A flagship green ammonia project in Namibia, led by Zhero, a European clean energy developer, has received a US$5.15mn funding boost from SDG Namibia One Fund

Namibia’s energy transition and green hydrogen fund is supporting the Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay Project through funding provided by the European Union’s Global Gateway and Invest International.

Expected to start commercial operations in 2030, the project aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, avoiding an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

“Namibia has the natural resources, strategic location and national vision to become a global leader in green ammonia and hydrogen,” said Paolo Gallieri, Zhero’s chief operating officer.

“With this support, we are strengthening our ability to deliver a world-class facility that can attract long-term investment, create economic opportunities for the country and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.”

Zhero Molecule Walvis Bay is the company’s flagship project in green molecules.

The project will be powered by an integrated renewable energy system comprising 3 GW of solar PV, 2.2 GWh of battery energy storage, a 1.6 GW electrolyser system and 110 km of new transmission infrastructure.

A desalination plant is planned as part of the project’s water supply solution.

Green ammonia produced by the project is expected to serve global decarbonisation markets, including fertilisers, maritime fuels and industrial feedstocks.

SDG Namibia One Fund (also known as Climate Investor Three Namibia) is managed by Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused blended finance investment manager, in partnership with Dutch development finance institution, Invest International, and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF).

“Zhero’s project aligns strongly with Namibia’s ambition to build a competitive green hydrogen and ammonia industry, as well as with the mandate of our SDG Namibia One Fund,” said Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM.

“The site benefits from exceptional solar resources, ample land and direct access to deep-water export infrastructure at Walvis Bay, making it well-suited for industrial-scale green ammonia production. Through its blended finance structure, SDG Namibia One is providing early-stage development capital alongside Zhero needed to de-risk the project and prepare it for financial close, creating the conditions for private capital to invest at scale in the construction phase. We look forward to working with Zhero to bring this important project from development, through construction and into operation.”

Green ammonia is produced by combining green hydrogen, generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, with nitrogen extracted from the air.

It is a zero-carbon fuel and chemical feedstock with applications across sectors including fertiliser production, maritime shipping and industrial processes; green ammonia is seen as important for decarbonising these hard-to-abate industries, where few alternative zero-carbon solutions currently exist.

The industrial-scale green ammonia facility, located near Walvis Bay in the Erongo region on Namibia’s central coast, is expected to create 6,000 jobs during the construction phase and around 500 permanent roles.

A final investment decision is targeted for 2027, with commercial operation expected in 2030.

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Palfinger has introduced a new addition to its TEC range of loader cranes available for the Africa, Middle East and Europe region

With its class-leading lifting capacity, its combination of maximum precision and smartest technology the new Palfinger PK 720 TEC is an ideal choice for demanding construction environments.

Offering both recision and performance above its class, the PK 720 TEC expands the TEC family with a powerful solution positioned between the PK 580 and PK 880 TEC.

“The crane combines cutting-edge engineering with smart assistance systems, making demanding lifting tasks easier and more efficient,” a Palfinger statement noted.

“The new model demonstrates how Palfinger translates its ambition to deliver lasting customer value into practical innovation.”

With Reach Higher, its Strategy 2030+, Palfinger has defined ‘Lifting Customer Value’ as a core strategic direction.

A key element of this strategy is the ‘Technology and Market Leadership’ programme, which positions innovation as a core competency – aiming to sustainably enhance customer productivity and value creation across the entire product lifecycle.

Built for the most demanding tasks and developed for challenging construction environments, the PK 720 TEC delivers “outstanding” performance, according to Palfinger.

With a maximum lifting moment of 68.7 metre-tons, and a hydraulic reach of up to 22 metres, it excels in heavy-duty applications.

In its nine-extensions configuration and with a fly jib featuring the Dual Power System (DPS-C), the crane achieves an impressive lifting capacity of up to 34.4 metres of reach – outperforming other models in the 70-metre-ton class.

Thanks to the TEC range’s proven P-profile boom system, the PK 720 TEC combines maximum stiffness with a low dead weight.

For enhanced visibility, Palfinger has introduced a new lighting system that includes two working lights on the knuckle boom and the fly jib each, as well as LED strips beneath the knuckle boom, which enable good field vision.

As part of the TEC range, the PK 720 TEC is also equipped with the most advanced assistance systems.

Operators benefit from Paltronic 180 control electronics for intelligent crane operation, while the LX-6 control valve ensures smooth and responsive handling.

Features such as HPSC-Plus for intelligent stability monitoring, S-HPLS for enhanced lifting performance, and the Support Force Limit function – which monitors the stabiliser forces based on ground conditions – all contribute to greater safety, control and efficiency.

Another highlight is the Height & Bound feature, the statement added.

“The Height assistance limits the maximum working height, while the Bound defines a ‘virtual wall’ that limits the work area. Once configured, the crane works worry-free beneath overhead obstacles or in confined environments, offering a new level of safety and confidence in complex environments.

