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Hybrid power plant impression. (Image source: Wartsila Energy)

Energy

Africa’s cement industry is expanding quickly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure investment and rising demand for housing. Yet behind this growth lies a persistent operational challenge: reliable and affordable access to electricity, writes Krzysztof Lokaj, Africa development manager, Wärtsilä Energy
 
Cement production is energy intensive and highly sensitive to power interruptions. Kilns operate continuously, and sudden shutdowns disrupt production and increase costs. In many African markets, however, limited access to grid power and volatile energy prices leave many cement producers with no other choices but to invest in power generation capabilities on site.
 
In this context, the question facing the cement industry is no longer whether to generate their own power, they often must, but which technology provides the most practical and resilient solution to do so.
 
The technological options typically envisaged include open-cycle gas turbines, reciprocating gas engines and sometimes even coal-fired steam turbines. But only one of these technologies offers the optimal balance of flexibility, reliability and affordability suited to highly demanding cement operations.
 
Flexibility in matching industrial power demand
 
An essential factor to take into consideration when assessing options is the way power demand fluctuates within cement plants. Although production processes often run continuously, electricity demand varies depending on grinding operations, maintenance cycles and seasonal production patterns.
 
By design, engine power plants are highly effective at adapting to these changing demand profiles since plant operators can simply change power output from each engine between 10% and 100% within minutes. Because they are composed of multiple engines operating in parallel, independent units can even be switched on or off to match real-time demand.
 
More importantly, flexible engines can operate stably at very low loads while maintaining high efficiency, giving operators a responsive tool for managing fluctuating power requirements. This capability allows the power plant to maintain very high electrical efficiency across a wide range of output levels.
 
This operational flexibility is also of paramount importance to support the integration of intermittent renewable energy in microgrids. As the cement industry increasingly turns to solar and wind to lower their carbon emission footprint, matching them with flexible engine capacity will provide the critical dispatch dependability needed in hybrid power plant configurations.
 
Open-cycle gas turbines, on the other hand, significantly lose efficiency when operating below full capacity. For industrial users that rarely operate at a constant full load, this translates into higher long-term fuel consumption, offsetting the turbines’ lower up-front cost. In a sector where energy costs represent a significant share of operating expenses, differences in efficiency over time will outweigh any initial capital cost advantages.
 
Unlike engines that can be turned on and off multiple times during a day and require no minimum up and down time, turbines need to operate constantly to avoid thermal stresses and therefore increased maintenance costs. This lack of operational flexibility will significantly undermine the efficiency, but also severely limit the performance of renewables in hybrid microgrid configurations. 
 
Reliability & scalability as baseline requirements
 
For cement plants, electricity supply must be dependable above all else. Reciprocating engine power plants typically achieve availability rates over 98 percent, making them well suited to industrial environments where access to energy must always be dependable.
 
One reason for this reliability lies in the modular nature of engine-based plants. Unlike turbine power plants, their configuration allows individual units to be serviced without shutting down the entire plant. Servicing can be planned and carried out on site while the remaining engines continue to operate. Spare parts planning, local technical support and straightforward servicing procedures also help keep downtime to a minimum.
 
The modular structure of engine power plants also allows for new generation capacity to be expanded gradually. As cement plants increase production, additional generating units can be installed without redesigning the entire power system, whilst avoiding the need for oversized plants. This structural flexibility reduces investment risk, allowing power infrastructure to grow alongside industrial demand.
 
In this regard, engine power plants offer a degree of adaptability that is difficult to achieve with other generation technologies.
 
Coal, a cheap option with considerable downsides
 
Coal-fired power plants are sometimes considered as an alternative for captive power in certain countries, particularly where cheap coal resources are locally available. However, coal-based generation presents its own set of challenges for industrial users.
 
Much like open-cycle gas turbines, coal plants are designed primarily for steady, continuous operation and are less suited to environments where power output must adjust frequently and rapidly. Startup times can extend to many hours, and maintenance often requires large sections of the plant to be taken offline. This lack of flexibility negatively impacts project economics.
 
