In The Spotlight
EEU partners with Wingu Africa to strengthen digital infrastructure (Image source: Wingu)
Wingu Africa, a leading carrier-neutral data centre operator in East Africa, has announced a colocation partnership with Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) to strengthen digital infrastructure
Under the collaboration, EEU has deployed critical infrastructure within Wingu Africa’s Tier III-certified facility in Addis Ababa, ensuring greater reliability, security, and efficiency for its digital operations.
The partnership underscores the vital role that secure, high-availability data centres play in enabling national utilities and enterprises to modernise and scale their services.
The collaboration marks a step forward in EEU’s digital transformation journey.
By hosting its infrastructure within Wingu Africa’s state-of-the-art colocation environment, EEU is enhancing the resilience of its digital services and positioning itself to better serve millions of customers across Ethiopia.
“This partnership with Wingu reflects our vision to modernise the way we deliver electricity services in Ethiopia,” said Michael Debela, CIO at EEU.
“By strengthening the resilience of our digital infrastructure, we are improving the reliability of our operations and laying the foundation for smarter energy services that meet the needs of our citizens.”
Demos Kyriacou, Wingu’s deputy CEO, COO and co-founder, said the implementation was completed seamlessly, with the infrastructure now fully active and operational.
“We are honoured to support Ethiopian Electric Utility in this important milestone,” said Kyriacou.
The collaboration also underscores the growing synergy between the energy and technology sectors, a theme that is being echoed not only in Ethiopia, but across Africa and beyond.
“Hosting mission-critical infrastructure in our Tier III-certified environment ensures the highest levels of security, efficiency and uptime,” Kyriacou added.
“Together, we are building a foundation for Ethiopia’s energy and digital future.”
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The new installation in remote Madagascar (Image source: Nokia)
Airtel Madagascar and Nokia have launched Madagascar’s first fully off-grid Rural Connect site, powered by solar panels, calling it a “milestone in extending mobile connectivity to underserved communities”
Leveraging Nokia’s innovative Rural Connect solution — which combines AirScale Radio Access, Nokia renewable power systems, and lean civil structures — the sites will enable Airtel Madagascar to deliver reliable, high-quality coverage in remote areas where connectivity was previously impossible.
This initiative reinforces Airtel Madagascar’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fulfilling its universal service obligations, while advancing Nokia’s strategic focus on connecting the unconnected through sustainable, energy-efficient solutions across Africa.
“Our collaboration with Nokia marks a transformative step forward in ensuring that no community is left behind in Madagascar’s digital journey,” said Anne Catherine Tchokonte Tcholagheu, CEO of Airtel Madagascar.
“By expanding coverage to rural areas, we are not only fulfilling regulatory obligations but opening new doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for thousands of people.”
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2.6 billion people worldwide remain without internet access, with 1.8 billion living in rural areas.
These figures highlight both the urgency and opportunity to close the connectivity gap.
Studies by the World Bank show that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP by up to 2.5% in developing economies, while GSMA research estimates that closing the mobile internet usage gap could add $700 billion to global GDP by 2030.
Nokia’s Rural Connect solution directly addresses these challenges by delivering cost-optimised, sustainable connectivity for rural and low-density areas.
It integrates renewable power sources, enabling fully off-grid operation via solar or hybrid solar-wind systems.
It also reuses refurbished RAN hardware, encouraging circular-economy principles, and supports flexible backhaul, including microwave, UE relay, and LEO satellite, ensuring performance even in the most remote terrains.
“Working with Airtel Madagascar to deliver our Rural Connect sites exemplifies how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Mustapha Salah, head of mobile networks for Central, East & West Africa at Nokia.
“Through Rural Connect, we provide operators with a scalable, energy-efficient, and affordable solution to extend connectivity to the hardest-to-reach communities.”
Nokia’s Rural Connect deployments in Ethiopia, Egypt, Cameroon, and Mali have already demonstrated measurable impact.
In one rural Cameroonian community, mobile usage increased fivefold within two weeks of site activation, giving residents their first access to education, healthcare, digital commerce, and government services.
Through such initiatives, Nokia said in a statement that it continues to “connect the unconnected and empower the connected with secure, sustainable, and high-performance networks that drive inclusive digital growth across Africa."