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Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC has reported ongoing development and expansion of Africa Turbo, its automotive and industrial parts platform designed to support mining companies, fleet operators, and automotive repair businesses across African markets

Africa Turbo focuses on the supply of automotive components, heavy-duty engine parts, and tyres, targeting organisations that depend on reliable access to equipment parts to sustain day-to-day operations. The platform is structured to consolidate sourcing from international suppliers, providing customers with a single access point to a broad range of components used across industrial and mobility applications.

The company highlighted that mining operators and repair facilities in many African markets continue to contend with fragmented supply chains, uneven product availability, and lengthy procurement cycles. Africa Turbo was developed to help mitigate these challenges by coordinating supplier engagement and logistics through a centralised platform.

According to Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC, Africa Turbo collaborates with established suppliers to support consistent quality standards and dependable supply for industrial customers operating under varied regional and environmental conditions. The platform is intended to serve both large-scale industrial operations and independent repair workshops seeking predictable access to parts.

“Africa Turbo was developed to respond to recurring supply challenges faced by industrial and automotive operators across the continent,” said Wendtoin Arsene Tonde, Marketing Director at Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC. “The platform focuses on improving access and coordination rather than introducing new consumer-facing products.”

Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC added that Africa Turbo forms part of its wider portfolio of infrastructure-focused platforms. The company continues to assess regional demand and potential operational partnerships as the platform evolves.

Further announcements on platform features and regional reach are expected as Africa Turbo continues to expand its operations.

Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has reached a major milestone after achieving financial close

It follows a crucial loan agreement with the US’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and other partners worth US$753mn that enables the project to proceed.

The loan will enable upgrades to the railway’s track infrastructure, workshops, signalling systems, and rolling stock — enhancing the capacity, efficiency and reliability of the shortest and most direct import-export route between the Copperbelt mining region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and international markets via the Atlantic Ocean.

DFC held a signing ceremony in Washington DC to mark the event, noting in a statement that it underscores America’s “commitment to advance strategic infrastructure that promotes regional trade, mutual economic growth, and long-term US-Africa cooperation.”

The loan will support the rehabilitation and operation of the brownfield mineral port in Lobito and an approximately 1,300-kilometre brownfield rail line in Angola running between the Lobito port to Luau on the Angolan border.

DFC’s investment, alongside the Development Bank for Southern Africa (DBSA), is expected to increase Lobito’s transportation capacity ten-fold to 4.6 million metric tons as well as reduce the cost of transporting critical minerals by up to 30%.

“The signing of our loan agreement for the Lobito Atlantic Railway in Angola further characterises President Trump's commitment to forging strong partnerships and alliances in Africa,” said Ben Black, DFC CEO.

“This investment builds on the impactful work DFC is already leading along the corridor, reinforcing its mission to drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen strategic infrastructure.”

Black was accompanied at the signing ceremony by US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, Caleb Orr and Angola’s Minister of Transportation, Ricardo D’Abreu.

“The signing of this financing agreement between DFC and Lobito Atlantic Railway represents a historic milestone for Angola,” said D’Abre.

“While DFC has previously supported projects in the country, this financing stands out for its unprecedented scale and strategic significance. It sets an important benchmark for other sectors to access capital from American institutions. As the concessionaire of the Lobito Corridor railway and port, LAR plays a vital role in connecting regions and facilitating trade. With this financing, LAR will strengthen its operational capacities, ensuring the railway operates at full potential and contributes to sustained economic growth in Angola and across the broader region.”

Also in attendance were project partners, including DBSA group executive, Mpho Mokwele and Trafigura CEO, Richard Holtum.

“We are pleased that Lobito Atlantic Railway has secured financing from DFC and DBSA to further advance the rehabilitation and operation of the line in Angola. As a shareholder of LAR, we see the railway as a key domestic and regional asset that will drive economic development and support the movement of critical metals to global markets,” said Holtum.

Portuguese engineering contractor, Mota Engil, is also a part of the LAR project group.

Manuel Mota, its deputy CEO, said the signing marked the culmination of a long-term collaboration with Trafigura to advance the Lobito Corridor.

“This strategic agreement will expand transport capacity, reduce transit costs, and open access to the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia,” he said.

“Mota-Engil’s participation underscores its commitment to deliver an infrastructure that supports Angola’s national priorities, economic diversification, and regional connectivity. This strategic financing not only enables further investment in the project but also reinforces confidence in Angola’s institutional capacity to attract interest for world-class infrastructure initiatives.”

The DFC media statement added that Central Africa is “rich in key resources essential to US industries, including minerals critical for technology and defence.”

It added that DFC’s investments will “help secure reliable supply chains and prevent monopolisation by China and other strategic competitors.”

Africa represents the second largest portion of DFC’s portfolio, with cumulative exposure surpassing US$10bn.

