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In The Spotlight

Africa’s largest copper smelter reaches milestone output. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Mining

Ivanhoe Mines announced the production of the first copper anodes from its state-of-the-art 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister smelter at Kamoa-Kakula

This milestone comes roughly five weeks after the smelter’s heat-up and one week after the first feed of concentrate, marking a defining moment for the project.

“The first production of copper anodes from our world-class smelter is a defining moment for Kamoa-Kakula… This achievement is the culmination of a US$1.1bn investment, 18 million man-hours of disciplined execution, and an outstanding health and safety record that reflects the professionalism and commitment of everyone involved.

“This facility will proudly deliver the highest-quality Congolese copper anodes to the international markets, setting a new global benchmark for scale, efficiency, and sustainability. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the extraordinary Kamoa Copper team, as well as our contractors and partners from across the world whose expertise, innovation, and teamwork made the design and delivery of this state-of-the-art facility possible. Together, we have built something exceptional that will serve global consumers for generations to come,” said Robert Friedland, founder and executive co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines.

The smelter is now in ramp-up mode and is expected to achieve a steady-state annualised production of 500,000 tonnes of 99.7%-pure copper anodes, establishing it as the largest copper smelter in Africa. Copper production for 2026 is projected at 380,000–420,000 tonnes, with the midpoint of 400,000 tonnes representing roughly 80% of capacity.

Kamoa-Kakula’s management will prioritise processing concentrates from Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators through the on-site smelter, while any surplus will be toll-treated at the Lualaba Copper Smelter (LCS) near Kolwezi. The smelter heat-up, furnace commissioning, boiler, steam systems, acid circuit, and concentrate dryer were completed as scheduled, with the furnace reaching 1,250°C (2,282°F) for five days prior to the first concentrate feed.

The on-site inventory of copper concentrate currently totals approximately 37,000 tonnes and is expected to decline to around 17,000 tonnes during 2026 as the smelter ramps up, resulting in copper sales exceeding production by roughly 20,000 tonnes in H1 2026. This provides an opportunity to benefit from near-record-high copper prices.

Supporting uninterrupted operations, a 60 MW uninterruptible power supply (UPS) facility was installed, providing up to two hours of backup power against DRC grid fluctuations. Construction of a 60 MW on-site solar PV facility with battery storage is progressing, expected to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest solar-powered smelter supply, complementing the 180 MW diesel generator backup.

Kamoa-Kakula’s smelter also produced its first batch of by-product sulphuric acid, with annual production expected up to 700,000 tonnes, meeting strong local demand following Zambia’s acid export ban. Spot prices in Kolwezi have recently reached US$700 per tonne, with the first deliveries scheduled soon.

The smelter project maintained industry-leading health and safety standards, recording only one lost time injury over 18 million man-hours, resulting in a lost-time injury frequency rate of 0.054 per million hours. The previous Phase 3 concentrator project, completed in mid-2024, recorded zero LTIs.

Meanwhile, Stage Two dewatering of the Kakula Mine has been completed, with selective mining underway in the eastern section. Stage Three dewatering, involving the rehabilitation and recommissioning of water-damaged underground pump stations, will commence once access becomes available.

Mangombe River Port launch boosts Central Africa connectivity.

Logistics

The Central African Republic has taken a significant step forward in advancing the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville–Bangui–N’Djamena (CD13) multimodal transport corridor with the official launch of works on the MANGOMBE river port, marked by the laying of its foundation stone

The ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, signals a new stage in regional integration efforts aimed at boosting intra-regional trade, easing the movement of goods and people, and supporting economic growth across Central Africa through improved road and river transport links.

The event was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, alongside Prime Minister Félix Moloua, members of government, African Development Bank representatives led by interim Country Manager Boye Kissagne, development partners and local community representatives.

“By laying this stone, I confirm my strong commitment to building a modern Central African Republic that can capitalise on its geographical, hydraulic and human assets to take a worthy place among emerging nations,” president Touadéra said.

“This marks a decisive turning point for our policy of openness, connectivity and greater economic exchange in our Central African sub-region. We are laying more than a stone: we are laying the foundation of something that will bring growth, hope and opportunities for our country.”

Located at Mongoumba, the new river port is designed to play a pivotal role in strengthening river transport links between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. The facility is expected to improve regional connectivity, shorten supply chains, ease inflationary pressures, and enhance the management of cargo transfers between river and road networks. In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate private sector investment, create employment and open up new opportunities in logistics and financial services.

