A new hydropower plant in Liberia has been allocated additional funding by the African Development Bank (AfDB) following cost overruns

It marks the latest infrastructure project in Africa to be hit by escalating costs.

The African Development Fund, the bank’s concessional lending arm, approved an additional loan of US$7.41mn to complete implementation of Liberia’s Renewable Energy for Electrification project.

A major part of the project is the construction of a 9.34 MW run-of-river hydropower plant in the Gbedin Falls area of Nimba County.

The plant will be connected to an eight-kilometre 33-kilovolt evacuation line and two transformer substations, and also to a cross-border transmission line.

A 15-kilometre permanent access road and an eight-kilometre temporary road will also be built to ensure access to the power plant site.

The project also calls for installation of 50 km of 33/0.4-kilovolt distribution lines and the connection of 6,650 households to the power grid in Nimba and Bong County.

In a statement, the AfDB said the additional financing will be used “to cover a cost overrun for construction of the hydropower plant and related infrastructure, as well as project management cost overruns related to implementation delays.”

The bank recently approved an additional €217mn to complete a major roads project in Uganda after costs doubled as the scheme expanded to include new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes.

The Liberia Renewable Energy for Electrification project is a joint initiative of the Liberian government and the AfDB, initially approved in October 2019, with project implementation beginning in March 2021.

Upon completion, the project is expected to increase Liberia’s national energy mix by 56.5 gigawatt-hours per year, representing about 6.9 per cent of the country’s total supply’s well as expand electricity access to thousands who did not previously have connection.

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Metso has signed a new distribution agreement with Rock Plant Ltd, a respected and long-standing dealer of major construction and quarrying machinery brands in East Africa

The partnership marks a strategic move aimed at expanding Metso’s footprint and accelerating its growth across the region.

Under the agreement, Rock Plant will distribute Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, along with related parts and services, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

According to Ignacio Garcia, distribution manager, EMEA North at Metso, “East Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa for aggregates and mining. To fully capture this potential, we wanted a partner with a strong local footprint, technical know-how, and a proven service capability. Rock Plant has a long track record in heavy equipment distribution, a solid presence across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and an experienced team deeply connected with the industry. This partnership allows Metso to strengthen its coverage, improve responsiveness, and ensure consistent customer support across the region.”

In these markets, customers are increasingly looking for dependable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain machinery capable of operating in remote and challenging environments. Mobile and modular units are especially important due to the scattered nature of quarries and project locations.

Pritpal Roopra, managing director of Rock Plant, noted, “Partnering with Metso enables us to expand our portfolio with a world-class crushing and screening brand. This cooperation gives our customers access to industry-leading technology, backed by our local service and support network.”

Adam Benn, director of capital sales, EMEA North at Metso, added, “The cooperation combines Metso’s global technology leadership with Rock Plant’s local presence and service capability. Customers will benefit from faster response times, local spare parts availability, and professional support throughout the equipment lifecycle, from selection and commissioning to maintenance and upgrades. This means improved uptime, lower operating costs, and access to proven, sustainable solutions built for local conditions.”

Hitachi Construction Machinery and Hitachi Industrial Products have announced plans for a hybrid dump truck demonstration test project at a South African mining site, as part of an initiative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)

The project was selected on 2nd November for inclusion in UNIDO’s industrial cooperation in the Global South through technology transfer from Japan programme.

Hitachi cites reductions in fuel costs and CO2 emissions that together will contribute to the development of the countries of the Global South through Japanese technology.

The hybrid dump truck will be working at an undisclosed mine site in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

UNIDO is conducting the programme to promote technological innovation, strengthen supply chains and establish industrial infrastructure in Global South countries by supporting Japanese firms in conducting large-scale demonstrations, funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

“Numerous pieces of mining machinery operate at mining sites, and most are powered by diesel engines,” the Hitachi companies said in a media statement.

“Diesel fuel is the primary cost factor in mine operations, and reducing fuel consumption has been a challenge for many years.”

In addition, it added, the CO2 emissions generated by dump trucks account for more than 50% of the total emissions from mining machinery in operation at mines in many cases, which makes reducing environmental impact an “urgent issue”.

To address these challenges, the project will manufacture a hybrid dump truck for demonstration testing based on an electrically driven EH4000AC-3 rigid dump truck that uses a diesel engine as its power source.

The demonstration truck will be equipped with an AC drive system manufactured by Hitachi Industrial Products, which operates using electricity generated by a diesel engine and electricity recovered through regenerative braking and stored in onboard batteries.

As part of the implementation, Hitachi Construction Machinery will provide training on the repair and maintenance of hybrid dump trucks to service personnel in South Africa, as well as locally transfer knowledge and conduct human resource development.

“Compared to the existing EH4000AC-3, the demonstration test dump truck reduces both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 10% or more, which helps reduce lifecycle costs and the environmental impact in mining operations,” the Hitachi statement added.