Environmental considerations also represent a major downside for coal. Financing institutions, investors and owners are paying closer attention to emissions profiles and long-term climate risks. As a result, coal-based power plants can encounter significant barriers to financing.
 
Preparing for an evolving energy landscape
 
Energy systems across Africa are evolving, with new gas infrastructure, renewable energy projects and volatile fuel markets reshaping the landscape. Industrial power solutions therefore need to be able to accommodate these transformations.
 
Of course, no single power technology is universally optimal. Yet, when, sustainability, scalability, reliability, operational flexibility and long-term efficiency are considered together, engine-based power plants present a compelling option for many cement producers across the continent.
 
Read more:
 
 
 

Work at Kamoa mine site (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Energy

Canadian mining group Ivanhoe Mines has provided an update on its various power projects at its mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Construction of Kamoa-Kakula’s on-site solar (PV) facility, with battery storage, is advancing “on schedule”, it reported in its Q1 statement, delivering a total baseload of 60 MW to the copper complex from early Q3 2026.

The solar facility is already the largest solar project with battery storage on the African continent, the mining group added.

Kamoa-Kakula is planning to increase total on-site solar power generation capacity, with battery storage, to 120 MW by the end of 2027.

A tender was awarded, and a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in late April for an initial 30 MW expansion of the existing on-site solar facilities.

“A further 30-MW facility is currently being tendered and is expected to be awarded in the next month,” the Q1 report noted.

However, energy supply at the mining complex is also underpinned by thermal power plant.

This has resulted in efforts to secure fuel supplies in a volatile market amid tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.

“Preparations have been made across the group to secure on-site consumables in the event of continued global supply chain disruptions,” the company noted.

“This includes Kamoa-Kakula securing five months’ worth of diesel supply.”

However, the company added that the use of backup diesel generators could be be curtailed to rationalise diesel consumption.

Ivanhoe’s founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland said he remained bullish despite these challenges.

“Ivanhoe has a portfolio of tier-one mines powered by hydroelectric and solar power…built to withstand disruption,” he said.

“Our company is ideally positioned in this volatile environment, with exploding global demand for the copper, zinc, nickel and precious metals that we produce.”

At its Kipushi mine, the company is also currently tendering for a dedicated solar project with up to 200 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage.

This facility would provide 10 MW of baseload power, reducing reliance on the backup diesel generators that are used intermittently.

Located on a 70-hectare site near the mine, it is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.

Read more:

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Nearly 40,000 configurations available - each truck is built to meet specific customer needs, making every unit virtually unique. (Image source: IVECO)

Manufacturing

At the heart of IVECO’s industrial operations is its Madrid facility, the only manufacturing site in Spain dedicated to heavy-duty industrial vehicles

The plant produces the company’s complete heavy truck range for international markets including Italy, Germany, Spain and Turkey.

Covering 374,000 m², the facility is built around a 1 km main assembly line and is capable of delivering close to 40,000 different vehicle configurations. With 267 core models and more than 2,800 customisation options available, production is designed around highly specific customer demands. On average, the same truck configuration is assembled just three times annually.

“Every truck we build is essentially a one-off, custom-made to meet specific requirements,” commented José Manuel Jaquotot, director of IVECO’s Madrid and Valladolid plants.

“Each vehicle has a unique identifier that allows us to track it from cab production in Valladolid to final assembly in Madrid, ensuring full traceability and quality.”

Manufacturing operations at the Madrid site rely on a flexible and tightly coordinated production system supported by automation and intelligent logistics. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transport units across the line, enabling takt times to shift according to the complexity of each build while maintaining uninterrupted workflow across the plant.

Truck cabs arrive from the IVECO Valladolid Plant already painted and welded before being fully equipped in Madrid with dashboards, seats, bunks and airbags. The dashboard assembly process alone includes more than 100 electrical checks and is managed on a separate production line because of its technical complexity.

