In The Spotlight
Yanmar’s new SV10 mini excavator. (Image source: Yanmar)
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has launched its new SV10 mini excavator, designed for space-restricted environments
Developed for the evolving demands of the 0-2 tonne segment, the SV10 focuses on delivering precise control, ease of operation and dependable performance across a wide range of applications.
It is designed for construction and urban infrastructure projects, rental and fleet operations, as well as municipal and landscaping applications.
According to Yanmar, the launch comes at a time when the 0-2 tonne segment accounts for 39% of the construction machinery market and continues to grow, driven by strong demand from construction and rental professionals.
“At the heart of the SV10 is its compactness,” a company statement read. “With an overall width of just 740 mm in its narrowest configuration, the machine can pass through standard doorways and operate in tight indoor or urban environments with ease.
A variable undercarriage also allows operators to extend the width to 990mm for enhanced stability when required, offering the flexibility to adapt to different working conditions.
“Its small swing radius, combined with a 60° boom swing, delivers precise control and positioning in highly restricted areas,” the statement added.
“From indoor renovation and demolition, to urban works and other sensitive environments where precision and minimal disruption are essential, the SV10 is designed to operate where larger machines cannot reach
Despite its compact footprint, the SV10 still delivers strong and reliable performance.
Powered by a Yanmar 3TNV70 engine delivering 9.2 kW of net power, the machine achieves digging forces of 5.2 kN (arm) and 7.6 kN (bucket), alongside a maximum digging depth of 1,800mm.
“A wide working range and compatibility with multiple attachments enable the SV10 to adapt to a variety of tasks, from trenching and landscaping to light demolition and utility work,”the statement added.
“Such versatility makes it well suited to contractors managing diverse projects, as well as rental companies seeking to maximise fleet utilisation.”
Ease of operation features include improved ergonomics, with repositioned side levers and intuitive controls, for a smooth and comfortable user experience, even for less experienced operators.
This can be valuable in rental environments, where machines must be quickly understood and safely operated by users with varying skill levels.
“The SV10 has been designed to maximise uptime and minimise operational disruption,” Yanmar noted.
“With an operating weight of 1,055 kg and transport weight of 1,180 kg, the machine is easy to transport between sites and quick to deploy, supporting efficient workflows for contractors and rental fleets alike.”
It added: “Straightforward maintenance, including a tilting engine bonnet for fast access to key components, reduces service time and keeps machines in operation longer. Combined with Yanmar’s proven engine reliability and a design focused on low total cost of ownership, the SV10 delivers dependable performance over time.”
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Hamm unveils real-time density-compaction technology
Trafigura signs gold offtake deal with Heath Goldfields and provides US$65mn financing for Bogoso–Prestea restart.
Trafigura Group Pte Ltd has entered into an offtake agreement with Heath Goldfields Ltd. for the purchase of 700,000 ounces of gold doré from the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine in the Western Region of Ghana
In parallel, Trafigura will provide US$65mn in debt financing to support the restart of oxide ore operations at the site.
Under the agreement, Trafigura will act as the offtaker for gold doré produced at the Bogoso–Prestea processing facility, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.
The Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine is among West Africa’s most established gold operations, with cumulative production exceeding 9 million ounces since 1912. Heath Goldfields resumed activity at the site with its first gold pour in February 2026, marking the restart of operations after a two-year pause. The mine includes a 1.5 million tonnes per annum carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing plant and meets SK-1300 reporting standards set by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
This agreement represents Trafigura’s first gold transaction in Ghana and its second across Africa, following a debt financing deal in December 2025 supporting Sierra Leone’s first commercial-scale gold mine. The move reflects the company’s ongoing expansion in the precious metals segment, leveraging its established capabilities in physical trading, logistics, and global market access.
Gonzalo De Olazaval, head of metals and minerals, Trafigura Group, said, “We are pleased to sign this offtake agreement with Heath Goldfields. This is Trafigura’s second gold transaction on the African continent and our first in Ghana’s gold sector, a market where we have long-standing commercial relationships across other commodities.”
“Trafigura has been active across metals and minerals markets in Africa for over two decades, and the continent remains a cornerstone as we continue to expand our precious metals business. Bogoso–Prestea is a producing asset with a strong operational team and LBMA compliance, and we look forward to applying our physical trading expertise and market access in support of a Ghanaian-owned operation of this quality.”
Phelan selects Honeywell technology for South Africa eSAF. (Image source: Honeywell)
Phelan Green, through its clean fuels division Phelan eFuels, has selected process technology from Honeywell for its planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
The project will utilise Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking technology, which converts FT liquids and waxes derived from CO₂ into eSAF that meets aviation industry standards. The technology is designed to enable efficient and scalable production of low-carbon fuels.