The project is being financed through a US$282mn grant from the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, underscoring the institution’s continued commitment to infrastructure development across Africa.

“Today, we are not simply launching an infrastructure project; we are opening the door to a future firmly focused on shared prosperity,” Kissagne said.

“The Port of Mongoumba is a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination to advance despite challenges.”

Construction of the port is scheduled to last 24 months and will be executed by the Italian–Egyptian Selip–Rowad consortium, with oversight provided by the SCET Tunisie and Lege Engineering consortium.

Currently, the African Development Bank Group is supporting 20 projects in the Central African Republic, with total commitments of US$583mn. These investments are concentrated mainly in transport (51%), water and sanitation (21%), agriculture (12%) and other sectors, including energy, social development, governance and finance (16%).

Data intelligence drives safer roads across Limpopo province. (Image credit: AARIVE ALIVE)

Technology

Positioned at the centre of Southern Africa’s transport network, Limpopo carries a constant flow of traffic along key routes such as the N1, R71 and R37. These corridors are vital for linking communities, enabling regional trade and moving goods across borders

Their importance, however, also brings heightened safety risks. For the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety (LDTCS), improving road safety relies heavily on one essential factor: reliable, easy-to-use data that explains where crashes happen and what causes them.

For many years, road crash information in the province was recorded manually across different districts, without spatial mapping. This fragmented approach limited the ability of authorities to identify high-risk areas or take preventive action. Through the Limpopo Road Safety Programme (LRSP), funded by the Anglo American Foundation and delivered with support from The Impact Catalyst, Project 3 was launched to address these gaps.

In collaboration with LDTCS and the Office of the Premier (OTP), the project team developed a GIS-based incident dashboard that consolidates provincial crash data into a single, visual platform.

“Having a shared picture of where our highest-risk corridors and communities are makes all the difference,” notes Mr Stephen Matjena, LDTCS Head of Department, “because it allows us to direct limited enforcement and investment where they can have the greatest impact.”

Building a practical tool through collaboration

The initiative began with a proof-of-concept system built on ESRI technology, developed alongside the CSIR and technical partners. Early testing focused on real-world applications, including pedestrian vulnerability and ambulance response trends. As the work progressed, greater emphasis was placed on improving data accuracy and usability. Records were cleaned and structured, filters and categories refined, and terminology adjusted in close consultation with provincial officials. By 2025, the dashboard was ready for handover, giving users an intuitive way to analyse incidents by corridor, district, severity and time period. It is already informing corridor planning discussions and helping justify targeted interventions in identified high-risk zones.

“The goal was never to build a shiny system in isolation,” reflects Dr. Mari Romijn, Impact Catalyst Head of Department of Capable State. “It was to co-create something practical with provincial teams that can grow into a full road safety intelligence platform over time.”

Strengthening partnerships and future opportunities

The benefits of the dashboard are becoming increasingly clear. It has established a common evidence base for LDTCS, the Office of the Premier, the Department of Health and Roads Agency Limpopo, supporting closer coordination on enforcement priorities, strategic planning and updates to the Limpopo Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. At the same time, the Limpopo Department of Health’s new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system presents opportunities to integrate emergency medical services data in the future, offering deeper insight into crash severity, response times and patient outcomes.

Overall, the incident dashboard shows how practical, data-led solutions can help even resource-limited administrations move from reactive responses to a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to road safety, while gradually building the skills and systems needed for long-term ownership and innovation.

African Review

  • In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects

    Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.

    “A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”

    Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets. 

  • In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.

    Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.

    Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers. 

    Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention. 

    By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.

  • Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.

    “Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”

    Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue. 

    There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.  

    Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets. 

    Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations. 

    Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.

  • Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.

    Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session. 

    Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality. 

    As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement. 

    Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.

Top Stories

Grid List

Energy

Namibia is keen to lead Africa’s nascent green ammonia sector (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

A flagship green ammonia project in Namibia, led by Zhero, a European clean energy developer, has received a US$5.15mn funding boost from SDG Namibia One Fund

Namibia’s energy transition and green hydrogen fund is supporting the Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay Project through funding provided by the European Union’s Global Gateway and Invest International.

Expected to start commercial operations in 2030, the project aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, avoiding an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

“Namibia has the natural resources, strategic location and national vision to become a global leader in green ammonia and hydrogen,” said Paolo Gallieri, Zhero’s chief operating officer.