A major milestone in the process is the integration of the chassis and cab, commonly referred to as the “marriage” stage. Once combined, the vehicle progresses through the fitting of exterior parts, wheel installation and a series of final inspections. These include leak detection, geometry calibration and full functional testing before completion.

The site’s workforce remains central to its operational success. More than 2,700 employees support production activities, bringing the expertise and adaptability required to manage constant product evolution. During 2025, the plant successfully introduced ten new launches.

Sustainability also plays a defining role across operations. The Madrid facility operates entirely on renewable electricity and, in 2025, recycled almost 90% of the water used throughout production processes. Alongside the Valladolid plant, the site forms part of Iveco Group’s broader sustainability strategy and participates in a solar self-consumption initiative with Edison Next Spain, a project expected to help prevent around 500 tons of CO₂ emissions every year.

IVECO’s focus on decarbonisation extends beyond the vehicles themselves to the manufacturing ecosystem behind them. The Madrid plant reflects this broader ambition by combining advanced production technologies, large-scale customisation and sustainable industrial practices in one integrated operation.

OWI WA 2026

  • 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

Newly inaugurated Graspan Solar PV plant adds 75MW to South Africa’s grid

Energy

Pele Green Energy and ENGIE South Africa have formally inaugurated the Graspan Solar PV facility in South Africa’s Northern Cape, celebrating a project that has already entered commercial operation and is currently supplying electricity to the national grid

The 75 MW solar project was developed under Bid Window Five of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Combined with ENGIE’s Grootspruit Solar PV project in the Free State, the developments contribute a total of 150MW of renewable generation capacity to the country’s electricity network.

Having already commenced operations earlier this year, Graspan is actively feeding power into the grid, underlining the growing importance of utility-scale solar projects in addressing South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges while supporting longer-term grid resilience.

“These projects demonstrate what matters most in the current environment, which is execution,” commented Sanjeev Mungroo, managing director: renewables and batteries at ENGIE South Africa.

“Graspan is an operating asset contributing power to the grid today. That is critical as South Africa works to close its supply gap and build a more resilient electricity system.”

The project was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, reinforcing the role of partnerships between the public and private sectors in expanding generation capacity through the REIPPPP framework.

Beyond increasing electricity supply, the solar facility reflects the broader transformation underway within South Africa’s energy sector. As renewable generation capacity continues to grow, projects such as Graspan are expected to contribute to a more balanced and diversified energy mix while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

“Graspan shows what happens when partnerships are anchored in shared purpose. We’re not just delivering sustainable power into the grid – we’re driving economic activity, creating pathways for growth, and making sure communities feel the benefits of the energy transition. Today isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s a foundation for opportunity, dignity, and progress. Beyond the megawatts, impact means jobs, skills, and lasting value for local communities. For Pele Green Energy, this is moving from promise to performance – commercially sound and socially meaningful,” remarked Nicolas Lecomte, general manager, Pele Green Energy.

In addition to strengthening energy security, the project is anticipated to generate wider economic benefits through local procurement opportunities, workforce skills development and long-term investment initiatives aimed at surrounding communities.

For ENGIE South Africa, the commissioning of Graspan also forms part of a larger renewable energy pipeline that includes newly commissioned facilities, preferred bidder projects and participation in South Africa’s evolving electricity market.

“Graspan is part of a wider portfolio that reflects our long-term commitment to South Africa. The focus now is not only on adding capacity, but on ensuring that projects are delivered, integrated, and operated in a way that supports reliability, growth, and system resilience over time,” added Mungroo.

South Africa advances grid-scale gravity energy storage

Aptech Africa electrifies 69 Sierra Leone schools with off-grid solar systems. (Image source: Aptech Africa)

Construction

Metso opens Cape Town's bulk handling hub

Construction

Metso has strengthened its global Bulk Material Handling (BMH) network with the launch of a new regional hub in Cape Town

The facility enhances access to advanced automation technologies and engineering expertise, supporting bulk material handling and port customers across Africa. This development represents another milestone in Metso’s ongoing strategy to expand its capabilities in key markets.