“In addition, the use of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) may theoretically reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, which has the technical potential to accelerate decarbonisation efforts.”

Furthermore, it added, the ability to retrofit existing dump trucks into hybrid dump trucks will enable mining companies to effectively utilise the assets that they own and support the realisation of sustainable operations.

Hitachi Construction Machinery has also promoted the joint development and demonstration testing of full battery dump trucks to realise net zero emissions at mining sites.

“Hitachi Industrial Products will contribute to improving environmental performance — such as better vehicle fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions — by adding service offerings that utilise battery power for AC drive systems in the existing installed base,” the company added.

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Bobcat has unveiled the new B16-20-NT series, its first 3-wheel forklift to be based exclusively on the latest lithium-ion technology

Designed for light to medium-duty use, the B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models offer a combination of compact design, high manoeuvrability, and an emission-free drive — a “future-proof investment for in-plant logistics,” according to the company.

“With the new Li-ion forklifts in the BNT series, the new Li-ion batteries, and the corresponding fast chargers for the existing range, Bobcat is clearly demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and efficient intralogistics,” the company said in a statement to announce the launch.

“The combination of zero-emission technology, high user-friendliness, and modern energy management makes the B16-20NT series and Bobcat’s Li-ion energy packs the ideal solution for forward-looking companies.”

Key features

The compact 3-wheel forklifts in the NT series offer load capacities of 1.6 to 2.0 tons with a load centre of 500 mm.

Equipped with a 4.5 kW dual drive, a 12 kW hydraulic motor and a maintenance-free lithium-ion battery, they boast high-performance capabilities.

According to Bobcat, the models are particularly impressive in narrow warehouse aisles thanks to their manoeuvrability and small turning radius.

Ergonomically designed driver’s seats with generous legroom, a low entrance and modern controls – including the intuitive colour display with onboard diagnostics and optional fingertip controls – ensure a high level of comfort and safety in daily use.

The electric parking brake including ramp stop completes the safety concept.

Lithium-ion batteries

Alongside the market launch of the new B16-20-NT series, Bobcat is also introducing its own lithium-ion batteries.

These can be ordered as an alternative to the lead-acid energy pack for the existing electric forklift product range.

The new batteries are available in 400 and 600 Ah versions – regardless of voltage and series – and can be seamlessly integrated into the forklift’s CAN bus, making a separate display redundant.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, also known as LFP) is used as the cell chemistry, ensuring high safety and a long lifespan.

Thanks to the integrated thermal management system, operation is even possible at temperatures as low as -18°C.

The Machine IQ telematics and diagnostics system, which allows important system data to be read out in real time, provides additional transparency and control.

“Not only is the service life of Bobcat’s lithium-ion batteries two to three times longer than that of conventional lead-acid batteries, they also require significantly less maintenance and offer higher efficiency,” the statement added.

“The Bobcat Machine IQ app can be used to easily monitor and analyse operating data, charging cycles and the battery status. The warranty of 5 years, or 10,000 operating hours, is another plus.”

Smart charging infrastructure

Bobcat has also developed its own series of powerful charging solutions for use with the new lithium-ion batteries, designed for efficiency and speed.

Depending on the model, a full charge takes around two hours at a charging capacity of up to 300 A. The chargers are available for both 51.2 V and 80 V systems and cover capacities from 400 to 600 Ah.

“Thanks to their flexible connectivity…and robust design, they are ideal for a wide range of applications, whether in existing charging premises or distributed throughout the application environment. Thanks to the smart charging electronics, the charging process is always safe and adapted to the current status of the battery, thus extending its service life.”

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Paycorp, a global payments group with strong South African roots, has made a strategic investment in Currency Stream, a UK-based fintech that specialises in real-time foreign exchange and multi-currency payment solutions

This partnership is set to accelerate Currency Stream’s growth in Europe and open up new expansion opportunities across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Paycorp will contribute capital, international reach, and over 20 years of payments expertise to help drive Currency Stream’s global ambitions.

The investment builds on a successful working relationship that spans over seven years. Since 2017, Paycorp has implemented Currency Stream’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) technology across Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Africa.

“This partnership is a natural evolution of our long-standing relationship with Currency Stream,” said Steven Kark, CEO and co-founder of Paycorp, who will be joining the Currency Stream International board. “They’ve consistently delivered results with robust tech, transparency, and smart thinking. As they expand globally, it makes perfect sense for Paycorp to back that growth and take this offering deeper into markets like Africa, Asia and the US.”

Currency Stream’s proprietary technology supports real-time DCC and Multi-Currency Pricing (MCP) in over 160 currencies. Already trusted by top acquirers, gateways, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, the company’s solutions will now be brought to new sectors and high-growth regions. The focus will be on retail, travel, and online commerce — markets where FX transparency and multi-currency functionality are increasingly vital.

“This investment cements a powerful partnership built on innovation and trust,” said Noel Goddard, founder and CEO of Currency Stream. “Paycorp understands the complexities of cross-border payments and has the scale, experience and strategic focus to help us serve more partners faster, particularly across Africa and other emerging markets.”

