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Janus Electric partners with EVUNI in a US$3.25mn deal to deploy electric drivetrain technology across Africa’s transport sector

Janus Electric Holdings Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EVUNI Pte Ltd, centred on a proposed A$5 million (approx. US$3.25 million) investment and the rollout of Janus’ electric drivetrain technology into Africa

Under the MoU, EVUNI will acquire up to 25 million ordinary shares at A$0.20 (approx. US$0.13) each, in staged tranches tied to binding agreements and delivery milestones. The investment is expected to bolster Janus’ balance sheet and support its international growth strategy.

The agreement also grants EVUNI exclusive rights to distribute and deploy Janus’ conversion technology across African markets. Janus has committed to supplying a minimum of 250 conversion modules annually for five years, with an option to extend for a further five years.

The partnership aims to fast-track the electrification of heavy transport fleets operating in Africa’s mining and logistics sectors, positioning Janus to expand its global footprint while enabling EVUNI to spearhead regional adoption of sustainable transport solutions.

“This partnership with EVUNI represents a major milestone in our international validation, alongside the demand from US fleet company Ability Tri-Modal’s two-truck order, supporting our long-term growth strategy,” Janus Electric CEO Ian Campbell said.

“By combining our technology with EVUNI’s regional expertise, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable, scalable electrification solutions for Africa’s heavy transport sector.

“We look forward to progressing this collaboration and delivering value to our shareholders.”

Strategic collaboration

The MoU establishes a strategic partnership for the deployment of Janus’ patented electric drivetrain conversion technology, battery swap infrastructure, and proprietary fleet management software across Africa. EVUNI will act as the exclusive distributor and licensee in the region, funding the rollout and building local operational capabilities.

Addis Ababa to become Africa's leading air gateway (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ethiopian Airlines and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a mandate letter for financing what will be Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project

The bank will contribute US$500mn towards the financing of the new Bishoftu airport, which is expected to be Africa's largest when completed in 2029.

The four-runway airport, to be sited near the town of Bishoftu, about 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, will position Ethiopia as a leading air transport hub for the continent.

The total project cost is estimated at around US$10bn, with the airline expecting to provide around 20% of the funding and the rest to come from creditors.

The signing of the mandate letter — naming AfDB as Initial Mandated Lead Arranger for the financing of the mega airport — is a big step in attracting full funding for the remainder of the project.

“We are pleased to partner with the African Development Bank in arranging the required financing for the development of this iconic aviation infrastructure,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

“The signing of this mandate letter marks a decisive step toward realising a world-class pan-African gateway that will boost intra-African trade, regional integration, tourism, and global connectivity.”

The new greenfield airport will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers annually, with future expansion to 110 million, making it the largest airport in Africa, and one of the top global hubs.

The mega airport will serve as a future international hub for passenger and cargo traffic at Addis Ababa, complementing the existing Bole International Airport, which will retain its domestic operations.

The airport will also anchor a so-called ‘aerotropolis’ designed to stimulate regional development, enhance logistics capacity and generate tens of thousands of jobs.

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Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania deepen regional cooperation to boost air connectivity and operational synergy

In a major step forward for East and Southern African aviation, Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen strategic collaboration and improve regional air connectivity

The agreement lays the groundwork for expanded cooperation between the two national carriers, with a focus on building regional and international partnerships that favour cooperation over competition. Both airlines will combine resources and expertise to support sustainable, cost-effective growth in the aviation sector.

The MoU highlights key areas of collaboration including the exchange of knowledge and best practices in human resource training, aircraft maintenance, engineering, cargo services, technical cooperation, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), safety, and innovation. This joint approach aims to deliver more integrated travel options and improve service efficiency across the region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Allan Kilavuka, group managing director and CEO of Kenya Airways, said, "This partnership underscores our commitment to building regional capacity to support economic growth, trade, and tourism across East Africa. By collaborating closely with Air Tanzania, we can jointly offer our passengers and cargo clients more flexible and efficient travel solutions."

Air Tanzania CEO Peter Ulanga added, "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to expand our regional presence and better serve the growing demand for air travel in Africa. Together with Kenya Airways, we are creating a stronger, more connected aviation landscape that will benefit our economies and our people."

The MoU was formalised during a ceremony at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where both CEOs signed the agreement.

This strategic partnership is expected to foster a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable aviation environment across Africa, opening new market opportunities and strengthening the economic fabric of the communities served by both airlines.

Dr Brook Taye (left), CEO of EIH, pictured with Shahram Falati, IVECO’s business director for Africa & Middle East. (Image source: IVECO)

This year, IVECO and AMCE celebrate 50 years partnership driving Ethiopia’s automotive sector

AMCE (Automotive Manufacturing Company of Ethiopia), a portfolio company of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), teamed up with global automotive leader IVECO in 1975, a collaboration that has played a defining role in Ethiopia’s transport and industrial development.