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Heirs Energies Limited have unveiled a US$750mn financing arrangement aimed at strengthening Heirs Energies’ capital structure and releasing liquidity to meet its working capital needs as it advances an extensive field development programme

The funding is expected to play a key role in boosting Nigeria’s domestic energy supply at a time of rising demand.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by Dr George Elombi, president and chairman of the board of directors of Afreximbank, and Tony O Elumelu CFR, chairman of Heirs Energies Limited. Structured as a dual-tranche, senior secured reserve-based lending facility, the financing is intended to support Heirs Energies’ next phase of expansion as the company seeks to increase and sustain oil and gas production.

Under the transaction, Afreximbank served as Mandated Lead Arranger, Facility Agent, and Security Agent. The deal is viewed as a significant step in the strategic relationship between Afreximbank and Heirs Energies, reflecting deeper collaboration between the two organisations.

Speaking after the signing, Dr Elombi described the partnership as evidence of Afreximbank’s focus on value creation and backing African entrepreneurs.

“Without investments, such as the one being provided to Heirs Energies, many fossil fuel-dependent African economies would face dire economic challenges,” said Dr Elombi. “Our aim, among others, is to empower the African entrepreneur. Our core strength is in the value of the partnerships we continue to forge.”

He also acknowledged Mr. Elumelu’s continued support for Afreximbank, noting that such collaborations have helped position the institution as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation and broader development objectives.

Dr Elombi reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to advancing the African Energy Bank initiative, stating, “we should get to higher strides and get the Energy Bank so we can move most of the energy portfolio there. We will put tremendous capital in it to be as bold and as innovative as Afreximbank”.

He further indicated that Afreximbank is open to working with Heirs Holdings and its affiliated businesses as they expand into other West African markets, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as across the wider continent. “Our aim is to spread and support the domination of the African brand across Africa.”

Tony O Elumelu, CFR, chairman of Heirs Energies Limited, said, “This transaction is a powerful affirmation of what African enterprise can achieve when backed by disciplined execution and long-term African capital. It reflects the successful journey Heirs Energies has taken – from turnaround to growth – and reinforces our belief in African capital working for African businesses. This is Africa financing Africa’s future.”

Heirs Energies occupies a central position in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where crude oil continues to hold major national and international significance.

The relationship between Afreximbank and Heirs Energies dates back to 2021, when the company, then operating as Heirs Oil and Gas, completed the acquisition of a 45% participating interest in the OML 17 Joint Venture. The US$1.1bn transaction was financed by a consortium of international and local banks led by Afreximbank and represented one of the largest indigenous energy acquisitions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Afreximbank contributed up to US$250mn to that financing, highlighting its commitment to developing Africa’s energy sector and supporting intra-African trade and African-owned businesses.

Following the acquisition, crude oil output increased from around 25,000 barrels per day to an average of 50,000 barrels per day, alongside growth in associated and non-associated gas production. Heirs Energies also achieved first gas from the Agbada Non-Associated Gas Plant on 21 November 2021, only months after assuming control of an asset that had remained under construction for more than a decade under the previous operator.

Today, Heirs Energies is the leading gas supplier within the Eastern Domestic Network and provides gas to three major power plants, together accounting for roughly 15% of Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity.

Caracol, a global leader in robotic large-format additive manufacturing, and RusselSmith, an ISO-certified provider of innovative asset integrity and advanced manufacturing solutions for critical industries in Africa, have announced a Strategic Partnership to deploy, develop, and commercialise Caracol’s Vipra AM platforms – its robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology – in West Africa

This collaboration aims to establish a world-class advanced manufacturing hub in the region, supporting the growth of local industrial capabilities and enabling the adoption of innovative and sustainable production solutions.

Under the exclusive partnership, Caracol and RusselSmith will:

• Deploy Caracol’s robotic large-format Vipra AM technology across key West African markets.

• Develop local expertise and capacity in advanced manufacturing.

• Support commercialisation opportunities across diverse industrial sectors.

• Advance regional industrialisation by providing innovative, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

By combining Caracol’s global leadership in robotic WAAM technology with RusselSmith’s regional presence and industry expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of West Africa’s manufacturing landscape, enhancing its role as a hub for innovation, efficiency, and industrial growth.

Riccardo Nicastro, global chief commercial officer and managing director of Middle East and Africa for Caracol, said, "The partnership between RusselSmith and Caracol is a testament of commitment towards Africa and its technology and manufacturing independence, agnostically from industries, together we are pursuing the creation of value for the whole Continent."

This initiative marks the start of a long-term collaboration that will bring two Caracol Vipra AM advanced technology platforms to the region, while also fostering talent development, promoting sustainability, and creating new economic opportunities.

Kayode Adeleke, CEO of RusselSmith, stated, "Our exclusive partnership with Caracol represents another bold stride in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in West Africa. By introducing robotic WAAM technology through Caracol’s Vipra AM platform, we are unlocking new possibilities for industrialisation across the region. This collaboration allows us to build local expertise, accelerate the development of scalable manufacturing solutions, and create opportunities that strengthen Africa’s ability to compete globally. Together with Caracol, we are laying the foundation for a world-class hub that drives innovation, nurtures talent, and delivers sustainable growth for the industries we serve."