This move aligns with Paycorp’s wider strategy of expanding its portfolio of value-added payment solutions. With operations in Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, and the UK, Paycorp is already recognised for its services in ATM and cash operations, transaction processing, embedded business funding, and alternative payments.

FLS has completed a significant upgrade to its polyurethane manufacturing facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, positioning the site as a key global hub for the production of its advanced NexGen wear-resistant material

This development forms part of a wider modernisation programme by FLS, aimed at strengthening supply chains, increasing manufacturing efficiency and enhancing
sustainability across its global footprint.

Brad Shepherd, director service line - screen and feeder consumables at FLS, said the investment at Delmas aligns with the company’s global strategy to standardise and optimise production processes.

“This is a milestone for us,” commented Shepherd. “We are integrating cutting edge technology and modern manufacturing methodologies across all our polyurethane plants, and Delmas is leading the way. The upgrade enables us to respond more quickly and reliably to customer needs across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.”

The centrepiece of the upgrade is the introduction of purpose-built infrastructure to produce NexGen screen media - a polyurethane material developed by FLS to deliver extended wear life, reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency. In on-site trials, screen panels made from NexGen have demonstrated up to three times the wear life of conventional rubber and polyurethane products, making it a gamechanger for industries that rely on high performance screening solutions.

Warren Walker, head of global manufacturing - polyurethane operations at FLS, explained that Delmas is the first of the company’s five global polyurethane plants to complete this transition. “We have installed new, latest generation polyurethane machines, precision tooling and dedicated preheating ovens for inserts,” he said. “This allows us to significantly increase our output while ensuring consistent quality.”

The facility now includes two trommel screen media stations and three screen media stations, each tailored to produce NexGen products. One of the standout technologies introduced is a programmable auto- calibrating polyurethane machine capable of adjusting material hardness to suit
specific applications.

“The flexibility to produce varying hardness levels is critical,” Walker noted. “It means we can tailor our screen media precisely to the customer’s application, ensuring optimum performance and longevity.”

To complement this, a high capacity polyurethane machine capable of pouring up to 42 kg per minute is in operation at the facility. This system is particularly suited to applications requiring large volume pours, such as flotation spare parts and vertical mill components.

The Delmas facility already benefited from a significant upgrade in 2019, when a state-of-the-art six-axis machining centre was introduced for tooling precision, along with robotic welding systems for manufacturing screen media panel inserts and a CNC controlled spiral welding machine to produce wedge wire products. The latest round of investments builds on this foundation and brings the facility to the forefront of global polyurethane production capability.

Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the new layout and equipment design. “We have incorporated smart energy saving features like individual temperature control on each casting table station,” Walker remarked. “This avoids the need to heat large surface areas unnecessarily and contributes to our carbon reduction goals.”

Further supporting these goals is the installation of 300 kW of solar generation capacity at the Delmas site, completed in 2024. Plans are already in place to expand this by another 500 kW in 2026, along with the integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling greater energy independence and resilience.

FLS’s offering from Delmas extends beyond screen media manufacturing. The facility is equipped to handle the complete fabrication of vibrating screens, from raw material processing and in-house machining to assembly and factory acceptance testing. This vertical integration allows the company to deliver customised solutions with tighter control over quality and lead times.

Shepherd emphasises that FLS operates both as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a screen media specialist, supplying screen panels for all types and brands of vibrating screens, feeders and trommel screens.

“We don’t just supply products,” he said. “We work closely with our customers through our network of on-the-ground specialists to assess site conditions and select the best screening media for their specific needs.”

He notes that many older processing plants are treating materials that differ from their original design specifications. In these cases, screen efficiency can often only be improved by optimising the screen media. “This is where NexGen makes a real difference,” Shepherd commented. “Combined with the correct aperture design, it allows customers to get more life and better performance from their screens.”

Unlike injection-moulded polyurethane, which can compromise the structural integrity of screen panels, FLS’s proprietary process retains superior mechanical properties, resulting in a tougher more durable product. “We have never used injection moulding because it reduces the quality of the end product,” Shepherd explained. “Our process delivers a product that stands up to the toughest operating conditions and offers lasting value.”

Walker adds that the expansion at Delmas not only supports FLS’s global operations but also contributes meaningfully to the South African economy. “Our commitment to local manufacturing is evident in the scale of our investment and the jobs we have created,” he said. “We have expanded our workforce, prioritised local recruitment and significantly grown our apprenticeship programme.”

A strong focus has also been placed on developing female artisans. In 2024, six women from the local community were recruited into a three year trade apprenticeship programme, receiving training in welding, fitting and boilermaking.

“Our investment during a period of economic uncertainty underlines FLS’s long term commitment to South Africa and to our customers in the broader EMEA region,” said Walker. “We are not just building products – we are building skills, opportunities and partnerships that will power sustainable growth for years to come.”