Established in 1970 and entering a joint venture with FIAT/IVECO shortly thereafter, AMCE has now assembled and delivered more than 30,000 IVECO commercial vehicles over five decades including the iconic 682N3 trucks, Trakker, IVECO T-Way, Leoncino buses, and specialized trailers built to serve Ethiopia’s growing logistics and public service sectors.

“For 50 years, AMCE and IVECO have worked hand-in-hand to deliver durable, reliable, and locally assembled vehicles that move Ethiopia forward,” said Antonio Caruso, AMCE general manager.

“We are proud of the legacy we’ve built together and look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and partnership.”

Founded in 1970, AMCE operates under a joint venture structure, with 70% ownership by IVECO and 30% by the Ethiopian government through EIH.

The impact of the AMCE and IVECO partnership extends far beyond assembly lines, however.

It has enabled technology and skills transfer across Ethiopia’s industrial ecosystem, spurring the growth of local manufacturers.

The after-sales and maintenance sector has similarly benefited, with technical expertise shared with workshops and service providers from Adama to Bahir Dar.

AMCE’s spare parts dealers throughout the country also allow IVECO customers access to genuine parts.

As Ethiopia continues to prioritise industrialisation and logistics modernisation, IVECO and AMCE remain committed to supporting these national priorities through advanced vehicle solutions, workforce training and local value creation.

“AMCE stands as a model of how joint ventures can deliver long-term economic and social value for Ethiopia,” said Dr Brook Taye, CEO of EIH.

“This partnership has been instrumental in strengthening Ethiopia’s automotive capacity and driving sustainable industrial growth.”

He added: “The next phase of our partnership will focus on addressing the logistics sector constraints in partnership with our portfolio companies and the private sector and introducing a wide range of IVECO’s electric vehicle options to the Ethiopian market.”

Read more: 

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New Iveco vehicles at the Madrid truck plant (Image source: Iveco)

A familiar brand in Africa, IVECO celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Shahram Falati, business director for Africa & Middle East, talked to African Review about what to expect next
 
It is 50 years since the foundation of truck builder IVECO in 1975, when five leading European industrial vehicle manufacturers came together to lead the way in the transport sector. Today, it is a truly global player, with a manufacturing footprint that includes seven production sites and eight research and development centres spread across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America. Its sales and services footprint spans 3,500 outlets, supporting customers in over 160 countries.
 
To mark the anniversary, IVECO is hosting a series of events throughout 2025, inviting African Review to its Madrid truck plant to speak with Shahram Falati, business director for Africa and the Middle East.
 
As well as honouring the past and celebrating the present, he was keen to highlight the opportunities ahead, including the possibility of new assembly plants in Nigeria and South Africa. The company already has a depot in South Africa, and in Ethiopia, but recognises the huge long-term potential the continent presents.
 
“We are seeing an increased requirement by some countries to introduce local industrial activity,” said Falati. “We have a history of assembly projects in the Middle East and Africa area, so we embrace such requests. We have already inaugurated a new assembly plant in Saudi Arabia and are currently looking at a project in Algeria and South Africa.”
 
There are plans to further highlight the quality differential of the brand too. “We are also strengthening our sales activities in fields where we see high potential for our vehicles, such as our all-wheel offerings, 4x4 and 6x6 and so on, for off-road missions. On top of this, we have plans on facing the tough competition coming from Chinese brands by campaigns which aim at more client awareness on the differences between the various products and services.”
 
IVECO is investing heavily in future technology, including zero emission engines and bio-fuels, and is keen to introduce what is already being achieved in Europe into Africa and the Middle East.
 
“Currently our product offering covers all market needs. In fact, we have Euro3 technology on all our ranges from Light to Medium and Heavy Duty. Some of our markets have already transitioned to Euro5 and we have a full range also with this emission level serving our wide customer base. Our current product launches are focused on technology improvements and upgrading of some models. This year we introduced the new Eurocargo Range with enhanced engine and comfort as well as a full Natural Gas Power lineup. Next year, we will also be seeing enhancements to our Daily range bringing us in line with our European offering.”
 
Major sectors where IVECO trucks are deployed include construction and mining, while oil and gas is also a growing market.
 
“We are fortunate that in our territory there is an abundance of opportunity and most of our markets have a growth outlook,” said Falati. “For example, in Morocco, the tourism industry is booming and the country will also host the 2030 World Cup. We see a high level of activity, especially on infrastructure, which is exciting as we have all the vehicles needed for these requirements. There is also activity in the commodity segment and the opening of new mines. To capture this highly-demanding client base, we have set up a special project team. We believe we have the correct off-road product offering, and with training of specialised salesmen, I am very optimistic about bridging the gap between demand and offer in this important segment.”
 
Read more:
 
 
 
 

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