A groundbreaking project is underway to construct a massive gas pipeline spanning 16 African countries, with a projected cost of £20 billion. This ambitious initiative, part of the 2025 Action Plan by the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), aims to bolster Africa’s energy security and foster economic growth. Morocco will spearhead the project, launching tenders in 2025 for the initial phases. The first phase will connect Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, with agreements for gas transport expected to be signed next year. The pipeline will ultimately connect to the Morocco-Europe gas pipeline and the European gas network, benefiting both Africa and Europe. This integration will enhance energy security and promote regional cooperation. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI emphasized the project’s significance in a 2022 speech, stating, “This is a project for peace, for African economic integration, and for co-development: a project for the present and for future generations.” With Morocco hosting 1,038 miles of the pipeline, the project is poised to positively impact over 340 million people across the continent. The project’s realization will not only address Africa’s energy needs but also contribute to global efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Despite its commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity, Azerbaijan continues to prioritize fossil fuel development, according to a new report from Global Energy Monitor. While the country has set a target of reaching 30% renewable energy share by 2030 and is actively pursuing wind and solar projects, the pace of development remains slow. The report highlights that the majority of new power capacity under construction in Azerbaijan is still based on fossil fuels, particularly gas. The 1.3 GW Mingecevir gas power plant, scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, underscores the country’s reliance on fossil fuels for its energy needs. This development contrasts with the global trend towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. The Caucasus and Central Asia region as a whole is facing similar challenges. While there are ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, the dominance of fossil fuels persists. The region’s reliance on fossil fuel exports and the economic benefits associated with them have hindered the transition to cleaner energy sources. As the world prepares for COP29, it is crucial for countries like Azerbaijan to accelerate their transition to renewable energy. By investing in clean energy technologies and implementing supportive policies,…
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of a 308-megawatt peak solar installation in Africa. This project underscores the growing potential of solar energy in Africa and its contribution to a sustainable future. The project, one of the largest solar installations in the region, is capable of powering over 110,000 homes and generating approximately 500 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually. This achievement showcases the scalability and reliability of solar power, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight. “We are proud to have contributed to this landmark project,” said Thompson Meng, Vice President of Sungrow PV & Storage BG. “This installation demonstrates the significant role solar energy can play in addressing Africa’s growing energy needs and reducing carbon emissions.” The project’s success can be attributed to several factors, including Sungrow’s advanced solar inverter technology, strong partnerships with local stakeholders, and supportive government policies. By leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions, Sungrow has positioned itself as a key player in the global energy transition. As the global demand for clean energy continues to rise, Sungrow remains committed to providing cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. The company’s focus on research and development, coupled with its…
Volkswagen Group Africa has launched its groundbreaking GenFarm project in Gashora, Rwanda. This initiative aims to revolutionize African agriculture by providing farmers with access to modern, sustainable, and electric farming equipment. The GenFarm project leverages the power of electrification to offer farmers a reliable and environmentally friendly solution. It features a fleet of electric tractors and other equipment, along with a unique battery swap system to ensure continuous operation. The project also includes an Empowerment Hub, which will serve as a central hub for storage, maintenance, and charging of the electric equipment. By partnering with local organizations like the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Volkswagen Group aims to strengthen the project’s impact and contribute to Rwanda’s agricultural development. Rwanda’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development has created a favorable environment for the adoption of electric mobility solutions. The country’s zero-rated import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles have further accelerated the transition to sustainable transportation. The GenFarm project is a testament to Volkswagen Group’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and aligning its strategies with the goal of generating meaningful value for society and the environment. By empowering farmers with sustainable…
Veolia, a global leader in environmental solutions, has secured a significant contract to develop Africa’s largest seawater desalination plant in Morocco. The project, located in Rabat, will provide drinking water to nearly 9.3 million people. With over 40 years of experience in seawater desalination, Veolia will be responsible for the construction, financing, and operation of the plant for a period of 35 years. The plant will have a capacity to produce 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day, addressing the region’s water scarcity challenges. Morocco has been facing significant water shortages due to declining rainfall in recent years. This desalination project is a key component of the country’s National Water Plan, which aims to invest US$40 billion in the water sector to ensure water security for its population. By leveraging its expertise in desalination technologies, Veolia will contribute to Morocco’s sustainable water management and help alleviate water stress in the region. This project reinforces Veolia’s commitment to providing essential services and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, said: “We are fully aware of the urgency of the situation and proud to contribute to this major project, which will strengthen the country’s water resilience.”
