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Tapping into the power of flared gas (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

Capstone Energy+, Inc. is to provide a C600 Signature Series microturbine to oil operator Maurel & Prom for its flare gas valorisation project at an onshore field in Gabon

The microturbine will convert associated gas into reliable on-site power at the remote onshore platform under a 36-month lease agreement.

Capstone Energy+ is a leading provider of behind-the-meter clean microturbine energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses, as well as solutions designed for emerging data centre applications.

For nearly four decades, it has delivered proven energy solutions that allow firms to operate with certainty in an increasingly constrained and unpredictable power environment.

The Gabon project will support Maurel & Prom’s flare gas valorisation efforts, in which gas that would otherwise be wasted is recovered and converted into a useful form of energy.

The microturbine will operate on recovered associated gas to provide electricity for other platform operations, with commissioning expected in November 2026.

Structured under Capstone’s Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) business model, Capstone is providing the C600S through its ‘Lease-to-Own’ (LTO) offering, enabling Maurel & Prom to leverage an operating expense-based solution while preserving capital flexibility.

“For operators like Maurel & Prom, flare gas valorisation solves two problems at once: it eliminates a meaningful source of emissions and generates the reliable power that remote operations depend on,” said Vince Canino, president and CEO of Capstone Energy+.

“Converting fuel that would otherwise be wasted into dependable on-site electricity, in a tropical environment far from any grid, is exactly the kind of application our technology was built for.”

Across Africa, associated gas has commonly been flared where no capture infrastructure exists, representing both a significant emissions source and wasted energy value.

The microturbines convert any waste gas into productive on-site power without requiring pipeline connectivity or major infrastructure investment.

Capstone’s microturbine platform is engineered for reliable, continuous operation on variable-composition fuel streams, including associated gas.

Its single-moving-part, air-bearing design requires no oil, no coolant, and fewer service interventions than conventional reciprocating engines, a key advantage for remote sites where conditions add logistical complexity.

“Turning gas that would otherwise be flared into reliable on-site power supports both our environmental goals and the energy needs for our operations in Gabon,” said Ibrahim Ben Ameur, lead process engineer, Maurel & Prom.

The project marks Capstone’s continued expansion in the African upstream energy sector.

Built on its core 30kW, 65kW, and 200kW microturbine platforms, its scalable multi-megawatt solutions are designed for rapid deployment, continuous operation and simplified maintenance.

It also serves other critical industries including data centres, hospitals, agriculture and industrial facilities where uptime and energy certainty are essential.

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Caterpillar drives digital innovation at Málaga technology showcase. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Construction

Caterpillar has brought together more than 400 customers and dealers from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for its fourth Construction and Quarry Technology Days, held at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Centre in Málaga, Spain

The two-week event welcomed representatives from 15 Cat dealers to explore the company's latest technologies and their practical applications across construction and quarrying operations.

The programme began with opening remarks from Kristin Gaskill, Caterpillar vice-president of technology in Construction Industries, followed by a live product demonstration focused on technology-driven solutions. Over the following days, attendees participated in guided sessions across five dedicated technology areas, allowing them to see how these solutions perform in real-world conditions and how they can be integrated into their own projects.

Gaskill highlighted Caterpillar's ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation within the industry.

"Our focus is clear: accelerating technology and digital adoption to deliver measurable outcomes for our customers."

"This week in Málaga is a powerful example of how Caterpillar and Cat Dealers are working together to solve customer challenges using technology & digital solutions in the dirt and back office. Our goal is to ensure technology is easy to buy, easy to use and delivers value at scale. Ultimately, we’re here to help customers unlock new and different business outcomes by partnering with them for long-term success on the job site."

Throughout the event, Caterpillar demonstrated a range of technologies designed to address critical operational priorities. Featured solutions included Better Data for Better Decisions, Perfecting Payload, Safer Jobsites, Remote Site Control with Cat Command, and Cat 2D and 3D Grade technologies.

Together, these technologies are intended to help customers improve productivity, enhance jobsite safety and simplify operations while addressing one of the industry's ongoing challenges: attracting and retaining skilled equipment operators.

