first mover in frontier markets and drive impact through risk navigation strategies.
Sebastian Ashong-Katai, managing director, Ecobank Sierra Leone, remarked, “We are delighted to have secured the support of British International Investment in boosting Ecobank’s vital lending capacity for Sierra Leone businesses who are the engine room for our country’s growth, economic development and employment. This further strengthens our intent to be the bank of choice for Sierra Leone’s businesses and leverages our delivery of world-class products, services, solutions, borderless digital pan-African platform and business skills training which are designed to support them in further growing their businesses.”
The investment will help Ecobank Sierra Leone to grow its loan book by increasing credit limits and extend lending tenors to up to five years. This is expected to boost business growth, create more jobs and increase private sector contribution to Sierra Leone’s economy.
The investment is anticipated to strengthen Africa's position in global value chains. (Image source: Afreximbank)
John Humphrey ringing the trading bell alongside leaders from MOBILIST, NSE, FSD Africa, AIB-AXYs and Capital Markets Authority. (Image source: MOBILISE)
Ampersand aims to deploy five million e-motorcycles by 2033. (Image source: Ampersand)
Ampersand, a leading electric vehicle (EV) energy tech company, has opened a large manufacturing facility in Nairobi, enabling it to meet the increasing demand for electric motorcycles in the country
The new 21,000 sq m factor is three times larger than the previous site and boasts an additional 100 staff members. It will allow the company to assemble up to 60 electric motorcycles each day, tripling its production capacity in the country.
“Our new Nairobi factory is a major step forward in both scale and impact,” remarked Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand. “It reflects our dedication to providing sustainable, affordable EV solutions that directly benefit riders and the environment. With this expanded capacity, we’re in a stronger position to support the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycle transport and to scale Ampersand’s proven business model.”
A sustainable transport solution
The new expansion swiftly follows the company’s announcement that it had raised total equity of US$21.5mn (over the course of a year) in a demonstration of the appetite for e-mobility solutions in the region.
Each sustainable e-motorcycle from the company avoids at least 2 mt of CO2e per bike per year and, on average, reportedly increases customer income by 45% annually. According to Ampersand, the enhanced Kenyan operation – in combination with its successful model in Rwanda – is laying a strong foundation for its continued expansion in East Africa and for achieving its goal of deploying five million electric motorcycles by 2033.
Up to 880 jobs are expected to be created through the new plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Circulor’s traceability platform and Rockwell’s existing automation systems provide actionable insights that can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and create a competitive advantage in the evolving sustainability landscape. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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The project carries an estimated total cost of US$12bn. (Image source: The Republic of Ghana Presidency)
Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions. (Image source: Vertiv)
Bobcat can now offer its customers an even more complete package of material handling solutions. (Image source: Bobcat)
Bobcat has included additional features to enhance the visibility around the machines. (Image source: Bobcat)
The project sought to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion. (Image source: SANRAL)
L to R: Wayne Bowyer, managing director of Toyota Tsusho Africa; Andrew Velleman, CEO of CFAO South Africa; Andrew Kirby, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa; Rev Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs; Minister Parks Tau, SA Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Hiroshi Morita, CEO of Ogihara Thailand; and Nigel Ward, Toyota EVP: manufacturing and manufacturing support. (Image source: CFAO South Africa)
Africa Energy Forum 2024 was held in the Fira de Montjuïc in Barcelona. (Image source: ACP)
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Ugandan Government, local communities and the companies involved in the project’s delivery. (Image source: AMEA Power)
The Forte Secondary School fulfils an important role of educating 2,400 learners. (Image source: Bell Equipment)
The project will extend and modernise the Moroni and Boingoma ports. (Image source: AfDB)
The port will be connected to a network of additional infrastructure, including a free zone and multimodal logistics infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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Scatec will seek to replicate the success it has had in previous hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The HGY Series are designed to work seamlessly with micro-grids and renewable energy sources. (Image source: HIMOINSA)
The agreement reportedly represents one of the largest contracts signed by Turkish contractors abroad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Rawbank is looking to ensure a scalable and reliable environment for its digital assets. (Image source: OADC)
Ampersand aims to deploy five million e-motorcycles by 2033. (Image source: Ampersand)
Enhanced visibility. Industrialised reliability. (Image source: Brady)
The appointments have been made in line with the next phase of its reimagine transformation. (Image source: JLR)
Up to 880 jobs are expected to be created through the new plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The RogueX2 features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift, and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. (Image source: Bobcat)
The project is part of the Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway and Transport Facilitation Programme. (Image source: ECOWAS)
Daimler Truck MEA operates two state-of-the-art warehouses and its advanced training centre underscores the commitment to developing regional talent and delivering unparalleled service. (Image source: DT MEA)
COP29 will build on the COP28 agreement by advancing initiatives and priorities that accelerate the development of renewable energy potential and remove barriers to its expansion. (Image source: IRENA)
14Trees 3D printing technology has been building affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa. (Image source: BII)
The solution empowers customers to maximise operational performance and accelerate net-zero goals. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Falcon Aerospace offers of aviation services including private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, sales and fractional ownership. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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Rawbank is looking to ensure a scalable and reliable environment for its digital assets. (Image source: OADC)
Enhanced visibility. Industrialised reliability. (Image source: Brady)
The funds will be used to consolidate and expand capacity and infrastructure of data centre assets across Ooredoo’s MENA operations. (Image source: Ooredoo)
The OADC Texaf – Kinshasa facility, with a 2MW capacity, sets a new standard as a cornerstone of the DRC’s growing digital ecosystem. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
LINX expands its African interconnection platform to PAIX Data Centres Nairobi, enhancing peering and connectivity for Kenya’s digital growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The development will enable mobile service providers to deliver 5G services to their subscribers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In phase 2 of the project, GBB adopted Huawei’s FusionDC1000B prefabricated modular data centre solution. (Image source: GBB)
East and West Africa are emerging as pivotal hubs in the data centre market. (Image source: Schneider Electric)
The 2MW-capable facility is the DRC’s first live open-access, carrier-neutral and Uptime Institute Tier-III certified data centre, with ISO27001 post live certification on track for Q3 2024. (Image source: OADC Texaf Digital – Kinshasa)
Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology Solutions. (Image source: Africonology Solutions)
Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions. (Image source: Vertiv)
The new data centre is ‘EcoStruxure-ready’, with components of the installed EcoStruxure for Data Centers platform solution. (Image source: Schneider Electric)