Read more:
How solar-on-tower transforms Ethiopia's telecom energy
Mota-Engil riding high on Africa’s construction market (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A dynamic Africa market has propelled Portuguese construction group Mota-Engil in 2025 after it posted higher profits and a record order backlog of €15.7bn for the first nine months of the year
“Activity continues to show strong momentum, driven by sustained growth in Africa,” the company told investors in its latest financial update.
The company, which is part-owned by China Construction Communications and celebrates 80 years in operation in 2026, is now playing an integral role in the roll-out of roads, rail and other infrastructure across much of the continent.
In its financial statement, the company cited its “outstanding performance in Africa”, particularly in the engineering and construction (E&C) segment.
Africa now accounts for over half of the backlog across its business units, it noted, headed by Angola and Nigeria.
In the railways sector, new projects include maintenance on the strategic Lobito Corridor project, as well as other work in Angola and Nigeria, now two of the group’s flagship markets.
Major industrial projects currently underway, or in backlog, include work for DP World on Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Allied Gold’s Sadiola mine in Mali and Managem’s Boto gold mine in Senegal, which was inaugurated at the start of November.
In August, Mota-Engil also picked up a further €162mn in additional work linked to Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport project.
Its Africa success offset a more modest performance from other key regions, including Europe and Latin America, where the group is also active.
While turnover for the nine-month period was largely flat, at €4.1bn, its net profit spiked 20 percent to €92mn, up from €77mn last year.
The performance may trigger interest from other international contractors seeking higher growth and returns as Africa’s long-term potential begins to take shape and infrastructure gaps are plugged.
Read more:
AfDB cash boost for Uganda roads project
IEA predicts stronger efficiency gains
Global momentum on energy efficiency is expected to gain pace in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest annual assessment
The update highlights renewed progress in an essential area for bolstering energy security, strengthening economic competitiveness, and reducing both energy costs and emissions.
The IEA’s yearly outlook, Energy Efficiency 2025, reports that global primary energy intensity — the main indicator for tracking efficiency improvements — is projected to rise by 1.8% this year, compared with only 1% in 2024. Early data suggests that major economies including India and China are showing signs of stronger improvement relative to their average performance since 2019.
Since 2019, global advances in energy efficiency have remained relatively muted, averaging about 1.3% annually, a notable decline from the roughly 2% yearly progress recorded between 2010 and 2019.
“The acceleration in global progress on energy efficiency that we’re seeing in 2025 is encouraging, including positive signs in some major emerging economies. But our analysis shows that governments need to work even harder to ensure efficiency’s full range of benefits are enjoyed by as many people as possible,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Energy efficiency has the power to enhance people’s lives and livelihoods through greater energy security, more affordable bills, improved economic competitiveness and lower emissions.”
Today’s improvement rate remains far below the 4% target set for 2030 at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where nearly 200 governments committed to doubling the global average annual energy efficiency improvement rate by the end of the decade.
The new IEA study outlines areas where governments are increasing their efforts and highlights structural issues slowing progress. For instance, nearly two-thirds of the rise in global final energy demand since 2019 has come from the industrial sector, where gains in energy intensity have weakened in recent years.
Policy development is also falling behind technological advancement, resulting in missed opportunities for energy savings. Air conditioners provide a clear example: while expanding access has significantly improved living conditions globally, soaring use has also pushed cooling-related electricity demand higher. Most units sold today remain far less efficient than the top-performing models, unnecessarily raising consumers’ energy costs.
The report notes that stronger policy action is central to unlocking faster progress. Governments can move forward by increasing the ambition of existing measures — many of which have failed to keep pace with modern technologies — and by closing remaining policy gaps. About half of all countries still lack minimum energy efficiency standards for new buildings, including regions with rapidly expanding construction. Targeting these gaps, especially in areas with high energy use and strong savings potential, can help accelerate global improvement.
To improve transparency and support quicker progress, the IEA has expanded its Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker, offering the latest regional insights aligned with the findings of Energy Efficiency 2025. The Agency has also added fresh case studies to its Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit, providing policymakers with best-practice examples from diverse sectors worldwide.
Connecting Africa with the rest of the world
The African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) has officially launched, marking a new chapter for Africa’s role in global trade and logistics integration
Founded in Accra, Ghana, on August 22, 2025, the confederation aims to unite professional standards and networks across the continent to strengthen competitiveness and collaboration.