Now in its fourth edition, Construction and Quarry Technology Days continues to serve as a platform for strengthening collaboration between Caterpillar, its dealer network and customers across the region.

The event also provides opportunities for customers to exchange experiences, learn from industry peers and gain greater confidence in implementing new technologies. With support from the global Cat dealer network, participants can better understand how to scale digital solutions across their operations.

As digitalisation continues to reshape the construction and quarrying sectors, the Málaga event demonstrates Caterpillar's focus on helping customers transform data, connectivity and automation into measurable operational and business benefits.

Successful underground dewatering relies on careful planning, specialised equipment and precise installation to manage restricted access, high pressures and complex logistics. (Image source: Cementation Africa)

Mining

Cementation Africa is encouraging mining companies to prioritise underground dewatering during the early stages of mine development, emphasising that proactive planning is essential for managing groundwater inflows efficiently throughout a mine's lifecycle

According to the company, successful dewatering strategies begin during the feasibility phase, where hydrogeological investigations provide critical data on anticipated groundwater volumes. This information forms the basis for designing systems capable of supporting long-term underground operations.

"Hydrogeological studies form part of the mine’s initial feasibility work, with drill holes to understand what volumes the mine is likely to encounter," explained John Goulding, study manager mine engineering at Cementation Africa.

"Cementation Africa, as a leading underground mining contractor, uses this data as the basis for planning a dewatering strategy in a multi-disciplinary engineering process that intersects mine design, shaft infrastructure, power systems and operational logistics."

The company says its approach combines engineering design, construction expertise and operational knowledge to deliver integrated dewatering systems that address the practical challenges encountered in underground mining.

"Our strength lies in our ability to design and execute dewatering solutions across the full project lifecycle - from feasibility through to the operation of pump stations," Goulding said. "This includes the civil, mechanical, electrical and control design aspects that must come together in an underground dewatering system."

By incorporating dewatering requirements at the earliest stages of project planning, mine developers can ensure that pump stations, settling facilities and water storage infrastructure are appropriately located and sized to handle expected groundwater inflows. Early design also allows systems to be configured with sufficient flexibility to accommodate changing mining conditions over time.

Louis du Plessis, project engineer mine engineering at Cementation Africa, noted that the company frequently supports clients during the feasibility stage by providing engineering studies and technical option assessments.

"By conducting studies and technical assessments to guide mines’ decision-making, we can help them determine the most appropriate approach before committing to major infrastructure investments," said Du Plessis.

He added that underground dewatering systems should always be tailored to the specific operating conditions and infrastructure of each mine.

"This means working very closely with our clients, understanding what they need, and designing around that," he said. "This collaborative process leads to engineering solutions aligned with operational realities rather than purely theoretical designs."

The company also highlights the importance of carefully positioning dewatering infrastructure underground. Pump stations must remain accessible for safe maintenance, while pipelines need to be routed through shafts and haulages without interfering with other essential services such as power distribution and mine ventilation.

Despite detailed hydrogeological investigations and modelling, groundwater inflows can remain difficult to predict accurately.

"Even with studies and modelling, there remains considerable uncertainty about the volumes of water that miners will encounter during development and mining," Goulding said. "This makes it vital to design dewatering strategies that can adapt to varying conditions rather than simply operating at a fixed capacity."

To improve operational resilience, dewatering systems can incorporate spare pumping capacity or be designed for future expansion. Flexible configurations also enable water to be transferred between different mining levels as operations extend deeper underground, ensuring efficient groundwater management throughout the life of the mine.

DP World completes major dredging works 13 months early, advancing Senegal's Port of Ndayane towards its planned 2028 completion

Logistics

DP World has completed the major dredging works for the Port of Ndayane in Senegal 13 months ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in one of West Africa's largest port infrastructure projects

The achievement enables the next phase of marine and civil construction to begin earlier than planned, supporting the port's targeted completion in 2028.

The US$1.2 billion development is expected to become Senegal's principal deep-water container gateway, increasing capacity for international trade while strengthening the country's position as a strategic logistics hub for West Africa. As regional economies continue investing in modern transport infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and growing cargo volumes, projects such as Ndayane are becoming increasingly important for improving supply chain resilience and supporting long-term economic growth.