“We selected Honeywell’s Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology because it provides a proven, bankable pathway to produce sustainable aviation fuel at scale,” said chairman Paschal Phelan.
“This project is a major milestone for Phelan Green and for South Africa’s emerging eFuels economy, and demonstrates our commitment to industrial development, job creation and innovative energy projects that are at the cutting edge of emission reduction.”
The planned facility is a central component of the Phelan Green Hydrogen Project, a R47bn (approximately US$2.5bn) private investment that has been officially recognised by the South African government as a nationally strategic green industrial initiative. Once operational, it is expected to rank among the world’s first commercial-scale eSAF plants, supplying more than 140,000 tonnes of fuel to markets in the EU and the UK.
“Honeywell’s technologies are designed to enable scalable, efficient and flexible production of low-carbon fuels,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP.
“In this case, our Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology will help support Phelan eFuels’ goal to encourage commercial scale sustainable aviation fuel production in South Africa.”
Construction of the Saldanha Bay facility is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The development is expected to generate thousands of jobs across its various phases, while strengthening South Africa’s position as a future export hub for next-generation aviation fuels.
Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector and support sustainable growth
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.
DriveRadar enables smarter predictive maintenance across industries. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)
As industries intensify their efforts to cut downtime, reduce maintenance costs and operate with greater energy efficiency, the ability to anticipate equipment issues before they occur has become essential
Predictive maintenance, once considered an emerging technology, is now a core requirement for modern operations and SEW-EURODRIVE is driving this evolution with its advanced DriveRadar IoT Suite.
Across sectors ranging from mining and automotive to agriculture, ports, airports, and food and beverage production, reliable drivetrain performance remains non-negotiable. Willem Strydom, business development manager for electronics at SEW-EURODRIVE, said the market is moving rapidly towards smarter asset intelligence. Customers increasingly want deeper, real-time insights into their operations and DriveRadar provides exactly that through an ecosystem of intelligent sensors, edge devices and cloud-based analytics offering complete operational visibility.
Traditional maintenance practices such as manual plant surveys are proving inadequate in today’s dynamic production environments. Werner Engelbrecht, works manager megatronic at SEW-EURODRIVE, noted that these surveys often become outdated quickly as equipment is replaced or repaired. DriveRadar, by contrast, captures every new item added to the plant, offering a live, accurate and continuously updated asset overview. As plant layouts and equipment evolve, this real-time accuracy becomes vital for effective decision-making.
The benefits extend beyond visibility, with predictive capability at the heart of preventing failures. Engelbrecht explained that operators who respond to the system’s insights can avoid catastrophic breakdowns entirely. This also reduces the need for personnel to conduct repetitive physical inspections, freeing human resources for more strategic maintenance work.
A key differentiator of DriveRadar is its reliance on SEW-EURODRIVE’s integrated drivetrain ecosystem rather than third-party add-on sensors. Strydom highlights that the company’s frequency inverters function as highly accurate, multi-function sensors. Each inverter measures time of operation, energy consumption, load and torque and detects vibrations or shocks - generating hundreds of parameters per device.
With additional motor sensors and advanced vibration sensors where required, DriveRadar collects data such as temperature, ambient conditions, oil levels and ageing indicators, load variations and vibration signatures extracted directly from motor harmonics.
All this information is combined to create a digital twin of each drivetrain. The digital twin uses AI-driven models to learn normal operating behaviour from the moment equipment is commissioned. Any deviation from this baseline is detected immediately, enabling early identification of bearing damage, prediction of brake lining life, forecasting of oil change intervals, detection of structural faults and identification of load inefficiencies. Importantly, the system is capable of monitoring non-SEW-EURODRIVE components as well, making it suitable for entire applications such as conveyors or pick-and-place machinery.
Accessibility is another major advantage. DriveRadar allows data to be stored in the SEW-EURODRIVE cloud, the customer’s private cloud or local servers and can integrate with existing SCADA systems. Users can access full equipment data and generate reports from mobile devices, including in remote regions using GSM or SIM-based communication. This mobility is particularly valued by maintenance teams who can identify issues immediately without physically walking the plant.
To support customers in adopting these advanced tools, SEW-EURODRIVE has invested extensively in training. The company now offers training both on site and through its Drive Academy in Johannesburg.