Africa’s supply chains have long lagged behind more developed regions and today are under pressure to adapt to global disruptions and seize opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
ASCON provides a unified framework to professionalise the sector, ensuring Africa is not just a participant but a strategic player in global value chains, according to Ronald Mlalazi, the group’s president.
“Elevating the role of supply chain management in Africa is critical for economic development,” he said.
“ASCON will ensure Africa becomes a strategic player in global value chains.”
Its mission is to foster a cohesive African supply chain ecosystem grounded both in professionalism and collaboration, he added.
Key pillars include: establishing ethical codes and accreditation frameworks; advancing standardised qualifications and continuous professional development; fostering cross-border partnerships and professional alliances; and promoting research, publications and knowledge exchange.
As part of this, ASCON offers: a unified framework for professional mobility and recognition; support for resource mobilisation and membership growth; platforms for networking and partnership; and advocacy to shape policy and promote best practices.
Elevating competencies and ethical standards is expected to enable greater mobility and quality of work for professionals across Africa, a collective effort that will help to build overall resilience and growth across the sector.
ASCON is committed to positioning the continent as a leader in global supply chain development, according to professor Douglas Boateng, goodwill ambassador and Africa’s first Professor Extraordinaire in supply and value chain management.
He outlined the importance of professionalising supply chains to unlock industrialisation, reduce waste, and strengthen competitiveness under AfCFTA.
“The Africa we desire is in our hands,”said Boateng. “By integrating supply chains, we can deliver generational impact.”
Read more:
Ethiopian Airlines places major Boeing aircraft order
DP World launches PCS in Kenya
Comoros maritime corridor project takes shape
Cementir expands decarbonised cement portfolio. (Image source: Cementir Group)
Cementir Group has expanded its global decarbonisation efforts with the introduction of two lower-carbon white cement products under its D-Carb range
Produced in Egypt by Sinai White Cement Company, the new variants are now available across Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets.
The offerings include a Limestone Portland cement that meets CEM II/A-LL 52.5N EN197-1 requirements with an approximate 10% clinker reduction, and a CEM II/B-LL 42.5N option featuring around 20% clinker reduction when compared to the widely used Aalborg White CEM I 52.5R.
Designed to support industrial users in accelerating their decarbonisation pathways, the launch provides MEA customers with a practical shift toward lower-carbon construction materials without affecting performance, production efficiency or aesthetic outcomes.
“In 2024 and early 2025, we progressively introduced D-Carb products across Europe and APAC region, including Australia, where we have received positive feedback from diverse industry segments. We are pleased to see D-Carb enabling customers to meeting emerging low carbon requirements in building and urban infrastructure projects, while continuing to deliver the high performance and architecture aesthetics expected of white cement.” said Michele Di Marino, chief sales, marketing and commercial development officer of Cementir Group.
“Today, extending this portfolio to MEA with two tailored variants represents an important milestone in Cementir’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050. As the building and construction sectors worldwide increasingly prioritize decarbonization, these products reinforce our commitment to low-carbon solutions aligned with regional decarbonization targets.”
Stefano Zampaletta, Group Product and Solution Manager at Cementir Group, added, “The introduction of the two D-Carb® variants in MEA highlights our understanding of the diverse application requirements for lower-carbon materials in the region. Achieving reduced carbon footprints while maintaining the good standard of performance expected of white cement is a complex challenge, but these products demonstrate our capability to deliver both, supporting a shared ambition for sustainable construction across entire value chain.”
“MEA markets are rapidly embracing sustainability, and the arrival of D-Carb® positions us to lead this transition. By combining lower carbon emissions with the performance expected of white cement, we are setting a new benchmark and opening new opportunities for responsible construction in the region,” concluded Abdel Hamid Gadou, commercial director of Sinai White Cement.
Introducing Bobcat’s new B16-20NT series. (Image source: Bobcat)
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.”
Read more:
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Infrastructure growth lifts forklift demand
Yanmar CE targets EMEA opportunities through new appointment
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
New agreement aims to enhance data centre efficiency
Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, and Caterpillar Inc., a worldwide powerhouse in power systems, have announced a strategic collaboration to develop advanced energy optimisation solutions tailored for data centres
The initiative will combine Vertiv’s power distribution and cooling technologies with Caterpillar’s and its subsidiary Solar Turbines’ expertise in power generation and CCHP (Combined Cooling, Heat and Power). The result will be pre-engineered architectures designed to streamline deployment, accelerate time to power and enhance overall operational performance for data centre environments.