Complex dredging completed under challenging conditions

The completed programme involved dredging a five-kilometre navigation channel, a turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket designed to accommodate some of the world's largest container vessels, including two Triple E-class ships simultaneously. Two of the world's largest cutter suction dredgers were deployed for the operation, reflecting both the scale and technical complexity of the works.

Engineering teams encountered particularly demanding geological conditions throughout the project. More than 95% of the dredged material consisted of solid rock, including formations exceeding 100 megapascals in compressive strength—significantly harder than material typically encountered during major port developments. Despite these conditions, the dredging was completed without blasting by using advanced cutter suction dredging techniques, reducing environmental impacts while maintaining safe construction practices.

Originally scheduled for completion in September 2027, the dredging programme concluded well ahead of schedule following early mobilisation in December 2024. The accelerated timeline allows quay construction and other critical marine works to commence sooner, helping maintain project momentum. More than 1,000 people are currently employed directly on the development, with 1,043 personnel working on site as construction progresses.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and managing director for Africa at DP World, said, "Completing major dredging works 13 months ahead of schedule is a significant milestone for the Port of Ndayane and a testament to the expertise, commitment and collaboration of everyone involved in delivering this project safely. This achievement allows us to accelerate the next phase of construction toward the port's completion in 2028, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to Senegal and our confidence in Africa’s future as a growing force in global supply chains. As Senegal's largest single private investment, this US$1.2bn project will create lasting economic value by strengthening trade, supporting jobs, improving connectivity and unlocking future growth opportunities across the region."

Expanding Senegal's maritime capacity

The Port of Ndayane is being developed approximately 50 km from Dakar to address the growing capacity constraints at the existing Port of Dakar, which has operated close to its physical limits in recent years. The new facility is designed to accommodate larger vessels while improving cargo handling efficiency and supporting future trade growth across the region.

Since assuming operations at the Port of Dakar in 2008, DP World has invested approximately US$340mn to modernise the terminal and expand its operational capacity. During that period, container throughput increased from 265,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2008 to 850,000 TEUs in 2025, while vessel waiting times were reduced from around 35 hours to near zero.

These improvements have contributed to the Port of Dakar becoming the highest-ranked port in Sub-Saharan Africa for efficiency in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index, highlighting the growing importance of modern port infrastructure in facilitating regional and international trade.

Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar, expressed, "This achievement represents a pivotal moment in delivering transformational infrastructure for Senegal. The Port of Ndayane will enhance national competitiveness, unlock opportunities for local businesses, and drive sustainable job creation and skills development, supporting 2.3 million jobs through trade and improving access to critical goods and staples for 7.8 million people. We are proud to partner with the Government of Senegal and local stakeholders to establish a gateway for West Africa that positions Senegal as a premier logistics and trade hub, while delivering meaningful economic benefits to communities nationwide."

Strategic investment for regional trade

Modern deep-water ports are playing an increasingly important role across Africa as countries seek to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen export competitiveness and attract international investment. By accommodating larger container vessels and enhancing inland connectivity, these facilities help reduce supply chain bottlenecks while supporting regional integration under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Construction at Ndayane has now progressed to the next phase of marine and civil engineering works as DP World continues development towards the planned 2028 completion.

Juan Carlos Sahdala, group chief planning & project officer, stated, "Capital dredging is one of the most technically demanding phases of any port development. Completing these works ahead of schedule reflects meticulous planning, outstanding execution and strong collaboration, enabling us to accelerate the marine and civil works that will bring the Port of Ndayane into operation in 2028."

With major dredging now complete, the project moves into a critical construction phase that will shape Senegal's next-generation maritime gateway. Once operational, the Port of Ndayane is expected to expand the country's container handling capacity, strengthen regional logistics networks and support long-term trade growth across West Africa.

Continue reading:

Africa's ports: anchoring a resilient future

DP World launches Egypt's first integrated logistics centre

 
 
 

Africa can still thrive amid global geopolitical upheaval (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

Africa has an opportunity to convert geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade patterns into a catalyst for industrialisation and long-term economic resilience, according to a new Afreximbank report

Leveraging Geopolitics for Trade and Industrialisation in Global Africa examines trade and economic developments across the continent and globally, and outlines strategies for African nations to benefit from supply chain realignments and changing geopolitical dynamics.

