As climate pressures intensify and energy demand continues to rise, Africa faces the dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while expanding access to reliable and affordable power that supports development, job creation and digital inclusion

However, many sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, mining, logistics and manufacturing, remain heavily dependent on carbon-intensive and expensive diesel generators due to weak grid infrastructure and inconsistent electricity supply.

Addressing this issue at scale will require stronger multi-sector collaboration, coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders, and reforms within energy systems to unlock investment in renewable and decentralised solutions.

Against this backdrop, Vodacom Group has released a new white paper titled Decarbonising Africa’s ICT Sector. The report offers insights into one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, where expanding digital and network infrastructure is driving increased energy demand while the sector works to balance decarbonisation with ongoing economic and social development.

“Decarbonisation in Africa cannot be approached in isolation or through a single-sector lens,” said Ayman Essam, chief officer: external affairs at Vodacom Group. “While we have set an ambition to work towards net-zero emissions, progress depends on systemic change across the energy ecosystem. This includes policies that enable private sector participation, new financing models, and partnerships that can scale renewable energy solutions beyond individual organisations.”

The research highlights that although Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, it continues to face significant energy-related challenges that hinder decarbonisation. Weak grid systems, financially constrained utilities, complex regulatory frameworks and unreliable power supply all contribute to the slow uptake of renewable energy. As a result, many industries, including telecommunications, continue to rely on diesel-powered generation to sustain operations.

To overcome these barriers, the white paper outlines several practical pathways to accelerate decarbonisation across the ICT sector. These include reforms to encourage greater private sector participation in energy markets, the adoption of renewable procurement models such as power purchase agreements, and the expansion of decentralised solutions like mini-grids to support remote network infrastructure.

Vodacom’s own progress demonstrates that meaningful emissions reductions are achievable even in energy-constrained environments. In the past financial year, the company matched 100% of its purchased grid electricity with renewable sources, reducing scope 2 market-based emissions to nearly zero across most of its operations. Since FY2020, it has cut scope 1 and 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions by 77%, largely through improved energy efficiency and renewable procurement. Continued network optimisation has also enhanced efficiency, lowering the energy required to carry increasing data volumes from 1.55 MWh per terabyte in FY2020 to 0.36 MWh per terabyte in FY2025. Currently, 61% of Vodacom’s total scope 1 and 2 energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, including onsite generation, power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates.

While mobile network operators are significant energy consumers, the report underscores their critical role in enabling Africa’s digital and economic growth, making their participation in the low-carbon transition both complex and essential.

Developed with technical support from the Carbon Trust, the research is based on sector analysis, case studies and interviews with stakeholders across the ICT and energy value chains, including utilities, technology providers, financial institutions and regulators.

“By sharing insights and identifying pathways forward, the report aims to support more coordinated action across the industry and take up the significant opportunity for Africa to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital economy,” concluded Essam.

For the first time, real-time density is being used as a decisive parameter for qualitative assessment and integrated into automated compaction. Smart Compact Pro makes a significant contribution to extending the service life of road surfaces and, in the long term, reduces construction and repair costs, as well as potential additional expenses for the contractor.

Despite advances in digitalisation, asphalt compaction has so far been heavily dependent on empirical data and the experience of the roller driver. Consistent double passes and the correct use of dynamic compaction were often dependent on the driver’s knowledge. Since 2022, the Smart Compact digital compaction assistant from Hamm has been simplifying the compaction process in asphalt construction by controlling the compaction modes and forces based on the selected layer type – base, binder or surface course – automatically and separately for both drums. The system continuously monitors the asphalt’s physical properties, such as temperature and rigidity, as well as its complex cooling behaviour, to ensure homogeneous compaction by applying the optimum compaction energy and modes in each case. There is even the option of incorporating local weather data.

Hamm is now expanding Smart Compact to incorporate an essential measured value – real-time asphalt density. Industry experts agree that it is the decisive parameter for qualitative assessment during the compaction process and will become the key indicator for rigorously meeting regulatory requirements and minimising financial deductions.

Smart Compact Pro closes this gap by integrating the new “Realtime Density Scan” sensor into the automated compaction process. It determines the asphalt density in real time by measuring the dielectric conductivity of the asphalt mix to be compacted, therefore forming the basis for the correlation with the asphalt density or the porosity. Both parameters are crucial for self-monitoring or control testing. With the help of real-time density, Smart Compact Pro is able to provide construction companies with a decisive advantage by accurately implementing regulatory requirements.