The Cape Town hub reinforces Metso’s presence across Southern Africa, building on an established and growing installed base of equipment in the region. Operating within the same time zone, the hub enables faster technical assistance, more efficient issue resolution, and closer alignment with customer operations.

Facilitating market expansion and advancing talent development

Metso has maintained a long-standing relationship with Transnet, the state-owned enterprise responsible for the country’s port, rail and pipeline infrastructure.

“Bringing technical support closer to the operation is a practical step towards improving reliability and performance, and this partnership with Metso enables us to do that in a more structured and sustainable way,” commented Jabu Mdaki, CEO, Transnet Port Terminals.

“The African market is growing rapidly, and strengthening our regional presence is essential. Metso is well-recognized among the key companies in the region, reflecting our longstanding reputation and trusted partnerships within the local industry,” stated Ian Barnard, president, Africa Market Area, Metso.

The hub employs around 60 professionals who provide a wide range of services across the continent, including lifecycle support, modernisation solutions and technical expertise. Beyond direct employment, Metso also contributes to the local economy through engagement with consultants, suppliers and contractors.

In addition, the facility supports the development of regional industrial capabilities by fostering skills growth, particularly among younger professionals, and strengthening the broader workforce. This investment enhances the operational landscape for Port Solutions in South Africa and across the wider African market.

Full lifecycle support in bulk material handling

With more than 100 years of experience and over 8,000 bulk material handling installations worldwide, Metso continues to play a leading role in the sector.

The new hub builds on Metso’s global expansion efforts, including its recent acquisition of MRA Automation, aimed at strengthening its expertise in advanced automation and digitalisation. These capabilities will now be extended to customers in Africa, enabling the adoption of digital tools to improve reliability and optimise performance. The company has also expanded its footprint in North America with a new engineering hub in Pittsburgh.

Metso’s bulk material handling portfolio includes equipment such as railcar dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, ship loaders and unloaders, as well as cable belt conveyors and smart automation systems. Known for its expertise in design, supply and lifecycle services, Metso delivers tailored solutions that address evolving customer requirements across the full operational lifecycle.

INZAG has taken delivery of a new Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 mobile crane. (Image source: Liebherr)

New HVAC and water heating range for Africa (Image source: Rheem)

Mining

Africa’s largest installed base of mining pumps is supported by Weir’s technical know-how and reliable service network. (Image source: Weir)

Mining

Weir has built the most extensive footprint of dewatering and slurry pumps across Africa’s mining landscape by supporting customers in reducing operational risk

This is achieved through a combination of advanced engineering, ongoing equipment refinement and a service network grounded in a fully compliant social licence to operate.

Marnus Koorts, General Manager – Original Equipment at Weir, explained that the company’s market position is shaped not only by the strength of its pump technologies, but by a comprehensive value chain approach that addresses risk throughout the lifecycle of mining operations.

“Mining is continuous and extremely capital intensive, so equipment must perform reliably and optimally,” said Koorts. “It is no surprise, therefore, that mines are risk averse when partnering with solution providers – they need to deal with partners they can trust.”

He notes that meeting the demanding uptime and performance requirements of modern mines calls for deep process knowledge and engineering capability, supported by a widespread service presence across the continent.

“Our customers’ first question is often about our references in a specific country or commodity,” he said.

“Thanks to our extensive footprint and vast experience, we’re almost always familiar with their operating environments – from the minerals being mined and processing conditions to the local regulatory landscape.”

Koorts points out that Weir’s large installed base provides a key advantage, generating valuable operational data across diverse commodities, climates and working conditions. This data is continuously fed back into product development and refinement.

“We are continuously releasing new variants of components based on feedback from the field,” commented Koorts.