Half of connections are expected to come from off-grid solutions (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and The Rockefeller Foundation have launched a new ‘Private Sector Council’ to help mobilise investment into the continent’s power sector under the so-called Mission 300 initiative
The group includes major banks, energy and telecom companies, such as TotalEnergies, Standard Bank, Scatec and Airtel Africa.
The Mission 300 objective is to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, while unlocking job creation across the continent.
Other members of the Private Sector Council include: Delta40, DLO Energy Resources Group, Elsewedy Electric, EQT Corporation, GOGLA, Meridiam, Sahara Power Group, Husk Power Systems, MCJ Amelior Foundation and Zhero.
Makhtar Diop, managing director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private finance arm, and Ray Chambers, chair of the MCJ Foundation, will serve as co-chairs of the newly-formed body.
Bringing in firms from diverse sectors “will help drive strategies to crowd in capital and deal-making capability, maximise economic transformation and scale up catalytic finance platforms, especially for local currency, to accelerate commercial investment,” a statement from the IFC noted.
"Mission 300's success depends on mobilising private investment at scale and implementing strategies shaped by businesses with experience in Africa’s energy sector,” said Diop.
“This council brings exactly that: senior leaders with the networks and expertise to translate ambition into impact.”
Since the launch of Mission 300 in 2024, the initiative has already connected an estimated 44 million people to electricity, according to the IFC statement.
Half of Mission 300 electricity connections are expected to come from off-grid solutions.
Thirty countries have signed energy compacts, with efforts to expand infrastructure, integrate regional power, embrace renewables, and boost private investment.
“The launch of the Mission 300 Private Sector Council is a critical step towards unlocking the scale and speed of private investment that Africa needs to achieve the goal of Mission 300,” said Dr. Kevin Kariuki, vice president, power, energy, climate and green growth, AfDB.
“Considering that about 50% of energy compact investments will be drawn from the private sector, bringing captains of the private sector into Mission 300 will strengthen the link between policy reform, catalytic finance and bankable projects — thereby accelerating delivery, supporting local industry, and creating jobs across the continent.”
The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC), will host the secretariat for the council, which will meet quarterly.
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Global renewable energy capacity growth 2025 statistics. (Image source: IRENA)
Global renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 GW in 2025, following the addition of 692 GW, marking a 15.5% annual increase, according to International Renewable Energy Agency
Renewables accounted for 85.6% of total capacity expansion, with solar leading at 511 GW and wind contributing 159 GW.
Together, these technologies made up 96.8% of new additions, underlining their continued cost advantage and rapid deployment.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over energy security, the report highlights the growing importance of renewables in building more resilient and decentralised energy systems.
Commenting on the findings, Francesco La Camera said, “In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion. This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity. A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”
In Africa, renewable capacity recorded its highest annual increase, rising by 15.9% with an additional 11.3 GW. This growth was driven by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt, reflecting steady progress in expanding the region’s renewable energy capacity.
For insights on other regions, explore the full report here
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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.
Typical variable speed drives from the Optidrive range (Image source: iTek Drives)
iTek Drives, which supplies variable speed drives and control panels across Africa, has moved to larger premises in the Meadowdale industrial and commercial hub, near OR Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg in South Africa
The new property provides a warehouse with facilities for receiving and dispatch, a large workshop for product assembly and repair, a variable speed drives (VFD) showroom, plus training and office facilities, with room for further growth.
iTek Drives is Africa’s leading supplier of the Optidrive range of VFDs south of the Sahara in Africa. Also known as inverters, VFDs are the electronic controllers commonly fitted to fans, pumps, compressors and cranes to smoothly manage electric motor acceleration and deceleration by changing voltages and frequencies.
Increasing sales is one reason for iTek’s move to bigger premises, according to Ryan Bisnath, sales director. “By serving as a single-source supplier, we will remove the difficulties and risks associated with ordering and assembling an integrated system from two or more separate companies,” he said.
The space at Meadowdale is also sufficient to develop alliances with electric motor companies, he noted. Distribution is another possibility — iTek recently announced the sale of VFDs, control panels and specialised electric motors to a copper mine in Zambia. Proximity to OR Tambo will also facilitate rapid delivery by air.
Bisnath also said he anticipates working more closely with importer Emac (Electric Motors & Components) to supply flame-proof motors, explosion-proof motors and slip ring motors to the African market. Other brands will include KMMP, VEM, and CEMP.
iTek intends to marry these European motors to Optidrive VFDs and iTek’s locally-built control panels, to deliver a turnkey system. “Our core business as a variable frequency drives supplier has not changed, but we hope to make a lot easier the customer’s purchase of his integrated motor and drive systems.”
iTek Drives has been growing the Optidrive name in Africa since 2016.