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently met with representatives of INTRO Holding to discuss the development of the Kemet Data Center, a significant project within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). The meeting followed the signing of a land contract for the project earlier this year. The Kemet Data Center, a green data center powered by renewable energy, is poised to become a regional hub for cloud computing and data storage. The project is being developed in partnership with Oman Data Park and Sterling & Wilson, and it will meet the highest international standards for data center operations. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Egypt, including job creation, increased foreign investment, and enhanced digital infrastructure. By leveraging its strategic location and robust connectivity, the Kemet Data Center will cater to the growing demand for data processing and storage services in the region. “Egypt is ideally located to become a hub for data centers,” Prime Minister Madbouly said. “The Kemet Data Center will be a major leap forward for data centers in the region and globally.” Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the government’s commitment to digital transformation and its efforts to create…
Intelsat, a leading global provider of satellite communications solutions, has been honored with the prestigious Africa Sustainable Futures award in the “Digital Infrastructure” category, presented by the Financial Times and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). This recognition highlights Intelsat’s groundbreaking satellite broadband project in Burkina Faso, which has significantly enhanced the country’s telecommunications resilience. By deploying a robust satellite network, Intelsat has addressed the challenges posed by the country’s fragile terrestrial infrastructure, ensuring continuous connectivity even in remote and underserved areas. Intelsat’s innovative solution has provided a reliable and scalable communication network, empowering businesses, governments, and individuals in Burkina Faso. The project has contributed to economic growth, improved access to education and healthcare, and strengthened the country’s digital infrastructure. “We are honored to receive this award,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice president, EMEA, Media and Networks at Intelsat. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing innovative and reliable connectivity solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. We look forward to continuing our work in Burkina Faso and other regions in need of resilient digital infrastructure.”
Edinburgh College recently hosted delegates from Sunyani Technical University (STU) in Ghana as part of a collaborative project funded by the British Council’s Going Global Programme. The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership and further develop entrepreneurial skills among STU students and staff. Through a series of face-to-face and online training sessions, Edinburgh College lecturers are sharing their expertise in entrepreneurship, enabling STU to embed entrepreneurial thinking into its curriculum. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to pursue start-up and self-employment opportunities. During their visit to Edinburgh, STU delegates explored the state-of-the-art facilities at Granton Campus, including the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre, Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), and various vocational training facilities. They also engaged in discussions with Edinburgh College staff to learn about innovative teaching methods and student support services. Shona Pettigrew, Director of Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange at Edinburgh College, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome our partners from Sunyani Technical University to our campus. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to fostering global learning and empowering students to become future entrepreneurs.” Juanita Ahia Quarcoo, CBT Coordinator for Sunyani Technical University, highlighted the benefits…
Elevate Uranium Ltd (ASX: EL8) (“Elevate Uranium” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received binding commitments for a two-tranche placement of fully paid ordinary shares (“New Shares”) to raise $25 million (before costs) at $0.325 per New Share (“Placement”). Approximately 32.4 million New Shares will be issued immediately under Tranche 1 of the Placement utilising the Company’s existing placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A. The issue of a further approximately 44.5 million New Shares under Tranche 2 of the Placement is subject to shareholder approval which will be sought at a general meeting expected to be held in early December 2024(“General Meeting”). The Company is also pleased to receive strong support from one of the strategies of leading Australian fund manager, Paradice Investment Management Pty Ltd (“Paradice”). Paradice has committed to subscribe for New Shares in the Placement resulting in a pro-forma holding of 9.9% (~$12.4M) in Elevate Uranium on completion of the Offer. The Placement also introduced a number of new, high quality institutional, sophisticated and professional investors to the share register, whilst also being well supported by existing significant shareholders of the Company. Discovery Capital Partners, Cumulus Wealth and Wallabi Group…
The Ugandan government has taken significant steps to enhance the effectiveness of public investment management. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, in collaboration with the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, organized a conference to discuss strategies for improving project execution. The conference highlighted the importance of public investment in driving Uganda’s development and building essential infrastructure, human capital, and institutions. The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, emphasized the need for government investments to be worthwhile and contribute to national development. “Government is taking seriously the PIM process,” said Ggoobi, adding that the Finance Ministry has developed a framework for tracking project implementation. He said the framework standardizes and provides strategic direction by facilitating a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement during project execution. “To implement this framework, the Office of the Head of Project Execution is to be created to use the framework in collaboration with other M&E players such as OPM, OP and responsible departments in the Ministry.” The government has recognized the importance of the PIM process and has taken steps to improve its effectiveness. The Finance Ministry has developed a framework for tracking project implementation, standardizing procedures and facilitating…