“With this support, we are strengthening our ability to deliver a world-class facility that can attract long-term investment, create economic opportunities for the country and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.”

Zhero Molecule Walvis Bay is the company’s flagship project in green molecules.

The project will be powered by an integrated renewable energy system comprising 3 GW of solar PV, 2.2 GWh of battery energy storage, a 1.6 GW electrolyser system and 110 km of new transmission infrastructure.

A desalination plant is planned as part of the project’s water supply solution.

Green ammonia produced by the project is expected to serve global decarbonisation markets, including fertilisers, maritime fuels and industrial feedstocks.

SDG Namibia One Fund (also known as Climate Investor Three Namibia) is managed by Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused blended finance investment manager, in partnership with Dutch development finance institution, Invest International, and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF).

“Zhero’s project aligns strongly with Namibia’s ambition to build a competitive green hydrogen and ammonia industry, as well as with the mandate of our SDG Namibia One Fund,” said Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM.

“The site benefits from exceptional solar resources, ample land and direct access to deep-water export infrastructure at Walvis Bay, making it well-suited for industrial-scale green ammonia production. Through its blended finance structure, SDG Namibia One is providing early-stage development capital alongside Zhero needed to de-risk the project and prepare it for financial close, creating the conditions for private capital to invest at scale in the construction phase. We look forward to working with Zhero to bring this important project from development, through construction and into operation.”

Green ammonia is produced by combining green hydrogen, generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, with nitrogen extracted from the air.

It is a zero-carbon fuel and chemical feedstock with applications across sectors including fertiliser production, maritime shipping and industrial processes; green ammonia is seen as important for decarbonising these hard-to-abate industries, where few alternative zero-carbon solutions currently exist.

The industrial-scale green ammonia facility, located near Walvis Bay in the Erongo region on Namibia’s central coast, is expected to create 6,000 jobs during the construction phase and around 500 permanent roles.

A final investment decision is targeted for 2027, with commercial operation expected in 2030.

Read more:

IAEA explores Africa nuclear power options

Liebherr explores green ammonia potential for power generators

Namibia hydrogen project marks another milestone

Ethiopia investing in solar energy

AI streetlights could finance Lagos–Calabar Coastal highway.(Image credit: iLamp)

Construction

Prem Rodrigues, vice-president sales and marketing for India, the Middle East and Africa at Siemon. (Image source: The Siemon Company)

Construction

The Siemon Company, a global leader in high-performance connectivity solutions for data centres and smart buildings, has introduced Smart Building COMPLETE, a fully unified connectivity and cabling ecosystem designed to support the essential technologies driving today’s intelligent workplaces

Covering everything from Wi-Fi and security systems to AV, access control and sensors, Smart Building COMPLETE provides building owners and operators with a comprehensive, field-proven foundation to plan, construct and manage smarter, more efficient buildings and campus environments.

At the core of Smart Building COMPLETE is Siemon’s advanced PowerGUARD+ technology, delivering extended reach of up to 200 metres. This significantly lowers deployment costs and complexity by reducing or eliminating the need for traditional telecommunications rooms, associated equipment, power, cooling and routine maintenance. Engineered to control heat rise and maintain performance at temperatures up to 75°C, Siemon’s patented, independently verified cabling and connectivity offer the reliability required to deliver uninterrupted power and data to a wide range of connected devices.

Smart Building COMPLETE combines trusted technology with a new suite of intuitive planning and design tools that streamline specification and speed up deployment for customers, designers and consultants. The Cabling Reach Calculator assists users in selecting the right cable type based on real installation conditions and required distances, especially crucial for runs extending beyond 100 metres. The Wired for Wi-Fi tool highlights equipment manufacturer requirements and guides users in choosing the correct cabling solutions for each wireless access point. The Backbone Speed Calculator further supports planning by helping determine the fibre backbone needed for Wi-Fi deployments of any scale.

Sustainability remains a central priority for smart building operators, helping decrease energy consumption, cut operational expenses, reduce carbon emissions and enhance occupant comfort. Smart Building COMPLETE supports these goals through energy-optimising technologies and transparent reporting, assisting operators in meeting green building certification requirements. The solution emphasises transparency through Health and Environmental Product Declarations (HPDs and EPDs) and aligns with leading standards such as LEED, BREEAM, LBC and WELL, ensuring cost-effective, healthy and high-performing indoor environments.