This can significantly reduce potential financial deductions due to inadequate quality in the construction work and also save costs for premature repairs. Using Smart Compact Pro also significantly reduces the costs for extracting drill cores.

In summary, the world-first integration of real-time density into automated compaction represents a significant step forward for asphalt compaction. Even inexperienced operators can achieve optimal compaction results with Smart Compact Pro, with no need for extensive prior knowledge. This offers a significant boost for construction companies in times of an increasing shortage of skilled workers.

Cementation Africa is drawing on its extensive expertise in shaft sinking and underground mining to advance work at the Mindola shaft, part of Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe

The project is set to support the long-term sustainability of the Nkana mine while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The project scope includes the construction and installation of a permanent headgear, followed by the rope-up and commissioning of winders. These steps will enable detailed 3D scanning of the shaft, helping to identify alignment deviations and determine the structural reinforcement required to ensure safe and efficient hoisting operations. The work programme also covers the installation and commissioning of an overland conveyor system.

According to Ben Adendorff, Cementation Africa’s in-country executive for Zambia, the immediate priority is preparing the Mindola shaft for production by sliping and equipping the remaining 500 metres.

“To determine the exact degree of misalignment, Cementation Africa will complete a 3D scan of the complete shaft,” remarked Adendorff. While another contractor raisebored this particular shaft, Cementation Africa successfully completed the sinking and equipping of Mopani’s Synclinorium and Mufulira Henderson shafts over a decade ago. The 1,280 m Synclinorium shaft, with a 7 m diameter, was sunk between 2011 and 2014 before being equipped for commissioning and handover in 2016. Meanwhile, the 1,580 m Mufulira Henderson shaft, with a 6 m diameter, was commissioned in June 2020.

“Our current work at Mindola includes the removal of the sinking headgear and winders, and the installation of a new permanent headgear, after which we can rope-up and commission the new winders,” he explained. “This will allow us to scan the shaft from top to bottom with specialised equipment, including the length of shaft already equipped above a depth of approximately 1,000 m.”

This process will verify the accuracy of existing steel guide structures that direct conveyances within the shaft and allow for the correction of any identified issues. Below the 1,000 m level, the remaining 500 m of the shaft will be sliped and lined to maintain a precise vertical alignment for safe conveyance movement.

“We will the proceed with the equipping of the shaft and construction of the loading box steelwork at the shaft bottom,” he says.

Cementation Africa’s track record across complex shaft-sinking projects in southern Africa continues to reinforce its standing in the region. As noted by Hercilus Harmse, engineering services executive at Cementation Africa, the company has delivered major projects including the 1,200 m shaft at Palabora Mining Company, which reached final depth in 2024, and the 2,750 m ventilation shaft at South Deep mine.

“Many of our projects are conducted in environments where there are poor ground conditions or where extensive de-stressing of rock is required,” Harmse said. “We bring this experience into our designs and execution ensuring that we can apply innovative solutions - using our fleet of specialised equipment for rigging, winding and shaft sinking.”

Safety remains central to the company’s operations, as highlighted by new business director Graham Chamberlain. Over the past 12 years, Cementation Africa has recorded more than eight million fatality-free shaft-sinking hours.

“This is the result of consciously building a safety culture on every site and prioritising safety in all our planning and design work, using industry experience to learn from every incident,” commented Chamberlain. “Particularly with equipment that is critical to safe operations, we develop and apply duplicate systems so there is always a backup. With winders, for instance, we ensure that an electronic system will be duplicated by a mechanical system in case of failure.”

Adendorff adds that beyond its technical expertise, the company has made a lasting social impact through its long-standing presence in Zambia. Initiatives include the construction of a school for the deaf in 2016, now supporting more than 100 children, as well as an orphanage feeding programme.

“Our history in Zambia has also made us an employer of choice, as everyone knows our value system and the respect with which we treat our employees,” he concluded.

A new hybrid ‘green’ ferry has been commissioned in The Gambia as part of a sustainable transport project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, the newly ferry, named the Barra Ferry, is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles across the River Gambia.

It represents a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise river transport and is expected to improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, cut travel delays and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.

The new vessel forms part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a US$20.56mn scheme financed through the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).

The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, was presided over by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who underscored the strategic significance of transport infrastructure to his nation’s development.

“The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade,” he said.

“For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness.”

The River Gambia, stretching about 360 kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable.