“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” said Dr Yemi Kale, group chief economist and managing director of research and trade intelligence at Afreximbank.

“Geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation are reshaping global trade patterns, but they also present a historic opportunity for the continent. By strategically leveraging these shifts, Africa can build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive economic future.”

Despite a challenging global backdrop, the report highlights Africa’s strong recent economic performance.

While global economic growth slowed to 3.4% in 2025 and is projected to ease further to 3.1% in 2026, Africa’s real GDP growth accelerated from 3.4% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, outperforming the global average.

Africa’s merchandise trade also expanded by 6.1% to approximately US$1.5 trillion, while aggregate inflation fell significantly from 21.6% in 2024 to 13.1% in 2025.

According to Afreximbank, these gains reflect improved macroeconomic management, ongoing policy reforms and the role of development finance institutions in supporting economic stability.

However, the report warns that significant structural challenges remain.

Africa’s trade finance gap is estimated at approximately US$74bn in 2025, limiting the continent’s ability to fully capitalise on trade and industrial opportunities.

The situation is compounded by foreign exchange constraints and a continued decline in correspondent banking relationships.

The report also notes that evolving shipping routes and persistent disruptions in global logistics networks are increasing freight costs and extending delivery times, particularly for economies dependent on imported inputs and external markets.

To strengthen resilience, Afreximbank identifies accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expansion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and reforms to the global financial architecture as key priorities.

The report notes that stronger industrial ecosystems, increased intra-African trade and sustained financial support will be critical if the continent is to transform geopolitical disruption into sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It is imperative for the continent to act decisively to strengthen regional value chains, deepen industrial capacity, expand access to trade finance, and accelerate continental integration,” said Kale, adding that Africa “cannot afford to delay.”

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EBOR strengthens South Africa’s automotive manufacturing. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Manufacturing

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has welcomed the official opening of EBOR’s new manufacturing facility in Kariega, describing the development as a significant boost for the region’s industrial landscape and its position as the Bay of Opportunity and a leading manufacturing hub in South Africa

The investment by EBOR, an established automotive component manufacturer specialising in plastic moulded parts and assemblies, demonstrates continued confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay’s manufacturing capabilities and future growth potential. The new advanced facility expands local production capacity, strengthens the automotive supply chain, and contributes to the preservation and creation of sustainable employment opportunities within a key economic sector.

Covering 8,000 sq m, the Kariega facility represents a 60% increase in scale compared with EBOR’s previous operations. The expansion is supported by an estimated R100 million (approx. US$6.1mn) investment in infrastructure, along with a further R45 million (approx. US$2.7mn) allocated towards relocation, upgrades, and advanced equipment. With around 140 employees, EBOR continues to contribute to employment and the development of the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Manufacturing remains a vital component of Nelson Mandela Bay’s economy, accounting for approximately 22% of GDP while supporting industrial activity and employment. Investments such as EBOR’s expansion extend beyond individual companies by encouraging supplier development, enabling skills transfer, and strengthening economic resilience across the wider region.

Commenting on the opening, Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said the facility highlights the metro’s continued attractiveness as an investment destination despite current economic challenges.

“EBOR’s expansion into a significantly larger and more advanced facility is a strong vote of confidence in the manufacturing strength of Nelson Mandela Bay. It reinforces our positioning as the Bay of Opportunity and speaks directly to the resilience and capability of our industrial base,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further emphasised the importance of ongoing automotive sector investment in supporting regional economic growth.

“Manufacturing remains the backbone of our metro’s economy. When companies like EBOR invest, they strengthen the entire value chain, support local suppliers, safeguard jobs, and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness in the global automotive industry,” she said.

She added that EBOR’s investment demonstrates the continued opportunities available within Nelson Mandela Bay’s industrial sector.

“At a time when economic uncertainty continues to weigh on business confidence, this investment stands as tangible proof that Nelson Mandela Bay remains a strategic manufacturing destination with deep industrial expertise, skilled talent, and established infrastructure. It is precisely this kind of commitment that drives economic renewal and builds long-term resilience in our metro,” Van Huyssteen concluded.