“Modern commercial buildings and campuses must deliver more than just space. They are expected to create safe, efficient, and engaging environments that support the people inside them while maximising facility value for those who operate them. Smart Building COMPLETE, through its PowerGUARD+ technology, extensive application support and a commitment to sustainability, helps building owners and operators create dynamic, future-ready workplaces for a more sustainable tomorrow,” commented Prem Rodrigues, vice-president sales and marketing for India, the Middle East and Africa at Siemon.

Palfinger’s new PK 720 TEC crane in action. (Image source: Palfinger)

The African Development Bank is helping improve transport connectivity in Somalia. (Image source: AfDB)

Mining

XCMG’s XDE260 mining trucks head for Guinea. (Image source: XCMG)

Mining

China’s XCMG Machinery has dispatched the shipment of its flagship mining trucks for use on Guinea’s giant Simandou iron ore project in West Africa

The XCMG XDE260 mining trucks are destined for the SimFer mine, part of the Simandou mega project, which is being developed by an international consortium.

SimFer S.A. is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, CIOH (a Chinalco-led consortium), and the government of Guinea.

In a statement, XCMG announced that the truucks were produced at its “intelligent manufacturing base” in China and mark a significant milestone, “showcasing Chinese manufacturing excellence at the world's largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserve.”

It added: “This shipment signifies that XCMG and Rio Tinto are working together more closely than ever, deepening their collaboration in the field of high-end mining equipment.”

The delivery is part of a major equipment supply contract valued at nearly RMB 800mn (approximately US$114mn), signed in 2024, that includes the provision of large-capacity mining trucks, motor graders, and select auxiliary equipment.

“This collaboration is a profound partnership based on our shared commitment to sustainable development,” said Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG.

“XCMG has always been driven by technological innovation, striving to provide global clients with smarter, more environmentally friendly integrated solutions.”

The new XDE260 mining trucks — flagship models engineered specifically for West Africa's operating conditions — are designed to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact, he added.

XCMG has deployed a dedicated service team of over 100 specialists to West Africa to offer localised, round-the-clock technical support for optimal operational efficiency.

A multinational expert team from China, Guinea, and Australia is also benchmarking the equipment against global best practices in mining operations, ensuring the Simandou mine achieves its planned production capacity efficiently and sustainably throughout its lifecycle.

XCMG’s local entity is also providing vocational education and professional training to locals.

“Together, we aim to fullfil our shared social responsibilities and empower local employees by enhancing their skills and fostering career development,” said a spokesperson for XCMG Simandou Company.

In its statement, XCMG said that it planned to continue deepening its involvement in Africa and other global markets to showcase its technology, machinery and further its commitment to nurturing the communities in which it operates.

“From exporting high-end mining machinery to integrating China’s intelligent manufacturing capabilities with international standards, XCMG is accelerating its evolution — from global expansion to sustainable market leadership,” the statement read.

“Moving forward, XCMG will remain innovation-driven and customer-focused, providing robust support for the mining industry's low-carbon transition and helping shape a more sustainable future for global resources.”

Read more:

Simandou partners celebrate start of operations

XCMG delivers 200 machines across regions

XCMG Machinery invests in Africa tech talent

 

Africa’s largest copper smelter reaches milestone output. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Meta Global Vision expands Africa Turbo to streamline automotive and industrial parts supply for mining operators. (Image source: Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC)

Logistics

Mangombe River Port launch boosts Central Africa connectivity.

Logistics

The Central African Republic has taken a significant step forward in advancing the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville–Bangui–N’Djamena (CD13) multimodal transport corridor with the official launch of works on the MANGOMBE river port, marked by the laying of its foundation stone

The ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, signals a new stage in regional integration efforts aimed at boosting intra-regional trade, easing the movement of goods and people, and supporting economic growth across Central Africa through improved road and river transport links.

The event was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, alongside Prime Minister Félix Moloua, members of government, African Development Bank representatives led by interim Country Manager Boye Kissagne, development partners and local community representatives.

“By laying this stone, I confirm my strong commitment to building a modern Central African Republic that can capitalise on its geographical, hydraulic and human assets to take a worthy place among emerging nations,” president Touadéra said.

“This marks a decisive turning point for our policy of openness, connectivity and greater economic exchange in our Central African sub-region. We are laying more than a stone: we are laying the foundation of something that will bring growth, hope and opportunities for our country.”