For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement and passenger volumes.

The new ferry’s energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems and improved safety are expected to reduce emissions, lower operational costs and ensure safer and more reliable transport services.

The commissioning of the new ferry also underscores the AfDB’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with development priorities.

“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” added Lamin G. Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.

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Vantage Capital, Africa’s largest mezzanine debt fund manager, is stepping up its involvement in South Africa’s solar energy industry

The finance group announced that it has made a R635mn (US$40mn) investment, alongside co-investor, Greenpoint Capital, into Commercial Energy South Africa (CESA), a subsidiary of SolarAfrica Energy.

CESA holds commercial and industrial (C&I) solar and battery energy assets developed by SolarAfrica, a leading South African energy solutions provider.

The investment comprises a mezzanine facility which was used to exit Inspired Evolution from CESA, making SolarAfrica the 100% owner of CESA.

“This transaction reflects our conviction in distributed energy infrastructure and the strength of SolarAfrica’s platform,” said Roshal Ramdenee, a partner at Vantage Capital.

“CESA’s contracted C&I solar and battery portfolio provides predictable cash flows and supports South Africa’s shift to reliable and sustainable power. We look forward to working closely with SolarAfrica and Greenpoint as the platform continues to scale.”

The move also reflects growing investor appetite in the distributed energy sector more broadly.

Founded in 2011, SolarAfrica provides solar-PV, battery storage, energy trading, electricity wheeling and gas-to-power services tailored for C&I clients, helping businesses lower electricity costs, secure reliable power and reduce carbon emissions.

It has a strong track record, having delivered around 343MW of funded solar projects across southern Africa, with a further 1.14GW being rolled out.

CESA acts as a holding company for C&I rooftop solar and battery storage solutions assets that have been developed by SolarAfrica.

It currently holds a portfolio of assets with energy capacity of around 90MW across 134 different sites.

“Vantage has provided senior debt to a number of renewable energy projects through its GreenX senior debt division,” said Warren van der Merwe, managing partner at Vantage Capital.

“We are pleased to showcase in this deal how mezzanine finance can play a part in the rapidly evolving power sector.”

Charl Alheit, CIO at SolarAfrica, said the transaction would help to advance the group’s core mission to bring more power to more people and firms across Africa.

“Taking full control of the portfolio means we can continue to innovate by bringing more renewable energy solutions, such as electricity wheeling, to customers,” said Alheit.

“This underscores our commitment to making cheaper, greener power more accessible to C&I businesses as part of their green energy journey.”

Step Advisory acted as deal advisor to SolarAfrica on the transaction, Werksmans acted as legal counsel for Vantage. Other advisors to the transaction included Cresco, Ernst and Young, Webber Wentzel and SLR Consulting.

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NewSpace Systems has officially opened a new 5,200 m² manufacturing facility in Somerset West, South Africa, now the largest commercial space component and subsystem manufacturing site on the African continent

The expansion significantly increases the region’s capacity to support the global satellite supply chain.

The purpose built facility is designed to meet the high volume production requirements of modern satellite constellations. NSS, Africa’s largest exporter of space utilised hardware, supports the majority of commercial spacecraft manufacturers globally.

The development marks an important step in the company's transition from a specialised component provider to a high cadence industrial manufacturer. Since construction began in October 2024, NSS has focused on scaling its Guidance, Navigation, and Control product lines. This growth has been driven by the rapid expansion of Low Earth Orbit constellations, which require flight proven hardware that can be produced at scale without compromising quality. NSS products, including sun sensors and reaction wheels, are currently used on spacecraft weighing up to six tons.

The facility features advanced infrastructure designed to meet stringent IPC and ECSS aerospace standards. It includes a 1,260 m² ISO 14644 1 certified cleanroom, a 120 m² engineering laboratory for research and development, and specialised areas such as Helmholtz coil calibration zones for magnetically sensitive hardware, dark rooms for optical testing, and thermal and vibration testing environments. Production is supported by 6S LEAN certified assembly lines to ensure consistent and precise manufacturing.

“Big, beautiful, and built for space manufacturing,” said Tanya Lerm, CEO of NewSpace Systems.

“Every corner of this cleanroom reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, and mission success. From the controlled air environment to the precision our customers demand, every aspect of this facility was engineered to deliver hardware that performs flawlessly in space.”

By consolidating design, qualification, and manufacturing in one location, NSS maintains vertical integration, enabling competitive pricing while adhering to international standards.