In 2024, the company also opened a comprehensive testing, repairs, programming and software centre in Johannesburg.
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SEW-Eurodrive advances predictive maintenance solutions
New South African freight, logistics trade body
Study highlights Africa's growing integration with global economy
Phelan selects Honeywell technology for South Africa eSAF. (Image source: Honeywell)
Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector and support sustainable growth
Introducing safer, more efficient hoisting in tight spaces (Image source: SkyJacks)
SkyJacks has expanded its access portfolio with the GEDA 300 Z Boiler Hoist designed for tight, confined operations
A solution specifically designed for tight spaces, the new hoist allows for maintenance work in high-value industrial environments such as silos, blast furnaces, co-generation plants and boilers, where service and engineering teams often face access challenges.
Sometimes, access is limited to a 45-cm manhole, which means traditional lifting equipment cannot work effectively — this forces teams to rely on manual handling methods that consume time and require physical effort.
“The reality is that many maintenance teams are working in environments that were never designed for modern equipment,” said Darryn Jacobs, managing director at SkyJacks. “The GEDA 300 Z changes that completely. It enables contractors to introduce efficient lifting capabilities into spaces that were previously hard to reach, without sacrificing safety or performance.”
Industries like energy, mining and manufacturing often perform maintenance in vertical structures, where materials, tools and components must be moved safely between different levels.
In these situations, a lack of effective lifting systems can slow down operations, a delay that increases downtime during vital maintenance shutdowns.
Manual handling not only hampers productivity but also raises safety risks and worker fatigue, complicating the ability for teams to meet tight deadlines.
The GEDA 300 Z Boiler Hoist tackles these problems with an innovative modular design.
Each component is lightweight and compact enough to fit through narrow openings, including 45-cm manholes, which allows teams to bring the system into confined spaces more readily.
Once inside, two people can assemble the unit in about 40 minutes, creating a fully functional hoisting system where traditional equipment cannot operate.
“With the ability to lift materials quickly and safely, teams can focus on what truly matters,” said Jacobs. “You’re getting rid of the bottlenecks that usually slow down projects, which ultimately means faster turnaround times and less downtime for the whole operation.”
The GEDA 300 Z has a lifting capacity of up to 300 kg and can reach heights of up to 100 metres, making it suitable for various maintenance and refurbishment tasks.
Its strong construction ensures durability in tough industrial environments, while its compact size is perfect for tight spaces where larger systems cannot operate.
Safety is another benefit, according to Jacobs.
“Safety is crucial in these settings,” he said. “What’s important is that you don’t have to compromise efficiency to achieve it. The GEDA 300 Z is built to provide both, giving operators confidence that their teams and equipment are secure at all times.”
He said industries that will benefit the most from adding the GEDA 300 Z to their maintenance strategies include power generation, mining, manufacturing, petrochemical operations, as well as industrial construction.
In these fields, where maintenance in confined spaces is common, enhancing material handling while cutting down on downtime can significantly boost overall performance.
“The launch of the GEDA 300 Z is about more than just a piece of equipment,” said Jacobs. “It’s about providing our clients with a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to handle maintenance in some of the most challenging environments. When you can reduce downtime, improve safety, and streamline operations at the same time, that’s where true value is created.”
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Smarter lifting in South Africa's C&I solar industry
Yanmar’s new SV10 mini excavator. (Image source: Yanmar)
Smart Compact Pro enhances asphalt quality and reduces construction costs. (Image source: Hamm)
Structural steel components of the ore loading bin prepared for assembly on site. (Image source: Cementation Africa)
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.
Trafigura signs gold offtake deal with Heath Goldfields and provides US$65mn financing for Bogoso–Prestea restart.
Custom-engineered mini substations designed by Trafo Power Solutions to meet strict size constraints for underground mining applications in Zambia. (Image source: Trafo Power Solutions)
Africa's growing integration into global markets (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Sub-Saharan African economies are strengthening their integration into global trade and investment flows, according to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026
It highlights the region’s growing relevance in international commerce despite heightened geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainty.
“As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub‑Saharan Africa.
“The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks,” he noted, adding that Africa is “increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade.”
The report, produced by DHL in partnership with New York University Stern School of Business, draws on more than nine million data points tracking global flows of trade, capital, information and people.
It found that global connectedness reached 25% in 2025, matching a record high first achieved in 2022.
Several countries are emerging as notable long-term improvers.
Namibia ranks among the top three globally for increases in connectedness since 2001, while Mozambique also features among the strongest performers over the same period.