Located at Mongoumba, the new river port is designed to play a pivotal role in strengthening river transport links between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. The facility is expected to improve regional connectivity, shorten supply chains, ease inflationary pressures, and enhance the management of cargo transfers between river and road networks. In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate private sector investment, create employment and open up new opportunities in logistics and financial services.

The project is being financed through a US$282mn grant from the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, underscoring the institution’s continued commitment to infrastructure development across Africa.

“Today, we are not simply launching an infrastructure project; we are opening the door to a future firmly focused on shared prosperity,” Kissagne said.

“The Port of Mongoumba is a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination to advance despite challenges.”

Construction of the port is scheduled to last 24 months and will be executed by the Italian–Egyptian Selip–Rowad consortium, with oversight provided by the SCET Tunisie and Lege Engineering consortium.

Currently, the African Development Bank Group is supporting 20 projects in the Central African Republic, with total commitments of US$583mn. These investments are concentrated mainly in transport (51%), water and sanitation (21%), agriculture (12%) and other sectors, including energy, social development, governance and finance (16%).

Kalmar introduces Gen 2 lithium-ion battery, boosting operating time, safety and sustainability for electric straddle carriers. (Image sources: Kalmar)

Botswana railway modernisation project

Finance

Arrel introduces modular DAPL APIs letting remittance operators scale corridors liquidity and settlement on demand

Finance

Arrel has introduced a new suite of DAPL (Digital Asset Platform) APIs aimed at remittance operators, offering a modular approach to building and scaling cross-border payment infrastructure

The APIs enable operators to activate individual infrastructure modules, deploy them as needed, and scale capacity in line with transaction volumes rather than committing to fixed, bundled platforms.

The offering is targeted at regulated or regulation-ready remittance startups, as well as established operators looking to open new corridors, improve existing flows, or modernise cross-border payment systems without locking into inflexible, enterprise-style infrastructure solutions.

Remittance services typically depend on a mix of liquidity access, compliance frameworks, treasury management, and settlement mechanisms. As transaction volumes grow and new corridors are added, each of these elements introduces additional operational complexity and cost. DAPL has been designed to support operators that require multiple infrastructure components operating across currencies, jurisdictions, and volumes.

Within DAPL, remittance infrastructure is broken down into core building blocks that are generally required from the outset of any remittance operation. These include multi-currency liquidity access, connectivity to exchanges and liquidity providers, transaction monitoring and compliance tools, treasury controls, settlement logic, and local payout rails for each corridor. The platform also includes a routing layer capable of executing across multiple liquidity venues through a single integration, without the need for an internal order management system. In addition, remittance operations often rely on pre-funded accounts across currencies and corridors, which ties up working capital and increases exposure to FX and liquidity risk as activity expands.

Traditionally, these components are sourced from multiple providers, each with its own commercial terms, technical integrations, regulatory reviews, and operational processes. In many cases, they are delivered as bundled platforms with fixed pricing, minimum volume thresholds, and long-term contracts that apply regardless of actual transaction activity. Maintaining pre-funded balances across markets further compounds capital allocation challenges.

DAPL addresses this by acting as a digital asset orchestration layer that separates infrastructure components and makes them available through standardised APIs. Arrel, which was established in Mauritius, developed the platform to give remittance operators an alternative to single-stack, bundled infrastructure models.

The APIs are grouped into four main functional areas.

The first focuses on liquidity and currency access. These APIs provide programmatic access to liquidity across multiple exchanges and providers through a single integration. Operators can access settlement currencies including USD, EUR, ZAR, XAF and XOF, along with corridor-specific currencies where available. Stablecoins are supported as a settlement option, supported by reconciliation and reporting tools.

Liquidity and venue integrations include Binance, Bitfinex, Bitstamp, CEX.IO, LMAX, Deribit, Gate.io, HTX, Indodax, Kraken, KuCoin, Luno, OKX, Poloniex, VALR and Xago. Settlement is supported on blockchains such as Arbitrum One, BNB Chain, Ethereum, Optimism, Polygon, Bitcoin, Stellar and Tron. Custody options include Fireblocks and native MPC wallets, while compliance tooling is integrated through Chainalysis for KYT and Sumsub for KYC and KYB.