“We are also digitally monitoring a large portion of our installed base, so it is not just physical site visits, but smart monitoring that allows us to improve performance, longevity and total cost of ownership.”

These insights enable Weir to deliver practical solutions, including equipment standardisation across multiple sites. In one recent West African gold project, the company recommended a minor design modification that allowed two operations to adopt a unified mill pump configuration.

Drawing on experience from the first site, Weir advised the engineering contractor on aligning motors and gearboxes, resulting in significant savings on spare parts inventory while lowering the risk of downtime.

“We have this capability due to our institutional knowledge of hundreds of projects and product applications,” remarked Kroots.

“This is a crucial part of the value that we bring as an OEM where we can collaborate with customers in applying the best solutions possible.”

Koorts also emphasises the importance of regulatory compliance across different African markets, where procurement frameworks vary widely. Ensuring adherence to these requirements is critical for maintaining a strong and dependable value chain.

“Weir’s service network in Africa is staffed by local engineers, account managers and process specialists,” Koorts says. “We employ and empower local people, and we invest heavily in skills development.”

The company’s graduate programmes play a key role in this effort, recruiting talent from regional universities and developing young engineers into long-term professionals within the organisation.

“This is all part of being a good corporate citizen and it ensures that our customers are supported by experts who understand the terrain, the language and the mining culture,” he says.

Weir’s continued success in Africa reflects its understanding that supplying pumps is only one part of the value it delivers. This is reinforced by engineering expertise, a strong local presence, continuous performance data and governance systems that support a sustainable social licence to operate.

“Working with Weir gives customers access to our knowledge, our compliance and our ability to mitigate their operational risk. Our market leading products are just the visible part of a complex value chain,” Koorts concludes.

 
 

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This engineered Weba Chute Systems head chute ensures stable material presentation onto the conveyor, helping to reduce wear and improve long-term operational reliability. (Image source: Weba Chute Systems)

Logistics

Çelebi Aviation commits to Kenya’s air services market

Logistics

Cargo and logistics group Çelebi Aviation has announced its entry into the Kenyan market
 
The company said in a statement that it marked a milestone in its expansion across Africa, reinforcing its focus on regions with high-growth potential.
 
Çelebi Aviation’s global footprint also spans Europe and Asia, although its entry into Kenya signals a reshuffling of its East African portfolio.
 
The move aligns with a “broader strategic recalibration,” the statement added.
 
“Following the conclusion of its concession agreement in Tanzania, Çelebi Aviation opted not to continue operations in the country under the existing structure after a comprehensive review,” it stated.
 
“This decision reflects a disciplined, value-driven approach to growth and a clear focus on markets that offer sustainable, long-term opportunities.”
 
The company added that its expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports its ambition to deepen its presence across the continent.
 
“Çelebi Aviation continues to prioritise markets where it can leverage its global expertise to drive efficiency, service quality, and long-term value creation,” the statement noted.
 
Operations across all existing markets remain uninterrupted, it added, backed by a strong operational infrastructure and an experienced workforce.
 
Çelebi Aviation said its Kenyan arrival further strengthens its position as a trusted aviation services partner across both emerging and established markets.
 
“With more than 65 years of experience in ground handling and cargo services, the company continues to operate with a strong emphasis on transparency, ethical standards and full regulatory compliance,” the statement added.
 
“The company also maintains its commitment to contributing to local economies and employment in every geography it serves.”
 
Read more:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Zambia's infrastructure vital for economic prosperity (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

Trade finance to unlock business in Angola

Finance

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a new trade finance guarantee scheme to support Angolan businesses in association with local banks

The facility is provided to Banco de Fomento Angola (BFA) under the Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP), an initiative of the IFC, the World Bank’s private finance arm.

It is open to firms including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure the inputs they need, deliver to customers on time and sustain and create jobs across key value chains.

By de‑risking trade transactions and improving the reliability and speed of cross‑border payments, the facility will strengthen supply chains, support more diversified growth, and deepen Angola’s integration into regional and global markets, the IFC said in a statement.