More recent gains have been recorded in Nigeria and Zambia, which have posted some of the largest improvements since 2022.
Beyond trade and investment, the report notes a strong recovery in cross-border movement of people following the pandemic.
UN data shows that Africa recorded a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019, the second-largest increase among world regions after the Middle East.
In the report’s latest ranking of 180 economies, South Africa placed 53rd globally.
Other African economies with relatively strong positions include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th) and Kenya (119th).
“To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements,” added Heymans.
“At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”
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Afreximbank accession to help power South Africa’s economy (Image source: Adobe Stock)
South Africa has joined the ranks of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), bringing with it an US$8bn country programme that will target industrialisation efforts in the republic, and support projects in sectors like mining, automotives and manufacturing
It becomes the 54th state to accede to the banking group, marking the formal entry of one of Africa’s largest economies into the Bank’s membership, “heralding deeper financial sovereignty,” an Afreximbank statement read.
The bank called the accession a “historic milestone” as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities “within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocks.”
The US$8 billion country programme aims to enhance industrial development and regional supply chains and boost intra-African trade and investment flows, Afreximbank said.
“We have put together what we consider an important package of US$8bn for South Africa,” said Dr George Elombi, the bank’s president and chairman.
“The country programme is aligned with South Africa's national development plan 2030 and national industrial and trade priorities, and targets key strategic areas.”
He added that Afreximbank’s current pipeline of projects in South Africa, at different stages of review, already exceeds US$6bn, spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy and the industrial and mining sectors.
Leveraging Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure and pan-African reach, South Africa can also more readily diversify export markets and further regional economic integration.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a milestone in the quest to realise the economic integration of our continent.
“South Africa’s accession to the African Export-Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across our continent,” he said.
“Once finalised, the South African-Afreximbank country programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster.”
He said one of those areas to receive immediate effect will be the nation’s Transformation Fund with the aim of supporting more black businesses.
“This partnership will strengthen in more ways than one South Africa’s ability to support South African exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains while advancing our continent’s progress.”
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New funding to boost Africa's renewables sector (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Digitally track and locate tools with Brady’s RFID solution. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
Get a real-time list of equipment present in a vehicle and see what is missing versus an established vehicle equipment list. Select missing tools on-screen. Quickly home in with proximity-increasing sounds and visuals on a portable RFID reader
Discover the affordable RFID Scan & Drive solution from Brady!
Have you ever arrived at an intervention without the necessary equipment? Ever lost tools during field interventions? How much time do you spend to make sure all equipment is accounted for, and present in your vehicles? Now you can confirm vehicle inventories digitally and automatically, highlight any missing assets, and home in on misplaced items to quickly complete your vehicles. How much time could you save?
Everything present
Instantly see which tools are present in a vehicle - and what is missing. Easily save substantial time per vehicle, per intervention, with automated equipment inventory checks that take only seconds.
By labelling equipment with passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels, we can let an RFID reader in your vehicle detect which tools and items are present. The RFID reader can check detected tools versus a list of expected items to confirm a complete vehicle inventory or to highlight missing equipment on your phone.
Be fully equipped before leaving for a field intervention. Avoid losing tools after interventions. Don’t waste time checking visually where every piece of equipment is. Just scan, get confirmation in seconds, and drive to your next destination.
Home in on assets
Quickly find misplaced equipment. Home in on specific items with a portable RFID reader and proximity-increasing sounds and visuals.
Passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels bounce back radio signals from a portable RFID reader up to 15 metres. By measuring the strength of the returning radio signal with patented data capture technology, our portable RFID readers guide users towards a unique RFID label applied on a specific tool. When closing in, auditive and visual feedback strength from the reader increases.
RFID labels can include an LED, powered by an RFID reader from a 1.5 metre distance, to let a tool light up or to find it in a dense inventory of equipment.
Solution components
Brady develops and manufactures every component in our solution. Tested in in-house laboratories, each component is designed to withstand the wear and tear of field interventions, including exposure to UV, dust and moisture.
- RFID labels: Brady offers industrial grade on- and off-metal RFID-labels and tags that stay attached and remain legible on your equipment.
- Fixed RFID readers: Equipped with patented data capture technology, Brady’s fixed RFID readers collect data on items passing through their read range.
- Portable RFID readers: With intuitive displays, Brady’s portable RFID readers and SLEDs deliver unmatched mobility, data collection and interaction.
Are you interested in automated inventory checks solution from Brady? Visit our website, watch the short video and download the free RFID labelling guidebook.
BRADY in Africa
T: +27 11 704 3295
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