The second functional area covers compliance and transaction monitoring. These APIs embed compliance checks directly into remittance flows, exposing KYT, AML, and KYC or KYB processes. Screening results, risk signals, and audit records are available programmatically, and compliance rules can be applied at the transaction level across supported corridors.

The third area addresses treasury and settlement orchestration. These APIs allow operators to configure treasury wallets, approval workflows, and settlement rules across connected venues. Capabilities include real-time balance visibility, automated fund movements, FX exposure monitoring, and policy-driven approvals, all managed through a central orchestration layer.

The fourth functional area focuses on local rails and corridor execution. Through integrations with regulated local partners such as Xago, the APIs enable payouts and settlement into domestic banking and payment systems without requiring operators to establish bilateral banking relationships in every corridor. Additional payout integrations can be added while maintaining a consistent orchestration, monitoring, and audit framework.

Looking ahead, Arrel plans to expand the platform to include integrations with telecom operators and mobile money aggregators. This would allow remittance workflows to connect with mobile-based payment systems, particularly in peri-urban and remote regions where traditional banking access is limited.

Alongside individual APIs, Arrel also offers modular infrastructure bundles built on these functional areas. Operators can deploy a Core Remittance Bundle covering liquidity routing, compliance monitoring, and treasury orchestration, and then add Corridor Bundles linked to specific payout rails and local requirements. These bundles are designed for usage-based deployment rather than fixed platform commitments.

Under this approach, expanding into new corridors is handled incrementally. Each new corridor typically requires adding a payout integration and applying local rules, while the underlying liquidity, compliance, and treasury infrastructure remains unchanged.

Arrel is a member of the Circle Alliance, signalling alignment with institutional stablecoin infrastructure standards. Working with regulated partners such as Xago, the APIs are intended to operate within established financial and supervisory frameworks.

By offering modular APIs and configurable infrastructure bundles, Arrel presents an alternative model for deploying cross-border remittance infrastructure. Operators can align infrastructure usage and capital allocation with actual transaction activity, supporting corridor-by-corridor expansion while maintaining a consistent orchestration and monitoring layer. This approach is particularly relevant in African markets, where remittance corridors and payout mechanisms differ widely across countries and regions.

AFC signs landmark financing to transform the Lobito Atlantic Railway corridor and unlock regional trade. (Image source: AFC)

Afreximbank, Heirs Energies secure US$750m financing deal. (Image source: Afreximbank)

Manufacturing

Brady Corporation empowers panel builders with durable, compliant, and efficient labelling systems for electrical clarity. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Manufacturing

In the world of electrical engineering, clarity and precision are key. A professional panel builder understands that clear identification is just as important as the wiring itself. With professional-grade labels and label printers, you can easily meet customer identification requirements and provide clear insight into even the most complex panels

Reliability you can count on

Just like a quality panel is built to last, so too should its labels. Industrial-grade labels are designed by Brady engineers to meet various requirements for panel identification. They're engineered to remain legible and stay attached when exposed to a variety of elements, including UV light, humidity, and moisture.  Customers can choose labels that fully comply with demanding marine, aviation, and defense standards. Technical data sheets are available to provide insight into label test results, helping you choose the right product for the job.

Clear, immediate insight

A cluttered or poorly labelled panel can lead to errors and safety issues. By using quality labels, you can provide immediate insight into the panel's layout and components. A wide variety of labels are available in different sizes, colours, and profiles. With clear print and various options, you can effectively identify any safety risk, cable, or component in an electrical panel. This includes controllers, I/O modules, power supplies, circuit breakers, terminal and distribution blocks, relay modules, starters, and heavy-duty connectors. Properly identifying these components makes maintenance easier and improves safety.

Fast and easy

Gone are the days of handwritten labels that can fade or fall off. Electrical panel labels can be printed efficiently on-site using a wide range of label printers. All you need are a few label rolls and a suitable printer to have a variety of panel labels at your command. The flexibility of having both benchtop and portable systems means you can print labels in the workshop or on the job site. With specialised software, you can easily design, serialise, and print the labels you need, ensuring a consistent and professional result every time. This speed and ease of use save you time and provide a professional-looking final product.

Portable Printer Family v1c lowresWant to see the benefits of reliable panel identification at a glance?

View the infographic on Brady’s website for a quick visual guide to a more professional and efficient workflow.

Brady Corporation in Africa

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SANY opens global remanufacturing hub. (Image source: SANY)

the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of West Africa’s manufacturing landscape. (Image source: RusselSmith)

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