“Trade finance keeps businesses going,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC's managing director.

“Working with BFA, we’re helping Angolan firms access vital imports, trade more smoothly across borders, and create jobs, strengthening supply chains and the wider economy.”

Trade finance remains a “binding constraint” for many African firms, the IFC noted.

The continent faces an estimated trade finance gap of roughly US$100bn to US$120bn annually, with SMEs disproportionately affected, despite representing over 90% of businesses and accounting for about 80% of employment in Africa.

The new trade finance facilityis expected to unlock trade, boost businesses and support jobs in Angola, where access to foreign exchange and limited correspondent banking relationships have complicated cross-border payments, making it harder for firms to source inputs and fulfil orders.

These constraints impact sectors like food and agriculture, where Angola imports a substantial share of its consumption needs and firms require steady access to inputs; recent assessments indicate Angola imports over half of its food, underscoring the importance of reliable trade finance to keep supply chains flowing.

Through the Global Trade Finance Programme, IFC’s guarantees will back BFA’s issuance of trade instruments, such as letters of credit, trade‑related promissory notes and bills of exchange, and standby instruments including bid and performance bonds and advance payment guarantees.

By de‑risking cross‑border transactions, the facility is designed to help BFA grow its trade portfolio, broaden its network of counterparties, and expand access to trade finance for Angolan firms across sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing and essential goods.

The goal is to strengthen Angola’s integration into regional and global value chains while relieving pressure points that often hinder SMEs from scaling and creating jobs.

“We are confident this partnership will have a positive impact not only on communities but also on the Angolan economy,” said Luís Roberto Gonçalves, BFA’s CEO.

It means BFA will have more instruments at its disposal to finance SME enterprises in productive sectors of the economy, boosting food production and distribution, enhancing food security and creating jobs.

“This partnership reaffirms BFA’s commitment to scaling solutions that advance the development of Angola’s financial system and reinforce the trust our clients and partners place in us.”

It also aligns with the World Bank’s strategy to grow access to finance in Angola's private sector as a means of unlocking economic growth.

Reliable trade finance will ensure access to fertiliser and seeds for farmers, packaging and raw materials for manufacturers, and spare parts and equipment for service providers.

Read more:

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Finance boost for Africa’s supply chain sector (Image source: Adobe Stock)

AFC reaches financial close on the Poro Power Green Bond (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Manufacturing

Manroland Sheetfed machinery is well known in Africa (Image source: Manroland Sheetfed)

Manufacturing

A familiar name in the print sector across Africa and the Middle East, Manroland Sheetfed is set to close its historic Offenbach factory in Germany
 
In recent years, the German press builder, founded in 1871, received financial support from its parent company, Langley Holdings plc, allowing it to continue exporting its huge print machines to the world.
 
Last October, South Africa’s Government Printing Works ordered the cutting-edge ROLAND 710 Evolution from Manroland Sheetfed, which boasts a production capability of 16,000 sheets per hour, making it one of the most efficient presses in its class.
 
In November, Manroland Sheetfed announced the successful installation of the ROLAND 706 LV Evolution at Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals Co. in Saudi Arabia, underlining its broad footprint across the region.
 
While the print machinery group enjoyed great success across the region in decades past, its decline reflects a shrinking market for printing presses globally.
 
Business in China, its primary overseas market, has also suffered in recent years.
 
In a recent interview with the publication Printweek, the company's chairman, Tony Langley, said “And then the final coup de grâce was the 100% US tariffs that also had an effect on the rest of the industry – I would say that confidence in making capital investments is probably at an all-time low."
 
The closure of the Offenbach site could mean the loss of more than 600 jobs.
 
Manroland Sheetfed’s spares and service business has also been put up for sale.
 
Read more:
 
 
 

Nearly 40,000 configurations available - each truck is built to meet specific customer needs, making every unit virtually unique. (Image source: IVECO)

Brady Corporation unveils i4311 portable printer. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

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