A strengthened alliance for modern energy needs
The partnership responds to the rising need for on-site energy systems that provide consistent, resilient power and cooling. Through this alliance, customers will gain access to a fully integrated solution with validated performance and seamless interfaces, enabling quicker design, installation and deployment.
Caterpillar and Solar Turbines will deliver power generation technologies, including natural gas turbines and reciprocating engines, ensuring reliable, scalable electricity and thermal output for CCHP applications.
Vertiv will contribute a comprehensive suite of modular, pre-designed power and cooling solutions, engineered to shorten design timelines and support standardised deployment.
Customer-focused benefits
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Accelerated time to power made possible through modular, predesigned reference architectures.
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Reduced PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) thanks to optimised, end to end energy efficiency across power, cooling, distribution and load management.
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Global lifecycle support underpinned by the extensive worldwide service networks of Vertiv and Caterpillar.
Gio Albertazzi, CEO at Vertiv, stated, "This collaboration with Caterpillar and Solar Turbines is a cornerstone of our Bring Your Own Power and Cooling (BYOP and C) strategy and aligns seamlessly with our grid to chip framework by offering resilient, on-site power generation solutions. This is optimal for customers looking to reduce or eliminate grid dependence."
He added, "By combining our complementary technologies, portfolios and expertise, we are enabling coordinated integration. Our pre-engineered, interoperability-tested building blocks let customers execute design, build and deploy concurrently, with predictable system performance."
Jason Kaiser, group president of Caterpillar Power and Energy, emphasised the growing demand, saying, "As AI driven workloads continue to accelerate, the demand for robust and scalable power infrastructure and cooling is becoming increasingly critical. Our collaboration with Vertiv will enable us to deliver integrated, on-site energy solutions that lower PUE and meet customers' evolving needs."
This joint effort tackles the increasing need for dependable on-site energy solutions and introduces a simplified, unified path to solution design and execution. The Vertiv and Caterpillar Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents a significant milestone in advancing this ecosystem, helping customers overcome energy limitations and deploy optimised AI facilities.
IEA predicts stronger efficiency gains
The Keben Dam Water Supply Project, situated in Nandi County, is a key community-focused initiative designed to strengthen water source security. (Image source: POWERCHINA)
Rock Plant will represent Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, parts, and services in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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.”
Mota-Engil riding high on Africa’s construction market (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Cementir expands decarbonised cement portfolio. (Image source: Cementir Group)
Construction of road to Tulu Kapi in 2025. (Image source: KEFI)
Guinea’s Simandou project enters the next stage (Image source: Baowu Resources)
Hitachi powering change in South Africa's mines. (Image source: Hitachi)
Ethiopian Airlines expands Boeing Fleet. (Image source: Ethiopian Airlines)
Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have announced that Africa's largest carrier has committed to acquiring 11 additional 737 MAX aircraft
The agreement, covering 11 B737 8 jets and signed during the Dubai Airshow, will support the airline's plans to strengthen both its regional and international networks while further expanding its hub in Addis Ababa.
Why add Aircraft?
“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 B737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” remarked Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”
Ethiopian Airlines continues to rely on the 737 MAX family for its efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility. The aircraft type is a key part of its network strategy, serving destinations across Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe where high frequency operations and quick turnaround times are essential.
“Ethiopian Airlines commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80 year partnership with the airline and region,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing.
“We are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines growth as they further connect the African continent and the world.”
The airline already operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent and holds Africa's biggest order backlog of 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Boeing, a leading global aerospace manufacturer and major United States exporter, designs, produces and supports commercial airplanes, defense platforms and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Its workforce and supplier network contribute to innovation, economic growth, sustainability and community development. The company remains committed to its core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Connecting Africa with the rest of the world
Introducing Bobcat’s new B16-20NT series. (Image source: Bobcat)
Paycorp invests in UK’s Currency Stream to accelerate FX tech growth across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe
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.
Africa’s future growth hinges on access to finance
AfDB and Algeria’s Knowledge Economy Ministry partner to scale African startups and SMEs, with fresh funds and policy support
FLS strengthens Delmas site as a global polyurethane hub. (Image source: FLS)
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.”
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